Regina went to open Pandora's box within her mind, removing every fragment of her tragic and tormenting past as she tries to walk back down on memory lane to relive each one.

She went to open a door where everything started. Regina saw her six year old self once again and pain began to course through the veins of her heart with the remembrance of her traumatic childhood.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

It was the month of September and six year old Regina came back from school. Sinundo siya ng family driver kasama ang mommy niya. She was holding her mom's hand, dragging her towards their vast garden where she knows her dad is, he's usually there, taking care of his plants, treating each one that he owns like his own children. It was also her dad who has taught her to love everything that has life, but be careful because you might love the wrong one.

She was six and yet she understood what those words meant. Kaya nga hindi niya mahal ang pinsan niya na palagi na lamang siyang inaaway. So, her mom taught her, huwag kang papaapi, dapat lagi kang lalaban kasi kung hindi ka lalaban, ikaw ang aapihin. She remembered every word, kaya nga nung minsan siyang sinabunutan ng pinsan niya ay pinukpok niya ito gamit ang lata ng cookies sa ulo. After that, her cousin never dared to bother her again.

"Regina, dahan-dahan naman. Baka madapa ka," her mother Valerie said, holding her back for a bit.

"Gusto kong makita ni daddy ang stars ko!" Her small brown eyes twinkled with glee as she raised her left arm filled with stars for being a good student.

"Pwede naman tayong maglakad papunta sa daddy mo, hindi kailangan tumakbo," Valerie hesitantly looked around before kneeling down to be on the level of her daughter. "Baka magalit na naman sa'yo si Mamita."

Mamita. Young Regina felt her blood running cold at the sound of that. Tumango siya sa sinabi ng ina at dahan-dahan nalang niya itong hinila papasok sa loob. Pangalan pa lamang ay takot na siya, paano pa kaya kung tuluyan niya na itong makita.

Dumiretso sila ng mommy niya sa garden kung saan nakita niya ang likuran ng daddy niya habang nakaharap ito sa mga orchids na nakasabit. Adrenaline rushed through her blood, nawala ang pagpapaalala sa kanya ng mommy niya at mabilis siyang tumakbo papalit sa kanyang ama. Ngunit bago pa man siya tuluyang makalapit, sumabit ang paa niya sa garden hose na hindi niya nakita, at ang kasunod noon ay ang paglapat ng maliit niyang katawan sa basang damuhan.

Regina felt cold, she felt hurt. It didn't take her seconds to cry. She cried loudly that her dad quickly looked behind him and hurried to her as soon as he sees his daughter on the ground.

"Regina, darling, it's okay. Daddy's here," her dad went on to hug her small form. Hinawakan niya ang anak habang pinapatahan ito, whispering words of comfort so that she would no longer cry.

Agad rin namang lumapit ang ina ni Regina at pinatahan rin ang anak sa pamamagitan ng pagsuklay sa buhok nito gamit ang mga daliri niya. Both of her parents were there to comfort her, telling her that it was okay to fall and that it wasn't her fault as Regina kept saying sorry for falling.

"Sorry kasi tumakbo ako, di ko po sinasadya." Regina sniffled as she said those words. Medyo tumigil na ang pag-iyak niya dahil sa pag-aalo ng mommy at daddy niya.

"Okay lang anak, hindi mo kasalanan. Pero alam mo na dapat next time na hindi ka dapat tatakbo ng ganon, okay? Baka sa susunod masugatan ka na. It's okay to run but it's better to be careful, okay?" Her dad kissed her forehead and caressed her head.

Regina nodded and finally she smiled as her dad wiped her tears. Tumingin naman siya sa kanyang ina na hinalikan ang pisngi niya.

"Ayos lang na maging excited ka anak, pero gaya ng sabi ng daddy mo, be careful para hindi na maulit sa'yo uli. Lesson learned 'yan ha?"

"Opo," Regina finally smiled as she felt the comfort of her parents. But little did she know that her joy was going to be replaced with fear.

The sound of clacking heels caused her entire body to tense, she was shaking from her spot, parang gusto niya na lamang tumakbo at magtago sa isang lugar kung saan hindi niya na muli pang maririnig ang tunog ng pares ng sapatos.

"Anak, kalma ka lang, nandito kami ni daddy," Valerie assured her daughter, caressing her small shoulders. "Huwag kang matakot."

But no matter what comfort her parents do, she'll always be cowering in fear whenever her Mamita comes within the view.

From the large open doors of their mansion, an elderly refined woman stood on the patio, directly looking at her direction with disappointment in her eyes. Hawak nito sa kamay ang isang mamahaling itim na pamaypay na may mga perlas na palawit at pinapalo-palo niya ng mahinahon ang isang kamay.

"Sabi ko na nga ba at kay Regina galing ang pag-iyak," Umismid siya at saka mabagal na naglakad papalit sa pwesto nila. She slowly walked like a lion ready to pounce upon it's prey and that made Regina shiver in fear even more. Sa lakad palang kasi nito alam niya na kaagad na galit ito.

