#BWB30

"Kailangan ba talaga natin pumunta, ma?" tanong ko kay mama sa kabilang linya

"Oo anak. Ngayon nalang nga ulit tayo bibisita sa mga kamag-anak mo e."

"Ano ba kasing meron? Wala namang okasiyon."

"Iniimbitahan tayong umattend sa binyag ng anak ng tita mo."

I sighed. "Sinong tita? Baka hindi ko naman kilala 'yan."

Binyag nga ng anak ni papa ay hindi ako umattend e, sa kamag-anak ko pa kaya?

"SI Tita Celda mo. Kilala mo yun," sagot niya

Napakamot ako sa ulo ko. "Pwede bang kayo nalang? Busy ako ma."

"May trabaho ka ba? E 'di sa day off mo. Nakakahiya naman kasi kung hindi tayo pupunta. Tsaka hindi pa nila nakikilala si Aurora. Naku, ang dami sa kanila na gustong makilala ang anak mo. Masyado ka nga raw private sa social media."

I rolled my eyes. "Mga chismosa lang sila ma."

"Basta aattend tayong buong pamilya. Pagkatapos ng binyag may kainan."

"I'll think about it mom."

"Who are you talking to mommy? Is that lola?"

Nagulat ako dahil biglang sumulpot sa gilid ko si Aurora. Mukhang tapos na siya kumain ng almusal at handa ng pumasok.

I nodded and smiled at her. "Yes baby."

"Si Aurora ba 'yan nak? Paka-usap ako," sabi ni mama

Binuhat ko si Aurora. "Lola wants to talk to you baby."

Tinapat ko ang phone sa tainga niya. "Hello lola?"

"Goodmorning Aurora! Kumain ka na?" 

She nodded and looked at me. "Yes po."

Naglakad kami patungo sa sala. Umupo kami roon. Pagkatapos ay sinuklayan ko ang buhok niya. I then braided her hair into two and wore the pink headband on her.

"Kayo po, kumain na?"

"Yes apo."

Kinalabit ko siya at tumingin siya sa'kin. "Paalam ka na kay lola anak. We'll go to school na."

She nodded. "Papasok na po ako sa school lola!" she giggled

"Ah oh, sige. Ingat ka apo. Aral mabuti. Love you," paalam ni mama

"Yes po. Bye lola! Love you rin po. Mwa!" she said and blew a kiss

I laughed and took my cellphone back. "Sige ma. Hatid ko lang si Aurora sa school niya."

"Sige anak. Sa Sabado ah."

I guess I don't have any choice but to come.

"Opo..." paalam ko at binaba na ang tawag

Hinarap ko si Aurora sa'kin at inayos ang uniform niya. Tinulungan ko rin siyang ilagay ang pink niyang backpack. 

"Let's go mommy! I'll be late," she then ran towards the door

Tumawa ako at tumayo na. I opened the door for her and we both went outside.

"Mommy," tawag niya sa'kin habang naglalakad kami patungo sa school niya

"Yes baby?"

"I want to be like you when I grow up."

My lips parted. "Like me? Why?"

She smiled widely, showing her teeth and squeezed my hand. "I want grow tall and pretty like you!"

I smiled. "Matagal pa yun anak. You're already pretty anyway."

"I'll be turning five soon mommy! I want to have a birthday party. Princess theme."

"Sure baby. Anything you want," I replied

She raised her other hand and shake it in the air. "Yay! I want to wear a princess costume."

I nodded. "Don't grow up too soon Aurora," I muttered

I can't believe how time flies so fast. It's like yesterday when I gave birth to her. That's one of the most unforgettable and memorable moment in my life. For the first time I shed not a tear of sorrow but tears of joy when I held her. I wish I can relive that moment again.

Ilang sandali ay nakarating kami sa school niya. I knelt down and held her arms. "We're here now baby. Where's my goodbye kiss?"

She smiled and cupped my cheek. She then planted a kiss on my lips. "I love you mommy! Bye!"

I chuckled. "I love you too," tumayo na ako pagkatapos. Naglakad na siya palayo sa'kin habang kumakaway. I smiled when she blew a kiss to me. I did the same.

