Mama

I was mindlessly walking. Maaga pa naman kaya hindi nakakapagtakang marami-rami rin ang mga tao sa paligid. May ilan pang napapatingin sa akin pero hindi ko nalang pinagtutuunan ng pansin.

Ito ang una kong paglabas sa nakalipas na dalawang buwan. The place felts like I am in paradise, in all honesty. Nasa isang compound ang bahay nila tita, almost every house has the same structure. Though, mukhang mas malaki ang espasyo ng mansyon nila tita Abigail.

May mga puno sa paligid, hindi puro bahay o gusali. May mga bulaklak din akong napapansin sa tuwing napapadaan ako sa gate ng kani-kani lang bahay. Which reminds me of them...

My parents didn't open any topic involving them, or maybe they're still talking about them only when I'm not around.

Tita Clarries and tito Emmanuel was like a parents to me. Alam kong mabubuti silang tao, my almost half year living with them is enough for me to conclude that they are. I am hoping they could forgive me, at last..

Hindi kalayuan sa bahay, I saw a kids park. May basketball court din akong nakita kanina, also a coffee shop nearby.

I momentarily stop on my track. A memory flashed in my mind adding to the discomfort I am feeling. Naalala ko ang panahong dinala ako ni Drake sa park for the first time. That was when I agreed to fulfill the promises we had when we're young. Hindi ko alam kung natupad ba ang lahat ng 'yun since I don't remember any of it.

Nakakatuwa na unang beses din pala niyang magpunta doon, but boy! He has the nerve to bring me there, hindi man lang nagdalawang isip.

We also took a lot of pictures with the headband on our head. I remember his reaction when he wore the headband with stitch face. It was priceless, but all worth it.

I kept the photos we had, actually hinati namin sa dalawa 'yun. I don't know if he already thrown or burned his copies. Nadala ko pa nga dito yung akin, good thing tita Abigail brought my pouch when I left the mansion that night. Nasa loob nun ang mga litrato naming dalawa.

Mapait akong napangti. Parang kahapon lang ang lahat, napakabilis ng panahon...

I may just  himmissed so much, na kahit sa simpleng parke siya ang naalala ko.

I walked in the grassy pavillion. The park is not the enormous, just enough to accommodate the people living in the area. May mga bata ding naglalaro, they're parents were watching them on the other side.

I sighed. Nakaka-miss maging bata. Kung pwede lang ibalik ang panahon, mas gugustuhin ko pang maging bata na lang habang buhay. Free from pain, regrets and other misfortune. Problema ko nalang siguro ang aagaw sa candy ko.

I lowly chuckled. That's a silly idea.

From the corner, I saw a swing in between the acacia tree. Hindi pa ganoong kalaki ang puno, maayos din dahil dito napro-protektahan ang kung sino mang-uupo sa duyan laban sa sikat ng araw. Naglakad ako papunta doon bago napagdesisyunang maupo.

From then, I watched the kids from the distance. Mga nasa sampong bata ang naglalaro habang ang kanilang mga taga-bantay ay nakaupo sa bench. Ang iba ay naghahabulan habang ang iba ay nasa slide.

I wonder if Drake and I got to experience playing the same when we were kids?

May dumaang ice cream vendor kaya nagkumahog ang mga bata sa pagbili. Hindi ko alam na uso din pala ang pagbebenta sa daan ng ice cream, akala ko sa Pilipinas lang.

The kids run enjoyably, may isa pa ngang halos matapilok mabuti nalang at may lalaking tumulong dito.

Hindi mawala ang ngiti sa labi ko habang pinagmamasdan sila. I am really fond of kids, gusto kong magkaroon ng kapatid na maliit na pwedeng makalaro at pisilpisilin ang pisngi. Whereas, the heavens seemed to be against of my wish. Nahihirapan sila daddy na makabuo ulit, they've tried many times since I am determined and open on having a baby sister or brother. Palagi kong nakikita ang lungkot sa mata nila sa tuwing sinasabi ng OB ni mommy ang nagiging resulta ng test niya. It's fine though, kontento narin ako sa kanila.

I was intently looking at kids when a thing blocked my vision. Kumunot ang noo ko bago balingan ang may hawak nun.

My brow's furrowed when I saw a man standing beside me. Nakalahad ang kamay niyang may hawak ng cone sa mukha ko. He's all smile.

