Caressing My Perplexed Stella [HS #3]

It was your choice. To hide me, to make this a secret. It was your choice, to hide your flaws and never admit your mistake. It was you. But then again, I will still choose you because I am your child.

That night, we were gathered in the dining area where the dinner were served. Choupsuey ang main dish, iyon ay isang bagay na dapat kong ipagpasalamat dahil nagsasawa na ako sa karne. Spring rolls ang side dish, paborito iyon ni Mommy kaya madalas gumagawa ang mga maids ng ganoon.

"Nakagayak ka na, 'Nak?" Tanong ni Mommy habang kumakain kami. 

"Opo, Comet helped me awhile ago." I answered, napatingin ako kay Comet na proud pang nakangiti sa aming ina. He is so proud of it, sabagay, ngayon lang naman siya naging productive.

"I was on rush earlier at work, I was hoping that I can help you tonight on packing." She shared. I've visited a lot of places now because of press conferences and training, lagi niya akong tinutulungan sa pag-aayos ng gamit. Wala akong nakakaligtaan dahil sa kanya, but earlier, I didn't wait for her since I know she's busy.

"It's alright, Mom. Sigurado naman po akong walang nalimutan..."

"God bless on your competition for next week, okay? I know you'll do great there." Singit sa amin ni Daddy, lumipat sa kanya ang tingin ko at kaagad na tumango. I'll take that with me there, at least, maganda ang pabaon na iyon.

"What do you want when you come back? We will cook something for you. Or even bake, if you want some sweets." Mom offered.

"Kahit na ano, 'My. Huwag lang cinnamon rolls." Natatawa kong sabi at ibinalik na ang tingin sa pagkain. "Can you send me off tomorrow? I mean, if you don't have anything to do. Mama and Papa can't go here..." Sinabi ko iyon na parang wala lang sa akin ngunit mahigpit ang aking naging kapit sa kutsara at tinidor nang wikain iyon.

"I'll send you off," Dad said. Kaagad akong nag-angat ng tingin. "Your Mom and I will send you off, we have nothing to do tomorrow." He then added, lumipat ang tingin ko sa aming ina na nakangiti habang tumatango.

"Hmm, really? Thank you." I mumbled as I continue eating. Mama and Papa can't send me off tomorrow, the call time will is seven in the morning and they can't come here that early. Ang mahalaga, they would be in the last day of the competition. Either I have an award or none.

After we eat, I told them I have to go back home and rest since I have to go there early tomorrow. Matapos kong gawin ang aking night routine ay kaagad na akong nahiga sa kama. I was just lying down in silence when I hears my phone rang, napabalikwas ako dahil doon at kaagad na kinapa.

I saw Kuya Lennon's name in the screen, sinagot ko iyon at marahang isinandal ang likod sa headboard ng kama.

"Kuya Lennon, Good Evening..." It's eight in the evening here so it's nine there. Ang liwanag na nanggagaling sa lampshade ang naging dahilan para makita ko ang wallclock.

[Hello, Dale. How are you? Sea told me that you're all going to Cebu tomorrow...] Sagot nito mula sa kabilang linya.

"I'm good, Kuya. Yes, for National Schools Press Conference. It'll be next week but our flight will be tomorrow..." I shared. "Ikaw? How are you?" Pagbabalik ko sa kanya ng tanong.

A day after he flew to Korea, tumawag ako upang mangamusta. Iyon ang huli naming tawag, I also told him that I was sorry of how George acted when he greeted him. Kung ako lang ang tatanungin, alam kong iba ang inakto ng aking nobyo noon.

[I'm delighted tonight, I guess?] Narinig ko pa ang kanyang mahinang pag-tawa.

"Hindi ba nakakapagod mag-trabaho? I think I'd rather choose to study for the rest of my life than to work, but I can't do that right?" Biro ko rin.