Take Me Back To The Night We Met

Nakapikit kong tinitipa ang tamang piyesa ng kaharap kong piano, dinadama ang matinding emosyon sa tono ng kantang 'Ang Huling El-Bimbo'. Bawat musikang lumabas mula sa pagtipa ko ay nagdadala ng malaking ngiti sa aking mga labi. Ang musikang tinutugtog ko ay dinadala ako sa nakaraang hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan—dahil kasama ko siya roon...sa mga panahong marami kaming pinagdaan. Sinong mag-aakala na hahantong pa rin kami sa ganito? Lahat ng paghihirap at pasakit ay nalampasan namin nang magkasama... hanggang sa dalhin kami ng tadhana rito sa isang lugar kung saan ako tumutugtog ngayon. Unti-unti kong idinilat ang mga mata ko at nakita ko sa b****a ng simbahan ang pagpasok ng babaeng mahal ko. Ang mga kamay ko ay patuloy sa pagtugtog ng aming paboritong tugtugin ngunit ang mga mata ko ay nakatutok sa kaniya. Pakiramdam ko ay ako lamang ang tao rito at ako lamang ang nakakakita sa kaniya habang naglalakad siyang patungo rito sa dulo ng altar. Napakaganda niya sa suot na wedding gown. Ang kaniyang ulo ay natatakpan ng mamahaling veil. Abot-langit ang mga ngiti niya sa labi habang mabagal na naglalakad patungo sa kinaroroonan ko. Paanong hindi? Hawak niya ngayon ang isang bouquet ng Peony flowers na paborito niya noon pa man. Nagtama ang paningin naming dalawa ngunit hindi ko na nakita nang malinaw ang kaniyang mukha dahil nanlabo na ang mga mata ko dahil sa nagbabadyang pagbuhos ng mga luha. Mahal na mahal ko ang babaeng ito. Ang sabi ko noon sa kaniya: kapag dumating ang araw na ikakasal kami ay ako ang tutugtog sa kasal namin habang hinihintay ko siya sa dulo ng altar. At nangyari nga iyon dahil narito ako ngayon sa dulo ng altar, hinihintay ang paglapit niya. Kasabay ng pagpatak ng mga luha ko ay ang pagdaloy ng mga alaalang hindi ko makakalimutan. *** "No way!" I groaned in disapproval when I opened my eyes. "Kailangan kong malaman anong next na nangyari!" I sat on my bed and glared at the door. "Miss Akina, pinapagising na po kayo ni Ma'am Akira." Narinig ko pa ang marahang pagkatok ng katulong namin na si Cecil sa pinto ng kwarto ko. I hugged my pillows and closed my eyes again, trying to sleep. "Tell her I'll go down in ten minutes," I told Cecil. "Sige po." I opened my eyes again. "Why did she have to interrupt my dream? Hindi ko tuloy alam kung anong story nilang dalawa bago sila kinasal," I whispered, remembering my dream about a man who was sitting in front of a piano, waiting for her bride at the end of the altar. I sighed dreamily as I imagined myself wearing a beautiful wedding gown while walking down the aisle to get married with the man of my dreams. At my age, hindi pa ako nagkakaroon ng boyfriend dahil masyadong strict si Daddy sa mga suitors ko. There were times Dad sent two bodyguards for me, mabuti na lang at sinabihan siya ni Mommy. God, I'm turning 18 now! Nang maalala kong 18th birthday ko pala ngayon, bumangon kaagad ako at nakangiting nag-inat ng katawan. "Thank, God! I'm at a legal age now! Finally, I can have boyfriend! Shocks, I'm so excited!" I giggled before going to my bathroom to take a shower. I wore a blue tank top with a pair of black dolphin shorts. As I blow-dried my hair in front of my vanity mirror, I checked my phone to read a lot of messages from my bestfriend, Aica, and from my blockmates. I typed a reply saying 'thank you' and I invited them to go at my party tonight. Marami sila and halos mapudpod ang fingernails ko sa kaka-type. Ugh! I tied my hair in high ponytail before going to the master's bedroom. "Hi, Mom! Good morning!" "Happy birthday, sweetheart!" My Mom hugged me when she saw me entering the room. She was wearing a red silk robe which made her look like a goddess. Like me, of course. "I have a gift for you!" My eyes widened in excitement. "D-Don't tell me..." The side of her lips rose up before pointing the paper bags on the bed. My eyes sparkled when I saw the two designer paper bags. "Wow! These are my favorite brands!" My lips formed an 'o' as I opened the first paper bag. "This is an Amelia jewelry set! I thought ubos na 'to kasi limited edition lang! Oh my, God! Thank you, Mommy!" I hugged her tightly, giggling. "Oh, dear. You know I can do everything for you." She hugged me back and kissed my forehead. "Do