"Nadapa lang siya ma, hindi naman seryoso," her father went to shield her behind his back. "Don't make a big deal out of this."

Sumingkit ang mga mata nito. "Don't make a big deal? But this is a big deal hijo. Hindi dapat siya gumagawa ng eskandalo. Ang lakas ng iyak niya, rinig na rinig ng buong bahay, tama ba 'yun?"

"Ma, bata lang naman si Regina, tama lang na umiyak siya." Valerie interjected.

Tumaas ang kilay ng matanda. "Tama lang na umiyak? No, hindi na dapat siya umiiyak. She's already too big to cry. Kaya gan'yan 'yan kasi pinapabayaan ninyo," she looked at Valerie sharply. "Dapat matuto na si Regina sa ganitong edad na hindi umiyak dahil hindi na siya bata. She should learn that crying is wrong as it is a sign of weakness."

"Crying is an emotion ma! Everyone can cry!" Her father defended.

"An emotion is a sign of weakness, Lorenzo!" Napailing ito. "Kaya ang hina ng anak mo kasi palagi mong kinakampihan. How can she learn to be brave, to be strong, if you'll let her learn that showing her emotions are okay?!"

"It's because it is okay to show emotions ma!" Tumaas ang boses ng kanyang ama. "Kung pinalaki ka nila lolo at lola nang gan'yan pwede bang huwag mo nang ulitin pa kay Regina? I will not allow you to dictate my daughter. Kahit pa lola ka niya you don't get a say in her life," marahan siyang tumalikod para buhatin si Regina at kasunod noon ay ang pag-alis nila mula sa malawak na hardin. "We'll be packing our bags, aalis na kami."

"Lorenzo, hindi pwede!" Humabol ang kanyang lola sa kanila. "We should talk about this!"

"Ilang beses na akong nakipag-usap sa'yo ma, I tried! Ilang taon na ring nagtiis si Valerie sa'yo at ngayon naman 'yung anak ko ang kailangan mag-tiis? No! You're giving her a traumatic childhood, tama na!" This was the first time ever that her father yelled, kasabay ng sigaw nito ay ang pagkagulat ng kanyang lola.

Everyone were shocked with what they have witnessed. Reginald Lorenzo Valderama was known to be the sweetest child of Raymond and Rosalia, hindi pa nila ito nakikitang magalit. Sobrang haba rin ng pasensya nito ayon sa mga naging kasambahay nila at nga tauhan, ito ang pinakamabait sa kanilang magkakapatid kaya naman siya ang paborito ng kanilang ama at ina. Kaya rin naman sa kanya ipinamana ang mga lupain at ang hacienda kung saan may ubasan sila sa paggawa ng alak. Pero ang Lorenzo na nakikita nila ngayon ay galit. Marahil ay napuno na ito sa kanyang ina na walang ibang ginawa kung hindi kontrolin ang buhay niya at ng kanyang pamilya. As people would say, Lorenzo was tired of his mother's bullshit.

"Lorenzo, anak." Rosalia's voice was now gentle, she was shooked from earlier. "I'm sorry anak. Gusto ko lang naman na lumaki si Regina ng maayos. Please don't leave."

"Kung gusto mo talagang lumaki ng maayos si Regina hayaan mo na kami ang magpalaki sa kanya," Lorenzo eyed his mother as he sighs. Matagal niya na talagang gustong umalis sa poder ng kanyang ina, ang kaso lang mag-isa na lang ito simula nung namatay ang tatay niya. Wala rin namang pake ang dalawa niya pang kapatid lalo na nung nakuha na nila ang mga mana nila, he's the only child his mother has. "I'll give you one more chance ma. Pero kung mangyayari lang uli ito, wala ka nang pamilya na makikita pa." Lorenzo turned his heel away and walked ahead inside with Valerie following him.

Regina looked at her Mamita, wala itong reaksyon at nakatingin lamang sa kanila. She really thought that would be the end of her Mamita trying to control her but that was only the beginning.

She was finally seven years old, eventually her grandmother trying to control her had stopped for at least a few months. Hindi na rin nito masyadong inaaway ang mommy niya, mukha ngang tumupad ito sa usapan nila ng daddy niya. Regina was supposed to be happy that had happened but she felt more scared. Knowing her Mamita, she's planning something under that dark skeleton closet of hers. Nag-iingat lang siguro ito.

Gabi na ngayon at may family function na pupuntahan ang mommy at daddy niya, kasama rin ang kanyang Mamita. She was left alone in their home since she recently acquired fever a few days ago and she was recovering. Wala na siyang lagnat pero gustong makasigurado ng mga magulang niya na magaling na nga siya kaya pinaiwan muna siya. Regina was in her room finishing the glass of warm milk that was sent to her. Inubos niya na ito at inilagay sa tray na nasa bedside table niya, she was about to settle on her bed and sleep but the door of her room suddenly opened revealing her Mamita's figure.

