Betina Tiara
~
Hindi muna kami umalis ni Zen matapos ang charity party dahil kinuha namin ang oportunidad na 'yun para magkaro'n ng maliit at pribadong selebrasyon kasama ang buong CVA members. As Seven named it, 'The second wave of sweets.' We decided to have it in my office, as Claudius instructed because we're doing it exclusively with the members only.
And guess what? The sweet desserts were all paid by Light-- as he wants to treat us this time.
"Ahh..."
Napatingin ako kay Zen nang itutok niya sa bibig ko ang isang kutsara ng cake.
"Say, ahh..." he said.
"Babe, I can eat by myself," kukunin ko na sana iyon sa kamay niya pero bahagya niya itong nilayo at umiling sa 'kin.
"I want to feed you," he then smirked.
Narinig namin ang malakas at mahabang buntong hininga ni Seven sa tabi. Nakasandal ang ulo niya sa dalawang kamay na nasa likod at may kagat-kagat na stick sa bibig-- pinaglagyan ng stick ice cream sa tingin ko.
Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. His face says he wants to tease us again.
"I'm so jealous. Kanina pa kayo sweet sa party ah? Hindi pa kayo nilalanggam? Gavin, check mo nga kung may namamahay nang langgam sa pantalon ni Zen."
See?
"What, why would I do that?"
"Check mo lang, e. Malay mo lumipat sa 'tin."
Humalukipkip si Gavin, "I'll be the sweetest boyfriend in the whole world if ever I get a girlfriend. No need for those ants."
"You two, shut up and don't mind us," saka ako muling tinignan ni Zen, "Now open your mouth, babe."
Napabuntong hininga ako at sinubo na ang pagkain. Wala na 'kong magagawa sa pagiging sweet ni Zen saan man kami mapunta. He was born that way so yeah.
"Still, what you did in front of everyone is not on the script, Zen." Hailey fixed her glasses, "That was... really unexpected."
"Yeah and sweet!" Seven added.
"Kung ako rin naman nasa gano'ng sitwasyon, gagawin ko rin 'yun sa girlfriend ko. We have to be proud, right?" Gavin cheerfully faced Zen as Zen answered him with a grin.
Ito talaga ang topic?
"But you think, Zen's name was now clear from all accusations? I mean, we haven't heard Alexandria's answer." Hailey asked.
Umayos ng upo si Seven at kumuha ng isa pang stick ice cream, "Sa tingin mo mayro'n pa siyang maisasagot do'n? The posts she made was enough proof that she's head-over-heels to Zen. Too bad Zen isn't a playboy."
"And that was all true," bigkas ni Zen, "I didn't do anything malicious to her. Mukhang namang kumbinsido ang mga reporters dahil sa mayro'n tayong saksi at mga ebidensya. Saka isa pa, anong maisasagot n'ya ro'n? Kasabwat n'ya ang manager n'ya and that's given."
Tumango ako, "Nakausap ko 'yung isa sa mga reporters kanina at ang sabi, magkakaroon yata ng private interview kay Alexandria."
"And there's more!" Seven exclaimed, "Mayro'n akong hindi nasabi at napakita sa inyo tungkol sa imbestigasyon namin. It's... a CCTV camera record from Zen's subdivision."
Come to think of it, since he's living in a fine subdivision... for sure they have a roaming camera all over the place. Doon makikita ang mga katotohanang sinabi ng matanda kanina.
"What? Why are you telling this now that the party's over?" gulat na bulalas ni Zen.
"I didn't because I purposely wants to send it directly to the reporters. Since they're going to create an article, might as well send them the best shot, right?" nakangising sagot niya.
"That's surprising," kumento ni Claudius.
Natawa si Seven, "I know right? Hello? This is God Seven."
"Pero paano kung magtanong sila kung bakit hindi 'yun napakita sa press conference?" tanong ko.
"Betina has a point," Hailey agreed and nodded.
