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Chapter 01
It was the last conversation I had with Kuya Suriel for the whole month, and I am not looking forward to more interactions with him. Bumalik na rin naman na ulit sila sa Manila pagkatapos ng birthday celebration, talagang sumadya lang para masamahan ni Ate Leila ang kanyang pamilya.
I can clearly remember when Ate Leila and Kuya Suriel began dating after years of being acquainted and as Tita Charlotte came into the picture.
Wala naman akong naging problema roon, sila naman 'yon, e.
Yet, I sometimes see them fighting over things I was clueless about. Madalas ay nakikita kong sinasaktan ni Ate Leila si Kuya Suriel.
But I reminded myself that it was their own problem to solve. Kumbaga, it was a problem that only the involved people could resolve.
The plane bound to Manila has landed. My parents let me travel alone. Patapos na ang special term break ng University na pinili ko. Hindi ko tinuloy ang BS Pharmacy bilang college program. I found myself living another dream. Parang mas nakita ko ang sarili kong pumunta sa ibang line of work so I decided to pick Actuarial Science.
I still have a month and a half to prepare for the upcoming first semester. Si Kuya Rael ay halos matatapos pa lang ang academic year dahil iba ang kanilang academic calendar.
Mom told me that I should stay with Kuya Rael temporarily. Medyo malayo ang Taft para sa'kin pero kailangan ko munang mag-compromise dahil wala na raw available dorms. Well, Ahma informed me that I could use the condo she owns... but I am still too dependent to live on my own.
I'd probably accept her offer if I am already brave enough to manage life without their help.
I am still not used to cooking myself a meal... or even doing my laundry.
Alam kong malaki talagang downside na maraming taong laging handang sumalo sa'kin. But now that I'm far away from home, I am prompted to learn some basic chores.
"I can't find you, Rinoa," Kuya said in the other line.
I had a night flight as per Kuya Rael's request. He told me that he couldn't pick me up if I'd take a morning flight. Masyado raw compact ang schedule niya ngayon at maraming courseworks na kailangang ipasa.
"I am at bay 6. The place is quite crowded... uhm... should I wave my hand in the air?"
"Sige, para mabilis kitang mahanap," tumango ako kahit 'di naman niya nakikita ang reaksyon ko. I extended my hand in the air and waved it. Umiwas na rin ako nang kaunti sa ma-taong lugar ng bay 6. "You know my car's plate number, right?"
"Yes," his car has a customized plate. Madali lang talagang tandaan. "Black SUV," I added.
He just hummed his reply. Patuloy lang ako sa pagkaway ng kamay ko kahit ngalay na 'ko.
"Hindi mo pa rin ba 'ko makita?"
Narinig ko ang tawa niya sa kabilang linya. "Rinoa, nakahinto na ang sasakyan ko sa harap mo... I thought you know my plate number?"
My jaw dropped as he ended the call. Kuya Rael got out of his SUV and snatched my two huge luggages from me.
"Welcome to Manila, Ahma," he jested. Aamba pa sana siyang magmamano sa'kin.
I rolled my eyes heavenwards and left him. I sat on the shotgun seat and let him fix my luggages inside the compartment. Nang makaupo na siya sa driver's seat ay marahan niyang pinisil ang pisngi ko.
Agad namang nalusaw ang inis ko kay Kuya Rael.
"Welcome to Manila, Rinoa. Nothing's exciting to see here, puro polusyon at traffic lang," sambit niya at tumawa pa bago magmaneho. "Where do you want to eat? I'm sure you're famished like me."