I waited for her to went inside the school. Then after that I turned around and started to walk away, but then I stopped when I saw a familiar face. I saw Ross with a kid. Naglalakad sila ngayon patungo sa direksiyon ko. He's wearing a dark blue navy shirt and blackpants with his nike shoes. Nakita kong hawak hawak niya sa isang kamay ang avengers na backpack, habang ang isa ay hawak ang kamay ng bata.

Umiwas ako ng tingin at tumabi sa gilid upang hindi nila ako makasalunong. I don't know why but I couldn't help it but to watch them from a distance. Huminto sila pagkadating nila sa tapat ng gate ng school. He then knelt down and wore the bag on the kid. Ginulo niya ang buhok nito kaya nainis ang batang lalaki. Nag-usap sila sandali pagkatapos ay tumayo na si Ross at kinawayan ang bata hanggang sa makapasok sa school.

My eyes are fixed on him. Now that I observed him longer, he looks different than the last time I saw him. He looks way younger. He grew taller, more muscular, and thinner. He lost a lot of weight. His jawline looks more defined looking at his side profile. What really caught my attention are his tattoos on his arms. Wala naman iyon noon. 

Naalala ko yung bata kanina na kasama niya. I was surprised when I saw him with a kid. I wonder if it is his? It's been years, maybe he has a girlfriend now and a son. Mukha talaga silang mag-ama. Good for him. He's now settled. I just can't believe I'd see him here. Pangalawang beses na kaming nagkita.

Nagulat ako noong humarap siya. Napahinto siya bigla sa paglalakad noong nagtama ang mata namin. Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata niya. His mouth gaped opened but he closed it again. It's like he wants to talk to me but doesn't have the courage to do so. Kahit ako rin ay wala.  Tumalikod na rin ako at mabilis na naglakad palayo. 

I don't want to see him anymore because he reminds me of my past again. Tuwing nakikita ko siya at ang mga taong nanakit sa'kin noon ay bumabalik sa'kin ang lahat. Ang masasakit na alaala ng nakaraan na pilit kong binabaon.

Why is the universe trying to cross my path with the people who hurt me in the past? I'm trying to move on here. I don't need them anymore in my life.

"Hello Vilma! Buti nakarating kayo. Salamat sa pagpunta," bati ni tita sa'ming pamilya. Niyakap niya si mama pati na rin si papa Scott. Binalingan niya ako pagkatapos.

"Oh hi hija!" ngiti niyang sabi sabay beso

I smiled awkwardly. "Hi po."

"Eto na ba ang anak mo? Grabe, ang laki na rin siya," tumingin siya kay Aurora sa tabi ko. Hawak-hawak ko ang kamay niya 

Ngumiti ang anak ko sa kanya at nagmano. "Hello po tita."

I smiled and squeezed her hand.

"Hello. What's your name little girl?"

"I'm Aurora Eunice Andrada. I am four years old," she showed her four fingers at her

My Auntie looked at her, amused. "Nice to meet you Aurora. What a pretty name, just like you."

"Thank you po!"

Tumingin ulit siya sa'min. "Ang laki na ng mga anak mo Vilma. Nakauwi na rin pala si Olivia galing abroad," tumingin siya kay ate. "At ang bunso mo naman si Adam. Naku, binata na rin."

"Oo nga e. Ang bilis nila lumaki," sabi ni mama

"E buti si Olivia, wala pang asawa at anak? Nauna pa itong si Victoria," tumingin siya sa'kin

I gulped and chuckled awkwardly.Naramdaman kong inakbayan ako ni ata at tipid na ngumiti sa'kin. "Hindi pa po kasi ako handa sa ganung bagay tita."

"Naku, nasa tamang edad ka na rin naman Olivia. Stable ka rin naman. Hindi pa panahon na para mag-settle down?" my Auntie chuckled

Ate Olivia smiled sarcastically. "As the eldest daughter, I want to prioritize my family first. Ang tagal ko silang hindi nakasama at gusto kong makabawi. I'm happy to be single even if I'm almost at my 30's. Sa ngayon ay bahay at lupa po ang gusto kong makamit, hindi po muna bumuo ng pamilya."

