Cutting the Green String (Step-Siblings Relationship)

CTGS 2

“Thanks for the meal.”

I had to rush back home when I received the call from my uncle--brother of my mom. Recently, I secretly asked him to look for my father, because mommy is getting married to her undesirable jerk boyfriend. And I knew from then, that I had to move out from our house. I just can’t live with them.

He has gotten my dad’s business number. Great thing, he’s a professional investigator. 

Nilinis ko muna ang sarili ko. It’s been so long since the last time I talked to my dad. He was my favorite parent. I wonder what he is doing now? I need to prepare myself for a discussion. I need him to wanna take me.

After building up my courage, I contacted the number that my uncle gave me. I was excited and nervous at the same time. 

[“Good morning, secretary of Mr. Zamora speaking. What can I help you?”] Oh, so it is a secretary. Business number nga pala yung nakuha namin. I guess he’s a huge businessman now? Since ang hirap niyang contact-in directly.

“Hi, I would like to speak to Mr. Zamora.”

[“Can I have your name ma’am? And for what reason you’re speaking to him?”] So my dad isn’t easily reachable huh? 

Sana gumawa ako ng paraan dati when he tried to contact me. Though, my mom was the one who communicated with him, last 2 years. That's why I didn’t get the chance to leave my mom. She was fencing me against my dad.

“Tell him it’s Katana Ryle Zamora. He probably knows me. I’m her daughter after all,” I assured the secretary. When she heard my last name, it automatically gave her authority to be more considerate of me. Hindi naman siya nag-alinlangan when I told her my name. Maybe she expected it? 

I waited for seconds. Maybe she was confirming it to my dad. 

[“I’m now transferring your call, ma’am.”]

Suddenly, I felt nervous. Finally! I have the chance to talk to him. After 7 years of losing contact. Kung hindi lang kasi sinisekreto saakin ni mommy ang whereabouts niya, malamang ang nasa kaniya ako now.

I don’t even feel guilty to my mom for not informing him that I’m contacting my father again.

[“Hello?”] His familiar voice invades my ears. I felt goosebumps. Ito siguro ang epekto ng matagal nang hindi nakakausap.

How I miss him. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was daddy’s girl when I was young.

“Daddy,” I was holding my breath for a moment. Kinakabahan ako. Will he still accept me? Does he still care for me? “It’s me, Karylle.”

There was a moment of silence between us. I unconsciously bite my nails because he didn’t respond immediately. What was he thinking? Does he not like it when I call him? Does he still wanna see me?

[“Anak…”] 

My heart suddenly melted because of his words. I felt like tearing up. I can’t believe hearing that word again. My mom doesn’t call me that eh.

[“Where are you? You wanna grab lunch with me?”] His voice was as soft as possible. He still talks to me like I was his little girl like before. 

I nod even though hindi niya nakikita. “Yes dad, please.” I sounded like I have a problem. But he didn’t make a big deal out of it.

[“Okay, I’ll meet you. Where do you wanna eat?”] No he sounds quite excited too. I can’t believe I’m planning to see him again. I missed him so much.

“Anywhere you recommend,” I told him.

After we talk about the place and time, nag-ayos na agad ako. I need to be as pretty as possible. Afterall, I’m meeting the only man I ever loved.

I was so excited that my closet got ruined. But I did not rush my makeup.I ended up wearing my favorite top, matched with denim ripped pants. I was celebrating in my mind. I cannot wait to see him!

Paglabas ko ng kwarto, sumalubong sa akin yung boyfriend ni mommy. He looked amused by my appearance. He even checked me out! I didn’t even wear revealing clothes for pete’s sake!

“Wow, ang ganda mo talaga,” He said with halong kamanyakan. It’s so gross that the side of my upper lips rose immediately.

“I don’t need your compliment,” I said in a harsh way. For sure expected naman niya ‘yon. After what he attempted to do with me?

“As always, hard-to-get na babae ang pinakamasarap kasama.” I almost cringe about what he said. I really don’t get my mom why he ended up with this pervert guy. I swear, I’ll never be like her! She got the worst! Hindi man lang umabot sa kalingkingan ni daddy ang lalaking ‘to.

“Can you please stop talking to me? You disgust me,” I said in a mannerless way. I just want to hurt his pride. Pero makapal kasi ang upog ng lalaking ‘to.

I was about to turn my back on him para makaalis na. 

