The Truth About Us (COMPLETED)

22

I took one last look at my phone before I jumped when a honk surprised me. Aalamin ko sana kung nasaan na sina Hansse dahil nahuli sila ng ilang minuto. I saw Hansse waved at me. Tumango ako bago pumasok sa loob ng bahay at kunin ang mga gamit ko.

Nang makuha ko na ang bag na naglalaman ng essentials at mga damit ko mula sa  kuwarto ay hindi ko inaasahang makakasalubong ko si Mama.

I bumped into her because of her sudden appearance. Sa takot kong baka matumba siya ay agad kong hinawakan ang balikat niya. I made sure she's steady before releasing her.

"Okay ka lang, Ma?" I asked with worry.

Tumango siya bago bumaba ang tingin sa bag na nalaglag ko sa sahig. "Nandiyan na ang apo ko?"

I nodded as a confirmation. Kinuha ko na ang bag at isinabit sa balikat ko. I leaned forward to kiss her on both cheeks. "Alis na ako, Ma."

Akala ko ay payapa na akong makakalakad papalayo nang hagilapin niya ang braso ko. She tried to scrutinize me with her eyes and I do not know what she's trying to see right through me. "Si Hansse lang ang dahilan nang pagpunta mo, ha?"

Umawang ang labi ko. Natawa na lang ako dahil hindi ako makapaniwala sa sinabi ng nanay ko. I know I made a mistake by marrying Hagen but it will be a one-time thing. I don't want to associate myself and get afflicted with romantic things with him. It seems impossible especially when you have to feel something for him first.

"Ma, hindi ako gagawa ng dahilan para masaktan ulit ako at kayo," I assured her before leaving. Once I was out, I spotted Oscar. Siya lang ang nasa labas at halatang hinihintay ako. Nang mapansin ng mga mata niya at agad niya akong dinaluhan at kinuha ang bitbit ko. I heave a sigh of relief. The weight of the bag has been wearing my shoulder. Pinagbuksan niya na rin ako ng pinto at agad kong tinabihan si Hansse sa backseat. She immediately gave me a hug.

We decided that we should ride one car instead. Wala naman akong kakayahan na umapela dahil ang anak ko na ang nagrequest. She wanted me to accompany her in the car as well as her father. Gusto niyang magkasama na kaming tatlo umpisa pa lang.

Tumingin naman ako sa harap para tignan si Hagen at tinanguhan bilang pagbati. He return the same way of greeting.

Hindi ko na kailangan pang mag-effort para magsimula ng usapan dahil wala naman kaming pag-uusapan pa. About how we'll spend Hansse's birthday? Alam ko na ang lahat ng detalye. Isiniwalat na lahat ng anak ko nang nag-usap kami noong nakaraan. About his work? I already know how his day goes when I already memorized  his schedule. It's not shocking when what he did for a day is being repeated and done also the next day. It's systematic. About his day? Nope. Too intimate and uncomfortable. Besides, i never did that before.

Imbes na problemahin ko pa ang lalaking naka-upo sa shotgun, itinuon ko na lang ang buong atensyon ko sa pinakaimportanteng tao sa buhay ko. "Happy birthday, baby girl." I kissed her two cheeks and pulled her for another hug.

Natawa siya at pilit humiwalay sa akin. She started to whine that cause me to laugh hard. "Mom! I'm already sixteen. Hindi mo na ako baby girl!"

Natawa ako at kinurot ang pisngi niya. Napahiyaw naman siya. "Do not correct me, Hansse. Mananatili ka pa ring baby ko. And even if you aged, you'll always be my favorite child." I smiled widely as I caressed her cheek.

"Mom!" She scowled. "Please, wag niyo na akong bolahin. Ako lang naman ang nag-iisang anak niyo eh!"

The two eavesdroppers in front laughed when they heard my daughter complain. I, on the other hand, flinched and my smile faltered.

Natuklasan naman ni Hansse ang pagkakamali niya at agad na hinawakan ang kamay ko. She looked at me ruefully. "I'm sorry, Mom," she whispers with remorse, loud enough for me to hear but too soft for the two's hearing.