Lunch

Ate Giselle and I shared a meaningful look. None of us tried to talk. I can feel my sister's concerned glances while I settled mine with man who claimed my husband.

How is that possible?

We might be having children, and that means we already did the deed but my parents, including ate Giselle haven't apprise me with it. Wala rin silang picture na pinakita sa akin na kasal na nga ako sa kaniya. I'm sure if he's my husband, there will be a photograph of us, or me in white dress. Pero wala..

I swallowed hard as I narrowed my eyes to him. Despite his long hair, and stubble.. he looked good.

"Uh.." Ate Giselle glanced at me as she struggled for words. Even I, felt like I lost my voice too.

Chaz Theo advances a step, eyes still locked with mine. My heart started beating frantically. I looked away and think of ways to escape his intense stares as I find myself being distracted by it.

Hindi pa dapat niya malamang bumalik ako! Mom and Dad made it clear to us. Pero narito siya? Alam ba nila Dad 'to? At kung oo bakit hindi man lang kami binalaan?

"A-Anong ginagawa mo rito, Chaz?"

Bago pa tuluyang makalapit si Chaz, sa wakas ay nagsalita si Ate. Mabilis lang na pumasada ang tingin ng lalaki sa kaniya saka rin binalik sa akin.

"I bought Veronica home. She's wasted."

"Nag-inuman kayo?"

Chaz shook his head, still staring at me. I licked my lower lip. Kinakabahan ako sa mga posibleng niyang sabihin. Obviously, she favours him. But this is not the perfect time to do it!

"We didn't. Her friend called me to fetch her. I was about to head my way out but I saw her phone at the car seat. Lucky me, huh.."

Narinig kong muli ang papalapit na yabag ni Chaz hangang sa maramdaman ko na ang kaniyang presensiya. Nasa harapan ko na siya! Nanunuot na sa akin ang panlalaki niyang pabango.

"I have a question, Chaz.." sabi bigla ng kapatid ko.

"Ako muna ang sagutin mo." buo at mariing sagot ni Chaz.

My chest hammered nervously. Bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko? Parang hinahalukay ang tiyan ko sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan at ang kabog ng dibdib ko ay hindi man lang mabawasan. It was just his voice.. that deep, and baritone voice but my body is reacting violently!

"Walang dapat sagutin ang anak ko, sa'yo."

Mula sa loob, lumabas ang anino ni Daddy. Nakabuntot sa kaniya si Mommy na nasa kamay ang cellphone at bakas ang pag-aalala sa mukha.

Napapikit ako. Nagpakawala nang malalim na buntonghininga sa galak na makita sila. When I opened my eyes, I noticed the sudden change of emotion on Chaz' face. He was already clenching his jaw. Tinignan niya sila Daddy sa aking likuran bago binalik sa akin.

"Pasok sa loob, Giselle." si Daddy sa matigas at striktong boses. "Ako na ang bahala rito.."

Bumusangot ang mukha ng kapatid ko.

"Uh, halika na ate.." kinalabit ko siya dahil mukhang walang balak sundan ang utos ng aming magulang.

Gusto kong umalis agad. I don't like the way he stares. It's uncomfortable!

"Ate.." bulong ko pa.

Huminga siua nang malalim bago ko naramdaman ang paghawak niya sa akin pulso at paggiya sa akin papasok. That man, is staring too much! Even with my back on, I can still feel the severity of his piercing eyes!

"I've been calling you, anak. Na text na rin kita, and you're not answering!" mahinang saad ni Mommy nang tumigil kami sa harapan niya.

Nasapo ni ate Giselle ang kaniyang noo.

"Sorry, lowbat ang phone ko. Daming ganap kanina, nakalimutan kong isaksak sa kuryente." ngumiwi si ate.

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mata. Why do I felt like, she's really not sorry? There was even a ghost of smile on her lips.

"Hayaan mo na nga, Mom. Malalaman at malalaman din naman ni Chaz ang totoo, bakit pa natin itatago?" dagdag pa nito.

