Takipsilim

Chapter 33: Trust

"Alam na po ni Katherina ang tungkol sa atin." Mahinahong pahayag ni Yael.

He was seated at the end of the long, rectangular dining table in the Romualdez household. Everyone dear to him - his parents, grandmother, Sam, Regan, and Maia, was there, listening to him without saying a word.

Beside him is Katherina, nervously holding his hand.

Ramdam ang tensyon sa paligid.

"Tito, Tita, Lola Carmela. Everyone. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Ika ng dalaga. Matama itong tumingin sa mga mata ng mga kausap. "I will support you in any way I can."

"Tingin ko wala namang tayong dapat ipag-alala na alam na ni Katherina ang lahat." Nagsalita ang ama ni Yael na si Ricardo. "Kahit normal na tao lang siya, alam kong mapapagkatiwalaan natin ang bata. Ordinaryong mortal lang din si Kristina at buong puso niyang niyakap ang kultura ng mga Ahren at naniniwala akong ganun din si Katherina." Tumingin ang lalaki sa dalaga at ngumiti. "Am I right?"

Sinuklian siya ng dalaga ng matamis na ngiti. "Yes, Tito. Mahal ko po si Yael, at wala po akong gagawin na ikakapahamak ninyo."

"I trust you too." Kristina was smiling at the young woman.

"Well, from the very start I already like you." Lola Carmela spoke. "And I cannot doubt the love between you and my grandson. My only request is to not break our trust, Katherina."

"Yes po," Sagot ng dalaga. "Makakaasa po kayo. I promise."

Maia cannot hide the anger she's feeling, at si Sam naman ay tila hindi mapakali.

Regan remained quiet and emotionless. Hindi mabasa sa mukha nito ang kanyang iniisip.

Maia suddenly scoffed and rolled her eyes. Hindi ito nakawala sa paningin ni Yael.

"Excuse me?" Yael glared at Maia.

She looked at Katherina from head to toe before speaking. "Nothing." Mataray nitong sabi.

"Maia--"

"Yael, it's okay." Bulong ni Katherina sa kasintahan.

"No, it's not. Disrespecting you is disrespecting me as well." Isang masamang tingin ang iginawad ni Yael sa kaibigan at nagsimulang tumaas ang boses nito.

It was Katherina's first time seeing this side of him. Yael's usually cheery and warm self turned serious and cold, and she feels guilty that it's because of her.

"Tama na, Yael." She squeezed his hand. Tumingin ang binata sa kanya at agad na lumambot ang mga mata nito.

Bumuntong-hininga na lamang ang sugong Ahren.

Maia stood up. "I'm sorry, Tito, Tita, and Lola Carmela. I respect you and your decisions, but I want to be honest. I cannot accept her here. Ever." Tumingin ng masama si Maia kay Katherina. "I hope you will not regret accepting her into your family."

Yael stood up and shouted at his friend. "What the hell is happening to you, Maia?!"

Galit na galit na si Yael. Hindi nito maatim na binabastos ang kasintahan.

"No, Yael! What the hell is happening to YOU!" Maia glared at him and Katherina, then walked away.

"What was that?!" Nalilitong tanong ni Lola Carmela. "Bakit ganon na lang ang galit ni Maia? Hindi naman siya ganyan."

"Damn." Pabulong na sabi ni Sam. Napasapo ito sa noo. Tumayo rin ito. "I'm sorry, everyone. Susundan ko lang si Maia. Pasensya na po sa inasal niya." Nagbow ang binata at tumingin kay Katherina. "Sorry, Kath."