One Single Memory

Weeks passed and I can't get that scene out of my mind. The relieveness I felt when Priam saved me. Hindi ko makalimutan. I felt like something has broken inside me. Something has been melted. Parang may kamay na humawak sa puso ko nang sandaling 'yon at iyon mismo ang naramdaman ko. The feeling of peace and comfort.

Huminto ako sa pagpipinta ng portrait ni Axton at tinitigan ito. I like him ever since but why does it feels like something is wrong with my stomach? Parang nagkakagulo ang mga paru paro do'n.

"Zosia? Dinner's ready, c'mon. Sabay na tayo bumaba." Kumatok si Cassie sa pintuan ng kwarto ko.

Dali-dali kong pinalitan ang canvas ko bago pa niya ito makita. Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan kasabay ng pagkatago ko sa portrait ni Axton.

"Oh! You're painting!" bahagyang gulat na sabi nuya.

"Uh yep." Nagkamot ako ng kilay.

"Nice huh. Exhibit natin 'to sa Nova?" She smiled and looked at the bird I painted.

Tumango na lang ako at ngumiti.

"Okay, tara." Tinapik niya ang balikat ko at nauna nang lumabas.

Sa mahabang lamesa sa dining room nakaupo na ang pamilya. My in-laws. Priam was also there already. Mukhang pinag undertime pa dahil nakaputing dress shirt pa siya at mukhang kararating lang. This isn't his usual time of going home.

"How's the invitations, Cassie? Naibigay niyo ba lahat?" panimula ni Tita Thralaine.

"Yes mom. We're done. A few of Ate Xam's friends na lang. She said she'll take care of it."

"Well that's good." Tita nodded. "I don't know why Axton was in a rush." She chukled. "It doesn't seem like Xiomara's getting away again."

Xiomara?

Kumunot ang noo ko habang kumakain. Unti unting nagiging kuryoso sa pinag uusapan nila.

"You're right, mom. Kuya looks like a possessive dog." Tumawa si Cassie na agad sinaway ni Tito Ryland.

"I remember how much he wanted this." Marahang ngumiti si tita. "Do you remember Ry when he came here back then? Shouting and announcing he's having a child?" Bumaling ito kay tito at natawa nang bahagya. "He was so happy. I can't believe in an early age, he'll think of marriage."

Natigilan na ako at napaangat ang tingin sa kanya.

"Axton is getting married?!" nagugulat na tanong ko.

Napawi naman ang ngisi niya at takang tumingin sa akin. Natigilan din ang lahat sa pagkain at binalingan ako.

"Yes, hija..." she slowly uttered. "Hindi ba... sinabi ni Priam sa'yo?" takang tanong niya sabay tingin sa katabi ko.

Nilingon ko si Priam na nakatingin din sa akin.

"I was... about to tell her," marahang wika niya.

Humigpit ang kapit ko sa kubyertos at nagtiim bagang.

"I was about to tell you yesterday but-"

"Liar!" matigas na sabi ko. "Ang sabihin mo, ayaw mong malaman ko."

His lips parted at my words. Maging ang mga nasa lamesa ay ganoon din ang reaksyon. I don't know why I'm with this sudden outburst. The fact that he didn't tell me about it makes me mad. Bakit ayaw niyang malaman ko? He has all the time to tell me!

"Hindi ganoon Zosia-"

"You had all the time to tell me yesterday, Priam! Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?!" Padabog akong tumayo.