Song: Don't You Remember- Adele

Life

Today is the day we'll start preparing for that damn wedding. Ngayon rin ang itinakdang araw para i-meet namin iyong wedding coordinator na kinuha nila Mommy at Tita Barbara.

I don't know if Benjamin will join us to prepare today. I just hope not. Napilitan lang naman ako kaya ako sumama dito. Kung hindi lang naman ako pinilit ni Mommy na sumama then I would probably stay inside my office and work. Mas makahulogan pa ang gagawin kong iyon kaysa dito.

Pumasok kami sa isang restaurant kung saan nila imemeet ang sinasabi nilang wedding coordinator. We went inside the secluded area of the restaurant at nagulat nalang ako nang makita ko si Benjamin na naghihintay na para sa amin doon.

He's on his phone at nang makita kami ay agad niyang itinago iyon sa loob ng kanyang coat. He's wearing his usual corporate attire. Mukhang galing lang sa office at pinilit lang rin ni Tita Barbara na magpunta dito. He stood up to greet his mom and my mother. Lalapit na sana siya sa akin nang lagpasan ko siya para maupo na.
Sumandal ako doon at matyagang naghintay para sa pagdating noong wedding coordinator na sinasabi nila Mommy. I did not dare to look at Benjamin even though I know he's staring at me once in a while. Ramdam ko iyong paninitig niya at ramdam ko rin iyong galit niya.

Edi magalit siya! Galit rin ako kaya patas lang kami!

Kinuha na ng isang waitress ang order namin habang hinihintay dumating iyong wedding coordinator. I heard Benjamin ordering one of the most expensive wines that they offer here in this restaurant. Sumulyap ako sa waitress at nakita ang matamis na ngiti na iginagawad niya para kay Benjamin.

Benjamin doesn't seem to notice it because he's busy scanning his eyes through the menu. Umirap ako. Marami talagang babae ang nahuhumaling sakanya kahit saan man siya magpunta. And I'm sure, isa sa mga babaeng 'yon, gusto niyang ikama ng isang gabi gaya nalang ng nangyari sa amin!

I can't believe that I'm being bitter about this. It shouldn't be a big deal! Pakialam ko ba sa mga babaeng 'yon!

Mamaya maya pa ang dumating na ang sinasabi nilang wedding coordinator. She's on her late thirties pero mukha paring bata.

"Hi, I'm Paula! Nice to meet you." Inilahad niya ang kamay sa akin at tinanggap ko naman iyon.

"Kelsey," I said simply.

Bumaling siya kay Benjamin at tsaka kinamayan rin ito. She did the same with Tita Barbara and my mother.

"So, I heard you just got engaged. Congratulations to the both of you!" aniya habang papaupo sa kanyang silya.

Her eyes went down to my fingers, probably to look for the engagement ring. Well, I purposely did not wear that damn ring. Benjamin gave it to me a few weeks ago when he went to visit our company. Busy ako sa ginagawa nang tumawag si Jona para sabihin sa akin na nasa labas ng opisina ko si Benjamin.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang papasukin siya dahil ang sabi ay saglit lang naman daw siya. Hindi ako nag-angat ng tingin sakanya ng pumasok siya sa opisina ko. I'm busy can't he see that? Pasalamat siya at inaccomodate ko pa siya kahit na marami akong papeles na pinipirmahan ngayon.

Nang makalapit siya sa pwesto ko, agad niyang ipinatong ang isang velvet box doon. My eyes went to it at walang ganang inangat ang tingin sakanya. I raiseda brow. Benjamin stayed emotionless.

"I want you to wear that one." He demanded. I sighed heavily.

"Okay," I said. "Now, leave."

I know that was harsh but the hell I care! He was being harsh with me, too, kaya dapat lang na ganoon rin ako sakanya!

"Kelsey, can we talk?"

"No." I said, immediately declining his request. "Can't you see that I have so many things to do?" tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Nakita ko naman na pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang lahat ng folders na nasa harap ko.

"Ang sabi mo saglit ka lang. Well, tapos na ang oras mo dito sa opisina ko kaya makakaalis ka na."

Benjamin pursed his lips but he said nothing. Bakit? Ayaw niyang magsalita? Hindi niya ba kayang pantayan ang lahat ng sinasabi ko? Diba doon naman siya magaling? He can snap back at me if he wants to a d I won't mind.