Nagbubulungan lang sila pero dahil nasa tabi ako ni ate ay naririnig ko ito. I take that as an opportunity to glance at our back and Dad was already talking to Chaz.

Sa paraan ng pagsasalubong ng makapal na kilay ng lalaki, at pag-igting ng panga may pakiramdam akong hindi nito nagugustuhan ang anumang sinasabi ni Daddy sa kaniya.

When Chaz looked up and our gaze meet, I saw him stilled for a moment. He parted his lip and even though Dad was still talking, he seemed not paying attention to it. Nawala rin ang pagsasalubong ng kaniyang kilay at huminahon ang ekspresyon sa mukha.

"Mom, ano naman ang pumasok sa isip ng pamangkin niyo at naglasing? Nang isturbo pa ng tao! Paano na lang ang mga bata? Iniwan!" singhal ni ate nang makapasok kami ng tuluyan sa tanggapan.

"I don't know, darling. Veronica is already at her room, let's ask her tomorrow. Baka may problema na ang pinsan niyo at hindi man lang nagsasabi.."

Nagpatuloy sila sa pag-uusap pero ang aking utak ay naiwan sa labas at sa katotohanang tinawag niya akong asawa. I should asked my sister about this! Kailangan kong malinawan.

Nauna kong tinahak ang hagdan habang si Mommy ay binalikan si Daddy. Nilingon ko si Ate at hinintay siya hanggang sa magkasabay na kaming paakyat.

"I have a husband, and it was him. Pero bakit parang galit na galit si Daddy?" I asked her.

Para siyang nabigla sa tanong ko. Tumigil pa siya sa paglalakad saka ako tiningala.

"What is behind the wrath of my father towards him?"

"Hindi mo siya asawa." she said and looked away.

"Then why is he claiming I'm his wife?"

"Maybe he still have feelings for you and wants you back. Kaya tinawag kang asawa pero ang totoo ay hindi. Well, sana.. he's supposed to be your husband but he messed up." she said nonchalantly and resumed on walking.

Hinabol ko siya.

"What do you mean he messed up, ate? Anong nangyari?"

Muli siyang tumigil saka ako nilingon. She smiled at me but it didn't reached her eyes.

"Mas maganda kung ikaw mismo ang makakaalala. You know it, reason why you got into the car accident." Ate caressed my arms.

"Let's not rush things, sis. May sakit ka pa. You'll heal first and the rest will follow. Huwag mong ipilit ang sarili na makaalala, it will worsen your situation."

Tinitigan ko si ate, hindi nakasagot.

"I'll just go check my daughter. Puntahan kita sa room mo after." aniya pa bago muling naglakad.

Nang makapasok ako sa kwarto ay agad akong humilata sa kama. Today's events exhausted my body. I didn't know this is this complicated. I thought I will just need to tell my parents the truth and it will be fine. Little did I know, the universe are not giving me an easy pass. I always have it the hard way.

"Tita pretty?"

It was already morning. The sun was peaking through the curtains of my window. Tinigil ko ang ginagawang pag-aayos ng kama nang marinig ang boses ni Laureen sa labas ng pinto.
Nilapitan ko iyon saka binuksan at hindi nga ako nabigo nang makita ang pamangkin ko sa suot na ternong pajama.

"Good morning, Laureen.." lumuhod ako saka siya hinalikan sa pisngi.

"Good morning po!" she giggled cutely. "Do you want to swim po? Mag swimming po kami ni Momma later sa pool."

"Tayong tatlo lang?"

Tumatango naman siya.

"But we can invite Grandma too if you want. Then, Grandpa and Dadda!" bibong sagot nito.

Natatawa kong hinaplos ang kaniyang pisngi.

"Okay, Laureen. Magbibihis lang ako,"

"Yehey!" pumalakpak pa siya na tila tuwang-tuwa. "I love you, tita!" nagawa pa nitong humalik sa aking pisngi bago nagpaalam at tumalikod.

Pinuntahan ko sa bodega ang mga ibang gamit dahil sa daming nangyari kahapon, nakalimutan kong kunin ang mga ito. Nang makuha ko ang mga ito, agad din akong bumalik sa sariling silid at linagay muna iyon sa loob ng walk-in closet saka iyon tinabi sa gilid.

