2 years ago...
JEVA'S
I'm rolling myself on my bed while scrolling my phone. Searching for my name on the list of passers for me to have a complete residency program in Obstetrician-gynecologist.
Hindi ako mapakali habang nagsscroll. Nakapaintense bakit ba kasi ang layo ng apilyedo ko, Villaflor. I know. I know. My search bar para mas mapadali ang paghahanap pero ayaw kong gamitin 'yon. Walang thrill. My hands are literally shaking. Well, my whole body is shaking that's why I'm rolling myself over my bed trying to keep my calm. I've always wanted to become an Ob-gyn. I hope, I passed. Ayaw kong magsayang ng panahon.
1367 - Villafor, Jeva Leyn D.
"Omo!" - napatayo ako at nagtatalon-talon sa kama. What a great day!! THANK YOU LORD!
Yehey! Wala akong masasayang na taon. Huhu. I'm crying in happiness.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, Lord!!!!" - patuloy parin ako sa pagtatalon-talon hanggang sa nahulog ako mula sa ibabaw ng kama ko. "Ouch." - daing ko habang nakahawak ako sa pwet ko na sumalampak sa sahig.
Bigla akong mataranta at agad na tiningnan ang pwet ko sa aking full-length mirror. Oh my gosh! Baka maging flat na ang pwet ko, hindi na ko magiging sexy. Hindi na maglalaway sakin ang mga boys, ito pa naman ang best asset ko. Huhu
I groan as I stretched my body a little before I run fast towards the 1st floor.
"Mom! Moooom!!! Mommy!!" - I saw her mother in the living room, sitting on the couch and immediately hugged her in happiness. Muntik pa kaming natumba at napahiga dalawa.
"Hey, honey. Slow down. What happened to you?" - my mom asked at looked at me with a furrowed brows.
"I passed, Mom!! I passed!" - I hugged her again and pushed her lightly and then jumped in happiness. At nagpaikot-ikot pa. "I'm going straight to my complete residency!!!!" - I exclaimed while jumping around.
I saw Nana During, my nanny since birth carrying a tray with a jar of juice and cookies on it. I ran to her and leaned a little. I wrapped my arms on her neck.
"I passed, Nana." - I said with teary eyes. I am so happy. Nana smiled at me. She placed the tray on the table and hugged me.
"Congrats, Je." - I smile and went back to my mom. Sanay na si Nana During na tawagin akong "Je" 'di ko alam kung bakit pero mas okay na din 'yun kaysa sa "Jebs" ni Mari.
Natanga lamang ito. I hugged her again and cried on her shoulder. "Mom, I did it. I thought I couldn't make it."
She tapped my back, mukhang nawala na ang pagkagulat nito. "Congratulations, anak. Of course, I know that you can do it. I believe you can and here it is now. Mana ka kaya sa mommy mo." - she said proudly and pushed me lightly to move a little away from her. She wiped my tears.
"I am so proud of you, my girl." - my dad pats my head and smiled at me. Bago tumango sa kung sino man ang nasa likod ko.
I look behind me. Oh my goodness! Nakakahiya!! I saw an old couple. Their faces were unfamiliar to me. I know they're couple dahil magkahawak ang kamay nila.
Gosh! Mukha akong bruha ngayon. I haven't taken a bath yet, not even combed my hair and I'm just wearing a plain white sando and dolphin shorts.
Nasobrahan ata ko sa pagiging masaya at naging malabo ang mata ko dahil hindi ko sila nakita kanina.
I crossed my arms on my chest to cover my breasts since I didn't wear a bra and luckily my breasts aren't that big and I have long wavy hair, thanks to that dahil 'di na masyadong halata.
I gave them an awkward smile and bow at them to show respect. Bibig ko lang ang bastos at syempre, exclusive for my friends only. I can control myself and my mouth. I also know how to respect elders.
"Congratulations, hija." - The old woman greeted me and I thanked her. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang hiya ko pero I composed myself to look confident. Nakakaloka.