Napansin ko agad ang nakapuyod niyang mahabang buhok. He is also wearing a white shirt beneath his denim jacket and a blue pants. Kapansin pansin din ang kwentas niyang hugis desinyo ng buwan.

He cocked his head sideward when he saw me checking him out.

"Staring is rude, you know." he said with his deep accent. A smirk was plastered on his face.

Tumikhim ako bago nag-iwas ng tingin. I heard him laugh.

"Won't you accept this? Don't you worry, it's my treat." he said, grinning.

The fuck?

Purque nakatitig gusto na agad? Hindi ba pwedeng natutuwa lang?

Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Well, I noticed you are staring at the kids and the vendor too much. I thought you're also craving for one." his voice is deep and baritone, spitting the boy next door stance.

"No thank you, ice cream is not my thing." malamig kong sagot.

I looked away and focus on the kids instead. I used my feet on the ground to push the swing lightly.

"Oh, okay. My bad, Miss Lonely Girl." he chuckled before sitting on the swing beside me. My brows furrowed.

Lonely? Who said I am lonely?

This guy is quick to judged huh.

"Not because I'm sitting alone and is blankly staring at something, doesn't mean I am feeling lonely." pagsusungit ko.

"Hmm, if you say so." Naningkit ang mata ko ng makita ang multo ng ngisi sa labi niya.

Sinimulan niyang kainin ang biniling ice cream habang paminsan minsan tumitingin sa akin. While I can't help but to stare at his side profile. This is my first time seeing a man with long hair. Ang iba sa tv at internet ko lang nakikita. Seeing this first hand, hindi ko maiwasang mapahanga.

Fine, this guy is hot, lalo pa't napansin ko ang kulay berde niyang mga mata. This is all new to me, this guy is full packaged deal.

But of course, Drake is way ten times hotter for me. Walang tatalo.

"I know I am handsome, but could you at least stop staring? It's making me uncomfortable, Miss." sabi niya saka marahang tumawa. He licked his lower lip before glancing at me with a boyish grin.

Tinablan naman ako ng hiya. I find him sexy on his long hair. Kaya halos hindi ko na siya lubayan ng tingin. It is fascinating seeing his green eyes and hair on a messy bun. I didn't thought I would see this all in person.

Anong lahi ba mayroon ang isang 'to?

"Sorry.." nahihiya kong tugon.

Naiintindihan ko siya, dahil kung ako mang titigan ng hindi kilalang tao baka ipa-pulis ko pa.

He chuckled, "No it's okay, no need to apologize." I fake a cough.

Napansin kong ubos na ang kinakain niyang ice cream. Ang bilis naman yata?

Muli kong na lamang tinuon ang mata sa harapan. This guy seems to be harmless. However, it's to early for me to conclude. Ang hirap na sa aking magtiwala agad, nag-iwan ng malalim na sugat si Benj sa akin. Parang sa ginawa niya, I've started developing trust issues.

"So, ahm do you live here?" tanong ng katabi ko pagkatapos ng ilang minuto.

Without looking, I shook my head, "Nope, I am just here for a vacation."

Wala naman sigurong masama kung sasagutin ko ang ilan sa mga tanong niya. Isa pa, nakakabastos kung hindi ko siya pansinin gayung magkatabi lang kami. My parents teach me enough manners.

"I see." From the corner of my eyes, I saw him nod.

"From the Philippines, actually." dugtong ko.

This felts good. Talking to some random stranger in the midst of my problems. Though, I'm still being vigilant.

"Oh cool, my lola is also a Filipina." he answered enthusiastically.

Nanlaki ang mata kong binalingan siya. He is smiling, labas pa ang perpekto niyang mga ngipin.

"Talaga?" natutup ko ang bibig sa salitang ginamit. Babawin ko na sana ng maunahan niya ako.

"Talagang talaga, Miss." he said playfully.

Napapantastikuhan ko siyang tinignan.

"I know quite some Filipino words, but yeah, there are still words which I cannot comprehend." he added, nakangisi parin. Nakahawak siya sa metal na nagkokonekta sa duyan.

Napailing ako, akala ko pa naman straight na foreigner.

"Tangina." bulong na mura ko.

Alam naman pala, pinahirapan pa akong mag-english.

"That's bad, Miss. You're cursing me." natatawa niyang tinuran. Nagrolyo ang mata ko.

"Ewan ko sayo. May pa english-english ka pang nalalaman, pinoy naman pala!" naiinis kong tugon.

