HIGIT PA SA MAGKAKAPATID

“Ano?!!!!!” Halos sabay-sabay kaming napasigaw sa gulat habang nakatingin kay Attorney Cruz. “Please, explain this to us clearly,” pakiusap ko sa aming abogado. Sabay-sabay kaming magkakapatid na nupong magkakatabi sa mahabang sofa, habang sa tapat namin ay nakaupo ng tuwid si Attorney Cruz at ang assistant nito. “Based on the last will and testament signed by your father Don Simon King, you will only inherit everything he left if you all agree…and you, Keiran, must sign the papers yourself to accept Reylin Averia as your adopted sister.” Napadabog si Duncan sa inis. “D*mn it! So she was Daddy’s mistress, and now she’s supposed to be our little sister, ganun ba ‘yun?! Has Dad completely lost his mind? Mukang wala sa pag-iisip si Daddy ng ginawa ‘to.” “For years she took advantage of him and drained whatever he had, even when he was still strong,” dugtong ni Ronan nang mariin. “And now she wants to be called my baby sister? Kalokohan ‘to!” Sigaw naman ni Ronan ang kapatid kong bunso. Nanatili akong tahimik habang pinapakinggan ang bawat salita ng mga kapatid ko. “What’s that smile for, Keiran? I know all three of you. Mga maloloko at matigas ang ulo. So let me warn you now. Reylin is my goddaughter and your father’s most precious one. If she gets hurt in any way, sa kangkungan kayo pupulutin.” Tumayo si Attorney Cruz, nakapamulsa at tinitigan kami nang seryoso bago tinalikuran ang mesa. “What do we do now, Kuya Keiran?” tanong ni Ronan. “I’ll sign the adoption papers. But don’t let her expect life here at the mansion will be easy for her.” Tumayo ako at itinaas ang tingin sa malaking larawan ng aming buong pamilya sa dingding. Hindi ako papayag na magwawakas lang ito nang ganoon. Sinira ng babaeng ‘yun ang dating masaya naming tahanan, at siya rin ang dahilan kung bakit nawala ng maaga si Mommy. Ngayong nasa akin na ang pagkakataong bumawi, humanda siya sa akin!