Kabanata 5

I feel the tension between Mama and Romeo. Kabado ako habang nakatingin sa dalawa.

A tinge of dismay is seen on Romeo's face as he lifts his head from Mama's shoulder.

"Ina ako, Romeo. Mahal ko ang anak ko. Ayokong makita siya na nahihirapan at nasasaktan."

"Ma... naintindihan ko po..." malungkot na tugon ni Romeo kasabay ang pagsulyap sa akin.

"Kung ganoon naman pala ay wala tayong magiging problema." Lumingon si Mama kay Romeo at bahagyang ginulo ang buhok.

"O siya, maiwan ko muna kayo at ako'y magbibihis lang."

"Mahal," tawag ko kay Romeo na napatulala na lang. I sat close to him. I cling to his arm and rest my chin on his shoulder. I simply mimicked what he did to Mama earlier.

Aba, at talagang effective pala ang lambing na 'to. Agad din kasi siyang ngumiti.

"Ayos ka lang ba, mahal?" tanong ko, panay taas-baba ang mga kilay ko.

He smiled even more as he took hold of my hand, which was still clinging to his arm.

"Paano ako hindi maging ayos! Lambingin mo ba naman ako ng ganito!"