Tumawa na naman siya na nagpasimangot sa akin.

Happy yan?

Muli ko na lamang tinignan ang mga kabataan. Nakaupo na sila ngayon katabi ang kanilang taga-bantay o magulang. Subalit, may bukod tanging naiiba sa kanila.

"They are privileged enough to experience this. Those kids are given the chance to be with their parents unlike the little boy." the guy beside me murmured something.

"Pardon?"

Hindi umabot sa tainga ko ang sinabi niya. Para lang siyang bumulong sa hangin. Base sa reaksyon ng mukha ko, I'm sure he knows how confused I am.

Ngumiti si kuya green eyes, "I mean, our parents is a great factor of our journey. Let's be practical, we are totally nothing without them. It would be impossible for us to experience the beauty of life if not because of them. But some doesn't have balls and left their kid because they can't stand on the responsibility of having one." he said, his eyes full of emotion as he stared at them.

"Wait, are you an orphan?" kunot noong tanong ko. His eyes flickered with amusement.

"Nah, I have my parents with me, silly." Napanguso ako.

"See that kid?" he pointed his finger on the little boy who's eating alone. Siya ang napansin kong naiiba sa kanila. Hindi katulad ng mga naging kalaro niya, mag-isa lang siyang nakaupo sa bench,

"Kapatid mo? O anak?"

He looked and me like I just asked the most ridiculous question.

"Do I looked like a father to you?"

"You actually looked like one, say four kids perhaps including the little boy." I teased. He then, pouted.

"Yeah, funny." natawa ako ng makita ang paag-ikot ng eyeballs niya.

"Just kidding." pagbawi ko, muli kong dinuyan ang sarili.

"Go on, finish your sentence."

Tumikhim siya, ang lamig at lalim ng boses niya. Hindi mo talaga mapaghahalataang may lahing Pinoy.

"I used to see that kid every time I went here." he trailed. Natahimik nalang ako, mukhang seryoso ang sasabihin niya.

"During those times, he's always alone. One time I approached and asked him on why he's constantly visiting this park and about his parents. You know what he says?" malungkot na ngayon ang kaniyang boses.

Umiling ako habang patuloy na dinuduyuan ang sarili.

"The little boy said that his parents has a family already and that he understand. Despite his morose eyes, he still managed to laugh." A ghost of smile formed on the corner of his lips.

"I can't help but to question his parents, how pity of them to left a lovely kid in the street."

Umawang ang labi ko sa pagkabigla

"Dito ba siya natutulog sa parkeng ito?" maang na tanong ko.

Tinignan ko ang batang sinasabi niya, kahit sa malayo ramdam ko parin ang lungkot at awa para sa mga kalaro niyang bata na inaalagan ng mga magulang o tagabantay man. The boy is around five years old I guess. Maputi siya at medyo may pagkakulot ang buhok.

"No, there's someone taking care of him when I turn to asked some people, but most of the time he would sit on the exact position where he's seated now. It's like he is waiting for someone in this park. I don't know maybe his mom, or dad?"

Sumikip ang dibdib ko habang pinagmamasdan ang bata. Sa isipang matinding kalungkutan at paghihirap na ang nararanasan niya. Ang bata pa niya para maranasan ang kalupitan ng mundo.

"Why don't you adopt him?" I asked as I turn my head to his direction.

I can sense his concern for the kid. Nararamdaman ko ring mayaman siya base narin sa porma at tindig. Hindi siya magkakaroon ng problema kung magkataon.

He weakly smiled. "I've tried, Miss. But the kid refused, saying he doesn't want other people parenting him other than his biological parents." nakatitig parin siya sa bata habang ako nakamasid sa kaniya.

"We are so lucky that ours were on our side. Na kasama natin ang mga magulang natin, dahil hindi lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataon." mahina akong natawa, hindi dahil sa sinabi niya kung di sa paraan ng pagkabigkas niya. It's obvious that he is still learning, mabuti narin iyon kaysa ang sumuko.

"We are grateful enough to experience a motherly hug nor a father's care, because people like them were unfortunate to feel one of the greatest gift from above. That's why I find it disrespectful whenever I've heard teenagers ranting 'bout their parents just because they're unable to give them their caprices and whims." his perfectly defined jaw clenched.

Nakatulala lang ako sa kaniya habang nagsasalita. The way his emotions changed with mention of those ungrateful kids, like what he proclaims. Dumilim bigla ang tingin niya.