"Anak, this is Mrs. Valene Kim." Turo ni Mom sa matandang babae. She offered her hand to me and I gladly accept it. "...and this is Mr. Zellion Kim." - We also shake our hands. "They're the owner of the ZK Pharmaceuticals." - My mouth formed 'O'. That's the biggest and well-known Distributing Pharmaceutical Company in the Philippines. When I graduated as a Pharmacist gusto kong magtrabaho sa kanila pero hindi yun nangyari kasi I proceed immediately to med school and my parents won't allow me to have a job while studying. They don't want me to be so stressed or exhausted.
Why are they here? Oh, maybe business after all, my mom and dad are both doctors.
Tumikhim ang matandang lalaki. "That means a celebration then." - He clapped his hands once while smiling at us.
Geez! Weird people. Why would we celebrate? Hindi naman ibig sabihin nun Ob-Gyn na ako. Mag-aaral pa ako no? Heller?!
"Maybe this is also the right time for her to meet my apo." - Mrs. Valene said.
Why would I meet their apo? My brows furrowed.
"Yeah, maybe it's already the right time." - mas lalong lumukot ang mukha ko. What the heck are they talking about?! My mother looked at me. "Go to your room and prepare. We're going somewhere."
"Mom, why do we have to celebrate it's not that---" mother cuts me off by placing her hand in front of my face.
"Just do what I say. We're just happy for you." Arrgh!! This is what I hate being the only child of rich doctors. Madalas wala itong time sa akin pero close naman ako sa mga ito especially to my mom. She's my #1 bestfriend.
Sa mga simple to big achievements ko my parents will automatically throw a party for me. Kahit ayaw ko wala naman akong magagawa. My mother will always say:
You are my only child. I want the best for you. We always don't have time for you so, sa ganitong paraan bumabawi kami sayo.
"Fine." - pagsuko ko rito. She smiled and thanked me. She kissed my cheeks.
"I promise you it's just a dinner with the family and of course, with the Kim's." - Mom glanced at the old couple. Family but with them? Hmm... Something's fishy.
But, good thing it's not a party. Siguradong maloloka ako dahil makikipagplastikan na naman ako sa mga kaibigan at mga anak ng mga kaibigan nila mommy at daddy. Most of them envied me maybe because their parents compared them to me. Geez! I really don't like the idea of comparing oneself to another.
Tumango nalang ako sa mommy ko. I excused myself at umakyat pabalik sa room ko.
Pagpasok ko roon ay nag-iingay ang phone ko dahil sa dami ng notifications. Dali-dali ko itong kinuha and checked it. Tinadtad na pala ako ng chat ng mga kaibigan ko sa aming group chat sa instagram. Wala kasi akong facebook, twitter and etc. I only have instagram as my social media account.
shy_santiago: "Oh my! Congrats, Love." - Oh. She's always the sweetest.
gwynthebird: "Congrats, dear cousin. Lilipad ako papunta dyan. Libre mo." - my only cousin, my father is the only son. So, wala akong pinsan sa ama, first cousin I mean. Gwyn is my cousin on my mother side, Gwyn's father is my mother's older brother. Only daughter lang din siya. She is obsessed with birds. Kaya niya piniling maging flight attendant dahil may pakpak ang eroplano. Duh! Gusto niyang maging isang Mulawin. Favorite niya yun.
nerizeinaction: "Congrats, girl." - a simple message from my not-so-silent type friend. Hindi ko alam kung paano naging artista to eh, hindi naman ito palasalita. Pero minsan non-stop din ang bibig nito. Tsaka MINSAN, baliw din yan. Lalo na pag umuulan nagiging baliw ang babaeng 'yan.
mariebiscuit: "Girl, 'pag nabuntis ako, sayo ako magpapaanak. Libre lang ha? Best friend mo naman ako. Swerte mo pa makikita mo ang kepyas ko." - ngumiwi ako ng mabasa ang message niya. This girl! Napakaconservative din. Manang-mana sa akin.
lorensoyoung: "Bitch! Answer your goddamn phone! Gonna congratulate you through call." - Well, of course. Here is the one and only, Kyza Loren. She's really not a sweet type person but deep inside I know she loves us.
Lahat kami puro kalokohan ang username sa instagram except, Shylane. Ito lang ata ang pinakaseryoso sa amin eh.
leynnotline: "I'll create a meeting on Zoom. Join me."