"They wouldn't question that because I already explained it to them earlier--- with a note in case they forgot. Sinabi ko na hindi ko 'yun nilabas sa publiko dahil may kaunting awa naman ako kay Alexandria the scum."
Gavin can't help but laughed, "But if I were Seven, I wouldn't considerate her! She deserves to get shame!"
"Of course that's not the real reason. Sinabi ko lang 'yun sa kanila."
"So why?" I asked.
"Because the last tea should be spill at last."
"I see, Seven and Gavin has a huge grudge to that girl. I understand it's because of what she did to our co-member," mahinahong bulalas naman ni Light na tila hindi ikinagusto ni Gavin.
"Co-member?"
"Did I say something wrong?"
"So you're not considering us as your---"
"Yum! Taste this!" bigla na lang pinasok ni Seven ang maliit na cupcake sa bibig ni Gavin dahilan para hindi matuloy ang sasabihin nito.
"Seven naman, e!"
"Balita ko snickerdoodle daw ang tawag sa cupcake na 'yan. Bagay daw 'yan sa mga taong mabilis uminit ang ulo? Totoo kaya?"
Napaling ako sa kanila samantala ay natawa naman si Zen. Maybe that's better than coming up with an argument between Gavin and Light knowing that Gavin doesn't like him. Yeah, there should not be a fight in this celebration.
Mabilis na nginuya 'yun ni Gavin at tinignan ng masama si Seven, "E ba't mo pinakain sa 'kin? Diyan dapat o!" saka niya tinuro ang katabi kong si Zen na napahinto sa pagtawa.
"Me? Why the hell?" turo ni Zen sa sarili.
"Kumpara sa 'kin, mas mabilis ka kayang magalit kahit noon pa. You're an old grumpy!"
Humalakhak ng tawa si Seven.
"What the---? Okay that's fine. Basta ako may girlfriend, ikaw wala." he stuck out a tounge taunting him more.
Mas lalong humalakhak si Seven sa kanila habang napasinghap si Gavin.
"Y-You're mean!" nguso nito.
"What a bunch of children," mahinang kumento ni Claudius na napapailing na lang.
Napangiti na lang ako samantalang napapabuntong hininga si Hailey. I agree with Claudius, but they're fun to watch. I admit.
"You can't relate because you’re an old man," banat ni Zen kaya tumaas ang isang kilay ni Claudius.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Nah, I didn't say anything."
"He's not! But are you gay?" Seven asked and laughed harshly.
Nagtawanan sina Gavin, Zen at Seven na parang pinagtutulungan na ngayon ang walang kalaban-labang si Claudius. Pumikit ito at humalukipkip sa kanila.
"How many times do I have to hear that, you morons..." he seriously uttered.
"Anyway, I'm glad we're all having a good time. This will be a good memory, I believe. I'm happy that the party ended successfully," says Light.
"Yeah right," sumimangot si Gavin.
"Gavin, I hope you have a good and happy life and freed yourself from agony."
Umiwas ng tingin si Gavin at lalong nangunot ang noo, "Don't tell me what to do."
Dahil baka kung saan pa ito mapunta, tinaas ko ang kamay ko na may hawak na glass of wine at ngumiti sa kanila, "Forget about that and just have a cheers for this successful event! Cheers?"
They did the same and cheers in chorus. Gavin and Light may seem to be in distance but for now, it's best if we enjoy this moment.
Because honestly speaking, I never celebrated this happily in my whole life. I'm just contented with Nanay Gretta's presence, that's all I want before.
' ' '
Kasama ang mga body guards-- syempre, ay nagtungo kami ni Zen sa bahay na kan'yang kinagisnan-- sa bahay ng mga magulang niya na matagal na niyang hindi nakikita. Medyo malayo nga lang dahil nasa isang probinsya sila nakatira. Mula rito, may dalawang oras din ang byahe.