“Katana Ryle! You shouldn’t be disrespectful to your father!” I was taken aback when my mom suddenly shouted at me, telling me that this guy is my father. What the hell? My father will be meeting me today and that guy will never be my dad!

I put on a disgusting face habang nakatingin kay mommy. “He’s not my father.” I emphasize the word father, so she won't disrespect the meaning of it. “And he will never be!”

Tumalikod na ako para umalis, when I heard my mom again. “You don’t have a choice. Ikakasal na kami next month,”

My jaw literally dropped. Next month na agad? That early? Napalingon ulit ako sakanila, and I was more annoyed when I saw them linking their arms. My blood rises seeing that sight.

I know I really have to get out of this place. Good thing I’ll be seeing my father. Siya nalang ang pag-asa ko para makaalis sa hell na ‘to.

“Fine! Do whatever you want, I don’t care.” They do what they want, I do what I want too. They’ll get married? Then before a month, I’ll leave this house.

Iniwan ko na sila do’n at dumiretso na sa restaurant na pagkikitaan namin ni daddy. My mind was so stressed earlier, pero habang palapit ako sa destination ko, mas gumagaan yung feeling ko.

I just need to be away from them.

Wala pa si daddy nang dumating ako. I checked myself in the mirror for the last time. Gusto kong presentable ako pag nakita niya. So he will wanna get me.

After several minutes, I saw him entering the restaurant in his corporate attire. He looks older than before, but his beard and his hair wasn’t white at all. I bet he’s coloring it frequently.

When he saw me, agad naman akong tumayo para salubungin siya ng yakap. Nabigla pa siya sa mabilis kong pagyakap, but then, he also hugged me back, while tapping my back. Gosh! I really miss him. 

“How are you?” He asked me while taking a seat in our area. I suddenly felt goosebumps. Maybe I’m nit ready meeting him at all? Or I was just too excited.

I can’t even seem to take my eyes out of him. This guy… he used to be my hero. And he will always be my role model.

“I’m… fine.” 

I’m not even sure if I should lie to him. Hindi naman kasi talaga ako ‘fine’. I hate my mom, I hate my life. I wanted to escape everything and live in another world.

I’m not sure if he notices kung paanong labag sa kalooban ko yun sinabi ko. “How about you?” Tanong ko nalang pabalik when I saw disagreement in his eyes. Maybe he still knows that I’m a liar since then.

“I’m doing just fine. Kumusta ang mommy mo? Lagi niyang sinasabi na ayaw mo raw makipag-usap saakin. Are you still mad at me?” I’m not even shocked when he told me that. I have already expected that my mom would be greedy about me. Ako nalang kasi ang connection siya sa money ni dad, and she knows that I don’t want to be with her.

“She’s… She’s getting married.”

Napatango lang si dad sa sinabi ko. He’s not shocked or anything. It;s like a normal thing to him. He’s not even hurt. Napaisip muna siya saglit before looking back at me.

“Are you inviting me to their wedding?” He suddenly asked after thinking of reasons why I called him. But I was surprised when he asked me that. Never kong maiisip na iinvite siya sa wedding ni mom lalo pa’t ayaw ko rin makita ‘yon.

“No,” I answered fast. “I’m here to ask you to get me.” I finally said. I wasn’t really thinking that he’ll say no. I just got the vibe that he can accommodate me.

He looked more serious after I told him that. “Why?”

I have a variety of reasons that I wanted to tell him but I just can’t. Besides, I felt so ashamed telling him that my mom’s boyfriend is lusting me.

“I trust you more than mom’s. You see? Everything she told you about me was a lie. She didn’t want me to talk to you because she knew this would happen. Pero dad, I can’t live with them anymore. It’s like a hellhole for me, si O secretly find my way to contact you.” I explained everything with eagerness in my eyes. Alam kong nakikita niya kung gaano ako ka-disido umalis sa amin.

“You really want to leave your mother?” Paninigurado nito. Now I can really sense that he’ll take me.

It’s not like I don’t love my mom anymore. I still have that feeling left for her. Pero she choses that guy over me which is a different story. I can’t tell her anything because she’s not always on my side. I just need someone who’ll believe in me.

I nodded my head, “And I want to be with you more,” I told him. 

He smiled at me before talking about moving out.

When I got home, I excitedly started packing my things. Minake-sure ko that mom wouldn't see me doing it. I can’t believe I’ll be finally leaving this prison.

