❝Ignorance really is bliss sometimes.❞

— ❃ —

        ON THE ceiling of Malie's pitch-black apartment were glow-in-the-dark stars. Kumurap-kurap siya. Halos hindi na kasi niya maaninag ang hugis ng mga iyon. They were barely glowing. Peke yata iyong nabili ni Malie.

        With her busy schedule, Malie no longer had the energy to scour Divisoria and replace them. P'wede rin naman niyang tanggalin pero hindi na.

        Malie sighed. Okay na 'yan.

        Her phone beeped. Tuloy-tuloy ang pasok ng notifications.

        Malie pulled her blanket up to her nose. "Saglit pa," bulong niya habang nakatitig pa rin sa kisame.

        Biglang tumunog nang malakas ang phone niya. Alarm clock na niya iyon.

        Buntonghiningang bumalikwas ng bangon si Malie. "So much for my 5-minute alone time, ha-ha."

        Habang nagluluto ng almusal, inisa-isa ni Malie ang natanggap na notification. Kalahati ay mula sa Facebook page ng Cafuné. The rest were from her family back in Cagayan. She didn't bother reading everything. Kabisado naman na niya ang laman ng mga iyon.

        Lalo na iyong mga galing sa mama niya.

        Malie tied her curly hair into a messy bun. Just as she was drinking her vitamins, her phone beeped again. And again, after she finished her shower. Mula na kay Laurie ang isang iyon.

From: lauwie 🐈‍⬛💓
Hi, I just woke up. I'm meeting Lee in a bit. Saan lakad mo mamaya?

        Malie bit her lower lip, trying to come up with a lie for her best friend.

        Eventually, she decided on the simplest one: not telling Laurie anything. Sinabi na lang niyang may aasikasuhin siya. She also wished Laurie and Lee a safe trip to Tagaytay. Nagkataon kasing may gig noong Valentine's Day si Lee sa La Union. Sina Malie at Laurie naman, may paandar na speed dating event sa Cafuné.

        "Hala," bulong ni Malie sa sarili. Napakaputla kasi niyang tingnan sa salamin. Nagmamadali niyang hinanap at ininom ang iron supplements niya. Sumimsim siya ng tubig. "Buti naman, naniwala," buntonghininga niyang sabi nang mag-reply si Laurie.

        Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ni Malie papunta sa sakayan ng jeep. Tanghaling tapat at tirik ang araw kaya agad siyang tinubuan ng butil-butil na pawis sa noo.

        Ten minutes passed. Wala pa ring jeep na dumarating.

        With nothing to distract Malie, she ended up skimming through the rest of her text messages.

        She made a tally in her head. Kung gagawin niyang drinking game ang pagbabasa ng notifications, baka araw-araw din siyang magtatrabaho nang lango sa alak. Iisa lang naman kasi ang request sa kanya ng mga kamag-anak sa Cagayan.

        Makikiutang, makikisuyo, makikihiram. Ibabalik naman.

        Malie smiled bittersweetly as she clicked on her mother's message.

From: mama
phiram daw si tita mo blik niya nxt month

        Napangiwi si Malie. Naramdaman kasi niya ang panunubig ng mga mata. "Hala, e, okay lang naman ako," natatawa niyang sabi. Still chuckling to herself, she wiped the corner of her eyes with her sleeve. "My God, ang OA ko naman today."

        There was no point in wondering why her eyes began welling. Sanay na dapat si Malie. Hindi na dapat siya nakaramdam pa ng inis. Napatunghay siya nang matanaw ang paparating na jeep.

        Malie wiped her forehead. Napaismid siya nang mapagtantong bumakat ang luha at pawis niya sa manggas niya.

        So much for good first impressions.

        Bago tuluyang huminto ang jeep, yumuko si Malie para ayusin ang pagkakabuhol ng mga sintas niya.