He sighed heavily. "Just a minute with you, please. That's all I ask."

"Even a minute can hinder me from doing all these. Kaya hindi ko kayang paunlakan 'yang hinihiling mo. I'm sorry but you have to leave."

He clenched his jaw. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. Umalis siya ng opisina ko nang hindi ko naibibigay sakanya ang pag-uusap na gusto niya.

Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at tsaka hinilot ang aking sentido nang makalabas na siya ng tuluyan. It's hard to act like you don't fucking give a damn. But I think this is the only right thing to do. Hindi ko pwedeng hayaan na makita nila na ang lahat ng ito ay may epekto sa akin.

Bumaling rin ng tingin si Benjamin sa daliri ko. He does not look surprised when he saw that I wasn't wearing the ring that he gave me.

"Everything just happened so fast, Paula, kaya..." hindi tinuloy ni Tita Barbara ang sinasabi dahil dumating na iyong inorder nila kanina.

Habang kumakain ay pinag-uusapan naman nila ang plano para sa kasal. Hindi ako nagsasalita dahil hinahayaan ko lang sila na magplano para sa lahat.

If I'm only planning the wedding that I really wanted, then I wouldn't hesistate to speak up. Especially when I already have a dream wedding in mind since I was a teenager.

"We'll let Benjamin and Kelsey decide if they want a beach, garden or a church wedding. Mas maganda kung mangagaling sakanilang dalawa iyon." Si Mommy.

Benjamin opened his mouth pero naunahan ko siyang mag-salita.

"I want a civil wedding." Sabi ko. Lahat sila ay napabaling ng tingin sa akin. The three women's mouth parted. Habang si Benjamin naman ay kumunot ang noo.

"Kelsey..." my Mom called. She probably thinks that I was just bluffing.

"I'm serious." I told her.

"We're going to have a church wedding." Benjamin insisted. Binalewala lang ang sinabi ko.

I scoff. "Oh, come on! What's the sense of having a church wedding if we're only doing this for business? Para mo nang sinabi na mahal natin ang isa't isa para magpakasal doon."

Benjamin pursed his lips. He ran his fingers through his hair which made his hair look disheveled. Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo.

I turn to look at Paula who seemed surprised with what I said. Napaiwas siya ng tingin at napalunok.

"Kelsey, mas maganda parin kung sa simbahan kayo ikakasal." Bulong sa akin ni Mommy.

"Mom, a church wedding would only mean a lifetime commitment promised in front of God. And that promise would only break because eventually this will end-"

"Kelsey-" she was about to warn me nang magsalita si Benjamin.

"We'll have a church wedding and that's final." Umirap ako sa sinabi niya.

Halos sa lahat ng araw na nagpaplano kami para sa kasal ay hindi naman kami nagkakasundo. He keeps on pushing with the church wedding while I keep on pushing the civil wedding.

Why do we even need to get married in church if we're only doing this for formality? No need to invite a lot of guests! They would only think that we were so in love with each other na kailangan pang humantong sa kasalan.

But in the end, I lose. Pinagtulungan ako, e. Benjamin's parents and my parents supported him about his decision of having a church wedding. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang sumunod.

Wala akong ganang nagsukat ng mga wedding dress. There are soon-to-be brides inside this boutique at lahat sila ay mukhang tuwang-tuwa sa magiging kasal nila. Ako lang ata itong hindi.

Pinasadahan ako ng tingin ni Mommy habang suot ang isang wedding dress. It's a long-sleeved wedding ball gown. It looks like Kate Middleton's wedding gown ang pinagkaiba lang ay mas malaki ang skirt nito.

"Oh, darling! You look dazzling on this!" my mother exclaimed. Kahit iyong nag-aassist sa akin ay sumangayon sa sinabi niya.

I tried to smile. Naghanap rin sila ng veil na babagayan ang wedding gown na ito. The assistant made me turn to look at myself in the mirror. Ngumiti siya sa akin sa salamin.

My mouth parted a little. Wow! I'm really getting married. I still can't believe that this is happening so suddenly.

"Did you like it?" my mother asked. Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang braso ko at tsaka sabay naming tiningnan ang itsura ko sa salamin. Her smile widened.

I'd be lying if I say that I don't. Mas maganda sana kung mas simple nalang but it looks like my Mom really want this one for me.

