These Wrecked Hearts- (Published Under IMMAC)

Kabanata 21 - Uncle Lucio

KHIANA's POV

"Uncle?"

"Khiana, my favorite niece!" bati nito sa akin.

After the night I shared with Ryker, earlier this morning I received a message from an unknown number. Agad ko naman iyong binasa at galing nga kay Uncle Lucio 'yon.

From: Unknown Number

Khiana, this is your Uncle Lucio.

Pwede ba na magkita tayo. I want to see you and I want to check if you're okay.

I get your number from your officemate, Eliz.

Kinumpirma ko naman kay Eliz kung talagang may tumawag sa kanya na Uncle ko. She said, yes. Pagkatapos ko ma-confirm 'yon ay agad ko na tinawagan ang number na ginamit niya pang-text. I talked to him for a few minutes. Then, he told me when and where I could meet him.

I'm inside the coffee shop and he's here in front of me. Mabilis na binigyan ko siya ng mahigpit na yakap.

"Uncle Lucio, na-miss ko po kayo," sabi ko sa kanya.

"Mas lalo naman ako. Ang laki-laki mo na. Ang bilis talaga ng panahon," natatawang sabi niya sa akin.

"Oo nga po e,"

"Oh! Come on. Let's sit down."

Agad na umorder si Uncle Lucio para sa aming dalawa. Pagkatapos ay nagsimula na siyang magtanong sa akin. Alam ko naman na kaya niya ako pinapunta rito para i-check ako.

"So, kumusta ka?" tanong niya.

"Huwag po kayo mag-alala sa akin, Uncle. Okay po ako," sagot ko sa kanya.

At the coffee shop, Uncle Lucio sat across from me, his eyes filled with anxiety. He had learned of my parents' death and the situation I am in right now. He instantly offered to assist me, but I had to gently decline it. Masaya na ako na naisip ni Uncle Lucio ang kalagayan ko. Na mayroong nagmamalasakit sa akin.

"Khiana, I am always here for you. If you need something or help from me, please tell me." Sabi nito sa akin. Kinuha niya ang isa kong kamay at kinulong sa palad niya. "Hija, I know that what you're going through is not that easy. Would you like to live with me and your Aunt?"

"I appreciate your offer po, Uncle Lucio. But  I am okay naman po. Masaya na po ako na makausap ko po kayo ulit." I said, smiling. "I have a job and I'm making ends meet on my own. I'll be fine. Ayaw ko rin po makaabala sa inyo ni Auntie."

Uncle Lucio nodded, "Alright. You have freedom to choose naman, hija. I saw your strength and capability and I am proud of you."

"But if you ever need anything, you know I'm here for you," Lucio reassured her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Here's my calling card. Call me and I will always be there to support you."

I smiled, thankful for my uncle's help. Then, I grabbed his calling card. I knew I could always depend on him in any situation. "Thank you, Uncle Lucio,"I replied to him, my voice full of gratitude. "I will keep that in mind."

As they completed their coffee, Lucio inquired about my future intentions. He saw her intelligence and skill, and he wanted to ensure that she had a great career ahead of her.

"I'm not sure yet, Uncle Lucio. Currently, gusto ko lang ipagpatuloy ang work ko at makapag-ipon para sa mga gagawin ko in the near future," I admitted, my thoughts racing. "I'm just taking it slow,"

Uncle Lucio nodded, knowing my trepidation. I think he understood that I was still in mourning over my parents' deaths, and he wanted to give me the time and space I needed to process her feelings.