Taming The Sly Alexandria Gabrielle

CHAPTER 3

ANDREA (the bitch)

"Hello kuya?"

"Hello Princess, do you have something to do after your class?"

"Why?"

"Can you please come and join us for dinner tonight?"

"Where and what time?"

"The Haven Hotel along Timog Avenue at seven o'clock."

"Why?"

"Please just be there princess."

"Okay."

"Okay thanks, see you at seven. Take care."

I wonder what's with dinner and who's going to be there. My brother's voice tells me that this is important, wala naman akong ibang gagawin ngayon, so why not. Ibinulsa ko ang aking IPhone at pumasok sa huling klase ko ngayong araw. My schedule during Tuesdays and Thursdays is only until three in the afternoon. And today is Thursday so I will just have to endure another two hours and I'll be off.

After two boring hours, I immediately go out and headed straight at the University's parking. And as usual, madaming studyante pa rin ang bumabati sa akin pero wala akong pakialam. I'm the kind of person who loves my solitude so much at hindi ko ugaling basta makipagkaibigan. I can say that I'm quite famous here in University of the Philippines because of our band.

Dumaan muna ako sa aking suking flower shop to buy the usual basket of jasmine flower, my mom's favorite bago tumuloy sa aking destinasyon.

Heaven's Gate Memorial Park, this is where I go whenever I want solitude and peace. My mom's resting place.

"Hi mom, how are you? I brought your favorite flower." I sat down on the ground and touched her name engraved on the tombstone. "Know what, mas okay ngayong second year ang schedule ko kaya huwag kang magtaka kung madadalas ako dito sa sayo. Don't think na nag-i-skip ako ha?" Nangingiti ako sa mga pinagsasabi ko, but this is me I love to talk to my mom and update her to my whereabouts.

"Mas mababait ngayon ang mga studyante sa new school ko mom, marunong silang kumilala ng diyosa. Wala pa namang naglalakas ng loob na mam-bully sa akin, not that I will allow them. Ang know what, nakakatanggap ako ng flowers na basta na lang iniiwan sa ibabaw ni Mazda. Dumb move isn't it? sabagay kapag iniabot sa akin ng personal, di ko rin naman tatanggapin. As of my band, don't worry about it, I promise you, I will prioritize my studies over my gigs. It's just that, singing gives me comfort. Performing is better than sparring, mahirap humanap ng partner lalo't in the end, napipilayan or nababalian ang partner ko. Loud music really calms me mom, kaya don't worry about me going to clubs, maaasahan naman iyong apat na gwapong kasama ko, malalandi nga lang. And you know that I can take care of myself if ever may mambastos sa akin. Takot lang nilang mabugbog."

Nag-iinit na naman ang aking mga mata. For the past eight years that I've been away, I never shed a tear. But in times like this, all my misery and longing for my mom always wins. I laid down on the ground beside my mom and closed my eyes. I let my tears fall freely.

"Someday mom, I will be okay, I promise you. Forgive me if I'm still like this after all these years. I just missed you so bad, and I'm still alone." Tumitig ako sa langit at naghikab.

"Mom, can I sleep for a while? I will meet kuya later for dinner. I don't know why but it seems important. Wake me up after two hours please." And just like that, I let myself drift to sleep as usual.

I was awakened by the vibration of my phone on my pocket. I looked around at nakitang naka sindi na ang mga solar lights na nagkalat sa paligid ng memorial park. I checked the time and it's already thirty after six.