"Yeah," I answered.

"Then we'll get this one."

We managed to get the wedding dress. Babalik nalang ako sa isang araw para sa isa pang fitting. Pagkatapos naman noon ay babalikan nalang ulit namin ang dress na kinuha namin ilang araw bago ang kasal.

"I know someone good that will make your bouquet for the wedding. He's a good friend." Ani Mommy.

Tumango naman ako. My Mom keeps on checking some boutique's out. Habang ako ay napag-iiwanan na dahil gusto ko nalang umuwi at magpahinga. I was waiting for my Mom to finish buying some clothes when I felt my phone vibrated inside my bag.

Kinuha ko iyon at nakita ang isang text galing sa isang unknown number.
Unknown number:

I deposited money on your account. Your mother told me that you already found a wedding dress. I'm going to pay for it.

Hindi na ako nagtaka pa kung kanino galing ang text na ito. Obvious naman. At paano niya nalaman ang bank account at cellphone number ko?! Did my mother tell him?

Me:

Bawiin mo iyong pera dahil kaya ko namang magbayad.

Benjamin:

Wag nang matigas ang ulo mo. Hindi ko na tatanggapin pa iyon pabalik.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Ako? Matigas ang ulo?

Mamaya maya pa ay nakatanggap ako ng text mula sa financial manager naming pamilya.

Steve:

Good afternoon, Ms. Kelsey. Your fiancé deposited P200,000 on your account. Do you want me to do anything with this?

P200,000?! Does he think I will spend that much just for a wedding dress? Sa tingin niya ba magastos ako!?

Me:

Hi, Steve. Thanks for letting me know. I wonder if you can return the amount to him. I don't need it.

Steve:

I'll try my best, Ma'am.

Pagkatapos noon ay nagtipa naman ako ng mensahe para kay Benjamin.

Me:

Masyadong malaki ang ibinigay mo. Bawiin mo 'yon dahil hindi ko naman kailangan 'yon.

Benjamin:

Your financial manager is trying to return the money that I deposited. Inutusan mo ba?

Umirap ako. At parang ayaw niya pa!

Me:

Oo! That's why you should accept the money back.

Benjamin:

Sa'yo na 'yon. I don't need it.

Me:

Mas lalo na ako!

Benjamin:

Then do whatever you want with the money. I don't care.

At ganon nalang 'yon? Wala na siyang pakialam sa P200,000 niya?

Me:

I will donate it to charity.

Benjamin:

Go. I don't mind.

Nakakagigil!!! Paanong wala lang sakanya iyong P200,000 na 'yon! Hindi naman ako nanghingi ng tulong sakanya para magbigay siya ng ganoong klaseng halaga! Is he showing me that he can afford anything habang ako hindi?

Well, I can, too! Matipid lang talaga ako!

Isang beses ay muntikan na kaming mag-away kaharap ang wedding coordinator at ang iba pang tao na involved sa pagpeprepare sa magiging kasal dahil lang hindi kami magkasundo sa gusto namin.

He wants to invite everyone habang ako naman ay hindi. He even asked my Mom to contact Troy and Jeya because he wants them to get invited habang ako ay ayaw ko!

Jeya being Jeya can't stop on teasing me about my nearing wedding with Benjamin. And Troy... I haven't talked to him for a while. Naging busy rin kasi siya sa business nila.

"None of my friends are coming. Wala ka nang magagawa pa doon." Sabi ko sa isang matigas na tono.

"Why? You don't want that man to see you getting committed to someone else?" he said. Kumunot naman ang noo ko.

"What are you even talking about?"

"Tss... don't pretend that you don't know it."

"And don't act like you know everything about me."

Napaayos siya ng upo nang dahil doon. He's really going to snap back at me nang magsalita naman si Tita Barbara.

"I think what's important today is to finalize some of the guest. Benjamin, kung ayaw mag-imbita ni Kelsey, hayaan mo na." she softly said to her son.

Benjamin turned to me darkly. Tinaasan ko naman siya ng kilay. Gusto niya bang maging wedding of the century 'to ha? Well, ako ayoko noon!

There was one time where Benjamin did not attend the meeting with the wedding coordinator. Ang sabi ni Tita Barbara ay nagpaiwan raw sa bahay nila dahil mukhang may problema raw si Brittany. Simula rin noon ay nawalan na ako ng gana para magplano pa para sa kasal.