I, then rummaged through my old clothes and saw a black one piece. Iyon ang sinuot ko na pinatungan ko na lang ng aking silk robe.

"Magandang umaga po," pagbati ko nang makababa sa unang palapag at nakita si Mommy.

She's wearing a color pink apron, currently cooking.

"Good morning too, hija. Have a seat." senenyasan niya akong maupo na agad ko namang sinunod.

"Ano bang gusto mo? Gatas, kape, or lemonade? Ipagtitimpla kita,"

Maaliwalas ang kaniyang mukha. Halata ang pagiging masaya.

"Kahit ako na po.." sabi ko sa mahinang boses.

"Ako na hija." she smiled. "So what do you prefer to have?"

Napanguso ako. Ano kayang mayroon at parang ang saya-saya niya?

"Gatas na lang po," sagot ko na lang.

Tumango naman siya. Nakontento na lang akong pagmasdang siyang gumalaw.

"I toasted some white bread. May pancake rin akong ginawa. I'll serve it with syrup."

I nibbled on my lower lip. She's determined. Nahihiya ako ngunit, mabuti na rin ito at kusa nang nagiging mabait ang tadhana sa akin.

"Thank you po," I said with utmost sincerity.

"You're always welcome," sagot naman niya.

Tinuon ko ang atensyon sa pagkaing hinanda ni Mommy sa akin. Ramdam ko ang paminsan-minsan niyang paglingon, at sa tuwing nagkakasalubong an gaming mata'y ngumingiti ako. Mommy would smile and resumed on doing her business.

I finished eating the bread just in time when Ate Giselle together with Laureen appeared in the kitchen. Si Laureen ay nakasuot na ng one piece na kulay yellow. She was carrying her dog, Choco as from what I remember.

"Ready ka na, Pia?" tanong ni ate sa akin saka pumulot ng isang pancake.

Sinubo niya iyon at inalalayan si Laureen na maupo sa high chair. Choco barked. Kinuha ni ate ang aso sa anak at linapag iyon sa sahig. Kumuha siya ng pancake at pinakain dito.

"Handang handa, ate." tugon ko sa mapaglarong boses.

Tumayo ako saka kumuha ng panibagong plato at nilagyan si Laureen ng pancake.

"Milk gusto mo?" I asked and she nodded as a response.

I was about to grab the box of milk when I saw ate Giselle, already filling up the glass with milk. Bumalik na lang ako sa kinaauupuan at pinagpatuloy ang pag-inom ng gatas.

"Maliligo kayo, darling?" Mommy asked after a while.

"Yes, Mom. Nag-aya ang baby ko," nilapag ni ate ang gatas tabi ng plato ni Laureen at agad niya itong nilantakan.

"Ano bang niluluto mo? Parang kanina ka pa riyan, ah.." puna ni ate.

"This is for our lunch, darling. Zayd is going home by ten with his wife. I also invited Salva and Chaz Theo. So yeah, I'm preparing for our little gathering.." she chuckled.

Kumalabog ang dibdib. Ngayong araw na malalaman ang resulta pero napaisip ako. Kailangan pa ba 'yon?

I glanced at Mom who looked so alive. Maaliwalas ang mukha nito at kung minsan ay may pa sayaw-sayaw pa. Maging si ate ay pansin din ang magandang mood ni Mommy.

I didn't feel their indifference towards me. Dad, ate, Laureen, kuya Tyrone.. But I guess, like what Ate have said, DNA is needed for a formal affirmation.

Pagkatapos naming kumain ng almusal ay nagtungo rin agad kami sa pool area. I know how to swim. Minsan akong naliligo sa Monhon kasama ang mga kaibigan at kung minsan ay si Rhys.

It was fun. That I can't help but to think of Eira and Xander. Sana makasama ko rin silang sa mga ganitong pagkakataon.

"Tita pretty, where have you been po? Bakit sabi nila Momma dead ka na pero hindi pa naman?" biglang tanong ni Laureen.

