Del Rico Triplets #1: Bound By Duties

Kabanata 1

Engagement

Malakas na tunog ng musika ang pumailanlang sa paligid. Naglisaw ang mga tao o ‘di kaya ang iba ay nagkukumpulan. Mga nakasuot ng magaganda at nagmamahalang mga formal attire. Nakamasid lamang ako sa kanila kasama si Crowell.

Sa dulo ko naisipang umukopa ng upuan, wala pa roong nakaupo. Ang round table na kasya ang pitong katao, kami lang ni Crowell ang laman. Halos karamihan sa bisita, pinili ang pwesto sa unahan dahil sa kagustuhang maambunan ng pansin ng mga kilalang prominenteng negosyante o ‘di kaya ay gustong masilayan sa malapitan ang dalawang taong nagc-celebrate ng anniversary ngayon.

“Aren’t you going to greet them?” si Crowell, hawak na ngayon ang isang champagne glass.

“Mom has been looking for you. Akala niya hindi ka dadalo…” dagdag niya, inilapag na ang champagne glass sa mesa at binalingan ako.

Tumaas ang kilay niya sa akin nang ‘di ako sumagot. Bumuntong hininga ako sabay iling.

“Mamaya na lang siguro kapag tapos na ang party. I’ll only greet Tita.”

Tumusok ako ng marshmallow at saka ‘yon isinawsaw sa chocolate syrup. Pinagmasdan lang ako ni Crowell habang  kumakain while he’s drinking. Nagtagal ang nanunuot niyang tingin sa akin bago umiling.

“I still can’t understand why dad…” Hindi ko na narinig ang karugtong noon dahil natahimik ang musika at napalitan ng isang boses sa mikropono. Mas malakas kaysa sa boses ni Crowell.

“Good evening, ladies and gents. I can see that you’re enjoying the party…” the gay emcee laughed after saying that.

Crowell and I focus our attention in front. Tumigil ang mga tao na nakikipag-usap sa mga nasa table nila. Ang iba na nakatayo ay nagsiupo naman. Ibinigay ang atensyon sa pagsisimula ng selebrasyon.

“We are gathered here to witness the renewal of vows of Mr. and Mrs. De Guia…” nagkaroon ng sandaling palakpakan bago nabigay muli sa emcee ang pagkakataon para magsalita.

“Please, let’s give the spotlight to this beautiful couple who’s celebrating their golden anniversary… Mr. Crisosmo De Guia and his beloved wife, Selena De Guia.”

The two happily stepped up in front.

“Good evening,” they greeted in unison.

Everyone is too focus on the two person who cannot keep their smile to their self. Both are very happy while muttering their vows to each other. After showering sweet words, they shared a kiss and continue facing their guests with smiles and laughter.

“They are truly lovely. Crisosmo’s been a good and loving husband…” I heard from the row of guest in front of our table.

After the moment, Tita Selena and Crisosmo is now heading to their seat which is placed in the middle. Siyempre, sila ang center of attraction dahil kanila ang selebrasyon. The emcee went to the platform again. He’s holding a tiny folder and read something on that before looking at the guests.

“Such a wonderful renewal of vows. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. De Guia. May God continue to strengthen your married life.”

Everyone whispered words after the emcee said that. Those words are directed to the couple who keeps on muttering thank you in exchange of the guest’s pleasant words.

“And now… let us borrow the attention of the first born of De Guia to give message to their lovely parents.” The audience is thrilled with that.

“Let’s give the stage to Mr. Crosson Soven De Guia!”

Dumako ang tingin ko sa lalaking tumayo mula sa gitnang bahagi. Inayos noon ang necktie niya bago naglakad patungo sa platform. Some of his friends are cheering him.