Kailangan ko pang mapakurapkurap para lang matauhan.

"Uh, yeah. Tama ka." alanganin akong ngumiti ng bumaling siya sa akin.

"Anyway, what's your name Miss?" he asked out of nowhere.

Gone his dark aura a seconds ago. Parang ang bilis lang niyang magpalit ng emosyon. Ngayon nakangiti na naman siya.

Napalabi ako, nagdalawang isip kong sasabihin ko ba o hindi. He is a complete stranger to me, and telling him my name seems to be a bad idea.

"Didn't you name me already?" tumaas ang kilay ko ng maalala ang tinawag niya sa akin kanina

Miss Lonely Girl.

He chuckled, "Come on, were technically magkababayan. Stop being so grumpy."

Naningkit ang mga mata ko.

"Magkababayan or not, I still don't know a thing about you." I can't help but to leered.

Kumislap ang mata niya nang sandaling sabihin ko 'yun. Hindi ko namalayang natigil ko na pala ang pagduyan sa sarili. Nagulat ako ng bigla siyang tumayo at pumunta sa harapan ko. Naglahad siya ng kamay na parang prinsipe doon sa napapanunuod kong fairytales

"Henry Charles Evans, at your service, your highness." he said with a smirk.

Bahagyang gumalaw ang nakapusod niyang buhok ng yumuko siya na parang isang prinsipe.

I rolled my eyes and slapped his hand. Natawa naman siya saka bumalik sa dating pwesto.

"How's it? Does my name ring a bell?" kumunot ang noo ko,

"Wala akong kilalang Evans." I answered. I then, begun swaying the swing.

"Oh, okay." he sounded disappointed.

Totoo naman wala akong kilalang Evans.

"I am not a stranger to you anymore. So what's your name?" he asked again.

Ano ba siya reporter? Ang daming tanong, ang kulit din!

"Not working, hindi naman ako interesado sa pangalan mo."

"Come on, it's just a name. No harm." he insisted.

"Still, no."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes, of course."

"Ano ba?! Napakakulit!" sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

Mukhang nag-enjoy siya sa ginawa kong pagsigaw dahil malakas siyang humalakhak.

Malakas na pagpipigil ang ginawa ko para lang hindi siya sapakin.

"Just say it already. It's not as if I'm asking for you number."

I gritted my teeth. He is grinning widely as he watched my sour expression.

"Makulit ka."

"My lola will always say that word, so yes. I am."

I released a deep sigh

"Angel." sagot ko nalang, para matapos narin to.

Nakita ko ang pagngiti niya sa naging sagot ko.

"Your name suits you very well, my Angel."

Hindi ko narinig ang huling sinabi niya sa sobrang hina.

"Bolero.." I rolled my eyes. And for the nth time, he laughed his ass out again.

Just like that, I didn't regret getting out of my comfort zone. I must admit, Henry's company is not boring. He's fine though and for some reason, I felt comfortable around him.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero naging panatag na ang loob ko sa kaniya sa unang pagkikita namin. Sa kabila ng takot na lokohin o paglauran din niya ako, naisip kong hindi naman lahat ng tao ay ganoong mag-isip. Not all people has wicked intentions to harm you. Ang mga taong ganoon ay sadyang makitid lang ang utak.

This is what my parents always told me, to remember the Golden Rule.

Habang naglalakad pauwi, bumalik sa isipan ko ang sinabi ni Henry. He's right, ma-swerte na ang mga kabataan na nabigyan ng pagkakataong makasama ang kanilang pamilya nang buo.

Am I lucky enough though?

I have my parents with me, sumobra pa nga.

The question bothered me until the next day. Good thing daddy didn't pursue on talking about the same topic. Nakatulong din ang paglabas ko kahapon at si Henry kahit paano. Katulad ng inaasahan ko, dumating nga kinabukasan sina Zaph at Micah. Hindi nila ako tinantanan hangga''t ma-kwento ko ang buong pangyayari.

Leaving me with no choice.

They're both astonished when I'm done narrating everything. Well, sino ba naman ang hindi kung malamang hindi ka naman pala totoong anak ng inaakalang mong magulang.

"I-I don't know what to say." wala sa sariling sabi ni Micah.

Nasa Veranda kaming tatlo, pinagkasya ang sarili sa sofa. Madilim narin ang kalangitan at nakita ko na naman ang nagkikislapang mga bituin.

