Five months have quickly passed, but mama still wouldn't allow the newlyweds to leave our house for a lot of reasons: Ben had to look for a stable job, Naya needed to be close to the Opiana family while her belly grew bigger, they have no money to build a house of their own, and the list went on.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKagDhcKUXD
That was not the first time mama attempted to keep her boys close. Even when our two other brothers got married, she would give a lot of reasons for their family to stay.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AriwOj5pK
We were all sitting around the table one evening, having dinner, when mama opened up to the family about Ben's need for a job.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWy7gieoUv
"Ben, you have been hopping from job to job since you graduated college," she started. "But now you have a family. You have to start finding a decent job. Having a baby is expensive nowadays."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BRSxOpP6I
Ben did not answer and refused to touch his food, while Naya frowned like she needed a hug at that moment.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXql1ha0nNf
"If only you took your board exam seriously, you wouldn't have that problem," she continued. "Much as I wanted to support you, I have loans to settle too."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYCN4SyzKF
Naya, who had been glancing on the floor and at her husband, placed her hand on my brother's bare shoulder.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGrhaNrsby
"Mahal, do... do you want me to ask papa to help you?" Naya asked Ben. "There's a job vacancy in his company. They hire fresh graduates, with or without experience."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjcpobT85S
Mama flashed her that smile that she usually gives to the people who get on her nerves.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6fwHzk68a
"Naya, anak," mama said, "Opiana men help, but they do not beg. Your man, your provider; he should look for work on his own."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt0D5ggb7H
"But mama—"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7OkRokPs0
"The offer is appreciated but I'm afraid we have to decline," mama interrupted, her voice raising a fraction for emphasis. "That has been a family tradition and I promised their father that it should not be broken."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRqGG6RXiq
The poor young woman fell silent and looked away.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtbOhiSIUF
Ben nodded like a zombie, but without an answer. It was hard to tell whether he agreed with who or not. I released a weary sigh. Meanwhile, the other boys were quietly finishing their meal. Mama turned back to Ben.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FOHSYsaCd
"Why don't you look for a job in town?" mama suggested. "Or you can work with Joe in the construction."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA876QdDKqi
Joe almost threw up at the sound of it. Good thing everyone's too focused on mama to pay attention to what happened. I tightened my mouth to control the overpowering desire to laugh while watching him gulp glass after glass of water. I chided myself for wanting to burst out amid a serious business.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHxusxHwCk
"Can you help him get a job, son?" mama asked, her attention to Joe who seemed to have swallowed a half pitcher of water.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TBrPjQNlo
He quickly composed himself.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdQrRWr9HC
"I'll try," he replied.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHPLghCGPV
"Alright, Ben. You go with Joe tomorrow."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCBeeFQNJE
"Tomorrow?" Joe blurted out. "But that's my day off. What about um... Monday?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WJXSRNYkd
Her slipper made a loud clap on the shoulder of our eldest.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUpy8VMF79
"Aray!" he cried, massaging the pained area with his fingers.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrysXkFzdw0
"Do not keep your brother waiting, my goodness! He needs to provide for his family!"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzei1Z38VR
Joe threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I'll do it."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUP3WPoiai
357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPGuOEeo5h
Ben finally got a job as a clerk in the town hall. It was not really related to the course he finished in college, but better have a source of income than nothing, right?357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgDQJ8jaDC
Week after week, he and Joe took turns in bringing food to our table. Our pantry started to overflow with supplies so we divided some of it to our brothers from the other houses.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdpO1esn67
Our ball of sunshine rapidly bounced back to his usual self, making hilarious antics at the dining table during his days off. He also used his spare time to review for his licensure exam.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvguA4jVBfZ
Naya on the other hand tried to save money when mama told Ben to keep his earnings instead of buying supplies. When everyone was asleep, I would find her counting paper bills on the coffee table.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGfpVEmjhD
One of those nights, I surprised her with a cup of warm milk only to find out what was keeping her up at night.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAkxK6FV4J
"How thoughtful of you, Judy," she said, then took a sip.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rABpa2Rak
"I try," I answered. "You're always up late. Won't it affect the baby?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZFx4tnvPm
"I cannot sleep," she answered, then turned the attention to the bills.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLslQcLsEBt
She pretended to count the money before her but decided to continue when I didn't answer.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZcVDH9xK
She reluctantly raised her head and looked at me with a serious face. "Truth is, I want Ben and I to move out already."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqgwjr7Avx
My brows arched out of curiosity.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6aPgefeEA
"Is that mama getting in your head?" I asked, looking at her frowning face intently.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYCLrS0sM2
She didn't answer, but I could tell I wasn't wrong. Sometimes, I wanted to be thankful I was raised this way; I wouldn't endure the offensive, unsolicited remarks of a mother-in-law. But on the other hand, the desire of defending a wife from the same remarks made me push the thought at the back of my mind.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeCnXT5loJ
"I'm sorry, you know, about her," I continued. "If it makes you any better, she treats all my brothers' wives like that. Well, until they have a baby and move out of this house."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeLhdqJltY
She laughed nervously, but I gave her a smile of assurance.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW2dZXtCtJ
"Just know that I'm here whenever you need me," I continued.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI7zbMvPIJ
She gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Judy... For understanding me."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPuxvewm8F
"Anytime, ate," I said, placing my palm at the back of her hand. "Anytime."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzGJ2Da9nU
357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJBxJVlQRC
My room was just beside Ben's, and since its walls were made of bamboo, I could clearly hear him and his wife argue about anything, most especially about the subject of moving out. Ben naturally wouldn't want the idea, having just started his job. But time came that Naya could no longer handle the unspeakable pressure she felt so she decided to pack up and go.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlG98oi0v2
