Escaped

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2: Suffocated

Matapos nung gabing iyon ay wala na rin akong nababalitaan na umaalis ng bahay si Irene. Kung hindi phone ay nagdidilig lang siya ng mga halaman sa likod.

"Hey my dear future husband, we'll see each other again... Yes, baby boy... Very soon."

Mabilis na isinara ko ang tab ng email ko nang mabasa iyon. Iniisip ko pa lang na makakasama ko na naman siya ay nasasakal na ako. Paano pa kaya kung kasal na kami? Baka malagutan na ako ng hininga.

"Breakfast is ready," Irene greeted me when I got in the kitchen.

Naroon na rin sina Mommy at Daddy na nakangiti. Umupo ako sa tabi ni Daddy. Mabilis na nahagip ng mata ko na hindi sila naka-office suit kaya malamang na wala silang pasok o kaya'y hindi lang sila pumasok.

"Good morning, Jude..." Mom greeted me too. "How was your sleep?"

"Nothing magical happened mom..." I answered with my sleepy voice. "Good morning..." I added.

I was about to move my hand when Irene already got her move. Pinaglagyan niya ako ng pagkain sa plato. My eyes were focus on her hands as she moves them, feeling afraid to look up and meet her eyes. Why am I even afraid?

"I can handle myself." I took a huge gut to look at her.

Narinig ko ang pagtawa ni Mommy.

"She is so sweet, isn't she, son?" Dad teased me.

I frowned. I hate sweets...

Matapos niya akong pagsilbihan ay umupo na siya sa tabi ni Mommy. Bale nasa kabila namin silang dalawa.

Hindi na ako kumibo at itinuon na lang ang atensyon sa pagkain. Narinig ko ang mga papuri nila Mommy at Daddy sa lasa ng pagkain na si Irene ang nagluto and I must agree with them. The foods taste good... Balanse ang lasa.

Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay about sa pagluluto ang kursong kinuha niya sa New York City. So... She still finished a degree with her condition. Oh well, nothing should be a hindrance to pursue what we want. We are capable of more than we know... Just give it a try. Who knows?

"Magkapatid nga kayo ni Jude, parehong mahilig sa pagluluto..." Halos masamid ako dahil sa mga sinabi ni Dad.

I am still not used with the thought of having a sister.. And that word still cringes the shit out of me. Kapatid... Come on, Jude. Magkapatid kayo. I should put that in my mind.

"Bakit hindi niyo i-try mag-business? Mag tayo ng restaurant?" Mom suggested.

I stopped from chewing. Kinuha ko ang tubig na isinalin ni Irene sa baso at uminom doon.

"Good suggestion. Why not? We'll help the both of you..." Dad approved, smiling. "Business parter pa no'n kayo."

I shook my head. "Too early to plan for that. Hindi pa ako tapos mag-aral," I answered, avoiding the disapproval tone.

Napatingin ako kay Irene na tahimik lang na kumakain.

"It is better than to not having plans at all, Judeus Clavez. And... We are just suggesting here," Mom almost rolled her eyes.

I shut my mouth up... I could help Irene to build her own business and that's all I could offer. And one more thing is Ryde and I has already a plan for this. May plano na kaming business.

"Anyways... Aara will be coming home soon..." Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa mga plato. "Jude... Gusto naming ikaw ang sumundo sa kanya sa airport."