The Price Of A Sinner

Chapter 20

I was eight the first time I realized that "family" wasn't always what stories said it would be.

"Don't forget to tell your parents that we'll have a meeting tomorrow, okay? I need all your parents there," Mrs. Reyes reminded us before dismissal.

"Yes, Ma'am!" we chorused like we always did.

Outside the gate, I saw Yaya Lora waiting for me — as usual. This was my everyday routine: go to school with Yaya, go home with Yaya. Never Mom, never Dad. They were always too busy, always somewhere else.

"Hello, baby Mifi! How's your day?" she asked, like she always did, the same warm smile on her face.

"I'm not a baby anymore, Yaya," I pouted. "And my day was fine. The teacher said parents need to be at school tomorrow."

"Oh... sige. Ako na lang ang pupunta bukas. Anong oras daw?" she offered without hesitation.

I stopped walking and looked up at her. "Why you? The teacher said parents. You're not my parents, right?"

"A-ah... oo. Pero alam mo namang laging busy sina Ma'am at Sir. Baka hindi sila makapunta."

I lowered my gaze and kept walking. I didn't say anything else, but the question stuck in my chest like a stone: Why don't they ever come?

I couldn't remember the last time they'd asked me how my day was... or the last time they waited for me at the gate. I used to cry about it. But eventually, I just stopped expecting.

When we got home, I still did what I always did... I hoped. I pushed open the door and looked around, half-expecting them to be there waiting. But there was no one. The house was quiet, except for the maids cleaning and cooking.

I sighed. I told myself I was used to it, but it still hurt. Every day, I wished for the same thing: that they'd be at the door, smiling, asking about my day. I missed the way they used to beam with pride whenever I came home with a star stamp on my hand. Back then, their smiles were the reason I felt like I was worth something.

I was only eight, but already I felt like their love was something that came and went like a season that never stayed long enough.

The next morning, I found them both in the kitchen. My heart leapt. It was rare to see them together, and I hurried to join them at the table.

"Hi Mom! Hi Dad!" I greeted them cheerfully.

"Good morning, baby," Mom said with a small smile. It was simple, but it was enough to make my chest feel warm.

"Mom, Dad... My teacher said parents need to attend the meeting today. You're coming, right?" I asked, hope flickering in my voice.

"I'm sorry, anak," Mom said gently. "Si Yaya Lora na lang ang pupunta. I have work."

My smile faltered. "Dad?"

"I have important things to do, Mifi. I need to meet some important people today."

"Important people, huh?" Mom muttered under her breath, and I felt the tension shift.

"Stop being sarcastic in front of our daughter," Dad hissed.

"Then stop doing stupid things behind our backs!" she snapped.

"Are you fighting again?" I asked, my voice small but they didn't answer. They just stared at each other before turning away.

What's with adults? Why do they always fight?

Mom walked over and kissed my forehead. "I need to go. Yaya will attend the meeting. Bawi ako next time, okay?"