Our Author (Completed)

Chapter 7

Gwen's POV
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“Ngayon ba aalis si Esty, honey?” Geeo asked while I am fixing his bag. I am helping him prepare for his trip to Laguna for a shooting of a drama. I don't know why he needs to be there. The script for that drama was finalized two months ago already. My husband can't even get a good night sleep.
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“Oo. Susunduin s'ya ni Aless dito sa bahay mamayang alas onse. I confirmed where they are going. A friend of mine is one of the organizers there. I'm sure that they're going to be safe.”
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Lumabas si Geeo mula sa banyo habang pinupunasan ang buhok n'ya. “You sure? Paano naman 'yong pagpunta nila roon saka pag-uwi? I can just say to the director that I am a bit sick for them to let me go on a day off. Sasamahan ko sila Esty.”
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Tumingin ako sa kaniya. “Gee, nag-aalala ka na naman ng sobra. It's just a simple gathering plus the fact that Aless is with her. Before seven in the evening I'm sure that Esther is already home.”
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Yinakap n'ya ko mula sa likod. “You're starting to lose the strictness in you, honey. Esty is very important. Natatakot ako na baka may mangyaring masama sa kaniya.”
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I held his hand. “Stop worrying and let her enjoy. She needs to explore to learn more about her skills and also about herself. Darating din ang panahon na hindi n'ya na kakailanganin ng gabay natin. You should know that she's our child and not a prisoner.”
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“I'm sorry. I just can't help it, honey. I can't still believe that she's growing too fast. I am happy and worried.”
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Esther's POV
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“Hi, Esther! Are you ready? Nakausap ko na si tita. We're good to go!” masiglang bati ni Aless nang makita ko s'ya sa sala namin. Natagalan kasi akong magbihis. Tinanghali ako ng gising. Sarap talaga matulog, eh.
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Inayos ko ang pagkakasukbit ng bag ko sa likod ko. "Ready na rin ako. Kumain ka ba bago ka pumunta rito?"
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“Oum, malapit lang dito 'yong venue kaso dahil tanghali na, baka ma-traffic tayo. Tara na, magji-jeep pa tayo.”
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Nagpaalam ako kay Mama na busy sa pagta-type. May script kasi s'yang ginagawa. Sabay kaming naglakad ni Aless papunta sa sakayan ng jeep.
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“Ano bang nangyari roon sa gathering na 'yon last year?” I asked Aless.
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“Just normal stuff. Kumakain kami habang may nagle-lecture tapos may activities per group and the last hour is just for talking to other writers. The last hour is the free hour. It's more of like a workshop than a gathering.”

Tumango-tango naman ako. Konti lang kasi ang dala ko. Just my umbrella, my book, water bottle, towel, and money. Sabi kasi ni Aless may pagkain naman doon kaya hindi na ako nagbaon ng pagkain. Kung hindi naman kami mabubusog doon, baka pumunta na lang kami sa fast food chain bago umuwi.

“P'wede bang sa free hour, uwi na tayo? Kung hindi ka pa uuwi no'n, p'wede namang mauna na kong umuwi.”

Sinamaan n'ya ko ng tingin. “Are you really just going with me for the lecture? It's your chance to meet new people plus, ngayon ka lang pinayagan na pumunta sa ganitong event na 'di sakop ng school. Try to have fun and just get along with others. Mas masaya kapag kasama mo 'yong mga taong kapareho mo ng interest.”

I shrugged. “Maybe I'm a bit shy, but I'll try.”

••••

We arrived at the venue 15 minutes before the start. Sobrang laki ng venue. There's a big screen on top of the stage and round tables. Parang prom imbes na lecture, but all people are wearing casual clothes. I dunno all of them.

Hinawakan ni Aless ang braso ko. “You're shaking, Esther. Kumalma ka nga muna.”

Hinatak ako ni Aless paupo sa vacant table. My eyes roamed around the area. People keep on coming. I didn't expect that tons of people will attend. It's kinda overwhelming.

“Alessandra, you're here!” A girl in a black dress waled towards me and Aless. “How are you, Sandra? It's been a year since I last saw you! Your stories are getting better and better. Can't wait for your next updates!”