I pressed my lips to prevent myself from laughing. The way she burned her with class is hilarious! Ate Olivia is a quiet person, an introvert, the exact opposite of me but I'm surprised by her change of attitude.

Auntie smiled awkwardly. "Sabagay e, ano, tara nalang at kumain. May handa sa lamesa." She then gestured us to follow her to the dining area. Tumambad sa'min ang iba't ibang pagkain.

"Wow, ang daming handa ah!" sabi ni mama

"Nag-pacater kami. Para sa'kin sakto lang 'yan. Hindi ba kayo sanay?"

Nagkatinginan kaming magkakapatid. I'm trying my best not to roll my eyes at her. Kanina pa ako naiirita sa kanya at sa tono ng boses niya.

"Kain na kayo. Sigurado na malayo pa ang binyahe niyo."

Tumango si mama at tumingin sa'min. Pinauna niya kaming kumuha ng pagkain. Tumingin ako sa paligid at nakitang may mga round tables. Kulay puti at pink ang table cloth at may flower arrangement sa gitna. Bawat pamilya ay nakaupo roon. I saw my other relatives looking at us. I didn't expect a lot of them attended. I admit, I don't know some of them. Ito ang unang beses na nakita ko sila.

Pumila na kami para kumuha ng pagkain. I took a plate for Aurora.

"What do you want baby?" I asked her

"Anything mommy. I'm hungry," she pouted and held her tummy

I smiled 'cause she's so adorable. Kumuha na ako ng pagkain para sa kanya. Pagkatapos ay ako naman. She was holding on to my leg as we move 'cause I can't hold her since I'm holding two plates. Kumuha rin ako ng desert na nasa cup. Hinanap ko ang table namin. Nakita ko sina mama at papa pati si Adam na nakaupo na. Meanwhile, Ate Olivia is still putting food on her plate.

"Doon ate yung lamesa ah," turo ko sa kanya

She smiled and nodded.

"Una na kami," I said and looked at Aurora. "Let's go baby." We started to walk on our table. Nakita kong nilingon kami ng iba naming kamag-anak na mukhang tapos na kumain.

Nilapag ko ang plato namin pareho sa lamesa. I then carried her to sit on the chair beside me.  She smiled widely upon seeing the food. She immediately held the fork and began to eat the pasta. Nagsimula na rin akong kumain habang binabantayan siya. Ilang sandali ay dumating na rin si ate at umupo sa lamesa namin.

Nagulat ako noong may nilagay na ulam sa plato ko si Adam. "Hoy. Bakit mo binigay sa'kin? Kainin mo nga 'yan."

"Ayaw ko. Hindi masarap," sagot niya

Kumunot ang noo ko. I sliced a small portion of the meat and ate it. "Masarap naman ah."

He looked disgusted. Umarte na siya na parang masusuka.

"Ang arte mo talaga sa pagkain," sabi ko at inirapan siya. Tinabi ko ang ulam sa gilid ng plato ko.

"Ate si Aurora, gusto raw ng tubig," sabi niya sabay turo sa anak ko

"Kuha mo nga kami Adam ng tubig," utos ni mama

I chuckled. "Kumuha ka raw."

"Ma naman. Wala bang waiter dito? Cater 'to 'di ba?"

"Nawalan siguro sila ng budget for waiter," biro ni ate

I laughed. 

"Kumuha ka nalang," utos ulit ni mama

Napakamot ng ulo si Adam. Wala na siyang nagawa kundi sundin ang utos ni mama.

Tumingin ako sa anak ko at nakitang madumi ang bibig niya at ang damit niya. I immediately took the table napkin and wiped her mouth. Nakita kong namanstiyahan ang damit niya. Pagkabalik ni Adam ay inabot niya ang tubig sa anak ko.

"Thank you kuya," she replied sweetly

My brother gave her a small smile before returning back to his seat. I saw him smiling while texting someone on his phone. Naningkit ang mata ko.

"Sino 'yang ka-text mo ha? May girlfriend ka na 'no?"