you like it?" "I like it so much, Mom! Thank you!" Sunod kong binuksan ang pangalawang paper bag at nanlaki ulit ang mga mata ko nang makita ang isang itim at mahabang box na may tatak ng famous brand ng shoes. "It's from your dad." "Oh, really?! OMG!" I hugged the box, giggling. "Where's dad?" "He's with a meeting with investors." The smile on my face faded. "It's my birthday. Bakit nasa work pa rin siya?" "Come on, Akina." She held my cheeks. "Uuwi rin siya mamaya. Don't crease your face like that. Maaga kang magkaka-wrinkles niyan. Look at me, kahit 42 years old na ako, mukha pa rin akong baby face," biro niya. Napangiti tuloy ako. "You're so beautiful, Mom." I held her cheeks, too. I admired her face for a moment. Magkamukha kaming dalawa. Hugis puso ang mukha niya na binagayan ng maliit at matangos na ilong. Bilugan ang mga mata niya at may mahahabang pilik-mata, may manipis na mga labi na natural na mapupula. Ang pinagkaiba lang namin ay pinkish ang labi ko at mamula-mula ang mga pisngi ko. Overall, mukha raw kaming mga manika ni Mommy. And I'm proud to say that to my friends—that we have the same looks with my mom. "No wonder why dad was so in love with you until now," I uttered, looking at her eyes intently. I saw how her eyes averted when I told her that. "Y-You think so?" My lips parted a bit, trying to read what was on her mind. Growing up, nakita ko kung gaano kamahal ni Daddy si Mommy. Mom, on the other hand, never expressed affection for Dad, which confuses me to this day. I’ve known for a long time that they were hiding something about their relationship and they prefer to keep quiet so I won’t be affected. Pero kahit hindi nila sabihin, nakikita ko sa mga kilos ni Mommy...na hindi niya mahal si Daddy. Sana alam ko ang dahilan para may magawa ako. Nothing else matters to me except the happiness of my family. "M-Mom...can I ask you a question?" I asked her. "What is it, Akina?" She smiled, but her eyes says she's nervous. "Dalaga na ako. You don't have to hide the truth to me." I bit my lower lip before I continued. "D-Do you love him? Do you love my dad?" The smile on her lips faded as her eyes immediately watered. She blinked twice before talking. "I-I loved your dad." My forehead creased. "Loved? Past tense? What do you mean, Mom?" "Hindi na mahalaga kung minahal ko ang daddy mo. Ang importante, mayroon kaming ikaw." Hinalikan niya ang noo ko at hinaplos ang buhok ko bago ngumiti nang malawak. "B-Bakit hindi mo sabihin sa akin, Mommy? Malaki na ako. Maiintindihan ko ang lahat." "You can never understand, sweetheart. May mga bagay na mas mabuting hindi mo na lang alam para hindi ka masaktan." I stared at her beautiful face. Bakit hindi niya masabi sa akin? Masyado bang mabigat ang dahilan? At bakit ako masasaktan? Many questions ran through my mind but I just kept quiet. I don't want to ruin my birthday for being a curious. *** "Maybe she doesn't want to talk about it anymore," Aica, my bestfriend, told me while she was checking the gifts I have received. She came here to personally hand over her gift for me. It was an expensive wristwatch. I sat on my bed, pursing my lips. "I just want to know. Umasa lang naman ako na baka sabihin niya ang totoo. Alam mo na, bilang nag-iisang anak, gusto kong malaman kung bakit gano'n sila. I want to see them loving each other like no tommorow." "Hay naku, stop overthinking!" Binitawan niya ang mga gifts ko at umusog papunta sa tabi ko. "You are supposed to be happy right now! Debut mo ngayon! Duh!" "Yeah, it's my birthday." I sighed. "Now, where's my gift?" I groaned when she pulled my hair. "I already gave it to you kaya!" "Oh, I have something to tell you!" My eyes grew wider as I remembered my dream earlier. "What? Do you have a boyfriend now?" Her brows arched. "No, silly!" I pulled her hair lightly. "I have a dream! May isang guy na tumutugtog ng piano sa loob ng simbahan habang hinihintay niya ang bride niya!" "Really? And then what happened?! Nakita mo ba 'yong mga face nila?!" I pursed my lips. "No, eh. Malabo. At saka kumatok kasi si Cecil kaya hindi na natuloy. Pero alam mo ba, kahit panaginip lang 'yon, ramdam na ramdam ko 'yong emotion ng guy na tumutugtog ng piano. Mahal na mahal niya 'yong bride niya. I hope, I find a guy like him! Iyong super mahal na mahal