IN BETWEEN

06

IN BETWEEN- 06

When I said that I was sleepy, I really mean it. Although I also used it as an excuse, I didn't lie. I feel sleepy and if we didn't leave, I'll lose my chance to fall asleep. Chael let me sleep in his back, he even pulled the jacket I was wearing to tie it in his waist, thankfully it is an oversize jacket for me. We don't want to get into an accident if I fall deeply asleep. I tightly hold the jacket since I don't want to hug him directly, it was more like I was tied up into him.

Thankfully, he never asked me a question again. He was just silently driving, vibing with the music he plays. The music helps me to control myself again and to hide the little sobs I'm hiding because of the wind, I guess or not.

"Sleep soundly, Alessandra," he said after I gave him his helmet.

"Good night," I uttered, leaving him behind and before I could finally open the door he said something again.

"It's okay to cry, Alessandra." I didn't bother to turn around again, I shouldn't because if I do, I know it's the end of me.

***

"Ate, wear this na kasi..." hindi ko alam kung ilang oras na kami nagkukulitan dito ni Finn, pilit nyang pinapasuot sa akin ang strawberry dress na nandito sa bag. "Hindi mo pa naman nasusuot 'to, gift ko din 'to sayo dibaaa! Tsaka dina pinilit mo pa ako bilhin 'to para sayo? Bakit mo pa nirequest ni mo naman pala susuotin." reklamo nya, napahinga ako ng malalim habang nagpabalik balik ang tingin ko sa dress at sa kanya.

"It's too cringy, Finn. Strawberry dress in the strawberry farm, really?"

"Para nga twinning e, cute kaya." suhol pa nito, "dali na kasi..." napabuntong hininga ako saka tumango, ano pa nga ba magagawa ko. "Yes! Tara, kumain na daw muna tayo sa baba." Excited nitong sabi saka nagmamadaling hinala ako pababa ng hagdan.

"Good morning, Maia. Can you help me prepare the table?" bati sa akin ni Tita, tipid akong ngumiti at tumango dito. Kinuha ko ang mga plato at utensils na nakatago sa cabinet nila at isa isa itong inilagay sa table.

"Good morning, Anak." Bati sa akin ni Mama habang nagluluto.

"Morning." Sagot ko naman dito.

Papa and Tito are at the breakfast nook, talking about issues and things, you know like how fathers talk. Grace and Finn are already at the table, waiting for the food to arrive. Everything is fine here, they are like a two-family living in one house.

I sat at the chair, facing the cutest Grace eating her food. I was ready to put fried rice on my plate when someone stole the ladle, I gave him a death glare, and knowing it's him, he just put a smile on his face.

"Tinanghali kana ng gising, Chael. Aalis pa tayo." napatikhim naman ako, hindi pa din ako nakakaligo habang sila ay bihis na bihis na.

"Maia, you should hurry up, hindi ka pa din nakakaligo." Mama said,I took the last bite then drink a glass of water.

"You too, Chael. Mas maganda kung makahabol tayo sa mismong opening ng farm para madami pang fresh strawberry." tumango naman ito habang nagmamadali kainin ang pagkain sa plato nya.

"Sabay na tayo maligo, Chael." Naramdaman ko ang pagtahimik ng paligid, tanging kalansing ng nalaglag na kutsara ang narinig ko.