The Right Kind of Wrong (-edited)

LUKE

"Go."

I can't let Ameera see or witness this again. She just told me the most rewarding words that made all my sacrifices worth it.

"Mom," I called as I walked into the office. She faced me with piercing eyes. "What are you—"

Isang nakakabinging sampal ang dumapo sa pisngi ko. I even tasted blood sa tumamang singsing ni mommy.

"Ingrato!" she bursts out.

I wiped my lips and ignored the tingling sensation on my cheek. I'm beginning to accept that this is gonna be a routine for some time.

"Don't you have any sense in that stupid  brain of yours? How could you let this happen? The more you let that son of a bitch stay in this company, the more you will lose, you stupid boy!"

I chucked bitterly. This is my mother talking to me like I'm not her only child. I wanted to talk back but I know she'll never hear a word I say. So why bother?

"Natatawa ka? You think this is some kind of a joke? A game?!  Are you happy that, that bastard is the topic of your father?" She came closer again and hit my chest endlessly. "How could you be so useless! Sayang lang ang lahat ng paghihirap ko sa 'yo!"

She's crying and all I can do is shut my mouth an let her release everything that she's carrying.

Mapapagod din siya, I thought to myself. I am a good son afterall. Just like Ameera said.

"Hindi mo 'ko mahal..." she whimpered with exhaustion. "Siguro mas mahal mo pa rin ang kapatid mo kaysa sa akin."

"You know that's not true," I said sincerely.

"Then why are you letting him win your father's favor?"

"Mom, Dad loves me. H-he loves you. You're just too sensitive. I will have what I deserve, you'll see," I said in a careful steady tone.

Itinulak ako ni mommy.

"Mahal? Lies! But you deserve it all. Lahat, Luke. Lahat!"

"But he's also his son. He didn't choose to be but... Why can't he—"

"He can't! I won't let him. He and his worthless mother deserve nothing from your father, you understand?"

"This is so tiring, Mom. I can't even breathe. Is this what I deserve?"

"Nahihirapan ka? Then go! Tumakas ka! Let's see how tough you can be."

"Mom, why don't you just believe in me?" I said as I hold her again.

"You've already lost, son. I can see it now. And lagi kang magiging pangalawa sa bastardong tatawanan ka lang dahil he will get everything from you."

"No..." I said, feeling the pain of her words. "I am not gonna be like that."

"You'll forever be alone. Just like me." She turned her back and she's gone.

Now I am alone.

****

AMEERA

Napaatras ako nang marinig ang  takong ni Mrs San Diego at lampasan ang tinataguan ko. Naghintay ako pero walang sumunod na Luke kaya naglakad papuntang opisina niya. Ang tanging liwanag doon ay ang ilaw na nanggagaling sa lamp na mula sa sulok.

Nasa secret room ba s'ya?

Halos mapatalon pa ako sa gulat nang makakita ako ng hugis ba nakaupo sa sahig at nakasandal. Sabunot nito ang buhok.