Chapter 2

"I've submitted the marriage contract." Panimula ni Kiel.

Narito kami ngayon sa dining area. We're currently eating our breakfast. Ako muna ang nagluto ng aming umagahan dahil bukas pa raw ang dating ng mga kasambahay.

Bilib na bilib nga ang lalaki dahil marunong daw ako magluto. Akala niya raw ay puro kaartehan lamang ang alam ko sa buhay. Yes. I can't deny that my parents spoiled me so much. Pero kahit na gano'n ay hindi ako brat, 'no. I even volunteered to do some household chores sometimes. Hangga't kaya kong gawin ang isang bagay, ginagawa ko iyon imbis na iutos sa mga kasambahay namin.

"Binigay mo na sa daddy mo?" pag-uusisa ko.

He nodded.

"Oh, any news?" He lifted his head and gave me a darker gaze. Ang hawak niyang tinidor ay binitawan n'ya at tuluyang ipinagsalikop ang mga kamay sa ibabaw ng hapag.

"Of course it would take time to process that paper." He smirked. "Why? Are you that desperate to become my wife already?" Inirapan ko siya. Feeling, ha?

Muli niyang ibinalik ang mga kamay sa kaniyang utensils. He continue eating.

"Yuck! Can you please filter out what you're gonna say? It's making me want to puke." I acted as if I wanted to throw up.

He just chuckled.

"Our deal. Don't forget that." Pagpapaalala n'ya.

Kahit hindi niya 'yon sabihin, hinding-hindi naman talaga ako magkakagusto sa kaniya. Ang layo niya kaya sa mga type kong lalaki. At saka, may girlfriend siya 'di ba? Wala sa plano kong mahulog sa kaniya. Mas gusto ko rin ngang matapos na rin itong deal na 'to dahil baka ito pa ang maging rason ng break-up nila. Nakakaguilty kaya kapag nagkataon.

"Does your girlfriend know about this?" Pag-iiba ko ng usapan. I asked him while slicing my food.

"No."

I lifted my head as he replied. No? Bakit?

Hindi ko mapigilan ang aking pagiging kuryuso kaya muli akong nagsalita.

"Huh? Bakit? You should have told her. Mahirap na kapag nalaman niya sa iba."

"Do you think she will choose to stay, once she know about this fucking marriage?" Madilim niya akong tiningnan.

I rolled my eyes.

"Just tell her we had a deal. You can also invite her here. We can talk, you know…" I shrugged. "I'll assure her too that I won't steal you away from her."

Nakakadiri kaya 'yon. No way on earth I would steal someone that is already owned. Isa pa, maybe that girl needs an assurance. We don't have any plans on how to stop this contract right away. Kaya mas okay na siguro iyon na kausapin namin ni Kiel pareho ang girlfriend niya. Assure her that it's just a deal, nothing more. Maybe it can help, right? Just to make sure that the girl won't overthink so much about her relationship with Kiel.

"She'll not believe me. That's why, as soon as possible, I want this deal to end. I've been managing your businesses lately to ensure that the progress will speed up."

I nodded.

"Pero, tingin ko papuntahin mo pa rin dito. Kausapin natin, para hindi siya mag-isip ng kung ano," Inangat ko ang tingin sa kaniya. He just look at me. Tila hinahayaan akong magsalita. "You can also say that I have m-my boyfriend." Binaba kong muli ang tingin sa pinggan dahil sa kahihiyan. What a stupid suggestion Kairylinne! Wala akong boyfriend pero pwede naman iyon, 'di ba? Malay mo that lie would save their relationship.

I heard him chuckled. "Well, we can try that. I'll tell her later."

Nag-isip akong muli ng maaaring maging topic namin. I don't want to end our conversation with such embarrassment suggestion. Arghh!

"Pero bakit kasi dinaan pa sa ganito? Is marriage necessary when it comes to this circumstance? 'Di ba hindi naman?" I rolled my eyes. Buti at agad akong nakapag-isip ng sasabihin.

