RDD 29

Chapter 29

Penelope and I returned to Pangasinan three years ago and it was climatic. A lot of things happened but in our case, it was a good thing. 

Penelope reconciled with their family and their relationship strengthen. Alberto (Father-in-law) and Corazon (Mother-in-law) even fell in love with Roman. 

However, there was an incident that was imprinted in my mind. When we returned back then, there was a middle-aged woman who quarreled with Penelope. 

It was Señorita, Penelope's elder sister. The woman kept spouting hurtful words but Penelope accepted everything because she loved her family. 

In fact, I almost punch the woman. If not because of Penelope, perhaps I already caused a scene. I might have a black eye at that time but I can fight. 

It was different from Alberto's punch that I accepted. I was wrong and I took responsibility for what I'd done. I impregnated my wife and we eloped from our parents. 

I understood Alberto's feelings so I accepted all of his punches. That's what it takes to be a man. 

However, Señorita was different. She was the most awful person I met, she made Penelope cry and kneel. 

Penelope had a lot of siblings and out of all of them, I only remember Simeon and Señorita. The latter was because of negative reasons. 

If there was someone I don't want to meet again, that was probably Señorita. 

"Grandma, who are they?"

The young thin kid was confused when he realized that there were unknown people in the kitchen. He was still young when he met us and perhaps he didn't remember us. 

"Billy, it's your Auntie and Uncle. Say hello to them."

"Hello."

He weakly muttered. However, his eyes were on Roman who was currently playing Snake on my Nokia. 

"..."

"Do you want to eat? The stew is already done."

Alberto gave him a plate with rice and duck meat. 

"Yes, Grandpa."

He said and ran away. Perhaps he returned to his room to eat alone. 

"Tch, that kid. He is already eating and forgot me, he didn't even ask me if I want to eat."

We can hear their conversation, especially with Señorita's loud irritating voice. 

"He is just a kid. You should tolerate him more. Besides, he said that he didn't eat breakfast. He is hungry."

"Tch, if I can't eat, then he shouldn't eat too. I'm working hard while he was sleeping, how can I have the energy to feed him? So I gave him money instead."

"What did he do with the money?"

"I don't know, perhaps he bought candy or something. Anyway, I want to eat Ma."

"Okay, but you have to behave yourself. Your sister is here."

"Who?"

Corazon sighed and let her enter the kitchen. She hoped that her daughters would reconcile. As a mother, it hurt her to see them fighting. 

"... Hello, sister Señorita."

"Oh, look who's here! Our prodigal sister has returned!"

Unfortunately, Corazon's expectations crumbled when she heard their first conversation. 

"I can't believe that you have the guts to return after what you did. You really have thick skin. And what's this? You have a daughter? Wow."

She said in a sarcastic way and Penelope was uncomfortable. I was standing next to Penelope, holding her hand. I was looking at Señorita coldly. Of course I hate this bitch who keeps spouting nonsense. Penelope was innocent, I'm the one who caused her trouble... 

"Roman and Sophia, play with your Grandma."

I knew that something would happen so I already sent the kids to their grandma. I don't want any of them to hear our conversation. Roman was confused but he followed Sophia and Corazon. 

"Señorita, don't you have any manner? Penelope just arrived and you're already showing your bad behavior."

Simeon stood up between the two. He knew what happened last time. 

"Why do I have to? That woman is ungrateful. We gave her money to continue her study but she eloped with a bastard and never returned! When she came back, she already had a baby! Can't you see how ungrateful she is?"

"Based on what I remember, you never helped Penelope, not even giving a cent for her study. Our parents are the ones who gave her the money, not you."

The two started bantering.

"So what? It didn't change the fact that Penelope waste all of our parents' money! All of them wasted!"

"Penelope is a scholar, we never paid any tuition fee. We didn't spend a lot of money, it's a small amount."

I can feel my wife's shoulders shaking. 

"She's still an ungrateful child!"

"Enough!"

Alberto lost his patience and raised his voice. His children were arguing and as the pillar of the home, he had to maintain order. 

"If you want to fight, leave this place now."

It was loud and clear and both of them shut their mouth. 

"Señorita, you have to understand that Penelope never begged us to send her money. It's our own decision. She wanted to finish college and we want to help her, it's simple."

Indeed, Penelope was a hardworking person. She was a working student who was studying during the day but working at night. In fact, I first met her in the canteen. She was a waiter at that time. Since then, I decided to pursue her. 

"..."

Señorita glared at Penelope. 

I didn't understand why she hated her sister that much. They resemble each other but Senorita was an awful person. 

"Fine..."

She bit her lip. She took a plate and scooped rice and stew. She then left the kitchen. 

"Are you okay, Honey?"

"I'm alright..."

I comforted my wife and hugged her. It was obvious that she was sad. 

"That woman is really hard to understand. She always makes a ruckus even with little things."

Simeon rubbed his face in frustration while Father-in-law took out and cigarette and lit it up. The atmosphere turned depressed and down. 

"I think we're going to stay in our room for the time being. We traveled for hours and we are tired."

"Okay, you can tell me if you want something."

I led my wife to our room to take a rest.