I really don’t get other people why they love staying at their home Kasi ako? I kinda felt suffocated. Sometimes I envy them for being able to stay home during their whole vacation. I can’t even go on vacation with my mom, because her boyfriend will always tag along.

I’m leaving naman, so I wish I can enjoy my life to the fullest this time.

It was midnight when my best friend suddenly called me for a meet up. I was really in a good mood, so I think midnight drinks will be great to celebrate my mood.

Pumunta agad ako kay Jarelle. Though, I was disappointed when she texted me where we should meet up. 

“Gabing-gabi na girl, akala ko magka-club tayo tapos coffee shop lang pala?” And it was midnight! Ayaw ba niya akong patulugin? Oh well, it’s not like I have to sleep early tonight.

“Pagpahingain mo naman ang katawan mo,” Sabi nito, referring to liquors. I just rolled my eyes on her. It’s not like I drink everyday kaya!

Umorder nalang ako ng drinks for the both of us. Pasalamat talaga si Jarelle at good mood ako. Isa pa, ang gwapo nung guy na nasa kabilang table, pasalamat siya, coffee shop ‘to.

After kong umorder dumiretso ako kay Jarelle to have our girl talk.

She was telling me about her teacher and all some kind of cheesy stuff with him.

“Eh ikaw, kailan mo balak magsettle sa isang lalaki?” Jarelle suddenly asked. Reversing the topic to my lovelife.

But honestly, I don’t think I can settle. I just don’t believe that romantic love really exists. I can’t imagine the feeling. Or sabi nila, it releases a chemical reaction called oxytocin, but pwede naman akong kumain ng Avocadoes, Spinach, or even Green Tea to get that hormones. So why bother?

“I don’t have any candidate in my mind,” I casually told her. 

Jarelle smirked at me as if she’s thinking of something she shouldn’t think about. “How about Xander?”

Nanlaki naman ang mata ko sa tanong niya. How dare she bring that up?! I was extra careful about him since he’s now my friend, after rejecting me.

“f**k you Jarelle. Let’s not include our friends here,” I reminded her. She just nodded while still playing a playful smile. Damn her!

I was really a good girl before he rejected me. Maybe he predicted that we will not work, or that I'll become so liberated. Or I’m just not his type. But whatever it is, I think it’s for the better.

“Balita ko may nag-uwi na naman sa’yo kagabi,” Sabi pa nito.

I suddenly remember that guy is supposed to be Jarelle’s date that night. But they didn’t end up naman somewhere, and she's not interested in him. So I guess, it didn’t break any bestfriend code.

“Yeah, you’ve danced with him, so you know him. He’s handsome and really good in bed. In fact, mas magaling pa siya sa mga nauna ko. That’s the reason why we had so many rounds. He’s so hot that when I see him one more time, iuuwi ko kaagad siya,” I told Jarelle honestly.

She rolled her eyes on me. “Too much information,” Sabi nito na parang censored ang sinabi ko. Though, it really is.

“Yeah, so you won’t ask further questions,” Sabi ko rito.

After talking with Jarelle, bumalik na agad ako sa bahay. I didn't told her na tatapusin ko ang pag-iimpake ko dahil I was planning to leave the house this 3 AM. I’m pretty sure that my mom is already asleep by that time. Thankfully her boyfriend is not in our house, kung hindi, for sure gising pa rin siya ng gano’ng oras.

After an hour of carefully packing my valuable belongings, pinakiramdaman ko kung gising pa ba si mommy or not.

After I made sure that she’s not awake, I made my way down. Dalawang malaking maleta lang ang dala ko, and a huge backpack. I just bring my necessities and favorite things. My dad told me that he can buy me a lot of new clothes, but I still chose to bring some of mine.

I put my things in my car before opening the gate. It didn’t make any big noises, and probably, mom would think that I’ll go somewhere na naman, so it wouldn’t bother anyone.

Iko-close ko sana yung gate when I saw the car of my mom’s boyfriend. What is he doing at this hour?! 

I didn’t mind him and just drove away, leaving the gate open for him.

I get the address my dad sent me. It was a little bit far away from here. Maybe 2 hours of drive. 

I arrived at 5:30 AM. I wasn’t able to get a sleep pa so I really felt so exhausted. What I’m only thinking right now is to lay in bed.

The automatic gate opened for me so I continued driving until I saw the actual house. It’s actually hard to find this house because it’s not in a subdivision. I also expected it to be huge, but I didn’t expect it to be this huge! It’s like hidden in the middle of the forest.