But, anyway, even up until now, I don't know why I have to end up marrying this guy. I mean, he's good but, damn! I don't like him!

Kaya naman siguro maayos ang kompanya namin nang walang kasalang nagaganap, 'di ba?

"It is necessary. The board members will question my relationship to your family. Your dad begged me to help him. And the only option to make that possible is marrying you. It sucks, right?" Ngumisi siya kaya tinarayan ko lang din.

He's so full of himself. Ayaw ko rin kaya sa kaniya! Maka "it sucks, right" kala mo naman siya lang ang may ayaw sa ganito!

Ang random nga rin, eh. Isang araw bigla na lang nagsabi sila mommy na kailangan kong ikasal kay Ezekiel. They kept on insisting it. Ang alam ko lang ay nalulugi na ang kumpanya at kailangan namin ng tulong! Kaya pala gano'n na lang ang pagpupumilit nila mommy sa akin. Ngayong kasal na kami ni Kiel, hindi na ku-kuwestiyonin ng mga board members ang presensya n'ya sa aming kumpanya.

Naging tahimik na ang hapag pagkatapos ng naging usapan. Ako na rin ang nagpresinta na maghugas ng pinggan.

My mind has been blown by so many what-ifs. I don't know what to do. Ayaw kong ganito ang maging sitwasyon ko habang buhay. I know this marriage won't last long pero.... paano kung matagalan? Magiging magulo ang lahat 'di ba? Ezekiel's relationship might be affected. Ayaw ko ng gan'on. Ayaw kong makasira ng relasyon.

What am I gonna do? Wala akong alam masyado pagdating sa business. Pharmacy ang tinapos ko. But, right now, because of this situation, it makes me want to study business. Parang gusto kong mag-aral ulit. Besides, tumatanda na ang mga magulang ko, it's time for them to enjoy their lives. Marami na silang nasakripisyo para sa akin. Oras naman, na ako ngayon ang tumulong sa kanila.

My idea isn't bad, right? Sa ngayon, siguro ay simulan ko na ang pag-inquire sa mga university dito. I will study business-related courses. Pero syempre, I'm gonna inform my parents first.

All throughout their lives, company at ako lamang ang inaatupag nila. Hindi ako sigurado kung pati mga sarili nila ay nagagawa nilang alagaan o bigyang prayoridad man lang. At ngayong tapos na ako, pwede na akong makabawi sa kanila. I should do it, right? Habang may lakas pa sila. They deserve to rest. Ako naman muna ang mag-aalaga ng kumpanya. Sila naman ang magpakasaya. They have been depriving themselves from enjoying their lives. I think this is the right time for them to enjoy their lives. I should start learning business stuff, right? Para hindi na gaano mamoblema si Daddy. Lalo na ngayon na lugmok ang kumpanya.

I may also ask help from Ezekiel.

"What were you thinking?" umalingawngaw ang boses ni Kiel.

Matapos nang paghuhugas ay napagpasyahan kong pumunta sa veranda. The presence of nature really calms me. Sa veranda kasi ay tanaw na tanaw ang tila hardin ng mansyon. Damang-dama mo rin ang preskong hangin na animo'y may dalang presensya na makapagbubuti sa nararamdaman mo.

"Wala lang." Nakita ko ang pagsama ng tingin nito sa akin. Okay. I'm gonna say it! "Uhhmm.... I'm planning to study a business course." Pag-aamin ko.

Nilaro ko ang aking mga kamay at muling ibinalik ang tingin sa hardin. Ramdam ko rin ang paghakbang ni Kiel palapit sa upuan na nasa harapan ko.

"That's nice. When do you want to start?" Ramdam ko ang mga titig n'ya habang binibitawan ang mga katagang iyon. Nakaupo na siya ngayon.

"I don't know. I'm gonna ask my parents first."

I heard him chuckle. Kaya nilingon ko siya.