"Nah, it's fine. I still refuse to believe it, anyway. Hindi ko pa sila kinakausap tungkol dito. I am a bit disappointed. I can't even look at them on the eyes." sagot ko, nakasandal ako sa couch habang ang dalawa ay tulala parin.

"How about your tita Abigail, I mean your rea—"

"She's not my mother."

I cut, Zaph before she could even finish her sentence.

"I only have one mother and she is Beatrice, not Abigail." I sternly said.

Napalingon silang dalawa sa akin.

"Babe, mas mahihirapan ka lang kung ipagpapatuloy mong igiit ang katotohanan. You're being unfair to tita, Angel. Base narin sa mga kwento mo, inaalagan at pinagtanggol ka niya. That only means she's doing her best to make-up to all of the wasted years."

"You don't understand, Zaph. She fucking sold me and my twin! Hindi ko nga alam kung anong nangyari sa kakambal ko dahil sa walang kwenta niyang bisyo! And then what? She except me to welcome her with an open arms? Nagpapatawa ba siya?" my jaw locked thinking about my twin. I don't have any idea what happened to him or her.

Tumayo ako at saka nagpabalik balik ng lakad sa harapan nila.

"Nagbago na yung tao, Angel. Yes, I get your point. Kasi kahit ako, kapag nalaman kung benenta ako ng sarili kong magulang ay talagang magagalit ako. But babe, why don't you open your mind and heart for her? Ina mo parin siya, if not because of her, you wouldn't be standing in front of us right at this moment. You owe her your life, Angel." tumaas na din ang boses niya.

"Zaph is right babe. Were only mere human being, it's inevitable for us to commit a sin. Lahat naman tayo makasalanan. We have a lot of skeleton on our closet. What is more important is we learned through our mistakes. We grow and matured. I'm sure your mother is in deep pain too." dugtong ni Micah.

I shook my head.

"Nasasabi niyo lang yan kasi hindi naman kayo ang nasa posisyon ko, you are not the one hurting here! Ang dali-dali lang para sa inyong sabihin na ayos lang, patawarin ko siya at bigyan ng pagkakata—"

Natigilan ako ng paklang tumawa si Zaph. She crossed her legs as she look at me with arched brow.

Zaph can be intimidating at the same time sweet. Sa aming tatlo siya talaga ang seryoso at medyo may pagkamaldita. If you wouldn't know her better sasabihin mong masama ang ugali niya. She's a straight forward person.

"Your being unreasonable, Angel. We don't need to fit on your shoe and feel the same severity of your sorrow. Given na nahihirapan at nasasaktan ka but what about her? Mas doble ang sakit ng nanay mo kung tutuusin. Pareho lang kayong nagdurusa so why won't you lessen your pride and accept her again? In the end of the day, she's still your mother." matigas niyang tinuran.

I gritted my teeth.

"Wala namang masama kung magpapatawad ka, babe. Ikaw palagi ang nagsasabi sa aming patawarin na namin ang mga pisteng manloloko naming ex-boyfriend, mahirap bang gawin 'yon sa sarili mo?" segunda ni Micah.

"Our self worth can't be measured with our sins and wrongdoings. It's all in the past now. Isa pa, hindi lang naman si tita Abigail ang nagkakasala sa mundong ito." si Micah muli.

"Second chance is given for those people worthy enou—"

They cut me off with a grunt.

"Yeah, whatever you say, Angel! Basta pinayuhan ka na namin. Advice's is worthless for the person with closed mind and would only follow what they believed in" sabi ni Zaph.

Nakapamaywang akong nakadungaw sa kanila. They are both sitting like a queen on my gray ratten couch.

"In fact you're one of a lucky bitch, Angel. You have a family that you can depend on, may dalawa ka pang mama. Think about the orphans and other kids that was left with their parents. Sa halip na mag-inarte ka diyan, matuto kang magpatawad bago pa mahuli ang lahat." sabi ni Zaph.

Natigilan ako, Henry's voice echoed in my mind. Naisip ko yung batang lalaki sa park na naghihintay sa tunay niyang magulang. Ang hirap nga siguro kung gigising ka na wala sila sa tabi mo.

I didn't experience such since I have my mother who would always cook for my breakfast, read a bedtime stories until I fall asleep. Most importantly, I have the sweetest father who spoiled me with material things and affection. Wala na akong mahihiling pa sa totoo lang.

