Chapter Forty-Seven
"UNCLE David," Chantal received an unexpected call from David Carlisle. Half-brother ito ng kanyang ina. "It's been a while."
Tila lumayo ang loob ng kanyang tiyuhin magmula nang mag-asawa ulit ang kanyang ama. Ngunit noong nabubuhay pa ang kanyang ina ay madalas ito sa kanila. May share ito sa fashion house nila na sinimulan ng kanyang ina noong aktibo pa ito. Through the years ay once a year lamang sila nito magkita kapag may mga annual meetings o gathering sa fashion house na kailangan nitong daluhan. He is the only living relative she has na masasabing kadugo niya talaga. Sa partido ng kanyang ama ay wala na.
"Hello, dear. I heard you're on vacation."
"Yes, Uncle. You know what they say. All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl."
Natawa ang kanyang kausap sa kabilang linya. "That's good to hear, dear. I was actually planning to ask you to come with me on my last trip to Maldives. Lucille loved it there."
"I would love to go there one day with my husband, Uncle David."
"Husband? Are you planning to marry that good for no... harump, Gareth? I saw him last month with your stepsister," there was an obvious disgust in her uncle's voice.
Napangiti siya. "No, Uncle David. I am already married. And no, it's not Gareth."
"You're married?"
"Uh-huh."
"That's... a wonderful news. Congratulations. Are you expecting?"
"Expecting?"
"Pregnant."
Natigilan siya atsaka wala sa loob na napasapo sa tiyan. Is she pregnant? Siya ang may katawan kaya dapat alam niya, di ba?
"Never mind my question, dear. I apologize for intruding, you're in the right age to start your own family. If you ask me, it's about time," at hindi nito napigilang banggitin na nagsisisi ito na late na itong nagsimula nang maisip nitong bumuo ng sariling pamilya.
Nasa late fifties na kasi ito ngunit ang panganay nitong anak ay magwawalong taong gulang pa lamang. Batang-bata pa rin ang asawa nito at halos kalahati lamang ng edad ng tiyuhin.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to play with my own grandchildren."
"Oh, shush. Don't say that, Uncle David. You're still young for your age. In fact, with your good looks and charm, you will give Robert Downey Jr. a good run for his money."
Ang lutong ng halakhak ng tiyuhin niya sa kabilang linya.
"That's why you are my favorite niece."
"I am your only niece."
Muli itong napahalakhak. Ngunit ang halakhak nito ay nasundan ng ubo dahil para itong nasamid.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Saglit na nawala ang tiyuhin niya sa kabilang linya. Ganoon pa man ay naririnig niya ang pag-ubo nito sa background.
"Uncle David?"
"Hi, Chantal. It's me," wika ng isang babae sa kabilang linya.
"Lucille, is Uncle David okay?"
"Of course, don't worry about it. He was just laughing so hard now he can't stop coughing. How's your vacation, by the way?"
"Great. I'm having so much fun."
"Good to know. I heard you're in the Philippines."
"Yes. They have so many wonderful beaches here."
BINABASA MO ANG
The Heiress and the Hoodlum
RomanceTubig at langis? Masahol pa roon ang agwat ng katayuan nina Chantal at Jethro sa buhay. She wore and designed fancy clothes while he works as a mechanic. And more often than not, he's covered with grease and motor oils. At kung kulang pa ang mga da...
