'Good day. We are now inviting passengers of flight 247 to Manila to proceed to the boarding area. Please prepare all necessary documents. I repeat, passengers of flight 247 to Manila, please proceed to the boarding area. Thank you.'
Nung narinig ko yung announcement, I immediately stood up and grabbed my things. I checked my bag for my ticket and passport and headed straight to the boarding area.
I handed them my docs and once nacheck nila na tama, they let me enter the premises towards the plane.
I don't know why, but this walkway feels a little longer and more dreadful to walk to. While I was in the middle of the walkway, my phone vibrated. Kaya I checked who was calling.
Mama calling...
Even though I was hesistant, I picked it up, not wanting to say anything.
"Thirdy anak. Are you there?"
I sighed and mas binilisan pa yung lakad ko.
"Yes ma. I'm already boarding my flight to Manila."
"Sure ka na ba anak?"
I can hear the worriness from her. So I smiled, kahit na alam kong hindi niya naman makikita yun.
"Yes ma. Decided na po akong umuwi."
I can hear background noises in the midst of a short dead air, but they are intangible.
"Okay anak. I already asked Manong pick you up in the airport and he agreed." she offered.
"Sure ma. I'll see you there, okay? I have to turn off my phone."
"Okay. See you anak. Safe travels!"
I ended the call and climb up the stairs of the plane. Ginuide naman ako ng FA towards my seat. It's a window seat, which is how I like my flights essentially.
I fixed my luggage and then tucked myself in my seat for the next 16 hours.
Minutes after, the plane ascended, leaving the land of the free to make its way towards the land where I grew up.
The land where she is, the love of my life. In 16 hours, makikita ko na siya.
As my mind drowns itself with thoughts, I doze off and fell asleep.
--
After long hours of flight, I finally arrived at NAIA. Buti na lang isang maleta at isang backpack lang dala ko kaya I can rush outside.
Paglabas ko ng door, nakita ko agad si Manong na nag aabang sa labas ng car niya.
"Welcome home, Thirds! It's been years."
I hugged him and let out a small smile.
"Wala ehh. Medyo naduwag."
I chuckled and he just patted me on the back.
"Walang duwag sa ginawa mo, Thirds. Nagpakatotoo ka lang."
After niyang sabihin yun, may binato siyang susi. Buti nasalo ko.
"Oh. This is a spare key for the car. Alam ko namang gusto mo na may solo time ka after." nagtaka naman ako.
"Ehh sa'n ka sasakay?"
Inakbayan niya naman ako tas may tinuro siya kaya sinundan ko yung direction.
"Kita mo yun? Asawa ko yan. Kaya wag ka mag aalala sa'kin. At tsaka ihahatid ka muna namin sa pupuntahan mo kasi alam naman namin pagod ka pa dahil sa biyahe."