"Mamita, ano pong ginagawa niyo dito?" Regina asked curiously, sitting up in her bed as she watched her grandma walk towards her. "Si mommy at daddy po?"

"Nasa baba sila," ngumiti ito sa kanya. "Sabi ko titignan lang kita kung tulog ka na. Since gising ka pa naman sumama ka sa akin sa ibaba."

"Bakit po?" Regia didn't want to leave the comforts of her bed. "Gabi na po, diba sabi niyo po matulog ako ng maaga?"

"Pupuntahan lang naman natin ang mommy at daddy mo sandali, tara na."

Regina was left with no choice, she knew that no matter what her answer is, he Mamita would drag her out of the bed. Sumama nalang siya ng tahimik at walang ibang tanong. Regina looked at her Mamita as she was lead towards a car at wala doon ang mommy at daddy niya.

"Akala ko po nandito si mommy at daddy? Nasaan po sila?" She asked.

Mamita only grinned. "Nandoon kasi sila sa playhouse, gusto mo bang maglakad papunta doon?" Regina shooked her head. "Ayun naman pala, sumakay ka na."

Regina was full of doubt but she still rode the car together with her Mamita and the other family driver. The whole ride was silent and the only thing that she could hear was her pounding heartbeat. Sobrang dilim na sa paligid at hindi na makita ni Regina ang dinadaanan nila expect for the front where the car lights are. She then saw the playhouse and she felt relieved they were already there but her relief faded as they passed through the playhouse. Tumingin siya sa kanyang Mamita at diretso lang ang tingin nito habang may ngiti sa labi.

"Nalagpasan na po natin ang playhouse, Mamita." Regina said to her.

Tumingin sa kanya ang lola niya na lalong lumawak ang mga ngiti. "Huwag kang mag-alala, Regina."

"Okay po," sagot niya na lamang.

She felt her small heart pounding inside her chest even more. They were far away from the playhouse now and she doesn't know where they are. She was scared but she didn't let her fear show, mapapagalitan nga naman kasi siya. The car finally stopped and Regina felt even more scared at her Mamita stepped out.

"Regina, tara na." Her grandma beckoned her to come out.

Wala uli siyang choice so she went out. Hindi niya alam kung nasaan sila, but she was sure that they were still inside their hacienda. Hindi naman kasi sila lumabas sa gate. But their hacienda was really spacious and massive, there were still parts that she hasn't been in yet.

"Mamita nasaan po tayo?" Regina felt even more scared, the whole place was dark that she couldn't even see anything. "Nasaan po si mommy at daddy?"

Mamita kneeled to Regina's level, cupping her cheek gently as she does. "Hindi ba ayaw mo kaming nakikita na nag-aaway ng mommy mo?"

"Opo," sagot kaagad ni Regina. "Hindi naman po talaga dapat kayo nag-aaway ni mommy."

Regina's grandma smiled wickedly but as a young girl she was too innocent to notice these kind of things.

"May promise ako sa'yo, kapag nag-stay ka dito hanggang umaga na hindi umiiyak, hindi na uli kami mag-aaway ng mommy mo."

"Promise po?"

Her grandma nodded. "It's a promise apo, basta dapat hindi ka iiyak, hindi ka rin hihingi ng tulong, okay ba? Susunduin naman kita dito bukas, huwag kang mag-alala."

"Bukas po? Dito po ako matutulog?"

"Ilang oras lang naman 'yun," her grandma ruffled her hair. "Tutupad ako sa usapan natin basta sundin mo lahat ang mga sinabi ko at huwag mong sasabihin sa mommy at daddy mo ang tungkol dito, naiintindihan mo ba?"

Young Regina only nodded. Gusto niya kasi maging tahimik na ang pamilya niya, she wanted her Mamita and Mommy to stop all the arguments that they have. Pinanood niya ang lola niya na sumakay sa sasakyan nito, kumaway naman ito sa kanya bago siya umalis but that didn't make her feel okay. Regina looked at the entire surroundings, she couldn't see anything, it was pitch black, it was cold, wala siyang dalang kahit ano kundi ang sarili niya. She sat on the tree branch that she found behind her and looked up in the dark sky.

Gusto niyang umiyak, natatakot siya, she was here all alone in the part of their hacienda which she doesn't even know where exactly. Regina pulled her knees to her chest and hugged herself, singing herself a song to help her calm down. Hindi niya alam kung ilang oras pa bago ang umaga bago siya tuluyang makaalis dito. She needs to do this and be brave for the sake of her mother and grandmother's relationship.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

Avi founds herself gritting her teeth as her Tita Regina tells the story of her traumatic childhood. Now she gets why her tita barely even talks about her family, hindi naman talaga kasi sila dapat pag-usapan. As her tita goes on, she couldn't help herself admire the woman. For such a young age she was really brave to do that and she was too brave to tell that to them now.

