OS #1: Chain Of Restrictions

7th Restriction

Who

The silence between us is so loud! The awkward tension is so obvious.

If he doesn't see me as his sister, then what am I to him? The possible answer is somewhat making me nervous.

Tumayo si Hugh at pumunta sa likod ko, he continued pushing the wheelchair. He noticed that I can't answer him yet, he didn't say anything either.

Manong Roel, our driver, helped Hugh with the wheelchair as Hugh carries me and settles me inside the car.

I didn't even notice that I was holding my breath. Lumapit siya sa akin habang nakatingin sa aking mga mata. I thought he will whisper something, when he just grab the seat belt and fastens it.

Okay, ang assuming ko pala.

Nang sinarado niya ang pintuan sa banda ko, I then gasped for air. Bumukas ng driver seat at sumakay si Manong Roel.

"Manong, please drive carefully." Hugh said pagkasakay niya.

Tinapik niya ang gilid ng upuan ni Manong upang ipaalam na maayos na. Tingnan mo 'to, I only sprained my knee. It's not like I'm some preggy woman.

"Yes, Sir." Manong Roel replied and started the engine. Lumabas ang sasakyan sa gate ng paaralan.

On the way to the house, I felt him stir on his seat. Nilingon ko siya at nakita siyang nakahawak sa kayang telepono, nagbabasa ng text.

Biglang nagbago ang ekspresyon niya sa mukha. When he noticed that I'm checking on him, he swiftly hides it. My forehead slightly creased with his action.

What is he hiding? Why is he suddenly being secretive? He's making me curious.

He gently smiles when our eyes met. I recognize an emotion in his eyes. He's eyes are somewhat scared? Weird. Lumingon na lamang ako sa banda ng bintana ko. I heard him sighed.

After minutes of driving, dumating na rin kami sa bahay. Bumukas ang gate lara makapasok ang sasakyan. Pagkatigil, bumaba siy ng sasakyan at pinagbuksan ang aking pintuan. He had Manong Roel prepare the wheelchair.

Lumapit siya sa akin. His left hand went under my back as his right arm found its spot under my knees.

Tamang-tama na nakasakay na ako sa wheelchair, when the front door of the house opened, revealing the worried Mom and Dad. Mom ran, and squatted in front of me.

Nagdadalawang isip siya kung titingnan niya ba ang aking na sprained na paa o ang aking mga pasa.

"Dana Oh my god! You look horrible!" Tumawa si Dad sa sinabi ni Mom, he then went to Hugh's side at inakbayan ito.

Even though Mom's a surgeon, it doesn't change the fact that she's still a Mom. Kaya naiintindihan ko kung bakit sobrang nag-alala siya sa akin.

Mom's chattering, made my day. She then goes on about what she said about being careful and all. There are even small visible tears on the side of her blue-gray eyes.

Maraming nagsasabi na sobrang magkamukha kami, like I'm her mini me. Well, I can always agree, my Mom is so pretty.

I crinkle my nose. "Mom, don't cry. Gagaling din naman 'to." Tumatawang saad ko, habang pinapalis ang kanyang luha.

Namumula ang kanyang maliit pero mataas na ilong. No one looks so pretty as my Mom, when she cries.

I signaled Dad to get Mom. "Wife, let's get Dana inside. Come on." Tumayo si Mom.

Dad then went to my back to push the wheelchair, while Hugh assisted him. The day goes on and Mom's still talking about how to always take care, I just laughed, Mom is such a worrywart.