Gulat siyang napatingin sa'kin. "Girlfriend? Wala ah!"

"Anong girlfriend? Sino?" singit ni ate

"Mama si Adam may girlfriend," sumbong ko kay mama. Sa totoo lang ay gusto ko lang asarin ang kapatid ko

Nanlaki ang mata niya at mahinang hinampas ang braso ko. "Aray ah!"

"Girlfriend agad? Hindi ba pwedeng may nakita lang akong nakakatawang meme sa fb?" depensa niya

I scoffed. "Bulok na 'yang rason mo."

"Girlfriend? Sino? Si Adam?" tanong ni mama

I nodded and looked at him. I laughed when he's starting to get uncomfortable.

"Lagot ka," I stuck my tongue out at him

Umiwas siya ng tingin.

"Eighteen naman na si Adam. Wala namang masama kung may gusto siyang ligawan basta h'wag niyang papabayaan ang pag-aaral niya," sabi ni mama

My jaw dropped. "Wow mom," I said. Kumunot ang noo niya sa reaksiyon ko. "When I was eighteen you were so strict to me. Bantay sarado ka nga sa'kin kapag may manliligaw ako e, pero kapag kay Adam, ayos lang."

"Syempre kasi babae ka. Delikado. Tignan mo." Hindi niya na tinuloy ang sasabihin niya

I sighed in defeat. It's really hard being a girl sometimes. My parents were strict at me before. Mas strict sila sa'kin kaysa kay Adam. If I were a boy then maybe my life would have been easier, but then if I were reborn, I'd want to be a girl. 

"Aral muna bago landi," bulong ko kay Adam

"Pakilala mo agad sa'min kung meron," singit ni ate

I chuckled. "Wala kang kawala sa'min."

We know that Adam is already a grown man but we can't help but to still care about him. Even if he annoys me before and always stresses me out, he's still our younger brother.

"Wala nga kasi ate," sabi niya

"We're just being protective of you. Chill dude," I chuckled

Hindi na siya sumagot at kumain nalang ng dessert. I looked at my sister and saw her feeding Aurora the dessert as well. Nakangiti sila sa isa't isa.

"Hello everyone. Kamusta kayo diyan?" nagulat ako noong may umupong dalawang kamag-anak namin sa lamesa namin

We all smiled and greeted them back. "Hello po."

"Hi po tita!"

"Buti nakapunta kayo. Ngayon ko nalang ulit nakita ang pamilya mo Vilma," sabi ni tita

"Pasensiya na. Masyado rin kasi kaming naging busy kaya hindi kami nakakadalo kapag may okasiyon," si mama

I noticed that she's been looking at me for a while. I suddenly feel uncomfortable. I looked at my daughter instead and fixed her dress.

"Anak mo ba 'yan Victoria?" she asked

Tipid akong ngumiti at tumango. "Opo."

Nagkatinginan ang dalawa kong tita bago tumingin ulit sa'kin. "Ilang taon na?"

"I'm four years old po," sagot ng anak ko

I smiled and caressed her hair.

"Four? Ang laki mo na pala. Ilang taon mo siya noong pinagbuntis?"

I pressed my lips. "I was...nineteen."

They nodded. "Ang bata mo pa pala nun."

"Parang gano'n din yung edad ng mama mo noong pinagbuntis niya ang ate mo."

Tumingin ako kay Ate Olivia at tahimik lang siya habang kumakain. 

"Totoo pala talaga na buntis ka no'n," dagdag niya

I smiled sarcastically. "Do you have any problem with that?"

They stiffened and smiled awkwardly. "Wala naman. Masyado ka lang maaga nabuntis. Nag-aaral ka pa rin ba?"

God, why the fuck are they so nosy? I'm just minding my business here and here they are blatantly asking questions that's inappropriate for me. This is why I hate going to family gatherings. They either insult you or meddle with your personal life.

"I'm currently working."

"Really? Anong trabaho mo?"

"Make-up artist."

"Ano bang tinapos mo?"

I gulped. "I took fashion and design."

I didn't mention that I didn't even graduate in school. I'm sure they'll judge me or something.