"Ano na pong nangyari sa inyo?" Tanong ni Avi as Regina stops to drink her glass of water.

Regina sets her glass down and cleared her throat. "You can believe or not if you want to but I survived my Mamita's challenge. Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras akong nasa dilim pero nagawa ko, I did not cry nor show any emotions. Ginawa niya naman ang pangako niyang babalikan niya ako but she was with my parents when she came back, sobrang galit nila kay Mamita kasi paano daw ako mapupunta sa lugar na 'yun kung hindi niya ako dinala doon."

"Nalaman po ba ng mga magulang niyo ang nangyari?"

Reg shaked her head. "Hindi ko sinabi. I lied to them for the first time, ang sabi ko nag-explore ako papunta doon at hindi ko na alam kung paano pa bumalik. Syempre hindi sila naniwala sa akin pero pinabayaan nalang muna nila kasi I was safe. Mamita did like what she promised, hindi niya na gaanong inaaway ang mommy ko."

Avi nodded. "How were you after the incident? I'm sure you weren't okay kasi kung ako po 'yun malamang na-trauma na ako."

"And I was traumatized," Regina's chest looked heavy as she took a breath. "Ever since that incident I rarely showed any emotion. Palagi nalang akong tulala at tahimik. My parents were both bothered kaya naisipan nila akong dalhin sa isang psychiatrist pero that didn't helped me at all especially with Mamita being around." A bitter laugh was released out of her throat. "Alam mo nung ginawa ko 'yun, akala ko magiging okay na ang lahat, but that was only the beginning of her control over me. Lalo na nung umalis si mommy."

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

Eight year old Regina just came home from school that day. Bitbit ng isa sa mga kasambahay na sumundo sa kanya ang bag niya. She was supposed to be picked up by her mother pero hindi ito ang sumundo sa kanya ngayon, instead isa sa mga helpers nila. Their helper walked her until the door of her room and excused herself before walking away to get back at her other duties. Regina was about to go in her room when she heard her mother and father's voices from their room just near hers.

Binuksan niya muna ang pintuan ng kwarto niya para lang ilapag ang kanyang bag at agad siyang dumiretso sa kwarto ng mommy at daddy niya. When she got there, she saw her dad helping her mom fix things that were being placed in a large luggage. Regina was confused, aalis ba sila? Bakit di naman sinabi sa kanya.

"Mommy, Daddy?" She called her parents as she stood on the doorway.

Napatigil ang mga ito sa ginagawa nila at parehong tumingin sa kanya.

"Nakauwi ka na pala," her dad went to greet her, giving a kiss on the crown of her head. "Anong ginagawa mo dito? May kailangan ka ba?"

"Narinig ko po kasi kayo," Regina looked at her mother who was kneeling down on the floor together with the luggage. "Aalis po ba tayo? Saan tayo pupunta? Bakit hindi ko alam?" Sunod-sunod niyang tanong.

"Anak, aalis lang ako sandali pero babalik rin naman ako. Nagpaalam na ako sa daddy mo at sabi niya okay lang na umalis muna ako."

"Saan naman po kayo pupunta?" Regina cocked her head. "Diba sabi niyo kapag aalis dapat lagi tayong magkakasama. Bakit maiiwan kami ni daddy?"

"Pupunta ang mommy mo sa lugar kung saan niya tutuparin ang pangarap niya," her dad explained, holding her shoulders. "Sandali lang naman siya doon, kapag nagawa niya 'yun babalik naman siya."

"Tama ang daddy mo anak, hindi ko naman kayo iiwan ng matagal, babalik rin ako kaagad," lumapit sa kanya ang mommy niya at hinawakan ang mga pisngi niya. "Kailangan niyo lang munang maiwan dito kasi hindi pwedeng aalis tayong lahat," Valerie looked at her husband with an expression that Regina couldn't understand.

"Bakit po hindi pwede? Hindi po ba papayag si Mamita?" Her innocent question led her parents to smile forcefully.

"Walang kinalaman si Mamita dito anak. May inaasikaso pa kasi ang daddy mo kaya hindi pa pwede, hindi ba, Hon?"

"Oo, pero tatapusin ko agad ang mga inaasikaso ko para makasunod tayo kaagad sa mommy mo, okay ba 'yun?"

Regina doesn't understand but she nodded anyway. Niyakap siya ng mga magulang niya at ramdam niya na basa na ang manggas ng uniform niya. She looked at her mother and she was crying. Napaisip tuloy siya. Is this the reason why her Mamita is always mad at her mom? Because she shows emotions? Because she's weak?

"Lagi kang magpapakabait Regina ha? Huwag papasakitin ang ulo ng daddy mo," her mother said as she wipes her tears. "Magkikita uli tayo, sandali lang akong mawawala."

"Promise po?" Regina looked into ger mother's glossy eyes.

"Promise anak, babalik ang mommy," her mother promises, and she will  hold on to that.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

"Like I said, my mother left us when I was only eight years old," Regina tells. "The reason why she left was for her dreams and also because she couldn't stand my grandmother anymore."