This is non-sense. Bakit ba sobra pa ang ginagawa naming paghahanda kung para lang naman sa pagmemerge ng kompanya ito?

I would understand that they want everything to be beautiful kung magpapakasal kami dahil gusto namin. But that's not the case.

They're willing to spend a lot just for this stupid wedding.

Today Troy is going to leave for Europe. Sasama ako sa paghatid para sakanya sa airport. If I'm only getting married because I want to, then I wouldn't hesistate to invite him or Jeya. Pero hindi, e. Ayokong maging saksi pa sila sa kung gaano kafucked up 'to.

Binigay ko kay Troy ang paghuli niyang bag. I pouted.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" sabi niya. Alam ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin doon. "If anything happens... don't hesistate to call me. I'll only be gone for half a year, pero hindi ako magdadalawang isip na bumalik kung sakaling may mangyari."

"I know..." I whispered. Lumapit ako sakanya para mahigpit siyang yakapin. "I'll miss you."

He scoffs. Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin.

"There's still something that I want to tell you before I leave." he said while breaking the hug.

"What is it?" tumingala ako at tiningnan siya sa mata. He took a deep breath before he spoke.

"I love you."

Tumawa ako. "I know that."

He shakes his head at tsaka sinubukang ngumiti. "I love you not in a best friend kind of way. I love you more than that, Kels."

My mouth parted. I did not expect this from him. And my heart hurts to hear this from him. Hindi ko inaasahan na mangyayari 'to.

"Troy..."

"I'm in love with you. Ever since. But I know I can't do anything about it because you're soon getting married."

Agad na tumulo ang luha ko nang sinabi niya iyon. I feel bad for not noticing it. Kung napansin ko lang sana ng mas maaga edi sana sinubukan ko siyang mahalin pabalik. I won't hesistate to love him back dahil alam kong hindi niya ako papabayaan. Edi sana sakanya ako babagsak, sana masaya ako ngayon... sana hindi ako namomoblema ngayon.

But fate has its own way. Hindi kasi kami nagkakasundo kaya ayun at ipinauubaya niya ako kay Benjamin. And fate thinks that I deserve to be with Benjamin.

Pinalis ko ang luha na tumulo sa mukha ko. "I'm sorry..."

Ngumiti siya sa akin. His smile is so painful that I think it gave thorns inside my heart.

"You don't have to be sorry, Kels. It was my fault. It's my fault to feel this towards my best friend. I should've known better."

"But, Troy, it's not-" hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi ko dahilan para mapatigil ako sa pag-sasalita. His eyes watered and that made me hurt more.

"Don't say anything..." he said softly. "I'm fine... don't worry."

"But you don't look-"

"Kels... please..."

Wala akong nagawa. Hinayaan ko lang na tumulo ang luha ko. After all these years, my best friend just told me that he's in love with me a week before my wedding day. I just can't imagine how he felt when I told him that I like Benjamin.

Imagine hearing someone you love talk that she likes someone else? I couldn't imagine the pain it brought him and I feel so bad.

"Best wishes, Kels!" he tried to smile kahit na may namumuo ng luha sa kanyang mga mata. I want to wipe his tears away but I think that would only hurt him. At ayokong saktan pa siya lalo.

"I wish you nothing but the best... that's what you deserve, Kels." He said then he kissed the top of my head.

He waved at me for the last time before he finally entered the departure area. I broke down in tears after he left.

Sobrang tanga ko na ba para hindi ko mapansin ang nararamdaman niya? Tinuring niya akong matalik na kaibigan pero ang bagay na iyon ay hindi ko man lang nagawang pansinin?

Dumalo ako para sa huling meeting kasama ang ilang organizers. Benjamin and I are the only one's who attended. Wala si Mommy o di kaya si Tita Barbara rito gaya ng nakasanayan. This is the day we're going to finalize everything pero nasakto pang wala ako sa mood ngayon.

"Your bouquet is already done. While your wedding dress is ready for pick up tomorrow." Paula informed me. Tumango lang ako at tamad na pinagmasdan ang baso ng tubig sa harap ko.

Hindi maalis sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Troy kanina. I still feel so bad.