"Magkano naman sinasahod mo? Sabagay e, mukhang tinutulungan ka naman ng magulang mo sa anak mo."

They must think that I depend so much on my family raising my kid. 

"Hindi ho ako dumidepende sa magulang ko kundi nagtatrabaho po ako para sa anak ko," I emphasized every word I said. "Nagbebenta rin po ako ng mga damit online, baka gusto niyo," I smiled sarcastically

I'm not really embarrassed with my job as long as I don't entirely depend on my parents to supply my needs and my child. Mas maigi na yung nagtatrabaho kaysa naman yung nakadepende lang sa magulang.

"Ahh talaga? Mabuti kung gano'n. May extra income ka," sabi niya

Kayo ho? Dumidepende sa yaman ng asawa niyo? I know that some of them married a rich business man for money. Kung makapag-salita sila ay akala nila ay pinagtatrabahuhan nila ang kinikita nilang pera.

"Asaan ang boyfriend mo? Bakit hindi mo sinama ang tatay ng anak mo dito?" tanong ng isa

I clenched my fist. "Uh, busy po kasi."

"Talaga? Sayang naman. Asaan siya? Anong trabaho niya?"

"Excuse me," biglang tumayo si Ate Olivia. "Aurora. Do you want to come with me get some desserts?" sabi ni ate sa anak ko

She smiled widely and nodded. "Yes po!"

Ate smiled and held her hand. Tinulungan niya itong bumaba sa upuan pagkatapos ay sumulyap sa'kin. Tumango ako at tipid na ngumiti sa kanya. Ilang sandali ay naglakad sila palayo.

"Nasa trabaho po e, uh, sa isang kompanya," I lied

Tumango tango sila. "Isama mo siya sa susunod. Mukhang mas kamukha ng anak mo ang papa niya."

Hindi ako sumagot at uminom nalang ng tubig.

"Excuse me. I'll just use the rest room." I stood up and left our table immediately before they could ask me another question.

I sighed in relief when I finally got out of the hot seat. I was so uncomfortable and irritated by their questions. I got a feeling that they know something. They're just trying to confirm if the rumors are true. I'm not gonna be surprised anymore if they'll try to bring up my past. Hindi ba sila marunong makiramdam o talagang nanadya sila? Fuck them, honestly.

Habang papalapit sa CR ay may narinig akong nagchichismisan.

"Oo nga. Balita ko nga raw anak niya yun. Ang aga rin niyang nabuntis."

"Asaan kaya yung boyfriend niya 'no? Wala kasi akong nakitang pictures sama sama silang pamilya e. Walang picture nung tatay."

"Baka nag-abroad o kaya ayaw niya lang ipost?"

"What? She chose to keep in private? Iba chismis ni mama sa'kin e."

"Ano raw?"

"Basta alam ko may scandal siya before."

"Like mother like daughter pala sila e."

"Omg! That's what I thought. My mom told me that Tita Vilma got pregnant early too then her husband left her with another woman. His husband kinda like cheated on her?"

"Pero sino yung kasama nilang matandang lalaki? Bago ng nanay niya?"

"Probably. Kilala ni mama yung totoong asawa ni tita kaya nagulat din sila noong may bago si tita. I think his name is Scott."

"If that's the case, where is Victoria's real father now?"

"I don't know. Wala na silang balita."

"My God! Ang dami talagang sikreto ng pamilya natin."

"Kaya feel ko na gano'n rin ang nangyari kay Victoria. Parehas sila ng nanay niya."

"Parehas malandi?"

Then I heard them laugh.

"True ka diyan! Like mother like daughter talaga."

I slowly clenched my fist in anger. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mainis sa mga insulto nila sa pamilya ko, maslalo na sa nanay ko. I know that they are my cousins but they have crossed the line. 

Tuluyan na akong pumasok sa CR. Tumigil sila sa pagtawa at nagulat sa pagdating ko. They look rich and beautiful with their fancy clothes but their attitude is trash.

I smiled sarcastically. "Long time no see cousins."

They swallowed hard. 'Oh, hey Victoria. Nice to see you too."