"Alam ko na po na sobrang strict ng lola niya base on your stories pero what was she really like? Medyo curious kasi ako kung paano ka niya gina-gaslight." Avi questions.

Natawa si Regina. "Iba 'yung way ng strictness ng lola ko. Kung 'yung iba pinapakita na mahigpit sila, siya naman hindi. Ipapakita niya sa'yo ang strictness niya then later on magiging mabait siya hanggang sa makuha ka niya 'yung loob mo enough to trust her. That is what she's like kaya nga sobrang utong-uto ako nung bata ako. Natuto akong maging sinungaling dahil sa lola ko, bawal akong magpakita ng emotions, bawal akong magkaron ng sariling opinyon dahil babae ako. She planted this mindset that I only need a degree so that I can consider myself as an accomplished woman," Regina laughs again, like she was remembering a comedic scene. "Tapos ang alam mo, sabi pa niya sa akin na once I graduate kailangan mag-asawa na ako agad or else my youth would be considered as expired."

"Seryoso ba 'yan?!" Even George couldn't hold her tongue back. "Ay sorry haha, cut ko nalang sa film ko."

Regina nodded at her and smiled at her. Tumingin muli siya kay Avi at napa-buntong hininga. "She was raised that way and she wanted to apply it to me. Pero gaya nga ng sabi ng daddy ko, huwag na huwag kong susundin ang gusto ni Mamita. Gawin ko ang gusto kong gawin, kunyari lang na susunod ako pero hindi talaga. My dad was an actual menace," Tumawa siyang muli. "The favourite son and the golden child is teaching his daughter how to be an evil brat, diba? I was raised well because he and my mom did a really good job despite our set-up, but my childhood was really traumatic."

"I can tell po. Sa kwento niyo palang halata pong ayaw na ayaw niyong pag-usapan." Avi commented.

"Ayoko talaga and if I do have a choice I'd rather have those memories erased."

"But why share those with us po? Curious lang."

"Kasi you won't judge me." Regina answered simply. "Laging sinasabi ng ibang reporters and interviewers that they're my friends but in reality they're a bunch of users. Gusto lang naman nilang malaman ang buhay ko for content though I can't really blame them because that's their job and that's what they signed up for. And I also forgot to mention na I have trust in the two of you, alam kong maiintindihan niyo ko."

There was the feeling of pride in Avi's chest. The girl was celebrating deep inside, at this point she doesn't care about her position in the club anymore. Gusto niya na lamang malaman ang mga tinatago ng isang mailap na Regina Valderama.

"Thankful po talaga kami sa'yo kasi you shared your experiences with us but I doubt that's even the end of you and your grandmother?"

"You're right," A proud smile etched on Regina's lips. Avi is like a professional, she was really born for this. Seeing Avi makes Regina happy and sad both at the same time, naalala niya kasi ang sakit at saya ng nakaraan sa kanya. "Like I said, mom left us when I was eight. The following years without her was really the most tormenting years of my life. Mamita did everything she could to make dad go away all the time. Since we own a wine company it's obvious na we have our own vineyards and plantations where we get our ingredients for wine. Mamita sabotaged the business to keep dad busy for a while, leaving me with her all the time."

"Grabe naman po ang lola niyo. How can she do such thing?"

"Alam mo ayan rin ang tanong ko. Why was she so eager to control me that much?" She tapped her foot on the marbled floor, the sole of her shoe clicking as she does. "Mamita is known to be a gambler. Adik siya sa sugal na halos sa casino na daw siya matulog sabi ng daddy ko. Madalas daw silang nag-aaway ng lolo ko because of that, lalo na nung tinanggalan siya ng pera to teach her a lesson. Mamita can't live a day in her life without gambling so even without money she went to casinos and still gambled."

"I assumed nabaon kayo sa utang?"

"Yes," Regina scoffs. "Mamita only stopped when lolo died because she was depressed. I never expected she would but I understand. She just lost a husband. Upon lolo's death was me being born. Ang sabi tuloy ng iba, sa akin daw lumipat ang kaluluwa ng lolo ko," she rolled her eyes at that. "I find that really funny and I also hated it when I get to hear that. Like I was saying me being born was a blessing to everyone lalo na kay Mamita."

Avi notices that her tita's expression changed. Her eyes were full of gleaming anger and her hands were balled into a tight fist, she was even shaking a bit.

"Me being born was a blessing to her because I was the payment to her debt." Regina could feel herself fuming in rage as the most painful memory of all resurfaced. "Bago mamatay si lolo, nagkautang siya ng malaki. Wala siyang pera which only means na wala siyang pambayad. There's this politician who offered Mamita help. He would consider all of her debts gone and buried kapag pumayag siyang ipakasal ako sa apo niya."