Nakasakay siya sa isang swan at nakalutang iyon sa gitna naming ni ate Giselle. Both of us are holding unto it for support.

"Nasa Monhon ako, Laureen. Our family thought I'm dead but I was just there baby,"

Naglalaro ang kaniyang paa na nakalublob sa pool. Dinudungaw ako gamit ang kuryusang mga mata.

"If you were just there, why po you didn't come back to us? Bakit po after years pa? Do you know Eira's so sad. She always wants Mommy, but Daddy is all she got.."

My heart clenched. I wasted six years.. and my babies suffered. Hindi lang ako ang naghirap sa loob ng anim na taon, lahat kami. Ayos sana kung ako lang pero ang malamang ang mga bata ay may matindi ring pinagdaanan..

"Baby, tita doesn't remember her life because of the accident. We're lucky she's back in our life diba? Your tita pretty can still make up to Eira and Xander." si ate nang ilang segundo akong natahimik.

Pinisil ni ate Giselle ang pisngi ng anak saka ito pabirong kinagat. Humalakhak naman si Laureen at pabirong sinabuyan ng tubig ang mukha ng ina. It was an effective distraction, as her mind and focused shifted to it.

Habang ang isip ko ay naiwan sa masalimoot na pangyayari sa buhay ko. I badly want to remember everything. Kung sana ganoon lang kabilis at kadali nang sa gano'n ay matapos na ang paghihirap na ito.

The sad part is.. until now, I was still left with only a fragments of my childhood memory. Wala pang dumagdag.

Sumapit ang alas dose at kabadong-kabado ako. Sa kabutihang palad pawala na ang ilan sa mga peklat sa aking mukha. Nakailang pasada na rin ako sa aking buhok at ilang buntonghininga na ang pinakawalan sa harap ng salamin sa pag-asang maibsan ang kabang nananalaytay sa bawat himaymay ng aking katawan.

"Ma'am," ani ng boses mula sa labas kasabay ng pagkatok.

I sighed again and went to the door to open it. Celine was there. Though, she isn't looking at me straightly. Her head is casted downwards.

"Bakit?" I asked in a monotone.

I can still remember what she did. Her cruelty and offensive words. I have to remind myself of her ignorance about my real identity not to fire her. Ayaw ko sa pinakitang ugali niya sa akin but I let it pass since she knows nothing.

Also because, I know how hard it is to find job and this might be their only bread and butter. I can't take it away from them especially now that I see her improving. Mas mabuti na lang itong iniiwasan niya ako at alam nito ang pagkakamali niya.

"P-Pinapatawag na kayo nila, Sir. Nasa hapag na po silang lahat." Celine said, still avoiding my gaze.

"Okay. Pababa na rin naman ako."

"Sige ho," tumango siya at agad na tumalikod.

Huminga ako nang malalim saka sinara ang pinto ng kwarto. Tahimik kong tinahak ang pasilyo hanggang sa marating ko ang hagdanan. When I reached the first floor, I immediately strides to where the dining room is located. I heard their voices as the door is slightly open. Although faint, I can tell how serious their talk is.

I balled my hand into fist and maintained a straight face. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto at bumungad sa akin ang grupo ng tao. Si Daddy ay nasa kabisera. On his left is Mom, next is a fine a lady, who's I think has the same age as mom. Followed by a man on his early thirties I guess? I know them. Ate introduced them to me through their pictures. They are Chaz Theo's parents. Tita Salva and tito Rodolfo. Their ages are just excluded.

Sa kanang bahagi naman ni Dad ay si Zayd, sunod ang asawa niya na si Bianca. After Bianca, sat kuya Tyrone. Next to him is my sister, and a vacant seat. I assume that's my space.

"Good afternoon," I started, trying to steal their attention.

They stopped talking and gazed into my direction. I heard gasps. May tunog pa nga akong narinig na tila basong nabasag? Narinig ko ang mabining tawa ni Mommy kahit si ate Giselle ay nakitawa na rin.

