DV Series: decoding the boys (under revision) ??

35 - falling || uncut ver

He simply shook his head and hid a smile.

***

Racel dropped me off do'n sa same area na pinagbabaan niya sa 'kin the last time. Kabado ako habang papasok ng bahay namin. I was so sure my brothers were already waiting for me, ready to open fire as soon as I get inside.

I mentally prepared myself habang nilalakad ko ang kahabaan ng daan. Soon enough, I reached our house in five minutes.

Hindi na nga ako nagkamali. Kuya Jacob and Kuya Chris were waiting by the living room when I arrived. Agad silang tumayo para salubungin ako.

"Saan ka nanggaling?" Kuya Jacob started impatiently. "Kahapon pa nag-aalala si Mom."

"Sorry na. I got drunk," I said truthfully.

"Nag-party ka?"

I nodded.

"Saan ka natulog?" piped in Kuya Chris.

I hesitated. Shiz, no choice. I had to lie. "Nag-check in ako sa hotel."

Umiling si Kuya Chris. "Well, as long as you're okay. Sige na. Magpahinga ka na."

"What, Kuya?" gulat na sabi ni Kuya Jacob.

Ako rin, nagulat. I was expecting to get an earful.

"She's tired. Lahat tayo," sabi lang ni Kuya, sabay buntonghininga.

Kuya Jacob turned and narrowed his eyes at me. "This doesn't mean you're clear, understand? Wag nang mauulit."

Sus, akala mo naman ay hindi niya ginagawa 'to. But I didn't say that aloud, syempre. Tama naman siya, e. We were having a family crisis. Mali na uminom pa ako.

Umakyat ako sa kwarto ko na malakas pa rin ang pintig ng puso. Hindi sa kaba kundi dahil nagsinungaling na naman ako sa kanila.

Ayaw na ayaw ko talaga and it was such a lame excuse to say na wala akong ibang choice.

I did have a choice and I chose to lie right to their face.

***

The Chens and the Yus took offense when our family brought up the pre-natal DNA test. But after reasoning out with them, they eventually agreed.

Dad was still recuperating in the hospital. He was getting better each day, but the doctor told us he needed strict rest.

In no time, pinayagan na rin siyang umuwi. As soon as he got out of the hospital, dagsaan ang mga staff sa bahay para kausapin siya. Well, the board members visited, too, but we were strict and didn't allow any corporate discussions to last for more than two hours.

"Dad, drink your meds. Magagalit na naman si Mom," paalala ko nang pumasok ako sa office niya at napansin na nando'n pa rin yung mga capsules.

Nag-angat ng tingin sa 'kin si Dad. Umusbong ang ngiti sa mukha niya, sabay baling niya sa mga gamot sa lamesa.

"Ah, yes. Sorry, 'nak. Nakaligtaan ko lang," he told me, and then he drank the meds in one go.

Kunot-noo akong umupo sa harap ng table niya. Abala na naman siya sa piles ng papel na binabasa niya.

"What is it, bunso?"

"You're overworking again." Ngumuso ako.

"I just need to check some documents. It won't take long."

"Still, Dad. Stop overworking."

He let out a gentle, affectionate smile. "Later. I'll rest later."

Tatlong katok ang pumutol sa usapan namin. Pagbukas ng pinto, pumasok si Mom, nakangiti habang tinitingnan kami.