ako!" I sighed dreamily. "You're still young. Huwag ka munang ma-addict sa paghahanap ng guy of your dream." "What's wrong with that? Gusto kong maramdaman 'yong feeling na minamahal...inaalagaan..." I looked at the ceiling, fantasizing. "Bakit? Hindi mo ba nararamdaman 'yon sa mga parents mo? You have a loving parents kaya!" "I know!" I rolled my eyes at her. "What I mean is the kind of love that is...passionate. Iyong love na galing sa isang taong hindi mo naman kadugo. Iyong love na magpapatibok sa heart mo katulad ng mga nasa romance novel!" "The kind of love that makes people crazy," she added, rolling her eyes. "Hindi lahat ng love ay nagpapabaliw sa isang tao. Sometimes, it gives inspiration to the person—" "Yeah, I already know that! Bakit ba 'yan ang pinag-uusapan natin? My God! We're too young for that!" "I'm just curious!" I reasoned out. "Marami pa kasi akong hindi alam tungkol sa love." I sighed, remembering my mom. "My mom can't give me any clue about love because...she doesn't love Dad. How hard is it to love someone back?" "Tigilan mo na nga kakaisip niyan. Hay naku!" I pursed my lips again. We spent the whole day preparing for my debut tonight. My mom gave me the dress I chose a month ago. It was a beige-colored gown with crystals all over it. We went to the famous hotel. Doon kasi ang venue ng debut ko. When my make-up artist came, Mom and Aica were watching me. "Stop staring at me," I said, chuckling. My make-up artist was putting a lipstick on my pinkish lips. "You look beautiful! Mas maganda ka pa sa 'kin no'ng nag-debut ako!" Aica said. "Hindi ba, Tita Akira?!" "Of course, mana sa'kin." My mom chuckled. It was 7 p.m when I got finished my whole outfit. I looked elegant with my beige-colored, long-sleeved gown. Malalim ang neckline niyon pero hindi naman masagwang tingnan. Naka-elegant bun din ang hanggang dibdib kong buhok. Overall, mukha akong fairy—sabi ni Aica. I wore heels to increase my height. "Happy birthday, sweetheart!" I covered my mouth when Dad, wearing a black suit, entered my room. He was holding a bouquet of tulips. He looked dashing. Parang kaedad ko lang siya. "Oh my, God! Dad!" I hugged him tightly. "I thought hindi ka na pupunta. Iiyak na sana ako." He chuckled. "Bakit naman ako hindi pupunta? Birthday ng baby girl ko, eh. Did you receive my gift? Do you like it?" I nodded, smiling from ear to ear. "I like it, Dad!" "Hi, Tito!" Aica greeted him. "Oh, hi, Aica! You look beautiful!" My dad kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you, Tito!" "Anak, we have to go. Marami nang naghihintay sa baba," my mom said, ignoring my dad. "Mom..." I held her hand. "It's okay, sweetheart." Dad held my arm, smiling like he wasn't affected by my mom's action. "Smile and enjoy your party." "Mauuna na kami sa venue, sweetie," paalam ni Mommy bago ako hinalikan sa pisngi. Nginitian naman ako ni Aica bago siya sumama kay Mommy. "Let's go?" My dad offered his hand. "Dad..." "It's okay." He gave me an assuring smile. "I got used to it." "I love you, Dad." I hugged his arm. "Thank you." "I love you more than anything in this world." He kissed my forehead. "I love your mom. That's the most important thing." And I admired him for that. *** "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's debutante...Akina Dein Archangel!" the emcee announced. Before I began walking down the red carpet with my father, I took a big breath. They stood up and clapped for my grand entrance as I walked inside the venue. I was smiling from ear to ear as the spotlight followed my every step until I reached the stage, which was decked out with decorations. "Thank you for coming tonight," I started my speech. I did my best not to stutter. Ang dami nila! Most of them were my parents' friends and business partners. May mga nakita pa akong socialites na kilala ko pero hindi ko naman friend. Naroon din ang blockmates ko. I smiled at Mom and Dad, they were smiling at me. Standing beside them was Aica, together with Miggy, my guy bestfriend. Dad was my first dance in 18 roses. It was followed by Aica's father, Tito Arnaldo, and Miggy's father, Tito Gil. I don't have any cousins because both of my parents are only child, so I danced with my guy blockmates instead. "Mr. Bryan Marasigan," the emcee called the next in