Last Photograph

Chapter 64: It's always happy hour somewhere

     It was late afternoon that day when Halley and Abbey were staying at the back patio as they talked about each one and other random stuff they could think of.

"No celebrations that time?" Halley asked.

     "Yeah, just a casual day," Abbey nodded.

     "And what? You just ask her?"

     "Yes," Abbey smiled at her. "Try it."

     "I don't know, I mean she looks busy."

     "Do you hear yourself? She's always free when it comes to her kids."

     "Maybe to you and Adan, but for me?" Halley tried to reason out.

     "Hal, she's your mom too."

     "I know, I know. It's just that—"

     Abbey suddenly reached Halley's hand.

     She held it then smiled.

    "Try reaching out to her, she's just waiting for you."

     "You think she does?"

     "Yes, and I know she misses you so much! So go on, talk to her. You've done the first step, right? You forgave her?"

     "Yeah," Halley nodded then gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for doing this—"

     "No, Hal. I owe you a lot."

     "Huy hindi ah."

     "Sige na, it's my pangbawi to you."

     The two girls found themselves hugging each other again and almost teared up.

     "But seriously, Avs. Thank you ha."

"Anytime," she giggles.

Halley stood up, "you're not coming?"

"I have to talk with my dad pa."

"What? Akala ko ba you'll help me out?"

"You've got it, just talk to mum."

"Fine, fine," she takes a deep breath first before she made it back inside the house. She first searched the whole living room but didn't find her mama there.

Halley then immediately thinks that her mama must have stayed in her room like she often does because of her work.

*knock-knock*

She tilts the knob and slightly opens the door as she peeked through it.

"Halley?" Tricia asks.

She quickly stood up soon as she saw her.

"Do you need anything?"

"Can I come in?" Halley smiled at her.

"Of course."

Tricia widely opened the door for her daughter as she invited her inside and asks her to sit beside her.

"I'm just finishing this but you can tell me what you need," she told her.

"Uhm, where's baby Adan po?"

"He's in your room, sleeping."

Halley nodded her head.

She keeps watching her mama.

"Hey, sweet bean, what do you need?"

"Uhm," Halley almost bit her lower lips. "I was just wondering if you're free or not because you look busy with your work po and—"