"Your father…. He told me before that he wants you to take marketing. But, he didn't tell you, because he knew that you wanted to become a doctor."

Ever since, my parents never decide for me. Kung anong gusto ko, suportado nila. Ito lang talagang kasal ang pinilit nila sa akin. Kaya nakakapagtaka talaga.

They are not also fond of arrange marriage. Kaya, hearing those words from Kiel. It made me tear up. My dad loves me so much. My dad is not a showy type but I really feel his love for me. I knew it. Both of them didn't like the idea, they just don't have a choice.

I stifle a smile. "Yeah. I really want to become a doctor. But, that burning passion eventually faded…. when I failed two of my subjects in med school." I smiled bitterly.

"You can try again." I look at him. He smiled. Nakasandal siya ngayon sa upuan habang nakalagay ang isang kamay sa baba nito. Tila ini-enganyo akong magkuwento.

"I failed thrice." Ang kanina'y walanh emosyon na titig ay napalitan na ngayon ng lungkot.

"I'm okay. I'm over with it." I smiled to assure him that I'm fine.

"You don't want to….try again?" nag-aalangang tanong niya. Hindi rin siya nakatingin sa akin habang sinasambit ang mga katagang iyon.

"Nope. Hindi talaga siguro para sa akin ang propesyon na 'yon." I said before closing my eyes.

It took me so much time before I could finally accept it. I can no longer be a doctor.

Narito na ako ngayon sa aking kwarto naghahanda sa pag-alis. Today is the celebration of Tita Sobel's birthday — Kiel's mom. We have to be there before 10:00PM. I just wore a short purple tight party dress, above the knee.

"Your parents' already there." Iginiya ako ni Kiel palabas ng mansyon.

"Really?! Hindi sila nagsabi sa akin!" I pouted. I missed them already!

"Hmmm…. Sorry for that. Maybe they want to surprise you?" Nakataas ang kilay niya nang itinanong iyon sa akin.

"Siguro. Pero hindi na surprise. Panira ka, e." Umirap ako.

"Tsss…. Seatbelt, please." Aniya nang makaupo na ako.

Throughout the ride, we were both silent. I don't know why, but something's off with Kiel today. I can feel it.

Matagal ang naging byahe bago namin natungo ang venue. There were so many people! As we entered, we were welcomed by loud noises from the music played by the DJ. Kaliwa't kanan din ang mga taong nag-iinuman at tawanan. They look so neat. They drink wine, dance and talk with finesse. Every single thing they do, shows so much power and luxury.

"Hija! How are you?" Kiel's mom hugged me as we reached their table.

"Okay lang po, Tita." She held my hand and motioned me to sit down.

"How's my boy? Is he treating you well?"

I looked at Kiel who is now sitting beside me.

"Okay naman po. Ang bait nga po Tita, e." I almost rolled my eyes with what I said. I also saw how Kiel smirked.

"Where's mom and dad?" Baling ko kay Kiel.

Matapos nang kumustahan ay pumunta na sa ibang table si Tita Sobel. She's entertaining some of her guests.

"Inside." Tipid na tugon n'ya.

I nodded. Agad ko ring binaling ang tingin ko sa pinto ng bahay nila. Waiting for my parents to come out.

Weird, but Kiel's seem to be bothered. Tahimik siya. Pero kakaiba ang katahimikan niya ngayon. It's like there's really something wrong. Hindi ko alam kung okay lang bang tanungin siya. Baka pag tinanong ko siya ay hindi lang din niya sagutin.

Pinili ko na lamang na tingnan ang mga tao sa venue. All of them look stunning. Mga mukha ring mayaman. As I turned my gaze back at the mansion of Kiel's parents, linuwa nito ang mga magulang ko.

I immediately raised my hand to capture their attention. 'Di rin nagtagal ay napansin nila iyon kaya dali-dali silang pumunta sa puwesto ko.

"I miss you, princess." Mom hugged me tightly.

