The Pawn

Chapter 9: Nana 👵🏼

"You never say good-bye. You just say "See you later." It's important that it should be this way, because they believe that nothing really ever completely dies. It just turns into a story, undergoes a little shift in grammar, changes tense from "now" to "then."".
(My grandmother asked me to tell you she's sorry, Fredrik Backman)

***
August 2014- Irene's Physician Licensure Examination

GREGGY's POV:

Irene is basically surviving on a high dosage of caffeine. I already got an earful from my mother about her skipping meals but I have tried all that I can. Her exam is in two days and since the start of her review classes for the board right after her graduation, we moved temporarily here in her apartment unit to make it more accessible for her.

My travel time from here to work is comparatively longer but it's fine. I would rather that I do this than to not see much of Irene for three months.

Aside from the fact that she's at the peak of her busiest, she's also so cranky and moody! I do understand the pressure of passing the board, so you can just imagine how much I wanted this phase of our lives to be over.

It doesn't matter much to me whether she pass it or not, I will love her still, but I know how much this means to her. Living this way, away from my parents.. also gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to have some space where it's just Irene and I. And despite how busy she may be, I am falling in love with it.

The review ended yesterday and for today until tomorrow, I just want Irene to relax as much as she can. Though I know that that's close to impossible but I will still try.

I made her breakfast but she's still sleeping. I wanted to talk to her before I leave but I would rather her sleep some more.

"Bye Bubu. See you later. I love you."
'Hmmm.'
"I love you."

I kissed her forehead before I head over outside.
I have to finish early because we will be spending the night at Batangas. Nana's been calling nonstop for Irene and I to visit her. And what a perfect time to do that than before Irene's board exam.

That's one of the things I am most grateful for.. two of the most important people in my life, loving and caring for each other.

My Irene and my Nana.

***
My wife is uncharacteristically quiet on our way to Batangas. She's in deep concentration about something but I am not sure what could that be.
But quiet as she may, she haven't stopped munching on her fruit bowl.

I noticed that she's gained a bit of weight but it's fine. She's looking so fine nevertheless.

"Bubu.. everything alright?"
'Baba? Alam mo.. Nana called me kanina. Sabi nya may sasabihin raw siya, importante. What do you think?'
"Kaya ka tahimik?"
'Well.. yeah! I have million thoughts and questions. Kinakabahan ako ehh.'

"Why? Most probably tungkol lang ulit yan sa request nila na apo. Don't concern yourself too much about it. It's going to be fine."
'Okay. Also.. I was thinking, what if mag stopover muna tayo sa Tagaytay?'
"Stopover?"
'Nagugutom ako, Baba. Kanina pa tayo hindi kumakain kaya.'

My eyes widened in disbelief! She finished the food that Mama sent to us, all by herself! And she's still holding on to the fruit bowl that she took with us when we left the condo. And she's still hungry?

"Bubu.. baka naman sumakit na yung tiyan mo. Kanina ka pa kumakain ehh."
'Kanina pa? Greggy.. that was hours ago! Tsaka nakaka busog ba to? Prutas lang naman to ahh.'

Okay. Maybe she's stress eating.

"Where do you want to eat?"
'Sonya's? Take out mo ako tuna pandesal Baba ha? 2 box ha?'