—

        NI HINDI na gumilid si Theo, mahigpitan lang ang sintas ng rubber shoes niya. He nibbled his lower lip. One loop was bigger than the other. Tuluyan siyang lumuhod, mapantay lang ang pagkakabuhol ng mga iyon.

        Umayos siya ng tayo pagkatapos. Napalabi siya nang mapansin ang babaeng nakapameywang sa harap niya. Waving her hands, the blonde girl talked passionately. Theo pointed at his right ear. Tuloy pa rin ang babae.

        Inalis niya ang suot na Bluetooth earphones.

        "My gosh, kanina pa ako nagsasalita!" the girl exclaimed.

        "Oh." Theo blinked. "I'm sorry, miss. What were you saying?"

        The blonde mumbled a soft "fuck". "Ang sabi ko, haharang-harang ka sa daan. You know that this spot is designated talaga for runners and bikes."

        Before he could even attempt to explain, Theo's phone vibrated. Agad niyang binuksan ang zipper ng parka jacket. "Sorry, uhm, I'll just answer this." As if offended, the girl scoffed.

        Sinulyapan ni Theo ang caller ID. It was his sister, Liv.

        "Kuya, mag-sorry ka na lang kasi," the girl insisted. "Ang dami nang nanunuod sa 'tin, o! Gosh, ayokong mag-viral. Mukhang runner ka naman so dapat aware ka na sa proper etiquette in places like this."

        Still clueless, Theo glanced at the girl, then at his phone. Tumatawag pa rin si Liv. Nanatili namang nakakunot ang noo ng kaharap niya.

        Just as Theo was about to mumble an apology, he felt someone pat his shoulder.

        "Uy." Despite his usual getup, Theo recognized Lee's voice. Saglit na inangat ng bagong-dating ang suot na baseball cap. "Anong problema dito?"

        Ngumuso si Theo sa direksyon ng babaeng kanina pa siya pinagtataasan ng boses. Instead of asking the girl, Lee turned to Theo again. "Ano bang nangyari? Did she do something? O ikaw?"

        "No, it's nothing." Theo sighed. It has always been like that. Madalas siyang pinangungunahan at nami-misinterpret. His gaze shifted from Lee, who seemed tired despite the cap covering his eyes, to the annoyed girl. "It was nothing. Miss, I'm sorry. I should have been more considerate."

        With a triumphant look on her face, the girl huffed. "Buti naman, Kuya! Akala ko, makikipag-argue ka pa, e. Muntik pa tuloy tayo mag-viral!"

        "I'm really sorry for being rude." After that, Theo gently tugged at Lee's shirt. Iginiya niya ito palayo sa kumpol ng mga tao, papunta sa nakaparada niyang kotse.

        Breathing heavily, Lee removed his blue cap. Mabilisan din nitong hinawi ang maalong buhok na tumatakip sa noo. "Ano 'yon? Bakit ka nag-sorry? Was it really your fault?"

        "You just got home from the studio, didn't you?" Theo popped his car door open. He took his parka jacket off, exposing his white undershirt. Kinuha niya ang tumbler sa loob ng sasakyan. "If we stay there, baka pagkaguluhan ka pa."

        "Wow," nailing na sabi ni Lee. Nangingiti nitong tinapik-tapik ang dibdib. "Concerned ka pala sa 'kin, Theo? Nakaka-touch naman."

        He drank from his tumbler. "Of course, I'm concerned. Laurie said your target audience is teenage girls and college students."

        Pumalatak ang lalaki at saka, ngumisi. "Nagpapaniwala ka do'n kay Lau. 'Di pa naman ako gano'n ka-famous. I still have a long way to go to have rabid fans. Sign na 'yon na nasa peak na 'ko ng career ko 'pag may stalker na 'ko." Muling nag-vibrate ang phone ni Theo bago pa siya makapag-isip ng isasagot sa binitiwang kabaliwan ni Lee. "Kanina pa 'yan, 'ha? 'Di mo ba sasagutin?"

