Pursuing Our Freedom| ✓

Kabanata 11

Kabanata 11

"Yes po," I answered politely, even bowing my head a bit. "Wala pa po ba si Iscalade?"

"Dumaan lang sila saglit sa S&R ng Dad niya," She assured. "I think they're already on the way. Okay lang ba? Pasok ka muna, anak."

Anak.

It made me flustered. But I know some people use it for endearments.

I went inside and Issie immediately barked at me, wiggling his tail to get out of the woman's grip.

"Hala, Issie..." the woman chortled. "It looks like Issie likes you."

Agad niyang pinakawalan si Issie kaya naman tumakbo si Issie sa direksyon ko. I immediately cuddled with him since I miss him too. Matagal kaming hindi nagkita. How I wished my parents would let me have pets, wala naman akong allergies sa kanila.

"Issie, I miss you..." I affectionately hugged him. He only barked softly in response. Malambing talaga siya.

"I'm Tita Istelle, Philomena. I'm Iscalade's Mom, I hope you don't mind us knowing your name." She was almost giggling, pero pinipigilan niya ito. "Don't worry, it's not for all the wrong reasons. Alam lang namin na kaibigan ka ni Iscalade."

"Good afternoon po, Tita." I greeted her. "Pasensya na po sa abala."

"No, it's never a bother. I heard you're even helping Iscalade with his studies," she gave a small smile. "Thank you, anak."

"W-wala po 'yon," I, once again, flushed at her statement.

She served me tea on the meantime and we bonded with Issie. I was expecting her to be jolly and as loud as Iscalade but she was tranquilty itself. Ilang minuto lang ay dumating na si Iscalade kasama ang kanyang Dad. Both of them were bantering.

"Mama, bakit ba si Papa 'yung pinatulan mo sa lahat ng mangliligaw mo?" Iscalade's forehead was dipped into a frown. "Tama ba naman iwan niya 'yung anak mo sa cashier na hindi man lang iniwan 'yung wallet niya?"

"Kung hindi ako 'yung pinili ng Mama mo edi sana hindi ka ganyan ka-gwapo," His Dad nudged him playfully. "Ito naman nagtatampo agad, saglit mo lang naman hindi nakita 'yung crush mo. Ayan na nga —"

"Pa! Secret nga lang 'yon," Iscalade hushed his Dad. "Ingay mo naman, Pa. Parang di sinabihan, ang kulit."

His Dad only grinned at him. Upon seeing his Dad, I can attest that Iscalade got his attitude and genes from his father. Pareho silang may pilyong ningning sa mga mata.

Kabaliktaran naman ito sa kanyang Mama. His Mom looked too soft and calm contrary to his bubbly personality. Pero mukhang namana naman niya 'yung pagiging mabait nito.

"Sorry, matagal ka bang naghintay?" Iscalade asked me, concern laced on his voice.

I inmediately shook my head.

"Nope, sandali lang naman po."

"Ah so, tara na?" he asked, scratching his nape. He looked nervous.

"Saan kayo, Iscalade? Bawal sa kwarto mo ah," His Papa reminded him, teasingly.

"Hindi naman talaga," Iscalade says. "At saka, palagi namang bukas 'yung kwarto ko, Pa. I have nothing to hide. Mabait kaya akong anak ni Mama."

Iscalade stuck out his tongue and his Dad only chuckled. Hindi ko mapigilan ang makaramdam ng inggit nang makita ang reaksyon ng kanyang ama.

I never had that kind of encounter with Daddy. Palagi lang kaming seryoso. Although, I know I should always remain polite to elders — I envy that kind of interaction. Minsan iniisip ko kung kailan kaya? Gusto ko rin maranasan.