I immediately create a meeting on zoom and invite my girl friends to join. Agad naman nakapagjoin ang mga ito.
Hinawakan ko ang aking airpods at bahagyang inilayo saking tenga. Dahil sobrang ingay ng mga kaibigan ko. Except, Shy who just smile. Something's wrong with that smile. I shrugged, baka gawa-gawa lang ng mga mata ko 'yon.
We're laughing while talking to each other. We're talking some nasty and silly things. Why nasty? Because of me and Mari of course. Everything seems, okay. I think everything is okay. Pero kakaiba talaga ang ngiti ni Shy kanina. Something's odd and not right. I just can't point it out.
"Guys, I can't talk to you any longer we'll be having a family dinner." - Paalam ko sa aking mga kaibigan. My friends already bid goodbye while Shy's still zoning out.
"Shy." Hindi niya ako pinansin. Nakatulala lamang nito. "SHY!" -agad itong napatingin sa kanya medyo gulat pa.
"There I caught your attention." - I rolled my eyes.
"Oh? Sorry. You were saying?" - I rolled my eyes again.
"I said, I need to go now. I'll be attending a family dinner. Our friends already left the meeting." - Shy smiled and nodded at me. "Are you okay?"
She gave me her famous don't-mind-me smile. "I'm okay. Enjoy your dinner." - She waved her hand and left the meeting.
That was odd. Shylane's really not herself right now.
Something's really not good with Shy.
I'll surely ask her later.
I took a bath before going to my closet and pick a red fitted dress. Hapit na hapit ito sa katawan ko. Though, I chose this because sa lahat ng damit ko ito lang 'yong sa tingin ko ay formal and plain. It's just a dinner baka ma over-dressed ako. I also chose it because it is not a sleeveless. May matanda kaming kasama mamaya. I need to look demure. Baka maissue sina mom at dad na mukhang pokpok ang unica hija nila.
I also put on light makeup. Demure look nga eh, diba?
Hindi ko alam na umabot pala ako ng tatlong oras. Ilang oras ba ako nakipagkausap sa mga kaibigan ko?
Bumaba na ako dahil baka mapagalitan pa ako sa sobrang tagal ko.
I saw my mom and dad in the living room. Talking about something. My dad looks like he is not in the mood. What happened?
"Mom? Dad?" - I called them to get their attention.
"Wow! You look simple but elegant, anak. Not so you." - I don't think that it is a compliment from my mom but I'll take it as it is.
"Well, Mr & Mrs. Kim are quite old. I don't want them to have a bad impression on me." - baka kasi kung business nga ang pinag-usapan nila tapos nakita nila na mukhang pokpok ang anak ng mga doctor na ito ay baka mag back-out kasalanan ko pa.
"Impressive." - She clapped her hands while grinning. "I bet he'll like you. Well, of course he will. You're Jeva Leyn Villaflor." - My upper lips corner rose. What is she talking about? I don't get her. She's been weird since earlier.
My dad just scowled at her. Uh-oh! Something's not right is going to happen.
"Let's go." - We went out and walked straight to the garage.
Dad didn't ask Manong Bert to drive for us. Si daddy na lang daw baka kasi matagalan kami at baka biglang manganak ang asawa nito.
We arrived at a luxury restaurant after less than an hour's ride. We go straight to the VIP room with the guide, of course.
Hmm. Seems like it is a very formal dinner. So expensive. Why do rich people like this kind of dinner. Konti lang yung isang serve tapos ang mahal-mahal hindi naman masyadong masarap. Hindi katulad ng mga street foods masarap na mura pa. Lol! I really don't like expensive food. I prefer home-made dishes or street foods. Syempre, secret lang yung pagkain ko ng street food kasi magagalit ang mga overprotective parents ko.
The moment we enter the VIP room, I saw the old couple with a young man. He has a pointed nose, his almond brown hair was pushed backwards, almond shaped eyes, and pink lips. Really?! Pink lips?! A man with a pink lips?! Really? How is it possible?! Also, his face is so clear. Nahiya naman ang mukha ko sa kanya. Halatang alagang-alaga 'yon. Tapos 'yung akin parang pinapabayaan ng ilang taon.