line. Kumunot ang noo ko kasi hindi ko naman kilala 'yon. I roamed my eyes around and my jaw almost dropped when I saw the man walking towards my direction, holding a red rose. Parang nag-slow motion ang paningin ko. I could feel my heart doubled in beat. Parang...nangyari na ito dati. He was wearing an ash gray suit that perfectly hugged his broad shoulders and perfect arms. Mukha siyang model sa paraan ng paglalakad niya. His hair was pushed back. My lips parted a bit when he stopped in front of me, handing over the red rose he was holding. "Happy birthday," he greeted, smiling. "U-Uh..." I don't know what to say. Nakatingin lang ako sa mukha niya hanggang sa kunin niya ang mga kamay ko para ilagay sa balikat niya. I flinced when he held my waist to dance with me. "Are you okay?" he asked politely, staring at my eyes. He has a pair of tantalizing eyes, thick brows, thin lips, perfect nose and jawline. God, he looked like a God! OMG! "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself," he said. "I'm Bryan Marasigan, your dad's friend." "Y-You are...my dad's friend?" I asked, stuttering a little bit. "B-But I don't even know you. I-I mean, never kitang nakita. I know my dad's friends very well." He chuckled, revealing his pearl-white teeth. Pwedeng-pwede siyang maging commercial model ng toothpaste. "I'm his student when he was still a professor." "W-What?" My brows furrowed. "My dad was a professor 18 years ago. H-How come..." "You're cute when you're confused." He chuckled and pinched my cheek a little bit. "W-What do you mean?" My brows furrowed even more, holding the my cheek. "M-Mataba ba pisngi ko?" "I said 'you're cute'," ulit niya. "A-Are you saying na mataba ako?" I blinked twice, offended. Nabura kaagad ang ngiti niya nang makita ang reaksyon ko. "N-No. That's not what I meant. I'm sorry." "No." I shook my head. "Akala ko friend ka ni Dad. You're bully pala." I glared at him. Ayoko talaga sa lahat na tinatawag akong 'cute'! For me, isa lang ang meaning n'on. Mataba ako! Actually, hindi naman ako mataba pero mabilis akong maniwala kapag isang guy ang nagsabi sa akin! "Are you mad?" he asked. "Yes," I hissed. "Do you have a problem with that?" "You're offended because I said 'you're cute'?" His brows arched, letting out an amused laugh. "Wow. You're different from other kids nowadays." I pressed my lips together before letting out a heavy sigh. "Do I look like a kid to you? Huwag ka ngang magsalita na para bang old ka na." He stared at me like I said something funny. Amusement filled his eyes. "W-Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong? Don't tell me gurang ka na—" "Miss Akina, you're only half my age," he cut me off, chuckling. "W-What?" I blinked twice. Half my age? I was distracted for a second by the music background that filled the hall. It was my favorite piano cover of a famous song. "I'm 36 years old. I have the right to call you a 'kid'," Bryan, the guy in front of me, added, smiling like a proud jerk. My eyes grew wider as my lips parted in shock. I was about to talk but my vision became blurry. I stepped back, trying to balance my posture. Kumurap ako nang ilang ulit, umaasa na bumalik sa dati ang paningin ko pero walang nangyari. "Are you okay?" Bryan asked, holding my arms to support me. I stared at his blurry face, trying to talk. "I-I..." It was only a second when my vision went black. *** "Ugh! My head hurts!" I groaned as I held my head. Pakiramdam ko ay umiikot ang paligid ko. "Miss Akina." I heard Cecil's voice from outside. "Pinapagising na po kayo ni Ma'am Akira. May pasok pa po kayo." "W-What?" I muttered, trying to remember what happened yesterday. Naalala ko na dumilim ang paningin ko kagabi habang kaharap ko ang friend ni Dad na si Bryan. Pagkatapos ay wala na akong maalala. I stood up from my bed and opened the door. "Miss Akina—" Napatigil sa pagkatok si Cecil nang buksan ko ang pinto. "G-Good morning po." "What happened?" "A-Ano po?" "What happened yesterday?!" I couldn't stop myself from shouting. "The last thing I remember, hinimatay ako!" Nanlaki ang mga mata niya na para bang may sinabi akong mali. "M-Miss Akina, hindi naman po kayo hinimatay kahapon. Naging okay 'yong debut mo. A-Ano pong sinasabi n'yo?" Naramdaman ko ang pagtayo ng mga balahibo sa buong katawan ko.