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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAC86zZ61RNP
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAqBktAiT1Nd
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANA778yQ1q6uF
"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."475Please respect copyright.PENANA6NxlvR5EMU
Ben did not answer and refused to touch his food, while Naya frowned like she needed a hug at that moment.475Please respect copyright.PENANAZWRw8GJgU7
"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."475Please respect copyright.PENANAC8ud1drb3w
Naya, who had been glancing on the floor and at her husband, placed her hand on my brother's bare shoulder.475Please respect copyright.PENANAfnIlRF2bno
"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."475Please respect copyright.PENANAZQC2vTMVVP
Mama flashed her that smile that she usually gives to the people who get on her nerves.475Please respect copyright.PENANACdEwUgsElq
"Naya, anak," mama said, "Opiana men help, but they do not beg. Your man, your provider; he should look for work on his own."475Please respect copyright.PENANAdg5prDSA2t
"But mama—"475Please respect copyright.PENANAdvduE86jJB
"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."475Please respect copyright.PENANAVZLY7JMS9S
The poor young woman fell silent and looked away.475Please respect copyright.PENANAPEHWSl1gH5
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANATCAulH7Csm
"Why don't you look for a job in town?" mama suggested. "Or you can work with Joe in the construction."475Please respect copyright.PENANAVNSyLeOTZr
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAsFNVjTXXs3
"Can you help him get a job, son?" mama asked, her attention to Joe who seemed to have swallowed a half pitcher of water.475Please respect copyright.PENANATU9noYkPFm
He quickly composed himself.475Please respect copyright.PENANAUHdrwQVfEx
"I'll try," he replied.475Please respect copyright.PENANAXlhOyFmkvU
"Alright, Ben. You go with Joe tomorrow."475Please respect copyright.PENANAZlkdTGKbTm
"Tomorrow?" Joe blurted out. "But that's my day off. What about um... Monday?"475Please respect copyright.PENANA6W8YMf5CYC
Her slipper made a loud clap on the shoulder of our eldest.475Please respect copyright.PENANAa5f0pj7eZo
"Aray!" he cried, massaging the pained area with his fingers.475Please respect copyright.PENANAI9NzDpY64u
"Do not keep your brother waiting, my goodness! He needs to provide for his family!"475Please respect copyright.PENANAjWYwmhFcAO
Joe threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I'll do it."475Please respect copyright.PENANANRR9YwGSWe
475Please respect copyright.PENANAIrJbUtPcwY
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?475Please respect copyright.PENANAKdaQMumaJX
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAC2cDLpRtL7
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAPFOwcX4A4Y
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAq3nWlftK05
One of those nights, I surprised her with a cup of warm milk only to find out what was keeping her up at night.475Please respect copyright.PENANA17rqXNlS06
"How thoughtful of you, Judy," she said, then took a sip.475Please respect copyright.PENANAaa6TkxULfA
"I try," I answered. "You're always up late. Won't it affect the baby?"475Please respect copyright.PENANAu6oe74iOFT
"I cannot sleep," she answered, then turned the attention to the bills.475Please respect copyright.PENANAQPVUWTri4P
She pretended to count the money before her but decided to continue when I didn't answer.475Please respect copyright.PENANAywbGnvIbjV
She reluctantly raised her head and looked at me with a serious face. "Truth is, I want Ben and I to move out already."475Please respect copyright.PENANA8ceojpkiiE
My brows arched out of curiosity.475Please respect copyright.PENANA82t83AbPpI
"Is that mama getting in your head?" I asked, looking at her frowning face intently.475Please respect copyright.PENANAYrhqGp0FwP
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAN6oEQPxkaQ
"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."475Please respect copyright.PENANAkKpvbp2cND
She laughed nervously, but I gave her a smile of assurance.475Please respect copyright.PENANAQ04uafsEob
"Just know that I'm here whenever you need me," I continued.475Please respect copyright.PENANA33IOw6XQyS
She gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Judy... For understanding me."475Please respect copyright.PENANA8siybNmR8m
"Anytime, ate," I said, placing my palm at the back of her hand. "Anytime."475Please respect copyright.PENANAIAy3tL5bf7
475Please respect copyright.PENANAmYV3Ca06c1
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAsAcmB9ineD
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANANf14YfDoH3
Naya carried a big suitcase in her left hand while Ben followed her.475Please respect copyright.PENANAx889gpLmu5
"What are you doing, Naya?" my brother asked. "You leaving? What happened to till death do us part, huh?"475Please respect copyright.PENANA11bawQAGtJ
"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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAyz7Wkq6RnT
"Naya," he called, grabbing her by the arm, "We talked about this, right?"475Please respect copyright.PENANArvpTa2E6D9
She wiped the tears using the back of her hand. "No. You keep running your mouth, but you are not giving me any choice!"475Please respect copyright.PENANA6PCDzKbk2B
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAEsBFzofrMA
"What's going on?" It was mama. "What is this commotion about?"475Please respect copyright.PENANAWbTN66WQmN
But my brother ignored the question.475Please respect copyright.PENANAlAK0EkhYFl
"Naya, don't do this, please," he mumbled.475Please respect copyright.PENANA2NR5QuxGLz
"No, Ben, don't stop me. Just stay here." She tried to free herself away from his embrace.475Please respect copyright.PENANA7RC8gkIiX1
Ben violently spread his arms in the air.475Please respect copyright.PENANAaa4t2Qi35b
"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!"475Please respect copyright.PENANAtAw9KdBIWP
"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!"475Please respect copyright.PENANAacrCKXQSrS
She slowly slumped on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. She buried her face in the palms of her hands.475Please respect copyright.PENANApUmwNeLPsZ
I hurried to her and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, while Joe placed his hand on Ben's shoulder.475Please respect copyright.PENANAQdCT1qBbGM
The next thing we heard was nothing but the sobs and snivels of the couple.475Please respect copyright.PENANAn9nlisQhir
Joe spoke to our brother.475Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZjyLjtwWp
"Ben, she's your wife," he said gently. "Respect her wish."475Please respect copyright.PENANA5r6aOxbsuv
Ben turned his teary face to our eldest. "But kuya, I cannot, not yet... Not now—"475Please respect copyright.PENANAo578RfQcbi
Joe shook his head, stopping Ben mid-sentence.475Please respect copyright.PENANAfS2X3uVVVO
"You want to lose your baby by stressing your wife?" Joe asked, his brows furrowed. "Come on, man, we will help."475Please respect copyright.PENANARfs4JQJyRt
"Kuya..."475Please respect copyright.PENANAx1ufyUc5Ph
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAmOHWUWPCbH
Still running my palms through the back of our sister-in-law, I looked at our eldest and gave him an understanding nod.475Please respect copyright.PENANAC9rntnBoOz
475Please respect copyright.PENANA8Q3b5eMGpM
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAN2lZxHjKLa
My brothers cleared the elevated, taro-filled lot just behind our house and started flattening the area where Ben's dwelling would be built.475Please respect copyright.PENANArs7DQemxGp
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAAIMKpwFSAC
"Mama," I called one day as we were mincing the garlic and onion for lunch.475Please respect copyright.PENANAY9nxR0NI0A
"Yes anak?" she replied.475Please respect copyright.PENANAL09sKFH1JL
"Can I shift strands?" I asked.475Please respect copyright.PENANAl5VgGRclSW
"Can you what?!" she blurted out.475Please respect copyright.PENANA4QTbBmdZOp
I shrugged.475Please respect copyright.PENANAfewkHkvGcQ
"Shift strands, you know, from Arts and Design to TVL," I explained.475Please respect copyright.PENANAbRnDyLDZRy
Her head violently turned toward me.475Please respect copyright.PENANAsuWUN1xyS8
"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?"475Please respect copyright.PENANAOw3Eqxe6v9
"No, I just don't find fashion designing appealing anymore," I said, struggling to sound casual. "I want to be a master carpenter."475Please respect copyright.PENANAOPCS4q4znk
"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.475Please respect copyright.PENANAowvMvmXGbH
Luh.475Please respect copyright.PENANAIUVB1fjZwm
"What's wrong with me wanting to be a master carpenter? I could earn millions there too," I defended.475Please respect copyright.PENANAqm1c5IIK2Z
She faced me again with arms folded together, giving me an old-fashioned look.475Please respect copyright.PENANA96CBKUF9Th
"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?"475Please respect copyright.PENANA6z7JAogNLU
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANACAnBjL4tvj
"Anak, you know that Mama loves you even if you have chosen a different path from your brothers, right?" she said.475Please respect copyright.PENANAK88B18tDUX
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.475Please respect copyright.PENANALyNWU3NQft
"And you promised me you'll grow up to be a refined woman and help me keep the house," she continued. "Right, anak?"475Please respect copyright.PENANALB8YE1uaHm
No, I didn't.475Please respect copyright.PENANAojs9jnOrfV
"Right?" she insisted.475Please respect copyright.PENANA5XwgOffHKP
I released a heavy sigh.475Please respect copyright.PENANAi4QQwqOk1y
"Right," I said in resignation.475Please respect copyright.PENANAlehDz98plq
"So please, Judy, can you respect me on this?" she asked.475Please respect copyright.PENANAiVrxmd0Bbk
I nodded, hoping that would stop her from talking.475Please respect copyright.PENANAkJsnbamSAc
arrow_back
Beautiful
more_vert
-
info_outline Info
-
toc Table of Contents
-
share Share
-
format_color_text Display Settings
-
exposure_plus_1 Recommend
-
report_problem Report
-
account_circle Login
Search stories, writers or societies
Continue ReadingClear All
What Others Are ReadingRefresh
X
Never miss what's happening on Penana!
Beautiful
Author:
Aliena

ISSUE #4
Chapter 4
LIKES 0
READS 471
BOOKMARKS 0
Suggest Edits

Click to load the next chapter
X
After each update request, the author will receive a notification!
smartphone100 → Request update
X
Sponsor again
Click to login
Login first to show your name as a sponsor.
Thank you for supporting the story! :)
Please Login first.
×
Write down what you like about the story
×
Reading Theme:
Font Size:
Line Spacing:
Paragraph Spacing:
Load the next issue automatically
Reset to default
×
People Who Like This