Lagot Ka Kay Coach

Chapter 38: [Trouble]

Cheska’s POV

                The next day after class, sinundo ako ni Captain. Sabay kaming pumunta sa Café Dominic para i-meet si Mama at si Manang. Kinakabahan ako sa sasabihin nila. Iba yung naramdaman ko nung si Juami ang nakilala nila Mama at Papa. Iba din ngayon kasi si Fort na ang pinag-uusapan. I feel more pressured. It may be because I care what they think about Fort more than what they feel about Juami.

                “Nervous?” Tanong ko kay Captain nang mapansin kong hindi siya mapakali habang nagda-drive.

                He smiled. “Konti lang. You’ll be there with me kaya I don’t see the point in being too nervous.”

                “Mabait si Mama. And she likes you already. Everything’s going to be fine.” Sagot ko.

                Nang makarating kami sa Café, nasa loob na sila Mama at Manang. Captain and I sat across them from the table.

                “Gusto niyo bang umorder muna?” Tanong ni Mama.

                Umiling ako. I’m too nervous to eat. Captain politely declined Mama’s offer.

                “So how should we start this? Do you have anything to come clean about?” Tanong sa amin ni Mama.

                I nod. Biglang hinawakan ni Captain ang kamay ko under the table, stopping me from speaking.

                “Nililigawan kop o si Cheska, Tita. And I want your blessing kung okay lang po sana,” The words are out of his mouth in a matter of seconds. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay niya.

                Huminga ako ng malalim. Pabalik-balik ang tingin sa amin ni Mama, her eyes slowly analyzing our faces.

                Then, all too quickly, a smile is on her face. “I thought you’d never ask. Of course, Jeric. I give you my blessing.”

                I realeased the breath I didn’t know I was holding. Thank God. Sabay kaming nagkatinginan ni Captain habang nakangiti.

                “Thank you Tita.” Sabi ni Captain kay Mama.

                Si Manang Leah naman nakangiti na din.

                “Mas okay sana kung sinabi niyo na ng mas maaga para nagawan ko ng paraan sa Papa mo, Cheska. Edi sana hindi pa kayo naunahan ni Juami.” Si Mama.

                Ha? Teka nga… “Alam niyo na pong nanliligaw na si Jeric sa akin noon?” Tanong ko.

                Captain smiled as I said his name. Oh, right. I don’t call him by his name a lot. Nakakapanibago din.

                “Hay nako anak. I knew there was something going on when he picked you up at our house para sabay kayong pumunta sa party ni Miggy.” Nakangiti si Mama.

                “Bakit wala po kayong binanggit sa akin?” Tanong ko.

                Mama’s gentle smile was still etched on her beautiful face. “I wanted to. Pero hinintay kong ikaw ang magsabi sa akin. Ayaw kitang pilitin kung hindi ka pa handa. Alam ko namang gagawin mo ang tama kaya minabuti ko ng maghintay.”

                Napangiti na din ako. This is a huge relief. Hindi ko alam na ganito pala kabilis tatanggapin ni Mama ang lahat.

                “Tita bakit po wala din kayong nabanggit kay Coach?” Tanong ni Captain.