Diane’s P.O.V.
Hindi madali ang maglihi. Umaga, tanghali at gabi, wala akong ibang ginawa kung hindi isuka lang ang lahat ng mga kinain ko. Dalawang linggo na akong ganito. Wala rin akong ibang gustong kainin kung hindi hilaw na mangga at bagoong, samahan pa ng inihaw na pusit at ginisang kangkong—kung saan diring-diri naman ako noon.
Sobrang nag-iingat din ako na malaman ni Mama ang totoo. Kaso, hanggang kailan ko naman kaya matatago ang lahat ng sintomas ng pagdadalang-tao? Paano na lang kapag lumaki na ang tiyan ko? Ang pagbubuntis talaga ang isa sa mga bagay na hindi panghabambuhay na matatago.
Hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon ni Mama tungkol dito at ayoko naman siyang labis na mag-alala. Masyado na kaming maraming problema. Mabuti nga at kahit magkakasama lang kami sa iisang bahay ay hindi pa rin napapansin nina Mama at ng mga kapatid ko ang kalagayan ko. Hindi pa rin a
Diane’s P.O.V.“Oh, sorry… M-Mommy A. I honestly forgot but I remember it now,” atubili kong tugon. If my memory was right, I used to call her Mommy A before. The moment I struggled from being a rape victim, I suddenly had two mothers.That time, Dra. Ava was persistent enough at ayaw niya talaga na tinatawag ko siyang Doktora o Dra. Ava. I lived with her for a few months while continuing my psychotherapy sessions at kapag nga may nagtatanong kung bakit ako nakatira sa dating bahay niya, she would often joke around na anak daw niya ako sa pagkadalaga.“Perfect! I could say that you now fully remember me.” Dra. Ava pleasantly released me from her hug and diverted her attention to my best friend.“And also, Karen, right? I’m glad to meet you. Diane has been talking a lot about you over the phone. Please, make yourselves comfortable. You
Diane’s P.O.V.Glossy white walls surrounded with landscaped paintings, double-floating bridal staircases with exotic brown columns, sophisticated elevators, and high ceilings with cascading chandeliers and remarkable drapes, greeted us from the inside. All furniture varieties were properly placed at its own position creating a minimalistic style.The mansion’s interior bespoke amenities that were even imported from other countries. It was truly breathtaking and I could say that the mansion had more than ten enviable rooms in it, other than the living room space and what I pictured out to be a chef-inspired kitchen.There was still a huge space for decorations, and generally, the overall mansion provided a natural light and ventilation. What we were breathing was indeed fresh air and there was no need for an air-conditioner. Kahit sino naman ay bigla na lang mapapanganga sa l
Diane’s P.O.V.After buying some treats and fruits sa nadaanan naming convenience store, it didn’t take long for Karen and I to finally reach Dra. Ava’s house. But it was an understatement to only describe it as a house. Hindi na pala ‘yon ang dating duplex townhouse ni Dra. Ava and little did I know na mansiyon pala ang aming pupuntahan.It was indeed a celestial and luxury house of about five thousand square feet—built with three stories and it even had what I thought were some attic levels. The exterior alone of modern peach-colored bricks casts a shadow of lavishness and makes a sassy statement in the entire place.The terraces were boldly overlooking and could already satisfy a visitor, who was just eyeing the second and third levels. Sky-rocketing French-designed and prostyle-fiberglass columns were dominatingly crafted at their finest.Fr
Diane’s P.O.V.“Best, if you really have to pull-over for us to better talk about it, it’s fine with me. I can wait. Isa pa, hindi naman aalis si Dra. Ava sa bahay niya at makakapaghintay naman siya sa akin,” I told Karen while gently wiping the tears on her right cheek using my handkerchief.Karen just nodded and parked at the right side of the road kung saan walang gaanong tao at mga sasakyan. She then pushed the ‘hazard’ button, alerting those within the perimeter that we were on a hazard—either having a mechanical problem, a flat tire along the way, or whatever they think was wrong with us.In this case, Karen should pacify herself first. She was overwhelmed by too much emotions and it wasn’t good for her. Lalabo lang ang mga mata niya habang nagmamaneho and I couldn’t afford to be in another car accident. That was the last thing I could have ever
Diane’s P.O.V.“Don’t lie to me, sissy. More than anyone else that surrounds you—well, even your siblings—it was me who can read you from head to toe. I can see right through you. Malakas ang pakiramdam ko na alam mo ang totoong dahilan kung bakit nagkaganoon si Liam at hindi lang ‘yon basta allergy lang. Don’t worry, I’ll seal my lips and whatever you share will only stay between the two of us. Deal?” Tumitingin-tingin si Karen sa’kin ngunit agad namang bumabalik ang atensiyon niya sa daan.“In three-hundred meters, turn left.” It was the female voice of Qooqle map on Karen’s infotainment system.I pursed my lips because I should have known her better. Karen wouldn’t share any of her secrets nang walang kapalit. She was quite clever… and most of the time, unpredictable.But being my most trust
Diane’s P.O.V. “So, where are we going now?” Karen asked me while taking care of her car infotainment system—wiping it with some tissues at her hand. Ilalagay niya kasi roon ‘yong address na kailangan naming puntahan. Mahirap na, baka kung saan pa kami mapunta at bigla na lang kaming maligaw rito sa Batangas. “Here,” sagot ko. Pinakita ko naman sa kanya ang cell phone ko at agad niyang binasa ang address na nakalagay roon, habang nilalagay ‘yon sa touchscreen niyang car monitor. Hindi naman ako mapalagay dahil pagkatapos ng ilang taon ay madadalaw ko na rin ang doktorang naging malapit sa buhay ko noon. Namamasa rin ang mga kamay ko at bahagya pang nanginginig ang mga ito. Actually, kinakabahan talaga ako and I had to take a deep breath to be comfortable. Out of all people, I knew that Dra. Ava Manuel was the only person who could