A Royal Disaster in Brooklyn

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16 | BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Summer

Sabi nila hindi daw natatapos ang lahat sa kasal pero naniniwala ako sa mahikang dala noon sa taong gaya nila Lauren at Ritter. I know they're so happy by watching their faces while dancing in the middle of the crowd. When the dance went through, everyone went to the side to listen to Tito Chris' message to Lauren. It's touching, and while listening, I wondered if Dad would go this emotional too if my time had come.

The time when I decide to marry and have children.

"Everyone, listen. Can I have a word?" sigaw ko. Kinuha ko sa dibdib ko ang speech ko na dahilan ng pagtawa ng lahat. I glanced at them, particularly at Isaac, standing beside the first two men in my life. "Everyone here knows what's my role in Lauren's life. I'm not just her crazy god-sister, but a real sister even if there are times that I'm not reliable."

This message is just a bluff. Wala akong ideya kung seseryosohin ba ako ni Lauren o itong mensahe ko para sa kanila ni Ritter.

"If I were to describe Lauren, a word that comes first to my mind is stubborn. She knew that to herself too. She has been through a series of past misfortunes, and meeting Ritter was an escape for her. I'm happy they've found each other despite the mishaps. And you both know how much I love you. Congratulations, and please create more babies."

I love babies but still undecided if I will feel the the same when I'll carries inside me for nine months. Mahirap magsalita ng tapos at hindi ko pa ito nasasabi kay Isaac. Confuse pa ako at nakakabasa lang naman sa akin ay si Brooklyn. Pero hindi dahil kambal kami. Brooklyn has a way to know what's on my mind.

"What a cool message there, Sum," sambit ni Isaac sa akin nang makalapit ako sa kanya. Nilagay niya ang kanyang kamay sa baywang ko na hinawakan ko naman agad. "When did you write that?"

"Two minutes ago, while I listened to the previous message relayed by the others."

"That made me like you more, Summer."

Hindi nagkulang si Isaac sa pagsasabi na gusto niya ako halos araw-araw na magkasama kami dito sa Brooklyn. May media pa rin na sumusunod sa amin pero malayo sila at hindi na nagtatangka na lumapit pa. Kasama na sila sa buhay namin ni Isaac at takbuhan ko ay hindi pa rin akp makakaiwas. This is the life I chose and have to embrace. Magkaiba ang mundo namin ni Isaac at kahit siya ay alam iyon.

All we have to do is to make the best of both worlds.

"Can I get you some drinks?" tanong sa akin ni Isaac.

Inubos ko muna ang hawak na inumin saka binigay ang baso sa dumaan na waiter bago nagsalita. "No more drinks for you because it's getting late and you have a charity schedule tomorrow."

"Can I take back my words earlier?"

"That didn't change everything, Isaac. You need to go home and rest."

"Will your father allowed us to go home together just for tonight?" Nagkibit-balikat ako saka ngumiti sa kanya. Of course, hindi papayag si Daddy lalo't nakainom na si Isaac. Masuwerte at may driver siyang kasama ngayon kaya hindi ko na po-problemahin ang paghatid sa kanya. "I won't try it tonight. Maybe next time without alcohol in my system."

"That's better."

Pinatakan ni Isaac ng masuyong halik ang pisngi ko saka nagpaalam na sa akin ng tuluyan. I watched Isaac went inside his car and it drove away until I'm not seeing it.

"Summer..." tawag na agad nagpalingom sa akin. May malawak na ngiti ang sumilay sa labi ko ng makita si Lauren.

"A talk Mrs. McDowell?"