Dimple
This scrumptious dinner is extravagant, as what I've expected. Every detail of lavish banquet set-up was on point and classy. For such a special kind of event, they truly worked hard to execute down to the smallest things. I can't even begin to describe how amazing this setup is for simply a dinner night with the two long tables.
Get your shit together, Traiva. You've been with them for years now. Hindi ka pa rin ba sanay sa ganito?
Nakita agad ako ni Kuya Travis at nilapitan.
"Where did you go? Kanina pa kita hinahanap." marahan niyang hinawakan ang aking braso at sabay kaming pumunta sa kanila Papa at Kuya Trev na ngayong may kausap sa hindi ko kilala.
"Oh, they're already completed! Let me introduce my children. These are my two sons; Trevor and Travis." pakilala ni Papa sa bisita. Naglahad naman ng kamay sila Kuya.
"Good evening, Sir Gregorio Morgan. It's really a pleasure to finally meet you." baritong sabi ni Kuya Trev. He is driven and interested in business, like papa.
"And my daughter, Traiva." pagpapatuloy ni Papa. Ngumiti ako at naglahad din ng kamay.
"Good evening, sir Morgan. I hope you enjoyed my Papa's dinner welcome party." ilang sandali pa ang pag-uusap at pagpapakilala sa amin ni Papa sa mga di ko kilalang tao. We're always like this whenever there is social gathering.
Habang si-ni-serve ang appetizer ng dinner, nagpunta ako sa mini stage sa gilid where the grand piano is. In appreciation for everything my father did for me, I would play a piece. Actually, mother requested me to do this; it's for papa, so it doesn't bother me.
"Good evening everyone. Just enjoy and continue your meals. I dedicate this to you Papa. Advance happy birthday." at nagsimula ng pindutin ang mga keys. Natuto akong mag-piano simula ng kinuha ako ni Papa. I was home schooled back then at may piano lessons ako palagi. As I play, I can't help but be emotional.
I sighed, remembering something. Kahit na masyado pa akong bata noon. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kahit papaano ay naiintindihan at natataandaan ko pa rin ang nangyari.
Pagkauwi ko galing school ay iniiwan ako ni Mommy sa bahay ng kanyang kapatid sapagkat wala akong kasama kung uuwi kami sa amin. Pagkatapos ay babalik din na siya ulit sa trabaho at pag-uwi niya naman ay dadaanan niya ulit ako para makauwi na kami sa aming bahay.
"Tañia, get a nanny already. Para may maghatid at magsundo kay Traiva at di ka na masyadong mahirapan at napapagod ka lang ng husto." sermon sa kanya ni Tita Fionah.
"It's okay, Ate. I can do it naman. You know, I am really busy at work and this is the only time I can give to my daughter as our little bonding on weekdays. Ipagkakait ko pa ba sa kanya?" mahinang wika ni Mommy as she started changing my clothes.
"The problem here is you, Tañia. I am your sister and you don't want me to help you! I can even help you for your medication and my niece's education but you are hard-headed. I can sense that your condition is getting worse. If you don't want my opinion, pasustentuhan mo si Traiva sa ama niya. Habang ikaw ay nagpapahinga na lang. Makinig ka sa'kin, Tañia. Dahil sa huli si Traiva lang ang mahihirapan." Tita said angrily. Mommy told me that it's bad to listen to someone's conversation but I can't cover my ears with my hands because Mommy's changing my clothes.
"Ate, don't speak like that in front of Traiva! Naiintindihan ka niya . She's observant." tumaas ang boses ni Mommy at hinila ako palayo kay Tita at dinala sa kusina. She prepared me some food to eat.
"Anak, stay here for a moment. I'll talk to your Tita for a while, okay?" I nodded. From then, I concluded there is something that I don't know.
Umalis si Mommy at pumunta kay Tita Fionah. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad papunta sa sala kung saan sila nag-uusap. Nagtago ako kung saan paniguradong hindi nila ako makikita.