I was replacing the cover of my bed when the sound of a door busting open made me jolt like a frightened rabbit. It came from the next room, which happened to be Ben's. I tiptoed to the door of my room to see what was happening. And the sound of footsteps behind me indicated that Asher has done the same.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IiDemokeY
Naya carried a big suitcase in her left hand while Ben followed her.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA3X4jtb6B
"What are you doing, Naya?" my brother asked. "You leaving? What happened to till death do us part, huh?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilWywohomv
"I can't take it anymore, Ben. Stay here if you want, but I'm going back to my parents." She struggled to lift her luggage and support her big tummy at the same time.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Xb8Ie3kK
"Naya," he called, grabbing her by the arm, "We talked about this, right?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLdUwLs42B
She wiped the tears using the back of her hand. "No. You keep running your mouth, but you are not giving me any choice!"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRolHx46PN
She spun around and tried to take a step, but Ben stopped her with a hug from the back. Mama and the rest of us went to the living room, where we saw Ben bury his tearful face in the nape of his wife.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMub5QlQme
"What's going on?" It was mama. "What is this commotion about?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUddAJavYI
But my brother ignored the question.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7blpYfQE4
"Naya, don't do this, please," he mumbled.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXJudR6Th2
"No, Ben, don't stop me. Just stay here." She tried to free herself away from his embrace.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskK7tBtrbZ
Ben violently spread his arms in the air.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayIN7ePAJ8
"What do you want me to do, Naya?" he growled in frustration. "I told you we cannot move out; we need a lot of money to build our own house!"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4isRddEnI
"Then why don't you let me borrow from papa?" she snapped. "I am your wife, Benjamin! We are supposed to be equals, but you treat me like a fool who shouldn't have a say about anything!"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMC4wgnynq
She slowly slumped on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. She buried her face in the palms of her hands.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3QgT2Ion8
I hurried to her and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, while Joe placed his hand on Ben's shoulder.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIIlzHYmfw
The next thing we heard was nothing but the sobs and snivels of the couple.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uwZm4XBNM
Joe spoke to our brother.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CJy7QYxkv
"Ben, she's your wife," he said gently. "Respect her wish."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY9TovWftL
Ben turned his teary face to our eldest. "But kuya, I cannot, not yet... Not now—"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SPTsSgeF9
Joe shook his head, stopping Ben mid-sentence.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1geJCPu3iY
"You want to lose your baby by stressing your wife?" Joe asked, his brows furrowed. "Come on, man, we will help."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURpizaQ4Iq
"Kuya..."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEHrVu1e52
Joe pulled Ben in a one-armed hug, allowing the latter to pour out the tears on his shoulder. From a short distance, mama also teared up, drowned by the drama and confusion.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUfR1xZQZR
Still running my palms through the back of our sister-in-law, I looked at our eldest and gave him an understanding nod.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ9kIzqw8s
357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPprXXcpmB
A few days later, all the men and women in our barangay gathered at our compound, bringing the supplies they could contribute to building Ben's house.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34g1AGmPj5
My brothers cleared the elevated, taro-filled lot just behind our house and started flattening the area where Ben's dwelling would be built.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwg4bfaNNG
The women with whom I was grouped busied themselves in the kitchen. As we were working, I couldn't help but stare at my brothers. I really wanted to be with them and display my manly feats. Maybe Joe would allow me to do their work this time.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWbVau5mgo
"Mama," I called one day as we were mincing the garlic and onion for lunch.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hda8yp6gB
"Yes anak?" she replied.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfgvrhQuPg
"Can I shift strands?" I asked.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3zxCy7jkL
"Can you what?!" she blurted out.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8G6XPVwve
I shrugged.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn59kNlEMUU
"Shift strands, you know, from Arts and Design to TVL," I explained.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEb5xH4U2M
Her head violently turned toward me.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpkDV1AtGG
"You're shifting from Arts and Design to TVL? My God, Judy, you're graduating in a year!" she said, slapping her head after the last word. "Are you having a—what you call that, midlife crisis?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO6GxwfN2l
"No, I just don't find fashion designing appealing anymore," I said, struggling to sound casual. "I want to be a master carpenter."357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrawXEchJV
"Master carpenter?! You'll get those soft hands dirty by doing manly work? Can't you just give that job to your kuya Joe?" she asked in a frustrated voice.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW38xREpA8Y
Luh.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF58uY6XPO
"What's wrong with me wanting to be a master carpenter? I could earn millions there too," I defended.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz2F3ARGk6
She faced me again with arms folded together, giving me an old-fashioned look.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AMD8ItWul
"Judy, do you really want to be a carpenter or do you just want to abandon your responsibilities here to join your kuyas? You've been staring at them the whole time since they started clearing the area," she said. "You think I didn't notice?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5BRPAnhqG
My eyes rolled upward, wondering how in the world she found out my true purpose. Mama's expression suddenly shifted from panic mode to gentle. Her hand rose to smooth my hair.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s9lYLVSp8
"Anak, you know that Mama loves you even if you have chosen a different path from your brothers, right?" she said.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlgnjQt07B
The emphasis did not escape my ears. Have I really chosen a different path? It seemed more like it was being shifted against my will.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6GqsFUHGF
"And you promised me you'll grow up to be a refined woman and help me keep the house," she continued. "Right, anak?"357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Wyl6z2WH
No, I didn't.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQa2Sz5k7k
"Right?" she insisted.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRduKVYNPDR
I released a heavy sigh.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bgKC1RhMl
"Right," I said in resignation.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcyo8LaxeX
"So please, Judy, can you respect me on this?" she asked.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3fQCXUUVK
I nodded, hoping that would stop her from talking.357Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGP1UuHtLH
Penana
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