"I feel you tita, ganyan din ang reaksyon ko kahapon." Ate said.

"Yaya, please get Salva another glass. Pakilinis na rin ng kalat," si Mommy sa nanunuyang boses.

I smiled at them awkwardly. Lahat sila ay nakatingin sa akin. Nakita ko pang titig na titig sa akin si tita Salva, halata ang gulat at mangha sa mukha.

"Finally, you're here! Dito ka nga at nagugutom na ang mga bulate ko sa tiyan!" bulalas ni ate saka natawa.

Muli kong pinasadahan ng tingin ang mga tao sa lamesa. I spotted Zayd, staring at me intently and his wife, Bianca smiling. I smiled at her in return.

"Halika rito, Pia. Hindi magandang pinaghihintay ang pagkain at ating mga bisita." muling tinuran ni ate.

Napangisi ako. Somehow, my sister lightened up the heavy atmosphere circulating on the dining room.

"Darling it's fine. May hinihintay pa naman tayo.." si Mommy.

Nagsimula akong maglakad palapit sa kanila pero nakailang hakbang pa lang ako nang mula sa likod ay may boses na nagpatigil sa akin.

"Sorry, we're late.." Veronica's sweet voice interrupted me. "Hirap iwanan ng mga bata, especially Xandy. My baby boy is so fond of me! Gusto ko nga sanang sumama, ayaw humiwalay!"

Linagpasan niya ako. Lumapit sa mga magulang ni Chaz.

"Pero sabi ko, uuwi naman ako. Hindi ako mawawala, at doon lang siya kumalma!" Veronica added and leaned in to kiss tita Salva's cheeks.

Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan. Pinagmamasdan ko si Veronica na malaki ang ngiti at nakikisalamuha sa kanila. Dapat ba magpasalamat ako na inalagaan at binantayan niya ang mga anak ko?

Malapit ang loob niya sa mga bata lalo na kay Xander. She gets to experience being with them. Witnessing their cries, their first walk, their first words. While me..

"You fine?"

I jolted when I felt a hand touched the small of my back. Nanlaki ang mata kong binalingan ang tao sa likod. My eyes widen more when I came face to face with Chaz Theo.

He was looking down at me. Namumungay ang mata, nakaawang ang labi at sa isang mabilis na pasada sa kabuuan ng kaniyang mukha, napagtantong kong.. nagpagupit siya. His hair is now clean cut, even his stubbles are no longer at place. His physique appeared to be dangerous to me particularly his sharp jawline.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" ani pa niya sa namamaos na boses, sanhi ng aking pakurap.

I realized, we're just inches away that his manly perfume attacked my nostrils.

"Sofia Grace, come here. Join us."

My eyes drifted to Dad who looked grumpy. Matalim ang tingin kay Chaz at kahit nasa tabi lang nito ang mga magulang ng lalaki, ay parang wala siyang pakialam doon.

"Uh.. o-opo.." napalunok ako, ramdam ang matinding pag-init ng mukha nang makitang lahat sila'y nasa amin ang paningin.

Umabante ako sanhi ng pagkatanggal ng kamay ni Chaz sa aking likuran. But before I could take another steps, he crouched down. Sinilip niya ang mukha ko!

"A-Ano.. a-ayos lang ako. S-Salamat sa.. p-pagtatanong." agad na sagot ko bago pa man siya makapagsalita.

I locked lower lip, while I saw his lips pursed. Aligaga akong naglakad patungo kay Ate Giselle. I blushed hard when I saw her smirking teasingly. Pagkaupo ko sa upuang nasa tabi niya, agad kong naramdaman ang pagsundot sa aking tagiliran sanhi para ako'y mapatalon sa gulat.

"Sis, huwag mo namang ipahalatang tigang ka for six years. Kakikita niyo pa lang, huwag kang marupok." nanunuyang saad ni Ate Giselle sa mahinang boses.

Siguro iyong pagtitig ko ng husto kay Chaz ang pinupunto niya! In my defense, ginulat niya lang ako!

"Partida wala pa ngang ginagawa 'yan, nakita mo lang na bagong gupit kung makatitig ka'y para mo nang hinuhubaran." humalakhak siya.