"Putangina," like before, George couldn't bite her tongue back. Bahala na kung rinig ang mura niya sa recording, she had to release her boiling anger. "Sorry po sa sinabi ko pero seryoso po ba ang lola niyo? Hindi pa kayo sinisilang sa mundo pero nagawa niya na kayong ipagkasundo?"

"Your grandmother is too inhuman at that point," Avi was mad upon hearing this too. Hindi niya lang masabi sa tita niya dahil may respeto siya dito pero minumura niya na talaga sa utak niya ang lola nito. "Ikaw pa po talaga ang ginamit niya para sa utang niya?"

"That's the one reason why I don't like talking about my family, I'm embarrassed. Sarili ko pang lola talaga ang gumawa niyan," Napailing si Regina. "My own flesh and blood, using me as her escape credit card."

"Paano niyo po nalaman 'yung about diyan? Sure naman po akong hindi niya sasabihin sa inyo. Did you find out on your own?" Tanong ni Avi.

"I didn't but my dad did. Diba nga my grandma went to sabotage our business kaya sobrang busy niya nung mga taon na 'yun. He tried to keep me with him pero magaling kasing gaslighter ang lola ko kaya he trusted her to take care of me dahil nga wala si mommy," Regina released her hands from being balled and she held onto the arm rest of her chair. "While my dad was busy trying to save my business, she hired tutors to teach me how to be a prim and proper lady. Tapos bukod sa school assignments ko, may mga assignments ako sa bahay, tinuturuan niya na akong maging housewife at the age of ten. At the age of eleven naman tinuruan ako kung paano maging submissive wife, dapat lagi akong susunod sa asawa ko, sunod lang ng sunod para daw walang away na magaganap sa aming dalawa."

George snorted as she heard that which made Avi and Regina look at her.

"Sorry," mahina siyang natawa. "Ang ano lang po kasi ng mindset ng lola niyo."

"Ang ano?" Tanong ni Regina.

"Bulok po," this time, it was Avi who couldn't hold her own tongue to talk. "Hala sorry po."

Regina only laughed at them, she waved a hand to dismiss the said topic. "Wala 'yun, I don't find it offensive kasi in the first place totoo naman talaga."

"I'm really sad that you had to endure all of that at a young age." Avi really wanted to lean in and give her aunt a hug for comfort but with Regina looking so stoic she fought the idea back instead. "Even if you were born with a golden spoon on your mouth you didn't have life really easy."

"I agree, I'd rather be born in wedlock if that's the case," Regina adjusts in her seat, settling in her chair more comfortably than before. "Continuing from my earlier story. I was twelve when my dad found out about the said agreement. Of course he wasn't happy, sino ba naman ang magiging masaya kapag ang anak mo pinagkasundo tapos wala kang alam diba? That's when my life started to go well, or at least I thought it would be."

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

At this time, Regina was already twelve and she's only a year away from becoming a teenager. She was with Mamita in their study room as she had another lesson for today. Memorizing their family friends, business partners, other influential people they know, and most importantly the family of her soon to he boyfriend according to her grandmother.

Kaharap ni Regina ang papel na makakapal kung saan may litrato ng mga tao, pangalan, at mga impormasyon tungkol sa kanila. She felt tired looking at the papers but she felt even more tired reading them. Nung una pinagtiisan niya pang basahin pero nung napagod siya, she did what her dad had told her, to pretend. She was faking to read each paper but the truth is she's only staring at it and then she'll move on to read the next ones.

"Sino na 'yang binabasa mo?" Mamita who sat on another seat across her asked. Tumingin ito sa kanya at ibinaba ng kaunti ang salamin na suot nito para tignan siya.

"Benjamin Alvarez," she had to read the name that she saw on the paper she was pretending to read. She peeked at the paper she was holding and a picture of a boy was on the page.

Regina looked at Mamita who was grinning widely. "That will be your boyfriend when you turn fifteen."

"But that would make him eighteen." Regina commented, looking at the photo of the boy again.

"So?" Mamita laughed at her. "Age isn't a big deal here, Regina. What matters is he's from a good family and he's a perfect match for you. You'll be married to him when you turn twenty."

"Kasal po agad, Mamita? Hindi ko pa nga po siya kilala." Regina was really confused. Gusto niyang tanungin ang lola niya kung bakit kasal kaagad ang nasa isip nito pero kahit pang gusto niya itong tanungin alam niyang magagalit lang ito.

"Kaya nga I'm giving you all of these to study para makilala mo siya. But don't worry hija, I'll let you meet him one of these days," Rosalia smiles as she leans towards Regina. "Just don't tell your dad about this, ha?"

"Don't tell me exactly what, Ma?" Regina was startled as she heard her dad's voice. Tumingin siya sa gilid kung nasaan ang pintuan ng kwarto at nandoon ito.

"Lorenzo!" Her lola was startled as well, pero mas iba ang gulat nito kesa sa kanya. "Hindi ka naman nagsabi na uuwi ka, sana inabangan ka namin."

