The Missing Piece

Mariya
(The lost memories pt. 2)

It was all I have to do before, Lancelot slowly opened up his self to all of us. He became more at ease whenever he's with the group. Mas nabibiro ko na rin siya hindi gaya noon na kung hindi busangot na mukha ay snob mula sa kanya ang inaabot ko. Now, as I look at him exchange banters with Ernest and Dave all I could think of is how much holding back he's been doing for a long time. He forbid his self to be this carefree and happy for a long time. I feel so proud seeing him losing up and I'm glad we have the right set of people for it.

Kuya Miller who is always supportive of his bandmates, Fritzie the most caring mother of the group, King the elder brother he never had, Ernest, Dave and Clarisse the siblings he can bicker with. And of course me, the one who will willingly hold him so he can have someone to hold on to when he takes his leap of faith.

"Aalis kana naman?" Fritzie pouted while asking my brother.

Nandito na naman kami sa bahay nina Dave. Kakatapos lang nila sa isang practice session kaya abala ang lahat sa meryenda na hinanda.

My brother just told everyone that he'll be out of town again for a week because of a business convention. It happens a lot lately lalo na at mas naging abala si papa nang ma-promote sa higher position. Ngayon ay si kuya na ang sinasanay niya para sumunod sa yapak niya. Papa's employer also knows kuya Miller kaya mas lalong dapat magpakitang gilas ni kuya.

"I'm sorry if I would leave the band in your care again, Fritz. I hope you're not getting tired." Kuya smiled sadly while I listen quietly to them. Abala kasi ang iba sa pagkain habang nakaupo ako malapit kay kuya at Fritzie.

"We're fine, Mill. King helps me too." Kuya held, Fritzie's hand while he guides her head to lean on his shoulder. "I'm doing this for us. Hopefully, papa would loosen up a bit to me when he sees I'm doing my part." Fritzie hugs my brother.

"I know, Miller." She gently whispered.

I sighed knowing that I won't be seeing kuya for days again. Masyadong tahimik ang bahay pag wala sila ni papa. And I can't easily sneak out to hangout with them because mama and papa don't want me to get encourage joining a band. Iyon pa naman ang isa sa pakiusap nila kay kuya.

"Makakaabot ka kaya sa birthday ko?" Ernest asked kuya while his mouth is still full with dessert. Agad naman itong binatukan ni Clarisse. "Ang baboy nito! Lunukin mo muna yan hoy!" She scolded him kaya ayan na naman ang pag babangayan nila.

I decided to stand and get some snacks too. King, Dave and Lancelot are talking about something so I remained quiet while picking my favorite dessert.

Habang nag lalagay ng cassava cake at banana sundae sa saucer na dala ko, naramdaman ko ang pag sunod ni kuya sa akin. He got another big plate getting lots of dessert and snacks. He got two of each. Pumipili lang ako ng gustong kainin samantalang si kuya ay gusto atang tikman lahat ng hinanda nina Dave.

"Baby, you good?" Kuya patted the top of my head so I faced him.

"Yeah, just a little exhausted." Malungkot na ngiti ko. Nagtaka naman ako nang makita ang mapang asar na ngisi niya.

"Exhausted? Or you're just really gonna miss me?" Asar pa niya kaya agad akong ngumiwi. Yeah I admit I would miss him but I would never admit it. He'll just boast about it in front of them. "Duh? Of course not. Sadyang hindi lang ako pinapayagan gumala pag wala ka kaya no gala for me." He bark a laughter that earned a glance from everyone kaya mas napasimangot ako.

"I will miss you too, baby. Always will." Saad ni kuya habang hindi inaalis ang kamay sa ulo ko kaya ako na mismo ang nag alis nito.

Everytime kuya is not around, I only get to spend time with his bandmates during school days the reason why I always look forward to it more than weekends. Baliktad nga ata ako eh. Kung ang iba hate nila ang monday, ako excited tuwing monday. Kinaiinisan ko nga lang ang morning classes. I would be so sleepy every lecture.