I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 53

'When I was just a kid they said
Kid don't you cry
I am older now I say
It's alright'

The dawn has come when they left the house.  The sun above them was slowly blazing like a gold medallion in the sky. Lianne's eyes were glued a far as she hums the song on her phone while earphones are on.

They are now on their way to Zambales, Aga and Lea driving her for their team building. It would be a three day trip and they should be there on or before eight in the morning. Good thing, the school respected the idea of some parents to let their children go with their own drivers, and that includes Lianne of course. Mostly, these kids are from overprotective parents, more so from prominent families.

'Every tear rollin down
Is a lesson learned
Are you too old to turn
Are you too young to burn
Too young'

They were now half way through the place. Aga, every once in a while glances at her. And by the time she's done having her solemn moment, he reminded his daughter all the 'dos and don'ts' like to be extra careful and never forget to call and update him every single time she gets. He understands that a lot of activities are waiting for the  excursionists, that's why he kept on reminding her to atleast give a call before the day starts and ends. It would give him peace somehow.

Lea on the other hand was just listening and checking on Lianne at the back. Around ten minutes before eight, they are already at the meeting place. There were few buses lining up outside the camp as well, signaling that they were just on time. Laughters and grinning faces due to excitement splashes among the crowd. The place is quiet, peaceful,  you can even smell the fresh cut grass around the area that looks bright in green.

Aga and Lea accompanied Lianne with her suitcase until they reached some of her classmates on the side of the road.

They never left until many teachers arrived the area.

"Remember what I told you. Don't forget to call me--"
"I will Dad. Promise!" Lianne cut him for she has heard so much along the way, she even raised her right hand that caused Aga to sigh. Well, she'll definitely do for him not to regret allowing her on this trip.
Lianne looked around and waved her hand when she saw Kelly approaching towards them.
"Hi tito, good morning po!" Kelly greeted Aga first before giving Lianne a hug. She then saw a woman next to her tito Aga, though hesitant, she still managed to acknowledged her presence in equal manner. Lea gave her a nice and pleasant smile in return. For a moment, Lianne forgot that Lea is just next to them. She doesn't know if she'll get annoy to herself from waving at Kelly or for not asking her father to go already. She felt her heart beating so fast, neither Kelly nor Aya knows about her mother, Lea. Aga faked a cough that caught her attention. She closed her eyes for a while as she sighs shortly. Then, she felt his father's hands pressing against her left shoulder. That alerted her system, she glanced at him then to Kelly. She's doomed, there's no way she can hide this side story of her personal life. Yes, it's a big deal for her. How could this be not at the right time. She cleared her throat, "Uhmm... Kelly," her friend looked at her a little puzzled. Okay, she has to say it now before some of her acquaintances or teachers notice. And for them to finally go, "m-my mom." she almost said in whisper but still audible for them to hear. She saw Kelly's eyes widened, she can't blame her though to react that way. She nervously smiled at her with an umayos-ka-look. She also gave her a grip from behind, "Ah.. Hello po t-tita! Sorry po pala earlier, di ko po kasi kayo nakilala. Oo nga pala. Nice to meet you po!" she said while smiling like an idiot. Another curse excaped from Lianne's mind.

'Shet! Gonna kick your ass later Kelly! Of course you won't recognize her!'

She quickly checked Lea's reaction and it doesn't seem to bother her. She was just smiling at her friend. Oh, she couldn't comprehend the first lines. I see. She reminded herself.