"Ngayon nalang ulit tayo nagkita pero ako agad topic niyo? I guess you missed me so much?"

I went to the sink and acted casually. I washed my hands and looked at them in the mirror. "What else do you want to know hmm? Sino ba main source niyo ng chismis? Ang lakas ng signal niyo ah, sagap na sagap."

They looked at each other, confused. "Uh, w-what are you talking about?"

I opened my purse and retouched my make-up. "Bakit biglang humina ang signal? Sorry mukhang may dumating ata na virus at bigla kayong nag-malfunction."

Villain, Victim, now Virus? Where the fuck do you get that Victoria?!

"We don't know what you're talking about-"

I chuckled softly. "You disrespecting my family in secret is so low of you honestly. I'm disappointed. You grew up with rich families but your attitude is quite cheap, don't you think?"

Their eyes widened in shock. Nagkatinginan sila sa isa't isa. "Paano mo naman nasabi na pinag-uusapan ka namin? Masyado ka namang...feeling."

"Like mother like daughter din kayo."

Their mothers are at our table being nosy and here they are in the bathroom, talking shit about us. Pare-parehas lang talaga sila.

They scoffed. "How dare you insult our mom?! H'wag mo naman kaming itulad sa'yo."

"I'm not insulting you. I'm just stating facts," I confidently said

Their jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"Bless you. Kung may holy water lang sana ako ngayon, binasbasan ko na kayo."

"I can't believe it. I guess the rumors about you were true. Low-key kinahihiya ka namin dahil pamilya tayo."

"The feeling is mutual sis. I high-key don't like your family either. I guess it runs in the blood huh?" I looked at them with a blank face

They swallowed hard. I fixed my things and walked towards them.

I slowly lifted my eyes to them. "Look. Wala kaming ginagawa sa inyo ng pamilya ko. Don't you dare try to insult me and my mom or any of my family ever again. I hope we can respect one another. We're family right? I'm just being honest."

After I said that, I left the bathroom just like how I left them dumbfounded.

"Mommy. I had fun yesterday!" Aurora said

I smiled at her. "Did you play with the othe kids?"

"Yes po. They were all my age."

"I'm glad you had fun baby."

"I want to go back!" she giggled

She really loved meeting my family. I feel so bad because yesterday was the first time that I brought her to my family. I just chose to keep my personal life private. I guess I got scared of their reaction. Buti naman ay nakaraos din kami.

Sinundo ko siya galing school at ngayon ay pauwi na kami.

"Mommy? Can we go to the mall again?" hinigit niya ang kamay ko

I looked at her. Nakita kong may tinuturo siyang laruan sa mga nadadaanan naming stores.

"Uh, maybe next time princess. Mommy has work kasi e."

She pouted. "Okay. Then when you don't have work nalang."

When we got home, I took a quick shower because I got sweaty from work. Pinaliguan ko rin ang anak ko. I decided to order our lunch sa grab since we have no food stock left. Bukas pa ako mag-gogrocery.

Aurora is watching cartoons on the living room while I'm cleaning the kitchen. I always make sure to check up on her. Tinitignan ko rin ang phone ko kung nasaan na ang grab driver. He's almost near our place. Nagulat ako dahil ang bilis niya. After a few minutes, I heard a doorbell. Dumiretso ako sa pinto.

"Wait lang," sabi ko

Pagkabukas ko ng pinto ay tumambad sa'kin ang grab driver bitbit ang inorder naming pagkain.

"Kay Miss Victoria Andrada po. Tama po ba?"

I nodded. "Opo. Wait lang kuya ah," I panicked and immediately searched for my wallet.

I should have prepared the money beforehand. I didn't expect he'd be quick

"Five hundred sixty eight po total."

I don't know know why but his voice sounds unusually familiar.

I continued to search for my wallet everywhere. I got embarrassed 'cause I kept him waiting for too long even if it's only less than a minute.

"Wait lang kuya ah."

"Take your time ma'am."

Nang mahanap ang wallet ko na nakapatong pala sa taas ng ref ay agad akong kumuha ng isang libo. I then ran back at the door.

