Faith, Hope and Love

Chapter 6

Julia heaves a deep sigh as soon as her feet touched the ground. She stares at parents house, remembering the last time she walks inside. Remembering the day she left their home and live her life alone. That was the day she chose to live the life of her own.

Yes, she let her parents meet their granddaughters, pero ni kahit isang beses simula 'nong umalis siya at ginustong umuwi ay hindi siya hinayaan ng ina na tumuntong sa pamamahay nila. 'Yon ay dahil sa naging desisyon ni Julia na umalis at talikuran sila bilang mga magulang. 'Yon ang pinang-hawakan ng ina, 'yon ang tingin nila. Ang tinalikuran sila ni Julia. But for Julia, ginawa nya lang ang sa tingin niya ay tama para sa sariling buhay. Umalis siya sa puder ng mga magulang dahil ayaw na niyang palagi nalang ididikta sa kanya kung ano ang dapat at hindi dapat gawin sa buhay niya. And now, she's right there. In front of her once home. Sa harap ng bahay kung saan siya lumaki, nagka-isip at natutong tumayo sa sariling mga paa.

"Hon, are you okay?" Tanong ni William sa asawa. Pilit na ngumiti si Julia at tumango. William giggles that made her looked at him and frowned.

"I think you're not." William said, he then wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Calm down. Hindi ka naman siguro palalayasin ni Ma. Nandito tayo dahil gusto ni Angel at ng Kuya nyo." He added. Julia sighed and stares at the entrance of their huge house.

"Exactly. Gusto lang ni Angel at Kuya. What if I am not welcome here? Knowing Mommy? Baka ipa-mukha lang nya sakin at sa harap ng mga anak ko kung pano akong naging black sheep sa pamilyang 'to." She replied. William made her faced him again.

"Hey. Don't say that. Matagal na 'yon, naka lipas na 'yon. Sa tingin ko naman, hindi na big deal kay Mama 'yon. And look at you now! Naging successful ka naman sa buhay na pinili mo di ba? You think, that's not enough proof na tama ang naging desisyon mo sa buhay?" He asked. Julia sighed again. So, William cupped her face and plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Don't worry, okay? I'm here. We're here. Now, let's go inside. For sure, they are waiting for you." He told her which she nods.

She think, it would be better that William is there. Meron siyang kukuhanan ng kahit na konting suporta oras na sabunin siya ng ina.

Nanlalamig ang mga kamay na pumasok sila sa loob ng bahay, hindi naman binitawan ni William ang kamay ni Julia habang papalapit sa buong pamilya.

"Oh, they are here na po pala, Lola." Love said smiling to their parents who's approaching hand and hand. Their eyes then turned to them. Julia forced a small smile. Una niyang binati ang ina, bago ang mga kapatid.

"Hi, Ma." She greeted. She then kissed her mother's cheek and gave her a warm hug. William as well.

"I'm glad you're here! Akala ko'y hindi ka na muling babalik sa pamamahay na ito." Margaretta, her mother uttered. Julia smiled.

"Mommy," Angel called. She eyed Julia which the latter nod.

"I am just saying, Angel." Their mother replied.

"Nakahanda na ang hapunan, halina kayo't baka lumamig pa ang mga pagkain. Doon na natin ituloy itong usapan sa hapag." Margaretta told them.

"Hayaan mo na, Ate. 'wag mo nalang pansinin si Mom." Angel whispered.

"Okay lang, Angel. Sanay na rin naman ako sa kanya. Nga pala, where's Kuya Jeff?" She replied and asked.

"May binili lang sila pero pabalik na rin naman daw. Hahabol 'yon." Angel told her.

"William, I heard from my amigas, tatakbo ka raw ulit as Governor. Totoo ba 'yon, hijo?" Margaretta asked William. Sa isang malaking lamesa, nagtipon silang lahat.