        "I'm not sure if I should." Ipinakita ni Theo ang screen kay Lee.

        "Sagutin mo na. It could be urgent."

        "Okay. Please excuse me," Theo muttered before turning away. Saka lang niya sinagot ang tawag nang tuluyan siyang makalayo kay Lee. "Hi, Liv."

        "'Liv' ka d'yan," bungad ng kapatid niya sa kabilang linya. Just recently, Theo received news that she finally settled in an architectural firm in Japan. It's been years since he last saw his sister. Palipat-lipat kasi ito ng trabaho. "Alam kong four years lang gap natin, but I'm still your Ate. Have some respect, Teddy."

        Nilingon niya si Lee. "I'm currently with a friend. Why did you call?"

        Humagikhik si Liv. "Unreachable ka raw, e."

        "'Raw'?"

        "Sino pa ba? Kasama ka naman sa GC natin, 'no?" Natawa na lang ito nang hindi siya umimik. "Pati sina Mom, nagrereklamo sa 'kin. Hindi ka raw sumasagot o nagsi-seen man lang. Are things okay?"

        Theo hummed in response. Muli siyang bumaling sa direksyon ni Lee nang mapansin ang isang grupo ng mga babae. Nagsisikuhan ang mga ito, parang nagtuturuan kung sinong lalapit kay Lee. Sighing, Theo walked back to his car.

        "Teddy? Hello?" si Liv sa kabilang linya. "Are you still there?"

        Nalukot ang noo ni Lee. Sinenyasan niya itong ayusin ang suot na baseball cap. He immediately obliged. Itinuro naman ni Theo ang phone na nakadikit pa rin sa tainga niya. Lee placed a finger on his lips, promising to hush.

        Theo sighed exasperatedly when the girls decided not to approach Lee. "I'm still here," he told Liv. "So why did you call again?"

        "Since mukhang 'di mo talaga alam, okay, dito na lang. I have some news." She inhaled sharply. "I'm pregnant, Teddy."

        Theo glanced at Lee, slightly grasping for the appropriate reaction. "Bakit?" tanong ni Lee.

        He covered his phone's mic. "Liv says she's pregnant."

        "Weh?" Lee patted his shoulder again in excitement. "Pakisabi naman, 'congrats'."

        Muli niyang idinikit ang phone sa tainga. "Lee says 'congrats'."

        Liv chuckled. Mukhang narinig naman nito ang usapan nila. "Thanks kamo~ Ikaw ba? Aren't you congratulating me?"

        "Well. . ." He bit his lip in thought. "Is it a planned pregnancy?"

        "I wouldn't say it's planned but it's part of our long-term plan, kami ni Ken."

        "Then okay, congratulations."

        "Thank you na lang kahit parang 'di ka sure," tumatawa nitong sabi. "Anyway, I called because the family summons you. May lunch daw sa bahay today. I'm not supposed to know this but I think the agenda is my homecoming."

        "Oh, you're coming home?"

        "What reaction is that, Teddy? 'Di mo ba ako miss?"

        "It's just that. . . you said you're pregnant."

        "P'wede pa naman akong bumiyahe, if that's what you're worried about. Maliit pa tiyan ko, e. As I was saying, Lolo wants you there today. Miss ka na rin nina Mom so sana pumunta ka."

        "But I was just there last week with Stefan." Theo checked his watch. Alas-singko pa naman ang sunod na appointment sa studio. "I think I can go. I can't promise to be there on time, though. I'm currently out so I have to go home and shower first."

        "Okay, basta pupunta ka, 'ha? I kind of promised them that I could convince you."

        "Sure, I'll be there."

        Theo ended the phone call, facing Lee again. Patawa-tawa itong tumitipa sa phone, si Laurie yata ang kausap.

        Nang mapansing nakatitig si Theo ay pababa nitong hinila ang suot na face mask. "Aalis ka na ba?"