"Eto kuya. May barya po ba kayo-" natigilan ako noong nagtama ang mata namin. My eyes widened when I saw his face. He didn't look surprise, rather nervous.

He looked away and wore his black mask back. He almost dropped the helmet he's holding. Bigla rin siyang nag-panic.

"Meron..meron po," sabi niya sabay abot ng inorder ko

"Ross?" I stammered

I know it's him because of his huge round eyes. He's wearing a green shirt with black longsleeves underneath. I can't believe I'd recognize him.

Hindi siya ngayon makatingin sa'kin. He swallowed hard and slowly removed his mask. Doon siya naglakas loob na tignan ako. "Hi Tori-"

And the next thing I did was I slammed the door shut on his face because I was so shocked when I saw him outside my door. And the fact that he said my name means that it really was him. I didn't know why I did it. I didn't mean to shut the door on his face. It was my adrenaline.

Nanatili akong nakatayo habang nakatingin sa pinto. Naramdaman kong biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. I started to sweat for no reason. I want to open the door to apologize to him but my body couldn't move.

"Ma'am. Yung pagkain niyo po. Hindi niyo pa po narereceive," I heard him say outside

I swallowed hard. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. Mabilis kong binuksan ang pinto at mabilis ding kinuha sa kanya ang pagkain na nakaplastic bago sarhan ulit siya ng pinto. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa plastic at umatras palayo. I immediately placed it on the table before I can drop it.

I don't know why I'm acting like this. I must be fucking crazy! Calm the fuck down Victoria.

"Ma'am. Yung bayad niyo po," sabi niya ulit

I was shocked when he said that. Napatingin ako sa kamay ko at nalukot ko ang one thousand peso bill na hawak. I bit my lips and sighed in frustration.

I had no choice but to open the door again. I gave him the money without looking at him. 

"May sukli pa po kayo," he stuttered

I only gave him a nod and crossed my arms over my chest since I'm only wearing a sando. I lifted my shirt 'cause a bit of my cleavage was showing.

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakita kong nagbibilang siya ng pera. Nanginginig pa ang kamay niya habang ginagawa iyon. I startled when he dropped some of the coins.

"S-sorry po," he said as he picked it up

I sighed and closed my eyes. I feel so embarrassed and awkward at the same time.

I can't believe I saw three different Ross in three days straight. What in the world is this man doing in his life?

"Eto po yung sukli," binigay niya sa'kin ang sukli. Tinanggap ko iyon nang hindi siya tinitignan.

"Thank you," I said and immediately closed the door

"Salamat din po," I heard him say outside

Sumandal ako sa pinto at pumikit ng mariin. "My God Victoria! What was that? You were just rude to him. You didn't even apologize."

Umupo ako sandali sa stool at inalala ang nangyari. Napapikit ulit ako sa kahihiyan kong ginawa.

"Mommy? Is the food ready?" I heard Aurora said on the living room. 

"Yes princess."

Tumayo na ako at dumiretso ulit sa dining room. I opened the plastic and took out our food one by one. Nakita ko agad ang anak ko sa tabi ko. Tinignan niya ang mga pagkain sa lamesa.

I then wiped the sweat off my forehead. I felt my phone vibrated from my pocket. I checked it and saw a message from the rider.

Grab rider:

Wala po bang mali o kulang sa inorder niyo?

Nagulat ako pagkabasa no'n. I panickes and checked our order. Hindi naman nagkulang dahil konti lang ang inorder namin dahil dalawa lang kami.

Siya:

Babalikan ko po yung Mcdo kung sakali pong may kulang o mali sa inorder niyo.

Ako:

Wala pong kulang.

I feel so awkward talking to Ross and him being the grab rider. He's really dedicated with his job huh?

Siya:

Tama naman po ba yung sukli na binigay ko? 

Nilabas ko sa bulsa ang pera at binilang iyon. 

Ako:

Tama naman po.

He didn't reply. Only seen my message. I was about to close my phone but then another message appeared.

Siya:

Thank you ma'am :) Enjoy the food!

I smiled when I read his message. I didn't think twice and rated him five stars.