Loving the Dark Sky

CHAPTER 33

"I want to be a fashion model!" masaya kong sabi kina Lola at Tita nang makauwi kami ni Hugo sa mansion. Natagpuan namin sila sa sala na nag-uusap habang umiinom ng tsaa.

Ibinaba ni Lola ang kanyang tasa. "Well, I'm happy to hear that. The first time I saw you, I knew you could be a model because of your height and good body shape," nakangiting tugon ni Lola.

"But why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't tell you what you can do because you should know it for yourself. You should be the one to know your passion."

"So you'll let me do it?"

"Of course, apo! I'm your grandmother after all. We'll support you throughout your journey. I’m sure your Lolo will be happy when he hears this."

"Thank you! But speaking of Lolo, how is he?"

"He's still resting, hija. He's asleep."

I smiled at her. "Okay po." After that, I looked at Tita. "Tita, I want to model your designs for you, just like Hugo. Is it okay if I give it a try?"

Agad na tumayo si Tita dahil sa sobrang tuwa. "I thought you'd never ask! Of course, mi amor! I would love to!" masaya pa niyang wika. Hinila niya ako at tinabi kay Hugo. "You two are perfect for my designs!" dagdag pa niya habang tinitignan kami ni Hugo.

Dahil sa sinabi ko nang gabing 'yon ay dumaan ulit ako sa training sessions ni Tita. But this time, it's all about modeling. At kasama ko na do'n si Hugo. Hindi naman ako nahirapan kasi nga kahit papaano ay sanay at may alam na rin ako sa fashion. Nang magsimula ang school year ay tuloy pa rin ang training namin. Pagkatapos namin sa school ay sunod agad ang training. We spent six months of training before we did the real thing.

Hugo and I started modeling Tita’s designs before we signed with a modeling agency that Tito trusted. It was good how we were able to combine learning and modeling.

But while achieving the things I dreamed of, it’s still unavoidable for me to lose something... or someone.

Lolo...

Losing loved ones is painful. I takes a lot of tears. But the best thing you can do for them is to live, move forward and make them proud... wherever they are.

Nang makapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral ay mas lalo akong naging busy sa pagmomodelo. I spent almost 7 years of my life working as a model without getting a chance to visit the Philippines. Sa loob ng pitong taong pamamalagi ko sa ibang bansa ay wala man lang nag-respond sa'kin sa mga kakilala ko sa Pilipinas. I tried to reach out for them but nothing happened.

"Andria..."

Nakaupo ako sa sofa at katabi si Hugo nang oras na 'yon. Agad kong nilapitan si Lola nang tawagin niya ako. Nakahiga siya sa kama at may sakit. Hiniling ni Lola kina Tita at Hugo na lumabas muna kasi gusto niya akong makausap nang sarilinan. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at hinawakan ang kamay niya. I looked at her, worried. "Yes, Lola?"

"I know it won't be long and I will be able to be with your grandfather... as well as your mama and papa," mahina niyang wika.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang emosyon ko. I closed my eyes when I felt my tears fell. She's tired...

"I can tell them a lot about you," nakangiti pa niyang wika. "I'm so proud of you, apo. And I'm sure they are too."

"Lola.."

"I have a favor to ask you," aniya bago pinunasan ang mga luha ko. "I want you to go back there."

Natigilan ako nang marinig 'yon.

"I know you want to go back there but Alejandra forbade you. You want to go back there but you don't want to disobey her. I know she just wants to protect you but she keeps you away from the people who are important to you. You've been busy with your work and your responsibilities in this family for almost 7 years. You've become a fine woman, apo. You've already done a lot for us. You already gave us enough of your time to be with us before it's too late. And I’m sure you can do a lot more with your life. I also know that your grandfather and I are one of the reasons why you can't go back there."