        "Yeah," buntonghiningang sagot ni Theo. "Sabi ni Liv, may lunch sa bahay. They're expecting me there. I would offer to drive you but—" He looked around. Napanguso siya nang maaninag ang service ni Lee. "—your driver's here. I can still drive you to the café if that's where you're meeting Laurie."

        "Ano ka ba, Theo?" Natatawa siyang siniko ni Lee. "Thank you na lang sa offer pero baka mapalayo ka pa niyan. Sa condo ni Lau ako didiretso, e. Ngayon kasi alis namin pa-Tagaytay. Okay ka lang bang mag-drive?"

        He threw Lee a confused look. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be okay?"

        "Baka lang kasi napagod kang mag-jogging," nakangiti nitong sagot. "Goodluck sa lunch with your family. 'Di ko sila kilala pero for sure, may dahilan kung bakit si Liv lang 'yong napapayag sa 'yo."

        Hindi napigilan ni Theo ang ngiti. "Mm-hmm, thanks."

        Dahil nag-aalangan pa rin siyang umalis, mismong si Lee na ang tumulak sa kanya papunta sa driver seat. Marahan nitong kinatok ang bintana niya pagkatapos. "By the way, 'yong kanina, 'wag mong masyadong isipin 'yon. Papalapit pa lang ako no'ng bigla kang sinigawan no'ng babae pero—"

        "Lee, it's okay."

        "Kung 'yong issue niya, e, 'yong bigla kang tumigil sa gitna, hindi ka naman nakakotse para magalit siya nang gano'n. 'Di rin naman siya nakakotse. Sana umikot na lang siya." Lee snorted. "Ang dami pang sinabi, e. Baka nagpapa-cute lang sa 'yo or gustong mag-viral."

         Muling ngumiti si Theo. "Thanks, I'll try not to think too much about it."

        Smiling back, Lee hummed in response. Nang makalayo si Theo ay kumaway-kaway pa ito bilang paalam.

        Theo's drive to their ancestral house was filled with uncomfortable silence. May kaunti ring kaba. Meeting them was just different each time. Parang may invisible na palabunutan na magdedesisyon ng magiging takbo ng family meetings nila.

        The ancestral house seemed different everytime Theo set foot in it, too.

        Lavish flower arrangements adorned the driveway. Despite its age, the inside of the house was well-maintained. Gayunpaman ay may mga pinto at parte ng sahig na biglang umiingay. The grand piano in the middle never lost its sparkle, though. Alagang-alaga kasi iyon ng lolo niya.

        Assuming that everyone had already settled in the garden, Theo went straight to the kitchen. Malawak siyang napangiti nang makita ang paborito niyang yaya.

        "Yaya Cherry!" Like a little kid, Theo skipped toward her. Mahigpit din niyang niyakap ang maliit na babae mula sa likod. "Anong niluluto mo? Are we also having merienda or just lunch?"

        "Hi, Teddy Bear~" Yaya Cherry cooed. Saglit nitong ibinaba ang hawak na sandok para harapin si Theo, mapisil lang ang magkabila niyang mga pisngi. "Sabi ni Lolo mo, 'di ka raw sumasagot."

        "I was just busy. 'Di ako masyadong nakapag-open ng chat," pagsisinungaling niya. Ngumuso siya sa kaharap na kaserola ni Yaya Cherry. "What's that, 'Ya?"

        "Calderetang baka 'yan, 'nak." Yaya Cherry beamed, her age lines highlighting her smile. Dekada na rin itong naninilbihan sa pamilya ni Theo. Counting her as an integral part of the family, his lolo shouldered her children's college education. "Mamaya pa 'to ilalabas sa garden pero kung gutom ka na, luto na 'yong adobo."

        "It's okay po. I can wait." Nagpamulsa si Theo. Walang-imik niyang pinanuod magluto ang babae. "By the way, 'Ya?"

        "Hmm?"

        "Liv said she's coming home. Nasabi ba niya sa 'yo?"

