SIN: Valeria Caruso

17: Pork and Chicken Adobo

Valeria

Muli akong bumalik sa living room, and as soon as I stepped onto the tiles, I stopped short at the sight of someone I didn't expect to see. Yeah, fate is really a bitch. Hindi ko inaasahan na mas titindi pa pala ang pagkabigla ko dahil nakita kong muli ang mga magulang niya, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan.

Walang nagbago sa pananamit at itsura nilang dalawa, kung paano ko sila nakita years ago, ganoon pa rin sila hanggang ngayon. Their appearances have been upgraded and Mrs. Celeste Morgan's beauty has become even more radiant. Her curly red blonde hair has grown longer, reaching down to her waist, truly aging gracefully. She's wearing that apricot neckline belted dress with a geo print notch, carrying a black crocodile embossed chain bag that I know is expensive because they wouldn't wear cheap items.

It seemed like I already knew what would happen tonight. Hindi na ako magugulat kung iyon nga ang mangyayari. I took a quiet breath and touched my own cheek. Wala man lang akong ni katiting na suot na make-up ngayon at alam kong mukha akong maysakit. Naglagay lamang ako ng cream sa aking mukha at lipbalm sa labi. I was about to leave to go back to my room to at least put on some face powder nang tawagin na ako ni mom.

"Anak,"

I swallowed hard, with no choice but to face them all. When I turned to face them, I didn't look at Zevran, yet, I could see from the corner of my eye that he was staring at me. If glares could scorch, I'd be reduced to ashes.

I flashed a tight smile at nilapitan sila. I wasn't conscious about my robe since I had something underneath, and besides, I tied it tightly and made sure no skin was exposed.

"Zevran's parents are here... Liv invited them over." I'm certain that it wasn't merely about extending an invitation for a casual drink or the like... because undoubtedly, nobody would invite a significant figure without a significant and substantial purpose.

And so, without a word, kaagad kong inipon ang kumpiyansa ko na harapin ang mag-asawa.

"It's good to see you again, Mrs.--------"

I let out a soft gasp as Mrs. Morgan enveloped me in a hug, catching me off guard. All gazes shifted to us, and I blinked repeatedly in astonishment. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa bawat isa sa kanila. Si Mr. Morgan, tipid lang siyang nakangiti at parang nawiwili pa sa napapanood niya. Auntie, Livia, Mom, and Dad had similar reactions kagaya ko. Meanwhile, Zevran, looked amused. His outstretched arms were crossed, showcasing his well-developed biceps. His beige front shirt was too tight because of his large build. I raised my gaze to his eyes and I noticed... he looked tired. Alam kong hindi naman siya singkit kaya nakapagtataka na parang anumang oras ay bibigay na ang talukap ng mga mata niya. The dark circles under his eyes were conspicuous, as were the few patches of stubble beginning to appear along his jaw. I don't know why there's a part of me that wants to approach him and ask if he's okay.

"M-Mrs. Morgan..."

Finally, she let go of me, and as our eyes met, they gleamed with happiness, leaving me puzzled.

"Fantastic!" magiliw na sabi niya. "I'm so glad that we meet again, hija. Oh, you look even more radiant without make-up! How old are you again? Nineteen? Eighteen?"

Lumunok muna ako bago sumagot, "T-Twenty-seven..."

"She's turning twenty-eight this August 20." Auntie suddenly interjected, and I bit my lower lip.