If I’m not mistaken, I saw several of golf carts parked while I’m on my way to the house itself. It’s also so modern but I still can’t believe it’s automated. How hell rich is my father?

It was like entering a 5-star hotel for me. There was someone who opened my door, got my luggage out, and even assisted me.

A lot of maids have greeted me . Two of them guide me to my room, bringing my luggage there. We used the elevator but my room was only on the second floor.

We passed a very sophisticated hallway filled with different paintings and decorative materials until we reached a wide white door. I guess this will be my room.

I was so mesmerized, when I saw my room. Majority of its color is white and beige. It was so feminine and cozy. My bed was so huge that it could fit 5 people. I can’t believe I’m having this all for myself. This room is like 3 times bigger than my previous room.

I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the whole house because sleepiness is getting ahead of me. I got myself in bed and closed my eyes until I fell asleep.

I heard a knock coming from my door. Nagising ako, then I checked the time too. It’s already 12 PM but I still feel sleepy. Pinilit ko ang katawan kong tumayo nang marealize kong nasa ibang bahay na pala ako.

Halos magising ang bung katawan ko nang makita ang kabuuhan ng kwarto ko. Right… This is not a dream.

Binuksan ko na agad yung kwarto. Then I saw a maid in her unifrom. She smiled at me, “Ma’am, nasa baba na po sila sir. Ipapakilala ka raw po niya sa may dining area,” Sabi nito saakin. 

“Sige, I’ll just wash my face and change my clothes.”

Mabilisan naman akong nagbihis. I’m still wearing what I wore yesterday pa kasi. After finishing my short routine, lumabas na ak. Good thing the maid was still outside, waiting for me. 

She assisted me to the dining room.

We were still outside the room when I heard conversation from the inside.

“You must take care of your sister, okay? I want us to become a real family without any complications of our pasts,” It was a female voice. Looks like my step-mom. Dad already told me that he has his own family here, but I still preferred it.

And I think my stepmom doesn’t hate the idea of having me here.

I smiled before entering that room. I was attracting positive vibes. “Good afternoon,” I said politely.

Napatingin silang lahat saakin. My dad was smiling so wide, and the female beside her too. She looks so sophisticated. OMG! She also looks young! What is her secret?

My eyes almost popped out when I saw the third person they are with. I was praying na kamukha lang niya, but his expression looks like he has seen a ghost. Napaiwas agad siya ng tingin at napainom ng tubig.

What the f*****g hell?! Bakit siya andito? Bakit siya kasama nila daddy? My legs suddenly felt weak. My hear started beating fast because of nervous.

Shit! I can’t stop cursing on my mind. My smile faded away and I can’t seem to find it. I bit my lips because the flashbacks of that night are playing nonstop.

“This is Karylle, my daughter,” Pagpapakilala saakin ni dad. They we’re still smiling at me, except for him. “Karylle, this is your tita Naomi,” Turo naman niya sa isang babae. Napalitan naman kami ng ngiti at medyo nagbow pa ako sakaniya.

It was just a forced smile because I’m so ashamed right now to be in this place. I wanted to run away. Ngayon, hinihiling ko na sana panaginip nalang ‘to. Is this my karma for leaving my mom?

“And this is your brother, Maui.”

Napalunok naman ako before looking back at him. I don’t know if I should smile at him or what. My first instinct told me to act like nothing happened. “Hi, Maui.”

It was so freaking awkward!

“Anak, mas matanda siya sa’yo. Call him kuya,” Suggest ni daddy. Umupo agad ako sa bakanteng chair because I really felt that my legs would give up.

How am I supposed to call him that when I already called him different names last night? Damn. Is this all a joke?

Napatingin ulit ako kay Maui, but he doesn’t seem to pay attention anymore. I wonder if he’s thinking about it or not. 

Maybe we can act like nothing happened when it happen last year. But it was freaking days ago! I can still feel his… his body!

And what was the last thing he told me? “Let’s do it again, when I see you one more time.” I can still remember that!

“Isang taon lang naman agwat nila. Suit yourself ija. You can call me mom or tita. Whichever you like,” Sabi naman ng nanay ni Maui. She seems sweet.

I wonder why he’s not saying anything? I wanna know what he’s thinking. I can’t believe I’ll have this kind of plot twist! 

God, hindi na po ako lalandi. Help please.

“Call me anything else, but not kuya.” Then he left the room, as my jaw literally dropped.