        "Hindi pero alam ko, he-he." Pinagpatuloy nito ang pagbuhos ng rekados sa kaserola. "Nag-post siya sa FB, e. 'Di mo ba alam, 'nak?"

        "She actually just told me. Tumawag siya kanina."

        "A, kaya pala nandito ka," Yaya Cherry hummed. "Pinapunta ka pala ni Ate mo."

        Theo answered with a sheepish smile.

        Theo would have stayed in the comfort of the kitchen with Yaya Cherry if he had a choice. But he didn't. Lumabas na siya sa garden. Baka kasi kulitin pa ng mom niya si Liv, sakaling isipin nitong nagbago ang isip niya.

        Surrounded by perfectly trimmed shrubs was a white table set up in the middle of the garden. Trees also towered over the long table, providing shade. May mangilan-ngilan ding flower vase sa ibabaw ng mesa.

        With hands in his pockets, Theo made his way to the table. His cousin Jonathan pulled him into a half-hearted hug the second they made eye contact.

        Napipilitan niyang ibinalik ang yakap ng pinsan. "Hi, Jonathan," bulong niya.

        "Hi, anak!"

        Tipid siyang ngumiti sa pinsan bago bumaling sa mom at dad niya. "Hi, Mom, Dad."

        Napangiwi si Theo. Iniharap kasi ng mom niya ang kaliwa nitong pisngi sa kanya para makipagbeso. Sighing, he kissed her cheek.

        Theo sat beside his parents, three chairs away from his lolo's favorite seat. Kumpleto pala silang pamilya. Nandoon pati ang mga bata niyang pinsan.

        The chattering dwindled when Theo's grandfather, Winston, finally arrived.

        Lolo Winnie loved the theatrics. He always dressed his best even for simple lunches with the family. Tuloy ay kahit mataas ang araw, isang 3-piece suit ang suot nito.

        Sa kabisera ng mesa pumuwesto si Lolo Winnie. As soon as the food was served, he asked everyone to settle down. "I know you are all busy so please, let's pray so we can finally eat."

        Everyone fell silent as he mumbled a prayer. Hinintay din nilang ito ang maunang kumain.

        After a few minutes, the Ortegas' lunch quickly fell into its routine. Habang kumakain ay isa-isang nagkukuwento ang bawat miyembro ng pamilya. The stories ranged from small wins of the youngest grandchildren to big achievements of their corporation's revenue.

        Lolo Winnie built the family business from the ground up. Nagsimula ang Ortega Corp. sa paggawa ng furniture. Kalaunan, lumago ito sa pakikipag-partner sa interior designers, architectural firms, malls, at hotels. Lolo Winnie eventually trained all three of his children to manage everything in his stead.

        "So far, I'm doing good in Marketing, 'Lo," Jonathan declared proudly. "It's a bit challenging to advertise our products online, pero plausible naman. We even hired Gen Z employees to penetrate TikTok's algorithm."

        "Just remember not to dumb it down too much." Sumimsim ng kape si Lolo Winnie. "Architects and engineers pa rin ang target market natin sa TikTok, not just anyone."

        "No worries, 'Lo. All our socmed content goes through me."

        Lolo Winnie hummed, unamused.

        "Dad, confirmed na pala 'yong venue natin for Liv's homecoming party," said Theo's mom Glory. "I talked to Feds. He pulled some strings and he guaranteed a 5-star hotel around Manila."

        "You talked to Tito Federico?" hindi napigilang tanong ni Theo. Laurie and Stefan's dad was rumored to be traveling lately. "Laurie said he's in Germany."

        Nangingiting tumango ang mom niya. "He booked the date himself. 'Di raw siya makakapunta, but he sends his love to his inaanak."

        "The food is also confirmed, Dad." Ang Tito Gregory naman niya iyon. Pasimple nitong sinilip ang suot na relo. "We can schedule a taste test but I'm sure there's no need. Favorite restaurant naman ni Liv 'yon."