Maganda ang tahanan nina Zen dito. May kalakihan ang bahay nila at pinaliligiran ito ng mga halaman. Masasabi kong may kaya ang pamilya niya.
"It's been awhile, Zoro."
A man in his white shirt and black blazer spoke flatly as he opened the gate house.
I knew for sure that this is Zen's older brother.
"Yeah, it's been awhile," Zen replied.
Pinatong niya ang isang braso sa gate, tinititigan ng maigi si Zen, "I remembered when you ran away from us, you were just like a rat chasing by a big cat and had nothing. But now, you're a star. Did I made some help?" ngumisi siya.
"Well, if you guys weren't that mean to me, I wouldn't be a famous celebrity. So yeah, you made a big help," he answered back.
The guy snickered, "I'm flattered. I have a famous celebrity brother who failed to be a doctor."
"It's fine. I'm not regretting anything."
Hindi ko alam kung nagsasagutan ba sila bilang parehas pa rin silang may tampo sa isa't-isa o ganito talaga sila mag-usap? Somehow, I'm feeling kind of awkward.
"Oh, I see you're here," parang ngayon lang ako napansin nito, "I'm Zeph, Zoro's brother. You are...?"
Huminga ako ng malalim at ngumiti, "Betina Tiara, the girlfriend."
He extended his arm, "Nice to meet you, beautiful."
Tinanggap ko naman 'yun pero wala pang tatlong segundo ay kinuha rin ni Zen ang kamay ko para marahan akong hatakin papunta sa loob ng bahay, "Don't think of anything, brother."
Samantala bilang sagot ay humalakhak lang ito sa kan'ya.
Pagkapasok namin sa loob ay dumiretso na agad kami sa dining area nila at naabutan ang isang babae't lalaki na naro'n na at nakaupo. Sa tingin ko ay nasa 40's to 50's ang edaran nila. Sa harapan naman nila ay may mga nakahandang nagsasarapang mga pagkain.
They both looked at us in surprise.
"Zoro..." his mom stood up and walked towards Zen, "Anak... finally, you're here!" she gently touched his cheek.
"Welcome home, Zoro." this time, it's his dad who spoke firmly with a glimpse of happiness.
"We missed you, son. How are you doing? I watched your live press conference earlier. Are you okay?" his mom worriedly asked.
Zen sighed and smiled politely, "Yes, mom. As you can see I'm totally fine."
"Good to hear that," saka lang ito tumingin sa 'kin, "I'm happy to see you, hija. Nakikita na kita noon pa man sa social media and realized you're such a beauty."
Namula ako sa ginawa niyang pagpuri. But wait, social media? Those embarrassing moments?
Kinuha nito ang dalawang kamay ko at matamis akong nginitian, "I'm Noreen, Zoro's mother and that man is my husband," tinaasan ako ng kamay ng lalaki bilang pagbati, "You're my son's girlfriend, right? Thank you for loving him..."
"Y-You're welcome po," naiilang kong sagot.
"Alam mo bang ang tagal naming hinintay na kausapin muli kami ni Zoro? We tried to reached for him but he's so distant and cold. We're aware it's because of how we treat him when he was young so we let him be and didn't interfere ever again," ngumiti siyang muli, "But now look at him, he's here and approaching us. I'm so happy and we know it's because of you."
"Me...?"
Tumango siya, "Ngayon n'ya lang naisipan magpakilala ng kasintahan sa amin. Sigurado akong seryoso talaga siya sa 'yo at dahil do'n, tinawagan n'ya kami."
I can tell that their attitude from the past changed when Zen ran away from them. It made them realized the worth of their family.
And it's a good start with Zen.
"Mom..." napapahiyang tawag ni Zen.
Humagikgik ang ina niya at niyakap kaming parehas, "I'm so sorry, anak. Sorry for everything we say to you. Please forgive us and don't distant yourself to us anymore. We missed you a lot," naiiyak niyang sabi, "Sobrang proud ako sa 'yo, Zoro. At alam kong malaking tulong din sa 'yo ang maganda mong girlfriend."