"Hello, good evening Mr. & Mrs. Kim." - bati ni mama sa dalawa.
"Hello." - Old woman stood up at naglakad kami papalapit sa kanila. Nakipagbeso si mom sa kanila. While, my dad just shake their hands as a greetings.
Lumapit din ako sa kanila at nagmano. The old couple stunned at what I did. Right! Bakit ba ako nagmano? Eh, dugong banyaga pala itong dalawa. Akala ko magagalit sila but instead, they smiled at me.
"What a very good kid." - Mrs. Kim said. "Sit down. Sit down." - Syempre umupo na rin ako. Nakakapagod kayang tumayo ng nakaheels.
I sat at the opposite chair where the young man sat.
"By the way, this is my grandson, Vladimir Champ Quiroz. Our one and one grandson. Our only heir." - pakilala ni Mrs. Kim sa lalaking kung saan-saan lumilipad ang utak. I looked at them with furrowed brows. How did he become their grandson? They have different surnames.
"He's mother is my only child." - Oh? That explains why they don't have the same surname.
The man stood up and greeted my parents and shook their hands.
After that, his deep-seated eyes look at me. He smirked.
"Hello, baby." - lumubo ang ilong ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Baby, my ass! He maybe hot and handsome that could loosen the garter of my panty but who the hell is he to call me baby?!
His grandmother awed. "How cute." - Her eyes sparkled. Really?! What's cute in that? "I think my grandson likes your daughter." With that thought, I mentally flipped my hair. I raised my chin up, I'm having lots of confidence dahil sa sinabi ni Mrs. Kim. Who wouldn't like me? I pop my lips out to keep myself from smiling.
Moments later the food arrived. They talk and talk and talk, I don't care. I can't understand what they're talking about. I focused myself on these expensive foods, forcing myself to eat them. Because again, I don't like eating expensive foods, I may grow up with a GOLD spoon in my mouth but I am not a spoiled brat. Matipid akong tao. I want to save as much as possible and every December I'll visit at least five orphanages to give gifts to those children.
And, the last thing I heard is the word engagement.
"Engagement?" - I am confused, why are they talking about engagement? "Who is going to be engaged?" - I asked before putting sliced meat in my mouth.
"You..." - My mom answered."...and Vlad." - napatigil ako sa pagnguya.
"This dinner is to announce that both of you is officially engaged." I choked to what Mrs. Valene said. Maharan kong hinahampas ang dibdib ko while coughing. I thought this dinner is for me. Nascam pala ako ng mga ito.
"Restroom lang muna ako. Excuse me po." - I still managed to smile before going to the restroom.
Naiinis ako. Bakit ba nila ako inarrange marriage?! Wala ba akong karapatang magmahal? Arrgh!
I stayed 10 minutes in the restroom to calm myself. Nang malaman kong naghihintay pala sakin si Champ sa labas ng restroom. Wow? Really Jeva? Champ? Close kayo?
"What are you doing here?" - mataray kong tanong sa kanya.
"Isn't it obvious? Waiting for you." - sungit naman ng lalaking to tatadyakan ko ito, eh. Minus 10 points sa kapogian nya.
"Why would you do that?"
"We need to talk." - I scoffed. Aba! Ang arrogante.
"Why?" - I raised my brow.
"It's not that I want to marry you." - What the heck?! Mukhang lugi pa siya sa pananalita niya. Sapakin ko kaya to? "But, this marriage was fixed by my late beloved mother and your mother. So, I have to deal with it." Wow! Just wow! Napipilitan?!
I tsked. "I see you don't like this marriage thing. So, do I. Bakit pumayag ka? Bakit hindi mo sabihin sa lola at lolo mo na ayaw mong magpakasal sa akin?" Ayaw naman pala niya bakit pinipilit niya ang sarili nya. Grr. Pero bakit parang nasasaktan ako? Dahil ba rejected ang beauty ko? Ah! Tama! 'yon nga ang rason.