        Lolo Winnie cleared his throat. "Doesn't Federico's daughter run a café? Why don't you ask her if their services are available, hijo?"

        Napamaang si Theo. Lolo Winnie didn't need to mention his name. Ibinaba niya ang kutsarita niyang may kapirasong mango sorbet. "They're unavailable, 'Lo. Pinaparentahan nila 'yong café as an event space but they don't have the manpower to cater to big events. Besides, Laurie's not interested in catering."

        "Alright. We stick with Liv's favorite restaurant, then." Lolo Winnie grinned, making Theo feel uneasy. Bigla kasing napunta sa kanya ang atensyon ng lahat. "I didn't know you're still pretty close with Laurine. May boyfriend na ba siya?"

        Theo didn't know how to respond. Alam na kasi niya ang patutunguhan niyon.

        "Dad naman," mabilis na pananaway ng Mom niya.

        "It's okay, Mom." Sumubo siya ng mango sorbet bago muling salubungin ang titig ni Lolo Winnie. "Laurie's in a relationship and she's a friend. Besides, I was never interested in her romantically, 'Lo."

        "Okay na rin 'yon, Teddy," Jonathan chimed from across the table. "I heard she's boring. Sobrang mataray din daw, according to Greta."

        "Oh, Greta's just badmouthing Laurie," Theo muttered, not missing a beat. "Greta made a bad call on an event she held at the café. Mataray si Laurie, but she has her reasons."

        "A. . ." Jonathan's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I wasn't aware you're that close with her. Si Harriet pa kasi 'yong last mo, 'di ba?"

        Humigpit ang hawak ni Theo sa kutsarita. He just didn't expect to hear her name in the middle of dessert. Tuloy, hindi siya nakapaghanda. He felt his mom squeeze his hand under the table.

        Upon realizing what he said, Jonathan was quick to throw Theo an apologetic smile.

        "Grabe, 'no?" his cousin exclaimed nervously, attempting to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness he caused. "Liv's pregnant, I'm running our Marketing Department, and Theo has his own business. Next year, I plan to start my own family. Matagal na rin naman kami ni Talia, e."

        "How about you, Teddy?" Lolo Winnie asked, ignoring Jonathan's remark. "You're not getting any younger. Naunahan ka pa ng ate mo."

        Theo tried his best to smile. It was odd, to be honest. Kadalasan kasi ay babae ang nakaririnig ng gano'ng klase ng mga komento. However, for a clan like the Ortegas who runs a corporation, passing on its name was a responsibility inherited by the men of the family.

        "I don't know yet, 'Lo. I've been busy."

         "Hay. You're always busy with that studio," Lolo Winnie grumbled. "It's holding you back, hijo. Why don't you take a step back? Pamilya na dapat iniisip mo at your age."

        "Lolo's right, Theo," Jonathan seconded. "How many customers do you even get per day?"

        Theo's mom glanced in his direction, checking on him. He responded with a polite smile. Ganoon na lang din ang isinagot niya sa tanong ng pinsan.

        Tahimik na sinimot ni Theo ang kanina pang inaalagaan na mango sorbet. Pagkatapos, inabot niya ang iced horchata'ng tinimpla ni Yaya Cherry.

        He winced as he tasted the coffee. The cinnamon's aroma easily overpowered the beans. One by one, he removed the cinnamon sticks.

        "Maybe I should ask Malie to use three, too," Theo whispered, making a mental note. He might just need to get used to Yaya Cherry's iced horchata blend. Mukhang mapadadalas kasi ang uwi niya.

        Meeting his family has always been unpredictable. Still, Theo felt blindsided. Hindi naman niya inakalang bukod sa calderetang baka at adobong manok, mabubusog din siya sa pagkuwestiyon ng mga desisyon niya sa buhay.

        Theo missed when he couldn't tell he was being cornered. Ignorance really is bliss sometimes.#