"Bakit naman ako magsasabi sa inyo, Ma? Kayo nga hindi nagsasabi sa akin e." Her father walked slowly and carefully, like a taunting lion.

"Ano bang sinasabi mo?" Her lola looked nervous as her dad slowly approached them.

Lorenzo halted his steps, staring down at the table filled with papers kaya agad naman itong tinakpan ng lola niya gamit ang table napkin.

"Wala 'yan, Lorenzo—"

"Cut the crap, Ma!" Lorenzo's voice boomed inside the room. "I know what you did and I am so disappointed in you. You went to sabotage the business that dad had made and built from his blood, sweat, and tears by hiring someone to be a mole in our company. Wala lang ba sa'yo lahat ng paghihirap ni dad for you to do this?"

"Let me explain muna, Lorenzo—"

"Why would I let you? So you can lie your way out again?" He laughed with spite. "Ayoko nang makinig sa'yo, Ma. I've been putting up with you all these years and I'm tired of everything."

"Lorenzo, I am your mother—"

"You are not my mother!" Regina jumped in her seat as her dad screamed. She looked at her dad, his eyes were filled with rage, he was furious and he also looked like he was ready to kill someone. "Akala mo ba hindi ko malalaman, Ma? You had a deal with Mayor Alvarez and you even used Regina!"

"Hindi ko ginamit si Regina! Iniisip ko lang ang future niya!" Rosalia also screamed. "Anong gusto mo? Kung sinong poncho pilato lang ang magiging asawa ng anak mo katulad ni Valerie? Gusto mong matulad siya sa'yo?!"

"Huwag mong idadamay si Valerie dito!"

"You're still defending that woman who left you? Seryoso ka ba?!"

"Umalis siya kasi hindi ka na niya kayang tiisin at hindi ko siya sinisisi sa ginawa niya!" Lorenzo kicked the chair in front of him. "I have been nothing but a good son to you and this is what I get from that, Ma? Pagod na pagod na ako sa'yo." He went on to face Regina who looked at him with a neutral expression. Lorenzo scoffed seeing his daughter in that state, it was his fault. "Regina tumayo ka diyan, aalis tayo."

"Hindi mo pwedeng kunin si Regina!" Rosalia was about to hold on to her grandchild but Lorenzo was too fast, he immediately grabbed his daughter by the arm, pulling her closer to him.

"Ako ang tatay, ako ang masusunod. Tungkol sa utang mo kay Mayor, nabayaran ko na Ma, kaya wala ka nang ibang pwedeng maging problema. Itong bahay sa'yo na rin, aalis na kami ng anak ko."

Regina only looked at her grandmother who was yelling words she couldn't understand. Tumingin siya sa daddy niya, galit pa rin ito pero nagpipigil. Was she really free out of this home that she's calling prison?

"Saan tayo pupunta dad?" Tanong niya nang makarating sila sa kotse ng kanyang ama. Her dad let her sit in the front seat, securing her with a seatbelt.

"Pupunta na tayo sa mommy mo, anak." He dad answers with a smile, closing the door of the car.

There was a surge of feelings inside Regina's chest. She was really free from her grandmother. The car moves away from her prison, she watched the home that served her prison for all these years turn smaller and smaller until it disappears from her eyes. Regina did not know that tears were streaming down on her cheeks. After years of hiding her emotions she finally set them free.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

"You're finally free from your prison but I do think na that's not a happy ending yet," Avi comments as her thumb rubs her chin.

"Syempre," Regina chuckled, holding her bridge of her nose as she closes her eyes for a bit. "Ang akala ko nga rin nung una happy ending na. I was with my mom and my dad again, we were living in peace for two years. Wala kaming balita kay Mamita since we left her all alone in our hacienda."

"You forgot to mention pala 'yung reason why your mom went away aside from the arguments of her and your lola po."

"My mom went back to school, she took culinary and when she graduated she established a restaurant. I'm sure you're familiar with Valeria's? We own that as well."

"Para akong hihimatayin sa dami ng properties niyo," George caressed her temples. "Pwede bang maging anak niyo kahit one day lang? Di ko uubusin 'yung pera niyo, promise."

"Magagalit 'yung anak ko niyan," Regina spares her a small glance then she went to place her eyes back on Avi.

"Ang dami mo nang tatanggalin sa footage, Gi." Avi reminded her with a laugh. "Continue po tayo, tita."

"Where were we? Okay, I remember! Two years without Mamita was really helpful for me kasi I got to know who I really am. Mas eventful at masaya ang buhay ko without her, pero sabi nga nila, all happy things will have their ending. My dad received a call from a housemaid, isinugod si Mamita sa ospital, inatake sa puso and there were other complications with her organs too. Kahit pa ayaw namin, we had no choice but to head back to the hacienda and stay there for Mamita."

"How was life again? Were you okay po or are you experiencing traumas again?"