I looked away and it accidentally landed on Veronica's sharped eyes. Chaz then walked towards the seat next to her. Inayos niya ang suot na coat, at mabilis na pinasadahan ang buhok pataas. He lifted his gaze and I instantly tore mine away from him. Tinuon ko na lang ang atensyon sa hapag.

"So pogi, hmm.." I heard ate murmured.

Napailing ako sa pang-aasar ng sariling kapatid.

"It feels great having you two around. Thanks for accepting our invitation." panimula ni Mommy.

The maid's are serving the appetizer.

"Oo nga. Tagal na nang huli tayong magsamasama sa iisang lamesa," Tita Salvacion said and side glance me.

"Well tita, welcome naman kayo rito kahit anong oras.." ate seconded.

"We know hija, marami lang kaming pinagkaabalahan during the past years. Chemotherapy is really hard, I thanked God it's over."

"Hay, mabuti na lang talaga at pumayag kang magpagamot. See the benefits at the end? You're now cancel free!" Mommy said.

Napangiti ako. It takes a lot of courage to undergo chemotherapy treatment. I applaud her for having the strength to combat the illness.

"Also diba, tita Regine, you're not so cool with tita Salva on the first half year ba? Siguro, naiilang at nahihiya lang si tita Salvacion mag open up or at least.. pay a visit here. The last time I remember, you guys are upset and unwelcoming.." pumagitna si Veronica.

Dinungaw ko siya at nakitang parang wala lang ang sinabi nito. Nasa pagkain ang mata at nagawa pang sumubo ng panibago saka nag-angat ng tingin at ngumiti.

Okay, but why does she have to voice that out? Hindi ba siya marunong makiramdam man lang?

"Tinutulungan niya rin kami ni Theo na mag-alaga sa mga bata. Nakaka inspired nga po ang pinagdaanan niyo tita, eh. After all the mean words.. and fighting your disease, you still find time to think about the kids. I mean, it just show how much you love them." sabi pa niya, saka ngumiti kay tita Salvacion.

"So what's your point? Hindi namin mahal ang mga pamangkin ko at wala kaming oras sa kanila?" si ate sa gigil na tinig.

"Oh my god, Giselle! I can't believe you're this immature.." Veronica laughed, mockery is audible. "Pinupuri ko lang si tita, sa tingin mo pinariringgan ko na kayo? What's with your mind ba? Of course I won't dare do that! Hindi ko gawain ang siraan ang sarili kong pamilya! Girl, grow up!"

Natahimik ang buong lamesa. Sinipat ko si ate at matalim na ang tinging ginagawad kay Veronica. Bianca, grab her glass of water and took a sip on it. Si Mommy naman ay naiwang nakaawang ang labi at tila hindi iyon inaasahan mula sa kaniya.

Nang ibaling ko ang tingin sa harap, ganoon na lang ang gulat ko nang mapagtantong titig na titig si Chaz sa akin! Parang walang pakialam sa paligid. My eyes narrowed at his untouched plate. Kanina pa 'yan?

"Uh, hija.." I heard tita laughed awkwardly.

I lifted my gaze and avoid Chaz again.

"I understand their attitude to us way back. Nawalan sila at.." Tita looked at Chaz. "They really have the right to treat us that way."

Tita Salva smiled reassuringly. Hence it was not enough as the tension rose. Someone cleared his throat, cutting the awkward mood.

"Can we have the main course, please. I'm starving. Dito kami dumiretso ni Bianca at hindi na dumaan sa restaurant o kahit sa drive thru man lang." Zayd narrated.

Ang mga kasambahay na nasa gilid lang ay agad tumalima.

"Hindi niyo naman kailangan umuwi at i-cancel ang honeymoon niyo, anak. I told you we can talk over the phone.." Mom said.

"Mommy this is a family matter. Hindi rin naman ako mapapakali kung hindi ko makikita sa personal si Ate Pia.." sagot naman ni Zayd saka ako nilingon.

