The Secret's Magic

Kabanata 23

Pinauna ko si Tita Nathie sa loob ng kwarto ni Cole. I decided to compose myself first.

I dried my tears and balance my breathing. As much as possible I don't want him to see traces of sadness in my eyes, nor in my whole being.

It's not the right time to feel down. Kelangan makita ni Cole na everything's okay and we are here for him.

Humingang malalim muna ako ng isa pang beses. I plastered a smile on my lips before holding the knob.

Nadatnan kong kinakausap ni Tita Nathie si Cole pagkasara ko ng pinto sa likuran ko. 

"Really, Tita Nathie?"

"Yes, darling. Papasok din mamaya si-" Natigil si Tita Nathie nang pamansin niya ako. She smiled widely to Cole. "Look! Ate is here na oh."

Cole's eyes are full of surprise and delight when he look at my side. Mistula siyang hindi talaga makapaniwala na nandito ako.

I know, Cole. I know. You're growing up to quick that ate missed a lot. How I wish we can live under the same roof.

"Ate! You're hear!" 

I automatically smile because of his cheerfulness despite what happened to him. Parang hindi siya nasaktan. Parang wala siyang pinagdaanan.

Cole is the youngest Buenaventura. The sweetest juvenile of this clan. He shows kindness even how ill-mannered you treated him. He's a sunray in the middle of every storm.

And I am so lucky to be part of his life.

"Of course. Bakit naman hindi ka pupuntahan ni ate?" I sit beside him and caress his face.

"I thought you're busy pa ate." He said innocently.

I smiled a little. 

"Bunso needs ate. Kaya walang busy busy!" Pinasigla ko ang voice ko. I look at tita Nathie before looking back at my brother again. "Are you hungry? Tito Damien bought Jollibee kanina."

Excitement crossed his eyes as well as joy. Pero hindi 'yun nag tagal. He gulp and shook his head afterwards.

"I'm only allowed to eat once a day ate. And I ate na kaninang umaga. Mama would be mad."

Anger build in my system once again. The fact that Mama already put that idea to his mind is undeniably disapointing.

Akala tuloy ni Cole normal 'yun.

"But ate said we will eat these foods together. D0on't think about Mama, I'll take care of her."