"You know that was my expectation nung muli kaming bumalik sa bahay na tinuring kong kulungan," Regina's lips revealed a happy smile this time. "Bumait si Mamita, but it was true kindness. Sabi nga nung mga kasambahay namin malapit na daw kasi siyang mamatay kaya ganon and I do think tama sila kasi she died after a year," she bit her thumb to suppress her laughter. "But those two years with her lead me to know her deeply. Mamita shared a secret with me, she used to be an actress and that became the reason why I wanted to be one."

"Pero wait lang po, paano 'yung mga trauma na naranasan niyo sa kanya?"

"They are still here, hindi mawawala 'yun. Pinakita niya naman sa akin kung gaano siya nagsisi sa ginawa niya so I forgave her pero it took me years to say that to her grave. I'm not really the type to give second chances not unless deserve ng tao 'yun," she turned her head to face the end table that was near her seat. She picked up a picture frame which has a picture of her and her grandmother. "The reason why I forgave Mamita was because she told me something before the morning of her death. Sabi niya sa akin, Regina, I don't owe you any forgiveness because what I did to you was wrong and I know that it will scar you for the rest of your life. Ikaw na ang bahala kung papatawarin mo ko at kung hindi naman matatanggap ko pa rin. You're not obliged to forgive me, remember that," Ibinaba niya na ang picture frame. "And I did what I was told. I took my time and forgave her. Sana lang narinig niya 'yun bago siya namatay."

The elevator doors dinged making all of their heads whip to the small foyer. Ali was back, he waved at the ladies as he enters.

"I'm back," Nakangiti niyang sabi sabay tingin sa kanila. "Hindi pa kayo tapos?"

Napatingin sa Avi sa malaking bintana ng kwarto at medyo napanganga siya. The sky was colored in a hazy mixture of orange and yellow. She looked at her phone to check the time, it was already 4:08 in the afternoon. How long have they been talking?

"No," Regina answers. "Mukhang babalik uli kayo next week."

"Tita had a lot to share dad, so mukhang babalik talaga tayo next week." Sabi nalang si Avi sabay tingin kay George.

"Available naman ako anytime and I'd love to be back again. Pero nagulat lang ako kasi parang kakaupo lang natin kanina tapos ang tagal na pala non?" George stopped filming and she began to fix her things.

Avi looked at her tita with a small smile. "Thank you for telling your story in full detail tita. I— we really appreciate it."

"I appreciate you for listening," she smiled back at her niece. "Hindi ko rin namalayan ang oras, sorry."

"Okay lang po, willing naman kaming bumalik uli." Sabi ni George. "Para makinig sa mga kwento mo po, syempre."

"Hindi naman ba masyadong hassle kung pupunta uli kayo dito? Ako nalang kaya ang dumayo?" Regina stood up from her seat and went to where Ali was standing.

"Mas busy ka kesa sa aming lahat, kami na ang pupunta sa'yo. Tsaka mas gusto ng dalawang 'to ang gumala kesa nasa bahay lang." Ali looked at his daughter who avoided his gaze. "Kunyari lang na tahimik 'yan si Avi, gala kaya 'yan. Tumatakas 'yan sila ni Gi kapag hatinggabi."

"Hala si tito!" George abruptly stood up and held her chest as she looked so shocked. "Tatlong beses lang namin ginawa 'yun tapos hindi na uli."

"Nilaglag mo naman tayo e," siniko no Avi ang kaibigan sabay irap. "Pero tama siya dad, hindi na uli namin ginawa 'yun. Hinintay lang naman namin 'yung pag drop off ng bagong stocks 'yung convenience store malapit sa atin 'yun lang 'yun."

"Oo na, enough explaining. Kunin niyo na mga gamit niyo para makaalis na tayo, malayo pa ang byahe natin." Ali dismissed the topic. Gusto niya lang talagang asarin ang anak niya.

Avi rolled her eyes as she helps George with her things. As they were done, they all said goodbye to her Tita Regina. Like before, niyakap siya ng tita niya bago sila umalis. For some reason her aunt's hugs were really comforting and light, the type of hug that you'll want to come back to. Nasa ibaba na sila ng building ng tita niya at muli siyang tumingin sa taas habang iniisip ang mga kwento ng tita niya.

The stories she heard earlier wasn't even the tip of the iceberg, that was only an introduction and she still wanted to know more. Valeria Valentin always told the press that her life wasn't easy which is the reason why she didn't wanted to talk about it, and Regina Valderama opened up about her life today, which was a big step for her.

Isinandal ni Avi ang ulo niya sa bintana ng kotse habang sila'y umaandar na papalayo. Naiisip niya lang, what made her aunt's mind change? Bakit nito sinabi sa kanila ang tungkol sa nakaraan niya?

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

Regina stared at the view from her balcony, watching the sun slowly come down from the sky. She blew smoke out of her lips again using her vape with the strawberry flavor.

"You should be proud of me today, Naya. I'm no longer a coward just like you told me." She whispered to the wind that seemed to be her only audience. "Sasabihin ko na sa lahat kung sino ako at sino ka sa buhay ko."