Stupid In Love

Chapter 31

Olivia Morgan

"I want you to be very quiet, Morgan," Giit ni Montemayor nang papasok kami sa bahay nila.

I parked my bike on our empty house, at ngayo'y hinahatid ko siya sa kanila. Sa likod kami dumaan. At mukhang tulog na ang mama niya dahil ganito siya ka ingat.

But we failed when the lights suddenly flashed on. We were like deers caught in a red light, looking at Aling Pepa who looked just as surprised as we are. Alas dose na rin kase ng gabi.

"Ba't ngayon ka lang, iha?"

Melanie only shrugged, "Si Mama?" She asked and avoided the question. She adjusted her posture and broke the quiet disguise. Ako nama'y nginitian si Aling Pepa para batiin.

"Nasa sala. Ayaw niya pa ring matulog sa kwarto niya,"

Tumango si Montemayor bago ako iginiya patungo sa sala. Nasorpresa akong makita si Tita Melinda roon na naka wheel chair at may IV therapy pa sa braso niya. She looks paler and thinner than the last time I saw her.

My head turned to Melanie. I was about to ask, but Melanie stopped me, "She's fine. Okay na si Mama ngayon at dapat nalang daw siyang magpahinga sabi ng doktor,"

Inunahan niya na ako bago pa ako makatanong. This is probably the big reason why she was stressed and problematic last week. And knowing Mel, she would never, ever even try to ask for help.

"Ba't ka pa gising, Ma?" Alalang tanong ni Melanie at pinatay ang malaking T.V sa harapan.

It was the only light source here in the living room, kaya medjo dumilim nang naisara ito.

"Hinihintay kita,"

"Nakauwi na ako. Matulog ka na,"

Sumakit ang dibdib ko nang marinig kung gaano kahina ang boses ni Tita Melinda. I greatly understand now why Melanie was so troubled and aggravated.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I offered.

"Yes, charge my phone upstairs. May sasabihin lang ako kay Aling Pepa," She directed before going back to the kitchen.

"Goodevening po, Tita Melinda," Pagbati ko man lang bago ako tumuloy sa taas.

"Kailan pa ba kayo naging malapit ni Lani?" She inquired with hushed breathe.

I expected her to ignore me as usual, but I'm also not complaining she has acknowledged me now.

"Bago lang po,"

"Have you been," Tita struggled which worried me, "treating her well?"

"Opo," I shook my head convincingly.

And just like Melanie, her eyes narrowed like a cat when suspicious. I can very much see their resemblance. Manang mana ang mga mata at labi ni Montemayor sa ina niya.

I understand that Tita Melinda doubts me. Wala rin kase siyang ibang nakita kundi ang pagmamalupit ko kay Melanie noon pa man. So I took this chance,

"I'm sorry if I was mean to Melanie. I was very childish then," I confessed, "Pasensya na po,"

Tumango lang si Tita Melinda sa apologiá ko. I don't know if she's accepted it or not, but I'm just glad I've expressed my regret.

Napansin kong pabalik na si Mel at ang katulong nila kaya dali dali ako sa pag akyat upang ma charge ang phone niya.

It beamed open when I connected the charger. I swiped it up and it required a password. Wala akong ideya kung anong password niya at ayoko rin namang makialam kaya pinabayaan ko na.