"Ako na ang bahala doon, Kelsey. I'll immediately bring it to your hotel room tomorrow para hindi na kayo mahassle sa araw ng kasal. And also, ngayon palang hindi na dapat kayo nagkikita dahil... alam niyo na... pamahiin." Dagdag niya. She chuckled a little. Ni hindi ko magawang sabayan iyong tawa niya.

She must've felt awkward about that, that's why she cleared her throat. Sumulyap ako sakanila at nakitang titig na titig sa akin si Benjamin. Umayos siya ng pagkakaupo at malamig akong tiningnan.

"You know... you don't have to make it look like you are being forced to come here. Kung ayaw mo... pupwede ka namang mag-back out at sundan iyong lalaki mo." He said harshly na wala na siyang pakialam pa kung may makakaring nito.

"Anong sinasabi mo?" medyo nagugulohan kong tinanong sakanya.

"Your Troy left, right? That's why you look this sad," kumunot ang noo ko. At paano niya naman nalaman 'yon? Pinapasundan niya ba ako? "If you have plans on being together... then go ahead. Bakit pa ako nag-aaksaya ng oras dito diba?"

Umirap ako. And why does he sound like that? At ano naman sakanya kung sakaling meron?

"Don't act like there's no one waiting for you tonight." Pag-bawi ko. Ngumisi siya.

See? Meron nga!

"At ano naman sa'yo kung meron?"

Tinikom ko ang bibig ko. Sumandal ako sa upuan. He's trying to test me. Kung gusto niya akong magalit ngayon... pwes! Nagwawagi siya. He really knows how to trigger my emotions!

"Edi puntahan mo na siya ngayon! Bakit ka pa nga ba nag-aaksaya ng oras dito gayong may naghihintay na naman pala sa'yo!" I almost shouted. He smirked more because he knows he's winning.

"Ayoko, e. Mas gusto ko dito."

That made my blood boil. Mas gusto niya dito para mas ipamukha sa akin na may naghihintay sa kanya pag-uwi niya? Ganoon ba?

"You know what? Just finalize everything and let's call it a day." Tumayo ako at naghanda na sana sa pag-alis ko nang magsalita naman siyang muli.

"Aren't you going to back out and be with your Troy instead?" humalukipkip siya at sumandal sa kanyang upuan na para bang hinahamon ako.

"Kung gusto kong mangyari 'yon, sana matagal ko nang ginawa. But I chose to go through this and that is for you to figure out why." Mariin kong sinabi sakanya dahilan kung bakit nagbago ang ekspresyon niya.

Isang tingin pa ang iginawad ko sakanya bago ako tuluyang umalis na ng meeting room na iyon.

"Congratulations, hija! We're so happy that you're finally a part of the family!" bati ni Tita Cecilia sa akin.

Kakatapos ko lang ayusan at agad akong dumiretso rito sa function hall without Benjamin. Nagbibihis pa siya noong lumabas na ako ng kwarto.

Tita Barbara and my mother insisted to get the biggest function hall in this hotel. Ngayon ko lang narealize na sobrang rami palang bisita. Hindi pa ako tuluyang nakakapasok ay ang dami na agad na bumabati sa akin.

My mother made me change into my second outfit. It's a halter baby blue long gown. The dress is full of embellishment which was hand made by one of her close friends. My mom chose this. Well, she's the one who chose everything that I'm going to wear today.

Sinubukan kong ngumiti. "Thank you po."

Pinagbuksan naman nila ako ng pinto at nakita kong nagkakatuwaan na ang ibang bisita. Margaux crashed me into a hug when she saw me.

"Oh my gosh! Congratulations, Kelsey! You're a Donovan now! I'm so happy!" She smiled widely at me. Base palang sa itsura niya, alam kong tuwang tuwa siya sa nangyayari.

Sinubukan kong ulit ngumiti. Oh my god! Ilang beses ko na ba 'tong ginagawa ngayong araw?

"Thank you!" sabi ko at tsaka binalingan ng tingin ang asawa niya. He smiled a little at me.

"I'm also very happy for Benjamin! He finally decided to settle down! At sa'yo pa! I couldn't be happier na sa'yo ang bagsak niya! He really deserves someone like you!" Margaux exclaimed happily.

"Though I know this is arranged," she whispered. "Hindi naman malabo na madevelop kayo sa isa't isa! Seems like my cousin is already head over heels for you." she giggled after that.