"Zayd, hindi pa tayo sigurado kung siya nga ang kapatid mo. We still have to wait for the result of the DNA." it was Veronica.

"DNA test is futile. Can't you see herself? She mirrored exactly as my sister, Veronica."

"Kaya nga Zayd, eh. Kulit lang nitong pinsan mo. Pero anyways, with DNA test or not, kapatid natin siya." Ate Giselle concluded. Binalingan niya ako saka kumindat. Napanguso ako, sinusupil ang ngiti sa labi.

The main course was then served. Doon ko tinuon ang buong atensyon habang si Ate ay paminsan-minsang kinausap si Kuya Tyrone. Habang ang mga magulang ko ay tahimik na maging si Zayd at ang kaniyang asawa.

I noticed tita Salva's glances once in a while. Parang may sasabihin siya at humahanap lang ng tyempo para isaboses. Sa tuwing nagsasalubong ang aming tingin ay ngingiti siya. I would smile in return and every time, I do it, I can feel Veronica's glares intensifies.

Leaving me confused. What is her problem? May nagawa ba ako at galit na galit siya?

"Ang sayang makita kang muli, hija." tita Salva finally said. "If you don't mind me asking, where did you stay during those years?"

"Sa Monhon po. Isang maliit na Isla sa may Samar.."

Nilingon ni tita ang asawa pero agad ding napunta kay Chaz.

"Son, didn't you said Sofia wasn't at any islands in Samar?" kumunot ang kaniyang noo. "I'm sorry hija, but my son did investigate for your possible location as he firmly believes you're still alive."

"Yes, right tita. Pinahahanap nga niya itong kapatid ko at kahit kami, pero walang lead na binigay sa amin ang imbestigador." sabi pa ni ate.

Tita Salvacion released a gasped. Mom and Dad, with Zayd and his wife remained silent. When I peered at Chaz, his eyes was still on me. It's parted. He remained unbothered and like he has his own world.

"The investigator didn't tell us a thing for a reason that Sofia is already gone. Bakit pa natin guguluhin ang matagal nang namayapa?"

I dropped my gaze on my now empty plate as I listened to their conversation.

"The evidences pointed at one ending, and we all know that. We're doing really fine, and just because of this lady.." Veronica said again with a disappointed voice.

Kumuyom ang mga kamao ko sa ilalim ng mesa.

"Pwede ba Veronica, itikom mo 'yang bunganga mo. Ginawa na nga namin ang gusto mo. Sa halip na makontento at maging masaya sa posibilidad na maaring buhay nga ang pinsan mo, bakit parang kabaliktaran naman 'yang pinapakita mo, huh? Feeling threatened?" Ate Giselle responded.

I heard Veronica gasped exasperatedly.

"Excuse me? My concern here is this lady might be just fooling us! She might just be after our money!"

Nanunuyang humalakhak si ate. Nanatili naman ang paningin ko sa plato at walang balak mag-angat ng tingin. Even without looking, I can still feel Chaz heavy stares.

"Okay, my dear cousin. We got your concern, and you will surely be pleased with the result. You can now relax and be at ease.."

"The police and investigator might be suggesting that the body found was hers, but still we can't let this opportunity slide. Wala namang mawawala sa atin kung susubok tayo." it was Tita Salva's voice. "The DNA test will tell us if she's really her or not."

Hindi ko na narinig ang tugon ni Veronica. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita siyang hindi matimpla ang mukha.

"My hunch is someone else has to do something about this. Imposible naman pong walang mahanap na Sofia Grace ang kinuha naming imbestigador gayong sabi pa niya ay hindi naman siya umalis ng isla. She was just there with his friend." Ate said with conviction.

"You're with a friend? Who, hija?" tanong sa akin ni tita.

"Mayroon po, tita. His name is Rhys." I said smiling at her.

Muling nilingon ni tita si tito Rodolfo. From my peripheral vision, Chaz shifted on his seat.

"Lalaki?"

For the first time, he joined the conversation. I once again glanced at him. Magkasalubong na ang kaniyang kilay at bakas ang iritasyon sa mukha.