Mula sa gilid ko ay nakita kong napangiti si Zen at tumingin sa 'kin, "Yes she is... she helped me a lot, she gave me warmth, she makes me smile, she's my one and only."
My heart palpitated as I felt my cheeks flushed red. Dapat sanay na 'ko dahil ilang beses niya na akong sinabihan ng gan'yan-- may tao man o wala pero... parang palaging first time sa akin... at masarap 'yun sa pakiramdam.
"So, when's your wedding?"
Hindi namin napansin na nakalapit na pala ang ama niya sa amin. Kasabay no'n ay ang pagkalas ng asawa niya sa yakap.
"Well, I'm expecting a nephew first," suddenly, Zen's brother-- Zeph, appeared after us.
"Don't spoil her," Zen uttered and pulled me by the waist, "I will definitely propose to her and have our kids. That's for sure."
Lalo akong namula kaya pasimple ko 'tong kinurot sa bewang at tinignan ng masama, kinindatan lang niya 'ko. Nakakakilig 'yon oo pero nahihiya akong binabanggit niya pa 'to sa harapan ng pamilya niya!
"Aww... I can't wait!" bulalas ng mama niya.
"Mom," tawag ni Zen dito, "Bago ang lahat, gusto ko lang din humingi ng tawad sa ginawa---"
"Sshh," his mom gently shushed him, "It's okay, anak. Kami ang puno't dulo nito kaya kami ang dapat humingi ng pasensya. H'wag mo na 'yun isipin, ang importante ay masaya ka."
Hindi nakapagsalita si Zen at napatitig lang sa mata ng kan'yang ina. Halata sa mata ni Zen ang saya na sa wakas, tapos na ang hidwaan nila ng pamilya niya.
Umakbay ang kan'yang ama sa balikat ng kan'yang asawa at ngumiti, "We're very sorry. But atleast, it helped you became a better person just like now. Proud kami sa 'yo, Zoro."
"Dad..."
"Nagugutom na 'ko, kumain na kaya tayo?" entrada ni Zeph sa mga ito at dumiretso sa lamesa, "Tara, Betina. Masarap magluto si Mommy, tikman mo 'tong adobo n'ya."
Napangiti ako sa kan'ya at tumango. Tinignan ko si Zen na ngayo'y parang batang pinupunasan na ang kan'yang dalawang mata.
Aww...
"Oo nga pala!" tila may naalala ang kanilang ina, "Marami akong nilutong paborito ni Zen, halika, hija. Mayro'n din mga cake dito, siguradong mabubusog ka ngayong gabi."
Masayang nagtungo si Tita sa table para kuhanan kami ng pagkain sa plato, si Zeph naman doon ay nilalampakan na ang mga pagkain, habang naramdaman ko namang hinawakan ako ni Tito sa isa kong balikat at tinanguhan ako.
"Welcome to our family, Betina."
Family...
My real family left me and died seven years ago...
But then Nanay Gretta came and loved me, CVA appeared and became my second family, and now... the Imperial family.
Noon lang ako bumalik sa reyalidad nang hatakin ako ni Zen para yakapin ng mahigpit. Ginantihan ko rin 'yun ng mainit na yakap.
"It's really now over, babe. The issues and my family... the hatred between us has come to its end. I'm so glad and happy," Zen whispered to my ear, "You really are my angel."
I smiled genuinely and nodded, "Thank you, Zen. I love you."
Patunay lang ito na walang permanente sa mundo. Ang masama, pwedeng magbago. Ang mabuti, pwedeng maging masama. Ang mayaman, pwedeng maghirap. Ang mahirap, pwedeng maging mayaman.
Zen's life is the best example.
No matter how many detours we take or delays we encounter, we will always be led back to where we're meant to be.