"The truth will set us free, Angel. Sabi pa nga nila, saktan mo nalang ako sa katotohanan huwag lang pasayahin sa isang kasinungalingan."

Later that night, I dozed off to sleep with a concrete decision in my head. Alam kong mahihirapan ako lalo pa't alam ko ang ginawa niya sa amin.

But I need this. How can I move-on and start anew if I won't settled this issue first? They all have a point, the truth will always set us free no matter how deadly it is.

Kinabukasan, maaga akong nagising. Nang tingnan ko ang orasan ay pasado alas-singko pa lang. Bahagya pa akong natawa ng makitang halos magkayakap na sila Zaph at Micah. Sa kwarto ko sila natutulog, magkatabi kaming tatlo sa kama imbes na sa guest room. Pagkatapos nang naging pagtatalo namin kagabi, bumalik ulit kami sa dati na parang walang nangyari.

Humarap muna ako sa salamin saka inayos ang sarili. Sinuklay ko ang sariling buhok, I made sure I didn't left any evidence of sleep on my face. Nagpalit muna ako ng damit bago bumababa.

I've decided to cook breakfast for them. Katulad sa amin, wala ding kasambahay sila tita. Hindi naman din kailangan dahil halos hindi narin umuuwi si tito William at naiiwang mag-isa si tita.

Nasa bungad na ako ng pinto ng kusina ng makita si tita Abigail. She's mixing something on the bowl, may ilan ding ingredients sa lamesa. Though, it's not messy. Hindi katulad kong makalat sa tuwing nagluluto.

Tumikhim ako para kunin ang kaniyang atensyon. Mukha naman siyang nabigla sa biglaan kong pagsulpot. Nabitawan niya ang ginagawa at saka tumindig ng tayo. Ngumiti siya nang malawak.

"Good morning, hija." she greeted me. She's wearing a maroon apron, may hairnet din sa kaniyang ulo.

I walked to the refrigerator to get some water.

"Morning po." tipid kong sagot.

Kumuha ako ng baso saka nagsalin ng tubig.

"Anong gusto mo? Ipagtitimpla kita."

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hinahalo niya kanina, mukhang nakalimutan niyang may ginagawa pala siya.

"I'm good with water, thank you."

Tumango siya. Napansin niya sigurong nakatitig ako sa bowl na puno ng harina at ewan kung ano pa.

"Magluluto ako ng pancake, nakwento kasi ng m-mommy mo na gusto mo raw kapares ng bacon ay pancake."

I poke the inside of my cheeks. Huminga muna ako ng malalim, pilit kinakalma ang sarili. You already made-up your mind, Angel. Kaya mo 'to.

"Uh, tulungan ko na po kayo.." alanganin kong untag. Napakagat labi ako ng mabakasan ang gulat sa mukha niya. Subalit agad iyon napalitan ng malaking ngiti.

The guts, Angel! Baka mamaya masayang lang ang sinimulan ng tita mo!

"Hindi na, hija. Maupo ka nalang diyan, kaya ko na'to." nakangiti niyang sagot.

I nodded, at least I've tried.

"Ako nalang po ang magluluto ng bacon." pagpresinta ko. Marunong naman akong magprito.

Binalik ko muna sa ref ang pitsel ng tubig. Kumuha narin ako ng bacon, hotdog at itlog.

"No— I mean, patapos narin ako dito. Makakaya ko pang magluto ng almusal." pag-alma niya, pero ng makitang dala-dala ko na ang lulutuin wala na siyang nagawa.

Sa huli, ako ang nagluto ng bacon at siya sa hotdog at itlog. Surprisingly, hindi naman naging awkward ang mga sumunod na minuto. We're both silent, though.

Saktong nag-aayos na kami sa hapag ng makarinig ng sunod-sunod na yabag. Una kong nakita si Micah na nagkukusot pa ng mata, kasunod si Zaph na may nagtatakang ekspresyon. They've just witnessed my situation with tita Abigail. Nagsasalin siya ng tubig sa bawat baso habang ako sinasalansan ang mga kutsara at tinidor.

Hindi pa sila tuluyang nakakalapit ng sumunod na pumasok sa dining sila daddy at mommy.

I sweetly smiled and motioned my hand to the table.

"Good morning everyone!" I begun.

"Good thing you're all here, kumain na po tayo. Mama and I prepared everything on the table."