"Oo. Mabait si Rhys, sayang nga at umuwi agad siya. Pero plano kong bisitahin siya, kung ayos lang sa inyo Dad.."

Pinutol ko ang tingin kay Chaz at nilingon sila Daddy.

"So you live with a man named Rhys for six years?" Chaz asked again.

I nodded without looking back.

"Gusto ko po sanang tulungan si Rhys sa Isla. Plano kong kumbisihin siyang sumama sa akin pabalik at tulungang makapasok sa trabaho. Kung ayaw naman niya, bibigyan ko na lang po ng puhunan para makapagbukas ng sariling negosyo roon."

Mom smiled.

"Of course, dear. You can do anything that you want."

"Hmm, mukhang close kayo ng lalaki ah?" tanong naman ni ate, nanunudyo ang boses.

Pabiro akong umirap at hindi na ginatungan pa. Tumawa lang siya. Nahagip ng aking mga mata ang magkasalubong na kilay ni Chaz, nakaigting ang panga. Batay sa naglalabasang ugat sa leeg, mukhang..

"You should try to bring him here. I want to meet that Rhys you're calling." si Dad.

Handa na akong sumagot sa kaniya ng maunahan ni Veronica.

"Wait tito, why are you considering this? We're still unsure if she's Sofie!" she said, like she just recovered from the exchange of words of my sister and tita Salva.

Dad eyed her seriously. I don't get her anymore. Siya lang itong hindi naniniwalang ako si Sofia samantalang ang ibang tao'y isang tingin lang malalamang ako nga 'to.

Even tita Salvacion, and Chaz immediately concluded that I am her. Pero siya pinaggigiitang hindi.

"She is my daughter. Otherwise, we won't be having this lunch."

Kahit alam ko naman iyon, nagulat pa rin ako nang marinig mismo sa sarili kong ama iyon.

Finally..

"What?!" Veronica snapped, as if she just heard a bad news.

"We received the result last night, hija. I decided to arrange a meal to formally inform the two parties. Salva and his family deserve to know. Nagkita rin naman sila Chaz at Sofia kagabi kaya may pakiramdam akong alam na niya.." sabi naman ni Mommy.

Umawang ang labi ng pinsan ko. She looked at us one by one, hurt and betrayal danced on her irises.

"She is my daughter but that doesn't mean we'll let your son be with her again." Dad trailed off sternly. "Hindi ako papayag na pumasok muli ang lalaking iyan sa buhay ng anak ko. Once is enough. Our family might be close to each other but I'm more than willing to cut ties with you if necessary."

Si Veronic ay uminom ng tubig. I saw Mom rolled her eyes like she's not buying what Dad have said.

"They can co-parent. We will never accept your son in this family, Rodolfo." dagdag pa ni Daddy.

Napakagat labi ako.

"Did you refer that to your daughter, or just your own accord, Franciss?" untag ni naman tito Rodolfo.

Nalingon ako ni Daddy saka rin binalik kay tito.

"She will abide my command. After everything, I know my daughter will not want to stay with your son. She won't dare."

"I think it's better if we leave the decision to the kids, Rodolfo. Huwag na tayong manghimasok." si Tita Salva.

"Kahit hindi ko sabihin, Salvacion iyon ang gagawin ng anak ko dahil iyon ang tama. Ako na ama ay hinding hindi na gugustuhing makasama ang isang gagong katulad ng anak niyo." giit pa ni Daddy.

Natutop ni tita Veronica ang sariling labi. Habang rinig ko ang pagpapakawala ni ate Giselle nang malalim na buntonghinga. Veronica on the other hand appeared fine. There was even a ghost of smile on her face.

"I beg to disagree, Sir." Chaz said promptly.

Lahat yata kami ay binaling ang atensyon sa kaniya. He was already glancing at my father. Seryoso at pormal ang boses na tila isang kasosyo sa negosyo ang kaharap.

"I am not fine with co-parenting. I won't settle for that. I won't watched your daughter find someone else, may it be another man or that Rhys. It doesn't sit well with me." he said authoritatively.