Missed Pages ✔︎

Chapter 45

GREAT RELIEF

MARCUS

“Is Hazel coming?” tanong ko kay Frankie over the call.

Napakabilis lumipas ng araw. Kakatapos lang ng pasko, heto kami at pinaghahandaan na ang bagong taon. Naisipan nila Adrian na imbitahan ang magkapatid na Denver sa pagsalubong sa bagong taon. He asked me to send his regards to Frankie while Cyrus invites the younger sister.

“No. Sheʼll be celebrating New Year with our...” she paused. “Sheʼll be celebrating at home.”

“Nakapagpaalam ka na ba?” tanong ko. I was damn worried. I really wanted her to come.

“Not yet.” the way she said that was monotonous. “I was planning to, pero alam ko na agad ʼyung isasagot ni Mom.” and it turned nostalgic.

“Ipapaalam kita.” I said. “We will try, okay? If she says no, we will respect that.”

I was confident with what I was trying to do. Mas alam ko ang detalye sa magaganap na selebrasyon kaya sa tingin ko, papayagan siya.

“Okay.” aniya. Rinig ko ang pagkaantok sa boses niya.

“For now, you should rest. Pupunta ako sa inyo bukas ng alas otso ng umaga.” I added.

“Okay...” mas humina ang boses niya ngayon.

She sounded half asleep. The corner of my lips suddenly felt like it has its own mind. My lips curved into a smile. I knew it has something to do with the way she said that single word. So adorable.

I decided to finally end the call, “Good night, Frankie.”

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“Good morning po.” I greeted Frankieʼs Mom as soon as she lead me inside their house. Naabutan ko si Frankie na nakaupo sa sofa sa sala. Tumayo siya nang makita ako. Nguniti ako at sabay tango nang magsalubong ang tingin namin.

“Ikaw ba si Marcus?” tanong ng Mom ni Frankie. Tumango lamang ako. Given that I rarely talk in person.

She gestured me to take a seat next to her daughter.

“Andito po ako para ipaalam si Frankie.” panimula ko. Huminga akong malalim bago magpatuloy sa nais sabihin. “She was invited by the Scottsdales to their New Yearʼs Celebration tonight.”

Naramdaman kong nakatutok ang atensyon ni Frankie sa akin kaya nilingon ko siya upang ngitian. She was looking a bit worried.

“Saan ba ang venue?” tanong ni Mrs. Denver.

“Sa resort po na pagmamay-ari ni Mrs. Raine Scottsdale. The Hudsonʼs resort.”

“Oh. Medyo malayo pala.” napatingin ang ginang sa kaniyang anak. “What time ba ang celebration?” biglang nagbago ang kaniyang ekspresyon. Kung kanina ay nakataas ang kaniyang kilay at talagang nangingilala, ngayon ay kalmado na.

“About ten evening. But we will be leaving three in the afternoon.” diretsong sagot ko. I was really feeling that this would work. I maintained a positive sight.

“As her mother, I would like it if she stays here to celebrate with us like she usually does but...” she glances at Frankie before she continues her word for me. “If sheʼs going to have fun there and make sure that nothing bad is going to happen, then she may attend the celebration.”

My ears warmed up and a smile started to curve my lips. “You can count on me, Mrs. Denver.” I remained calm and collected even though my eyes shouted in excitement.