Cue of secrets

Chapter 23

"Ma, porridge?" Alok ni Janice ng pagkain kay Mommy. She's not eating well for days now.

"Okay lang ako, anak. I'm still full."

"Mama, you're not eating for days. Kumain na po kayo. Porridge lang. Titigil na ako after you finish this bowl, promise!" Janice negotiated.

"Sige na." Mom said and ate the porridge.

Ngumiti ako kay Janice. She and Shaniah are the ones I counted on to take care of Mommy and Papa when I'm here, doing important business.

"Si Kryz ba, pupunta 'yon?" Inis na tanong ni Shaniah kay Janice.

"Hindi yata. Sana hindi." Irita ding sagot ni Janice.

"True. Ayoko siya makita, naiinis ako sa mukha niya." Sagot pa ni Shaniah.

"Dalawang maldita, nasa harap niyo lang si Papa ha. Ayus-ayusin niyo bibig niyo." Saway ko sa kanila.

Thankful padin ako cause they cheer us up. Alam kong nasasaktan din sila ng sobra ngayon pero pinipilit padin nilang maging masaya.

Nakita ko si Lolo, Lola at Isaac na papasok sa gate. Isaac stayed with them for a while since we couldn't take care of him.

"Lo, Lola." I greeted them.

"Kumusta, apo? How have you been?" Lolo asked.

"I'm good. Your tagalog has gotten a lot better, Lolo." I smiled.

"Siyempre! We spent most of our days learning tagalog. We sound like natives now, no?"

"Yes, lola." I smiled.

"I'm sorry for your loss, hija. I'm sure your papa is proud of you, lagi niya 'yung sinasabi saamin. Tsaka you managed two companies and a family at once. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, lola. I have a favor though,"

"What is it?" Lolo asked, eager to do as I say.

"Can you keep Mommy company for a while? I'm just going to entertain guests. There are many people that came here as I expected."

"Sure, apo."

"Kunin ko lang po 'yung flowers sa labas." Paalam ko.

"Bring an umbrella. Umaambon na!" Lola reminded me.

Malayo ang bahay namin sa front gate but I was too confident that it wouldn't rain so I didn't bring an umbrella.

I didn't know that there are many flowers as I expected so I went inside the house to look for a basket where I can put it all.

Habang pinipulot ko ang mga bulaklak, the rain started to pour. Pinulot ko na ito agad habang umaabon palang. Palakas-ito ng palakas hanggang maramdaman ko nang nababasa na ako.

"Ms. Raelle." A maid came to me and covered me with an umbrella.

"Ms. Raelle, akin na po." One of Mommy's guards reached the basket from my hands.

"Imperial splendor." I heard one of the guests say as I walk in front of them.

"Ms. Raelle, the couture sent you a dress. It's black. Should I iron it for you to wear tomorrow? Tsaka 'yung invitation for fashion week in New York next week." Mommy's secretary approached me.

I didn't hire a secretary for myself. Kaya ko naman sa office. I just need someone to manage my schedule since I've been invited to many fashion shows.

"I'll send them the email myself. Thank you, Pau."

"The armani dress you wanted, they sent it. I'll take care of your outfit tomorrow."