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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrf9jWkpJy
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK6BsZWNHF
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIYLoMJfpd
"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."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfKUbxZnAG
Ben did not answer and refused to touch his food, while Naya frowned like she needed a hug at that moment.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsaSh3mHKZ
"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."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJNWx7Xh1g
Naya, who had been glancing on the floor and at her husband, placed her hand on my brother's bare shoulder.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoDfIK7c3Y
"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."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILbfqQP6hA
Mama flashed her that smile that she usually gives to the people who get on her nerves.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2HUBp6KSd
"Naya, anak," mama said, "Opiana men help, but they do not beg. Your man, your provider; he should look for work on his own."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrsMz7wfIJ
"But mama—"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr719sTthOP
"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."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHohjmMk8Hc
The poor young woman fell silent and looked away.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttX45mdl0r
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMptzcnlnbp
"Why don't you look for a job in town?" mama suggested. "Or you can work with Joe in the construction."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ495dc8F6sF
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzrTESUcbh
"Can you help him get a job, son?" mama asked, her attention to Joe who seemed to have swallowed a half pitcher of water.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05KXkz0t9d
He quickly composed himself.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIqFYkgTcj
"I'll try," he replied.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3YIAW32Ec
"Alright, Ben. You go with Joe tomorrow."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGUvwDoN1w
"Tomorrow?" Joe blurted out. "But that's my day off. What about um... Monday?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xi5yuOCwU
Her slipper made a loud clap on the shoulder of our eldest.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuTT9kWKUu
"Aray!" he cried, massaging the pained area with his fingers.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz5dtQuPq2
"Do not keep your brother waiting, my goodness! He needs to provide for his family!"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmU6YLmk5T
Joe threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I'll do it."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilkTmJqAx6
 618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwWN2EuLab
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?618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgnhOA0uq8
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrtmmdI7T1
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyumVp9Ivk
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GISVux6n4
One of those nights, I surprised her with a cup of warm milk only to find out what was keeping her up at night.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBREcpWUuVq
"How thoughtful of you, Judy," she said, then took a sip.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsf5asYVzm
"I try," I answered. "You're always up late. Won't it affect the baby?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj09KltyLFC
"I cannot sleep," she answered, then turned the attention to the bills.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VNCIjSKs9
She pretended to count the money before her but decided to continue when I didn't answer.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2riGnRIdSf
She reluctantly raised her head and looked at me with a serious face. "Truth is, I want Ben and I to move out already."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L7Zk9JsoD
My brows arched out of curiosity.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28oS99BePR
"Is that mama getting in your head?" I asked, looking at her frowning face intently.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBn9kXw8sy
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zu5Lhfb4q
"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."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmbdoaBaC6
She laughed nervously, but I gave her a smile of assurance.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLsBA4ahI2
"Just know that I'm here whenever you need me," I continued.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lZt1hAJcG
She gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Judy... For understanding me."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba1fS8fNMB
"Anytime, ate," I said, placing my palm at the back of her hand. "Anytime."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQmAnBmrZj
 618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXb8sKsIuT
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xNEd4ysOo
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMGCh6oYK
Naya carried a big suitcase in her left hand while Ben followed her.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPK46clTsO
"What are you doing, Naya?" my brother asked. "You leaving? What happened to till death do us part, huh?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx17Q0Rwils
"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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF5o5KJsLA
"Naya," he called, grabbing her by the arm, "We talked about this, right?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o41OnZb7v
She wiped the tears using the back of her hand. "No. You keep running your mouth, but you are not giving me any choice!"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthQ7LHuLSQ
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6jN5r7dLI
"What's going on?" It was mama. "What is this commotion about?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPPDLo517R
But my brother ignored the question.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucSmdqxZLH
"Naya, don't do this, please," he mumbled.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMQ0BTstMo
"No, Ben, don't stop me. Just stay here." She tried to free herself away from his embrace.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9lOCyVEXH
Ben violently spread his arms in the air.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvj5Fo8IxI
"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!"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk5BwaAYpv
"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!"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLzxCySuUn
She slowly slumped on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. She buried her face in the palms of her hands.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBln6r9P8T
I hurried to her and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, while Joe placed his hand on Ben's shoulder.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOG5IMGA5A
The next thing we heard was nothing but the sobs and snivels of the couple.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmdlaijx7u
Joe spoke to our brother.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3vs05Bcjg
"Ben, she's your wife," he said gently. "Respect her wish."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vmNm3g9GB
Ben turned his teary face to our eldest. "But kuya, I cannot, not yet... Not now—"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWoWCRhNUP
Joe shook his head, stopping Ben mid-sentence.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCZRYriQVA
"You want to lose your baby by stressing your wife?" Joe asked, his brows furrowed. "Come on, man, we will help."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTJWNWFcHz
"Kuya..."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IqZqx29fn
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBSoKWv5QT
Still running my palms through the back of our sister-in-law, I looked at our eldest and gave him an understanding nod.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMPbThmSS5
 618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1CAxw6NUs
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm2SfRUgRo
My brothers cleared the elevated, taro-filled lot just behind our house and started flattening the area where Ben's dwelling would be built.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDla37wgJ2D
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyXNynZTH4
"Mama," I called one day as we were mincing the garlic and onion for lunch.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Tx5HFNjy
"Yes anak?" she replied.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZRU1wTwwD
"Can I shift strands?" I asked.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0soLuHZxF5
"Can you what?!" she blurted out.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo687JwLmS
I shrugged.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn9ThTCfxv
"Shift strands, you know, from Arts and Design to TVL," I explained.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxLFmExk2m
Her head violently turned toward me.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQTPOuTncl
"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?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH2j37nM2q
"No, I just don't find fashion designing appealing anymore," I said, struggling to sound casual. "I want to be a master carpenter."618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pfGdyylIa
"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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YMsmrUti4
Luh.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg8Xu9qfRU
"What's wrong with me wanting to be a master carpenter? I could earn millions there too," I defended.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzscWE0L4n
She faced me again with arms folded together, giving me an old-fashioned look.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn64bUAw7u
"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?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6kO80MraO
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR9jSK1D51
"Anak, you know that Mama loves you even if you have chosen a different path from your brothers, right?" she said.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBsXrIUaBA
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.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzm8BBy37Y
"And you promised me you'll grow up to be a refined woman and help me keep the house," she continued. "Right, anak?"618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVkMXyHmDX
No, I didn't.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlAMxVNA2f
"Right?" she insisted.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5NRfStgm8
I released a heavy sigh.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOZ9KVl997
"Right," I said in resignation.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iwnQGml1X
"So please, Judy, can you respect me on this?" she asked.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmHpp7DHtF
I nodded, hoping that would stop her from talking.618Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciCYJyddBh
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