SAIRO

xi. distressed

Chapter 11 : Distressed

I just stared under the roof with clusters of dust and webs clinging to the wood supporting the roof slate while feeling the ticklish mattress and pillow I was lying on. The walls surround me. I could hear the faint chirping of birds as the tiny specks of dust seemed dance in the shaft of sunlight that slanted through the capiz windows.

I felt dead. I just want to lie here all day. I've been thinking too much. It's like every day that comes, becomes a mystery. If only I could close my eyes and wake up whenever I want. I want to be away from reality first. It's getting a bit more chaotic than before that my only problem is how to escape my parents putting me to sleep during afternoons.

I heard father and mother talking softly that they were leaving the house as I sat on the mattress that recumbent on the floor. I got up and went straight to the door as I found father resting his foot on the chair wearing boots while mother faced the mirror adjusting her hat.

"Oh, Vy, you're awake. I'm just going to town while your father is going to the farm. The dish is in the pan. Wash the dishes as well," said mom without turning to me.

I scratched my nape. "What time is it?"

"It's quarter to ten," dad answered as I opened my eyes wide, remembering that the three of us would meet in the big tree in the middle of the field at nine-thirty before noon. Damn I thought they'll pick me up.

"T-take care," I quickly say goodbye as I immediately go to the kitchen and scoop rice from the pot while holding the plate. After eating, I washed the stained plates, spoons, forks and mugs before washing my face and brush my teeth.

I ran out of the house as I narrowed my eyes as I felt like squeezing both my temples in the sun. I rushed out of the downhill street and straight into the rice field, while I stopped walking when I saw their back in the distance sitting under the tree. Celeste was holding a small camera that was focused on the two of them while when they both examined their photo it was as if they were both laughing. They both seem happy even without me. Why am I not included in the group photo?

I released a sigh as I just walked closer to them. When I got behind the two of them my eye hit the camera screen. They signed peace side by side leaning against the tree with a genuine smile.

"I'm so impressed. We look good on the photo," Celeste joyfully said.

"Yeah, by the way what happened to Viola? She seems slept too much,"

"Girls," I utter almost a mutter reason for them to fall silent as they both turned to me.

"Hey, what's up girl? Come here," Celeste tapped her side as I sat down while my gaze remained on the camera.

"Where did you got that?"

"My mom bought it for me. I'm excited to fill this with memories and part of my journeys with you two," she smiled as she set a five seconds timer the camera before lifting it in the air. "Let's have a selfie! Cheese!"

Celestia's smile revealed her teeth as Diana curved her lips while I lifted one side of my lip. A fly passed in front of me but I ignored it as the screen flashed. When we looked at our photo, they both took a beautiful picture while I had a fly blocking my nose. Celeste burst laughing followed by Diana as I let out a short laugh. We repeated to take pictures while we only had five captures.

"What if let's make a promise video?" Diana suggested.

"Oh, oh! Great idea, I'll go first!" Celeste lead as she pressed the record botton that the three of us were whipped by the camera. "Hello. Celestia De Loughrey, speaking. This is a promise video who made the three of us since one thousand nine hundred. And uhm.." she thought for a moment. "I would say, I'm so lucky of you two. You bring out the best of me. Honestly you two have been my true friend from the start. I thought you didn't like me then but I tried to approach you because I knew you were just ashamed of me." she smiled. "I hope the friendship of the three of us lasts. No, matter how many times we fight. We won't fight yet but the days will come when we will fight over stupid things, but hopefully the three of us will be strong. And we will grow old together, until death do us part,"