"Why don't you do that? Ikaw ang magsabi sa mga magulang mo." - I was stunned. I can't disappoint my parents. I can't say no to them. I am their only child. Wala silang ibang pagpapasahan nito.
I sighed.
"Can you?" - I glared at him. "I see you can't." - He made a fake chuckle.
"So, I guess you should deal with it." - I am still trying to calm myself. Pero mas lalo lang itong tumaas ang dugo ko dahil sa sumunod na sinabi niya.
"You are not that beautiful. Wag kang mag-inarte. Ako pa ang lugi sayo." - He said at nauna na bumalik sa mesa.
What the heck?! Me?! I maybe not famous or what, but I am not ugly if that is what he is trying to say. Grabe makapang-apak ng pride ang lalaking to. May pangit bang maraming lumalapit para kuning model?! Kung meron man ako lang ata yun. Yes! Lots of photographers and magazines are contacting me to be their model.
The nerve with that guy! Nakakainis siya at ang sarap niyang sapatosin.
Hindi pala siya gwapo gaya ng sabi ko kanina. Hindi pala sya nakakalaglag bra at panty.
Isa siyang kutong-lupa. Ang baho niya! Ang baho ng pagkatao niya!
Kala naman nya maglalaway ako sa kanya. Well, slight lang naman. Slight lang!
Pero hindi ko pa rin matanggap na ginaganun nya ako. Walangya siya!
Makikita niya ang hinagpis ng isang api!
Makikita niya na hindi tama ang ginawa niya sa akin. Pagsisisihan niya iyon. Arrgh!! Nanggigigil ako sa kanya.
Bumalik ako sa dining table with a wide smile then, I saw the lamang-lupa grinned at me. I mentally rolled my eyes.
Hindi ako pwedeng magmaldita dito. Call me plastic or whatsoever, I don't care.
"So? Have you two talked?" - My mom asked.
"Yes." - sabay naming sagot.
"Good."
"Excellent!"
My mom and Mrs. Kim exclaimed.
Mrs. Kim gestured her hand. A man in late 30's, I guess, came in.
Sino naman ito? May dala pang briefcase.
The man placed a red velvet box on the table and he also opened it.
I saw a pair of rings. Maganda sya. Simple yet elegant. Yung isa medyo malaki, I guess it's for lamang-lupa, it has a 3 diamonds na nakabaon sa ring. And the other one, which I guess is for me, it's surrounded by small diamond stones.
Buti nalang, ayaw ko ng mga singsing na malalaki ang bato dahil nakakaagaw pansin 'yun.
Makakaagaw pansin din naman ang singsing na 'yan. But, that'll be fine.
Hindi ko naman 'yan susuotin palagi. Susuotin ko lang yan kung magkikita-kita kami, I'm sure. Hindi naman siguro kami ipapakasal agad. At hindi naman siguro kami palaging magkikita ng lamang-lupa na ito.
Naiinis pa rin ako. Okay na sana, eh. Kung mabait lang ang kutong ito. Kahit ayaw ko pang maengage pagtiya-tiyagaan ko siya kung mabait lang siya. Aanhin ko ang gwapo ko gago naman? Tss!
Jusme! Hindi pa ako nagkakaboyfriend. Diretso engaged agad. Nakakaloka. Di man lang ako dumaan sa ligawan stage. Hays!
Hindi pa ako nakaexperience ng French-kiss, torrid kiss at kahit anong kiss. And I think hindi ko na ma-experience lahat ng 'yun dahil sa kutong yan. I maybe don't like the idea of him and me being engaged pero hindi ako cheater no? I want to be both loyal and faithful to my partner.
I don't like the idea of having a third party in a relationship. Napakatoxic nun.
Paano na ang ideal love-life ko? Wala naaaaa.
Wala na dahil sa kupal na 'yon. Huhu.
Natigil ang pagrereklamo ko sa sarili ko ng biglang tumikhim si Mrs. Kim.
My jaw dropped to what she said. "Since you both already agreed to it and accepted the engagement, I guess there'll be no problem. So..."
Para akong binuhusan ng napakalamig na tubig dahil sa huling sinabi ni Mrs. Kim
"Let's move on to the wedding..."