Falling Slowly: Twenty One

Chapter 21

Isang linggo na ang nakalipas at naging maayos naman ang pakikitungo ng mga magulang ni Ren sa kanya. Ni isa sa kapamilya niya’y walang nagbabanggit tungkol sa naudlot na engagement. Wala rin namang gabing hindi naaalala ni Ren si Monette at madalas din siyang natutukso ng kapatid dahil minsan ay naikwento na niya ang dalaga dito. Naalala tuloy ni Ren ang naganap na pag-uusap nila ng ate niya.

Flashback….

“Are you sure she’s just a friend, because from the looks of it, she’s more than that to you. I mean, if you could only see your face when you start telling stories about her, you look so smittened by her!” nangingising wika n Andrea kay Ren na hawak hawak ang gitara.

“She’s just a friend! She can never see me as someone she could have romantic relationship with. Besides, when I saw her they look perfect together. I don’t know! It’s like they deserve each other and yes, I’m happy for them. At least she has someone she can really call her own.” Dismayadong wika ni Ren.

“I don’t get you sometimes. You’re overstressing things again.  Why not just look for someone who can love you back? Life is that simple, baby brother.” Wika ni Andrea at binigyan lang ni Ren ito ng tipid na ngiti.

End of flashback…

“Hey, baby brother! Are you awake? Someone’s here to see you!” masiglang wika ni Andrea sa kapatid na nakahiga pa rin sa kama. Sinimangutan nito ang kapatid at nagtalukbong uli ng comforter. Sabay hatak naman ni Andrea sa comforter at pinilit bumangon ang kapatid.

“Wash up and meet us downstairs! Don’t let your visitor wait that long.” Wika ni Andrea at agad ding lumabas ng kwarto nang makitang pumasok na sa banyo ang kapatid.

“Visitor? Please, not her! I don’t think I am ready to face her.” Munting dalangin ni Ren habang nakaharap sa salamin sa may lababo niya. Agad din namang nag-ayos ito at nagpalit ng damit. Nagmamadali siyang bumaba ng hagdan nang…

“Jay!!!!” sigaw ni Lenny.

“Len.” Simpleng bati ni Ren pero halatang dismayado ng makita ang babaeng itinakdang pakasalan siya. Agad lumibot ang mga mata ni Ren na halos umapoy kakahanap sa ina. Nang makita nito ang inang kanina’y ngiting ngiti hangang dumapo ang nanlilisik na mga mata ni Ren ay nilapitan ito agad.

“What’s the meaning of this? Why is she here? Is this one of your plans?” galit na bulong ni Ren sa inang nakatingin kay Lenny.

“She was in town so I asked her to visit. There’s nothing wrong with that and besides you called off the engagement, right? Isn’t she prettier now?” hirit ng ina ni Ren at napaikot nalang ang eyeballs ng binata sa narinig.

“Be sure that this is not one of your viscious plans. I’m telling you mum, I was able to forget I have a family and I can do that again in a snap.” Gigil na wika ni Ren at hinawakan naman ni Mrs. McKinley ang balikan ng anak.

“I’m not doing anything wrong, son!” inis na ring wika nito at umalis na sa sala.

Nang makita ni Andrea ang pag-alis ng ina ay sumunod na rin ito at iniwan na ang dalawa sa sala.