"That's impossible. Baka mas mauna pang pumuti ang uwak kaysa mangyari 'yun."

Ngumisi si Margaux at natawa. Nagkaroon pa kami ng kaunting usapan bago ako tuluyang tawagin ni Paula para igiya ako patungo sa harap. I saw Benjamin talking to one of his friends. Nakita naman ako ng kaibigan niya at agad akong tinuro.

Hindi ko na nakita pa kung lumingon ba si Benjamin dahil naharangan na siya nang lumapit sa akin ang ibang kamaganak. All of them congratulated me for my wedding. I was happily thanking them when I felt someone snaked his arms around my waist.

Napatalon pa ako sa gulat. I did not expect Benjamin would do that. He's so good at putting on a show.

"Good evening," he greeted some of my relatives.

"Dios mio! Your husband is really handsome up close, hija! I couldn't believe!" ani Tita Yvonne, kapatid ni Mommy.

Benjamin chuckled. "Thank you po."

I opened my mouth para magpaalam na sana kaso mukhang ayaw pa nila kaming tantanan. They keep on babbling about how we look so good together at kung magkakaanak man, swerte daw dahil magiging maganda o gwapo iyon.

I don't think I will ever have plans on having kids with him soon. Hindi ko ata kakayanin kung sakaling mangyari yon.

Pagkatapos noon ay ipinakilala ako ni Benjamin sa mga kaibigan niya.

"This is Bradley and Charles. They're my high school and college friends."

Tumango ako at nilahad ang aking kamay sakanila. Pinanood naman ako ni Benjamin habang ginagawa iyon.

"Hi, I'm Kelsey. Nice to meet you," I smiled at them matapos nila akong kamayan.

"We're so happy to finally talk to you! And oh, congratulations!" ani noong Bradley.

I scoffed. "Thanks."

"We heard so many things about you! Base palang sa mga kwento ni Tita Barbara, we knew Benjamin is in good hands." Pabiro namang siniko ni Charles si Benjamin.

Hindi ako nakasagot dahil hindi ko rin naman alam ang sasabihin ko doon. So Tita Barbara talks about me in front of them huh? I wonder if Benjamin's able to do that. Ano kaya ang sasabihin niya tungkol sa akin?

"Gusto naming maging ninong sa mga magiging anak niyo ha? Kaya wag niyo nang patagalin pa!" pabirong sinabi ni Bradley. Bumuka ang bibig ko sa gulat.

"No pressure, Benj, but... yeah, we really want to be the godfather of your child!"

Benjamin tsked at tsaka umiling. "I'll wait until Kelsey is ready to bear a child. Wag kayong excited."

Mas lalo pang bumuka ang bibig ko ng dahil doon! At ang galing naman talaga ng acting niya oh! Hindi ba alam ng mga kaibigan niya na arranged marriage lang 'to? Hindi niya ba ipapaalam? Kasi ako sinabi ko dahil ayokong nagsisinungaling sa mga kaibigan ko.

Ewan ko lang siya...

"Uyy! Eto talagang kaibigan namin nagbago na! Hindi ka naman ganyan dati ah!" si Charles. Tinulak niya si Benjamin at napatinaod naman ito ng bahagya.

Umiling ito. Nagpatuloy pa ang pag-aasaran hanggang sa matapos na ang mismong event.

It was an emotional and a tiring party. I was crying so hard when I had to dance with my father. Ewan ko ba kung bakit. Maybe it's because I'm finally leaving the house for good.

I didn't know leaving them would make me so emotional. Mas grabe pa 'yung iniyak ko ngayon kaysa sa iniyak ko kanina.

Sa wakas at natapos rin ang party! Hindi ko na ata kakayanin pang umarte na masaya ako ngayon. Grabe na iyong acting na ipinapakita ko ngayong araw na sa tingin ko deserve ko na magkaroon ng Oscars!

Nauna nang magtungo sila Mommy sa kanilang hotel room. Natira naman ako kasama si Benjamin para magpaalam pa sa ibang bisita.

"Pare, balitaan mo nalang kami sa nangyari sa honeymoon." Pahabol ni Bradley bago siya tuluyang pumasok ng sasakyan niya.

"Gago!" natatawang sinabi ni Benjamin.