"I miss you too, mom!" I kissed her cheeks.

"Dad…" I pouted. "I miss you po!" I hugged him.

Dad caressed my back.

"Bakit po kayo nasa loob kanina?" I asked as I drank the wine in front of me.

"Just talked to some possible investors." Daddy shrugged.

"Sabi ko naman kasi sa'yo dito mo na pa-upuin, e." Mom's whining like a child. I chuckled. They are so cute together.

The kind of relationship I'm looking forward to is the same with my parents. I want a partner who would make me laugh, understand all my sudden outbursts, someone who wouldn't be annoyed with my whining and such. Gusto ko yung tipong magiging pahinga ko sa kabila ng magulo kong buhay.

"Emma!" Natauhan lamang ako galing sa pag-iisip nang sumigaw si mommy. She was waving at the lady with her…. Family?

Kung titingnan parang magka-edaran lang sila. Samantalang ang kasama nitong babae na aniya'y anak niya raw ay tila kasing edad ko rin.

They were seated within our table.

"Oh! By the way, this is my daughter…" Itinuro ako ni mommy. "And her husband." Baling niya kay Ezekiel na ngayon ay madilim ang mga matang nakatutok sa babaeng kaharap namin.

Para silang nag-uusap gamit ang mga mata. Hindi ako sigurado kung ako lang ba ang nakakapansin n'on.

Matapos nang pakikipagkamayan, nakabusangot pa rin si Kiel.

Mom together with Tita Emma and Sobel were talking. Si dad naman ay naroon sa crowd. Kaming tatlo na lamang nila Ezekiel ang tahimik sa lamesa.

"Ella, dito kana muna sa kanila, okay?" Ani ni Tita Emma sa anak.

"Yeah. Whatever, mom." Tita kissed her cheeks while she's just rolling her eyes.

Nang makaalis ang mga magulang namin. Katahimikan ang bumalot sa amin. Naputol lamang ito nang magsalita si Kiel.

"Ella…." Tawag ni Kiel sa babae.

Umirap ito. My jaw dropped. Don't tell me, she's Kiel's girlfriend or ex?

"Let me explain, please?" Pagsusumamo ni Kiel.

Binaling ko ang tingin kay Kiel. All I could see was the longing and love… in his eyes.

"Kiel." Tawag ko sa kaniya ngunit binalewala niya lang iyon.

Tumayo siya at lalapitan na sana si Sam nang nauna itong tumakbo palayo.

"Ella!" Tawag niya at susundan na sana ang direksyong tinungo ng babae pero pinigilan ko.

"Where are you going? Magsisimula na ang party ni Tita, Kiel!" Birthday 'to ng mama niya! Malapit na rin magsimula!

"Let me go. Mind your own business. You already ruined my life, Kairylinne. Because of this fucking marriage. I'm slowly losing the person I love. So, please, you have no right to stop me from chasing her. She's my girlfriend Kairylinne. If you have some respect for yourself, stop telling me what to do. I'm not even yours in the first place. Ella is important to me, I'm more even willing to follow her than you. I don't give a fuck with this party, come on, we both know that they will announce about us. Don't act innocent! The hell I care about this party! It's a pure business for fuck sake! Just like what they did to us! Fuck it! I know what my parents are doing." He said angrily.

"Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo. Hindi nila sasabihin sa publiko ang tungkol sa atin. Iyon ang usapan. It's your mother's birthday, Kiel. I'm sorry if you feel like I've been commanding you. I was just… c-concern. Birthday 'to ng mama mo kaya paniguradong hahanapin ka." I bowed my head. Nakakapit pa rin ang kamay ko sa kaniya.

"As if I care? This party is all about business Kairylinne. Tanga na lang ang maniniwalang hindi." Malamig na aniya.

Mataman niya rin akong tiningnan bago marahas na inalis ang aking kamay sa kaniyang braso. Pagkatapos ay tuluyan niya nang sinundan ang direksyong tinahak ng babae.