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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL1quxex28
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgekpru92R1
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R9H4aZN9e
"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."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgijEufi19
Ben did not answer and refused to touch his food, while Naya frowned like she needed a hug at that moment.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHiO86M4us
"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."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADG7sSsIph
Naya, who had been glancing on the floor and at her husband, placed her hand on my brother's bare shoulder.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3XJv0zmec
"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."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkjSgAghRL
Mama flashed her that smile that she usually gives to the people who get on her nerves.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpgx58QekI
"Naya, anak," mama said, "Opiana men help, but they do not beg. Your man, your provider; he should look for work on his own."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUYgv0SPC1
"But mama—"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiVQ4xLQuB
"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."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFTfXyln1C
The poor young woman fell silent and looked away.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVmB4jvVKh
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y9nfdwaIe
"Why don't you look for a job in town?" mama suggested. "Or you can work with Joe in the construction."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnwISmHjj9
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXYK4A0KGP
"Can you help him get a job, son?" mama asked, her attention to Joe who seemed to have swallowed a half pitcher of water.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKLG4089Yp
He quickly composed himself.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXeSLrnC0F
"I'll try," he replied.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoAtiw7ztI
"Alright, Ben. You go with Joe tomorrow."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLE6C15Kp
"Tomorrow?" Joe blurted out. "But that's my day off. What about um... Monday?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcAcAAHF8h
Her slipper made a loud clap on the shoulder of our eldest.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2yYZYaYb8
"Aray!" he cried, massaging the pained area with his fingers.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXaUvSd5Nz
"Do not keep your brother waiting, my goodness! He needs to provide for his family!"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUJc4zrhS8
Joe threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I'll do it."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXRNItYlLk
 398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GD4dmmX6E
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?398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcE6AlFN6B
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5FpqGQ2qm
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8sw7S3EgC
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFR8MlJIMD
One of those nights, I surprised her with a cup of warm milk only to find out what was keeping her up at night.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1BIN5s6mo
"How thoughtful of you, Judy," she said, then took a sip.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXsWWsmYvv
"I try," I answered. "You're always up late. Won't it affect the baby?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDszlMOLuCP
"I cannot sleep," she answered, then turned the attention to the bills.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGjwiMxr2U
She pretended to count the money before her but decided to continue when I didn't answer.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX8IOSJh5h
She reluctantly raised her head and looked at me with a serious face. "Truth is, I want Ben and I to move out already."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYNL0g77QQ
My brows arched out of curiosity.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn8ed3eUkd
"Is that mama getting in your head?" I asked, looking at her frowning face intently.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeIjkJT9yo
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfCbpGdOwM
"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."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpKXoxjjey
She laughed nervously, but I gave her a smile of assurance.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknXc0WTVa6
"Just know that I'm here whenever you need me," I continued.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFIl0Do9Ig
She gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Judy... For understanding me."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUVmeJPZYS
"Anytime, ate," I said, placing my palm at the back of her hand. "Anytime."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ikYtzIjoP
 398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZQQtQ3lR3
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrJsH1T8uR
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgjdcokX82
Naya carried a big suitcase in her left hand while Ben followed her.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZLXXP2qhX
"What are you doing, Naya?" my brother asked. "You leaving? What happened to till death do us part, huh?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapso24AOMr
"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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuoOcgFW1v
"Naya," he called, grabbing her by the arm, "We talked about this, right?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt7lwzMTxR
She wiped the tears using the back of her hand. "No. You keep running your mouth, but you are not giving me any choice!"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg3MEJgqFf
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2pqHlNeIi
"What's going on?" It was mama. "What is this commotion about?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcC3jlY4s4
But my brother ignored the question.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU6NSN2gF7
"Naya, don't do this, please," he mumbled.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUyaF3h3O7
"No, Ben, don't stop me. Just stay here." She tried to free herself away from his embrace.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiXVBRV6WL
Ben violently spread his arms in the air.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9REEatvzhs
"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!"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp7sS5xvI8
"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!"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNrP5kqz6g
She slowly slumped on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. She buried her face in the palms of her hands.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1xa90oBcf
I hurried to her and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, while Joe placed his hand on Ben's shoulder.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjLzzEUvL9
The next thing we heard was nothing but the sobs and snivels of the couple.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7FFJB0Izp
Joe spoke to our brother.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MteXgVMwD
"Ben, she's your wife," he said gently. "Respect her wish."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyljKYkzqb
Ben turned his teary face to our eldest. "But kuya, I cannot, not yet... Not now—"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhOKCwlFZJ
Joe shook his head, stopping Ben mid-sentence.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDIPQIvnIz
"You want to lose your baby by stressing your wife?" Joe asked, his brows furrowed. "Come on, man, we will help."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBay4AEk8UY
"Kuya..."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfo9ciRcd1
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5xZZcs6DB
Still running my palms through the back of our sister-in-law, I looked at our eldest and gave him an understanding nod.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IQr3GftlS
 398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9KIMxcq4V
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofJoygeFAl
My brothers cleared the elevated, taro-filled lot just behind our house and started flattening the area where Ben's dwelling would be built.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sGAKuhZpY
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNJv11BMRZ
"Mama," I called one day as we were mincing the garlic and onion for lunch.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2udO1toevT
"Yes anak?" she replied.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSvCumVS5t
"Can I shift strands?" I asked.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eWVWvGlZI
"Can you what?!" she blurted out.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFM4xrvsdR
I shrugged.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHVicDVQr2
"Shift strands, you know, from Arts and Design to TVL," I explained.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FbrD14rw1
Her head violently turned toward me.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLlnxubJJu
"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?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBmPkOvUPu
"No, I just don't find fashion designing appealing anymore," I said, struggling to sound casual. "I want to be a master carpenter."398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3jee4Oazx
"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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe04vuDeo5
Luh.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkbI7PqQ65
"What's wrong with me wanting to be a master carpenter? I could earn millions there too," I defended.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OpNNBGWXY
She faced me again with arms folded together, giving me an old-fashioned look.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2V077sdkS
"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?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfL13eT7X4
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwnLA4d0cH
"Anak, you know that Mama loves you even if you have chosen a different path from your brothers, right?" she said.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNrSZCB09n
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.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8gnswWqDW
"And you promised me you'll grow up to be a refined woman and help me keep the house," she continued. "Right, anak?"398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREQObX2Nca
No, I didn't.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdPcgK0vDY
"Right?" she insisted.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9eNzKIqVm
I released a heavy sigh.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNSqCe0v11
"Right," I said in resignation.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYr2FF9Z52
"So please, Judy, can you respect me on this?" she asked.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozwREbzbs6
I nodded, hoping that would stop her from talking.398Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6yQqZypf1
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