Honeymoon?! Walang mangyayaring ganon!

Tahimik lang ako habang papaakyat ang elevator sa palapag kung nasaan ang kwarto namin. Naiinis pa nga ako dahil iisang room lang ang binigay nila para sa amin!

So, ano? Mukhang matutulog ako sa couch ngayon ha? Ayoko ngang tabihan ang isang 'to!

When we reached our room, Benjamin opened the door to let me enter first. Agad kong pinasadahan ng tingin ang buong kwarto. I bit my lip. Malaki ang kama pero hindi ko naman kayang tumabi sa lalaking 'to. Ayoko nga!

"Ako na sa couch." Sabi ko. Nilingon ko siya at nakita na nagulat siya sa sinabi ko.

His mouth parted. He closed it again when he realized what I just offered.

"Ako na." he volunteered.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang pumayag dahil 'yun naman ang gusto kong mangyari. I'm glad that he felt that I didn't want to sleep beside him tonight.

Bukas na bukas lilipat na ako dun sa bahay na binili niya na nagkakahalagang P175,000,000! It's located in Alabang kaya medyo mapapalayo ako sakanila Mommy at Daddy na sa Quezon City pa nakatira.

Sinama pa ako ni Benjamin noong nakipag-usap siya sa broker! Halos manglula ako noong sinabi nung lalaki iyong presyo ng bahay.  Sinubukan ko namang kumbinsihin si Benjamin na wag nalang iyon pero mukhang gusto niya talaga ang bahay na iyon.

So paano kami maghahati sa pambayad niyan? Kalahati palang niyan, ubos na ang pera ko! Hindi niya naman sinabi na siya lang ang magbabayad pero syempre expected na kailangan tumulong rin ako sa gastos! Ano ako? Sinuswerte? Hindi ako magiging palamunin ng lalaking 'to!

Benjamin opened the door for us when we reached our new home. Sumama ang mga magulang namin para ihatid kami rito. They also wanted to check the house.

"You need a maid!" reklamo ni Mommy nang sinabi ko na hindi namin kailangan ng katulong.

"We can manage, Mom. Dalawa lang naman kami dito at hindi naman magiging makalat dito."

"But still! How can you manage this mansion huh? Masyadong malaki ito para linisin mo!"

"Don't worry, Tin. We'll hire a cleaner for these two." Sabi ni Daddy para pagaanin ang loob ni Mommy.

The house is fully furnished now. Sa tingin ko nag-hire pa itong si Benjamin ng interior designer para lang mas mapaganda 'tong bahay na 'to. Bahala siya dun sa gastos na 'yun ah? Wala akong kinalaman dun!

Ang problema ko nalang ngayon, e, kung paano ko ba mahahatian si Benjamin para sa bayad dito sa bahay na 'to! Bakit pa kasi ito, e! Ang dami namang mas murang bahay dyan!

We ate dinner together hanggang sa nagpaalam na sila sa amin. My mother hugged me so tight.

"I'll miss seeing you inside the house, sweetie! Bibisita kami rito kapag may oras. Don't worry about us because we're okay." Tumango ako.

Sunod namang nagpaalam sa akin si Daddy. "I'm so proud of you, Kels."

Pinilit ko ang sarili na ngumiti. "Babalik po ako doon bukas para kumuha pa ng gamit."

"Okay, sige. Ipapasundo nalang kita ay Roly-"

"Hindi na, Dad."

"Oonga, Bernard! Malay mo naman magpahatid kay Benjamin!" sabi ni Mommy.

Kumunot ang noo ko. At sino naman ang may sabing gagawin ko 'yon?! As if! Ngumiti nalang ako para naman hindi masira iyong pantasya ni Mommy.

Nagpaalam rin ako sakanila Tita Barbara at Tito Francisco. Kumaway ako sakanila hanggang sa makaalis na ang sasakyan nila sa tapat ng bahay.

Benjamin entered first at ako na ang nag-lock ng pinto. I watch him head upstairs without looking back. Malamang matutulog na 'yon sa kwarto niya. We both decided to have separate rooms. 'Yun rin naman ang request ko noon pa man and I'm glad that he followed.

I sighed heavily. Tumingin ako sa aking daliri para tingnan ang aking singsing. This is my life now. No matter how hard we try for this not to happen, it won't.

We need to do this. We had to do this.