Against the Tides

“What? Dude, we have quizzes this week.” I rolled my eyes while talking to my best friend on my phone. “Seriously? Watching in the cinema is not an issue.” I just shook my head and continued folding the newly washed clothes. Every Saturday is laundry day for me; I’m not a morning person, but ever since I lived alone, I can’t stand seeing the laundry pile up past my house. I also clean the whole house I’m living in. Mama wanted to buy a condo, but I declined. It’s too pricey, and I’m living in a house that my Dad bought for me when I was 18. It’s not that big, but not small either. As long as I have a place to shelter and sleep comfortably, I don’t mind. “I’ll call you later. I have house duties.” My best friend just laughed, and I ended the call. I just followed my routine; it’s more like exercise for me. I sweep, mop, organize the study table, and such. While doing laundry, it’s automatic, so at least it makes things easier. I also washed the uniforms and lab gowns. It may be tiring for me, but it’s more exhausting if I do it on Sunday and have school the next day. At least when I’m done, I'm free. As I wiped my sweat, I saw my Mom calling. Frowning, I picked it up and answered. “Hi Mama,” I said softly, placing my other hand on my waist. “I have good news for you!” Both of my eyebrows shot up at what she said. Good news? I suddenly felt a wave of anxiety. “What is it?” The last time she was like this was when she and Dad had a date. My parents are actually separated; they’re still married. But they have been apart for several years. It started when I was 10 years old. Dad never neglected me, but throughout my life, it has really been Mama who has been with me. Well, technically our family is complicated, and it’s hard to explain everything in detail, but what’s important is they both decided on it without causing physical, emotional, or mental harm. I wasn’t hurt either since they made me understand and both adjusted for me. “Amm, ano po yun?” Naupo ako sa sofa at inantay ang sasabihin ni Mama. “I know this must be crazy, pero we will move into your Dad’s mansion.” It took us hours to finish our call. Halos abutin na ako ng pananghalian sa kakatanong tungkol sa sitwasyon. Pinaliwanag naman ni Mama sa akin ng maayos. Pero hanggang ngayon, para parin akong nananaginip. Parang hindi kapani-paniwala? Like, after all these years? Pero wala naman sa edad o ano man yan, pero na-shock lang talaga ako. Next Saturday na agad kami lilipat. Pero kinausap ko si Mama kung pwedeng next month na lang since patapos na naman ang buwan. Hindi naman sa nag-iinarte ako o ano, pero marami pa talaga akong kailangang gawin tungkol sa school na baka malipasan ako sa kakasikaso sa paglipat. At first, I thought it would just be a stay-in for a week or month. Pero permanent na raw. “You look stressed. I mean, yeah, it’s definitely a stressful day for our Pharmacology,” my friend said after our class. And yes, nakaka-stress siya kasi halos lahat kami nag-failed sa quiz. Can you imagine it? What a damn day. “Alam mo tungkol sa pag-live with my Dad.” I said while sipping on my milk tea. After classes, we stopped by a nearby café in our school. I’m in my 3rd year of dentistry and now is our second semester, which is why it’s more bloody. The reason why I’m separated from Mama and why Dad bought me a house is that the school that I wanted is far from ours. “Don’t stress yourself. You also want that, right?” I chuckled. Yeah, I also want that. I felt like I would be complete. Before the said date, I slowly packed my stuff. I even insisted to Mama na isama ang aso kong si Ellie. She’s an aspin na niligtas namin ni Mama noong Grade 10 ako habang naglalakad sa gitna ng gabi, may tuta na naghihingalo sa gilid ng kalsada. And that’s the start of Ellie’s life with us. “Ma, calm down. Hindi mawawala ang bahay ni Dad,” I said while we were on a video call, and Ellie was beside her. “I’m excited, anak! Malay mo, magkaroon ka na ng kapatid just like you wanted,” she said with a hint of excitement, which made me laugh. “Yes, Ma. Pero wag naman agad-agad. Kakakalipat lang natin, tapos biglang isang linggo nakalipas, buntis agad. Enjoy your moment with Dad muna.” “Aba, oo naman, anak. Ikaw talaga. Oo nga pala, late ko nasabi, ang Dad mo kasama pala niyang nakatira sa bahay niya ang kapatid niya.” Napakunot bigla ang noo ko. Honestly, I don’t have any idea about my Dad’s side. Familiar ang ilan pero hindi ko sila madalas makita. Even during some special events about me, si Dad lang ang nagpapakita. Well, baka ganun lang talaga sila mag-support, haha. #sarcastic. “I know that look. Ngayon ko lang din nalaman na may kapatid pa pala silang isa. Knowing na dalawang lalaki lang sila magkapatid, and now may isang lalaki pa pala,” I just sighed. “You know their side, Ma. Mysterious as hell.” “Pero bakit naman nakitira kay Dad? Knowing na mayaman ang side nila, diba?” I raised my eyebrow. De Guzman is not a joke. I don’t know much about them, pero base sa chismis at business talk, they are known in the business world. A billionaire indeed, tsk. I’d rather make my own money. Minsan nga niloloko ko si Mama na baka outside member lang kami. Kasi ever since I was born, bilang lang sa kamay ko ang times na nakita ko sila personally. At sobrang intimidating nila, the aura. Kaya hindi ko alam kung ma-e-excite ako o kakabahan. Knowing na anytime, makakasalamuha ko na ang side ni Dad. Especially this new uncle of mine.