Riding the Skies (Isla de Vista Series #4)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Birthday

"Is Abuela awake, Mom?" maingat kong tanong.

She shook her head. "Not yet, mija. But she will.

"Yeah, she will."

"I'm just gonna wash up, okay? I'll prepare breakfast right away."

"Mommy, it's okay. Atticus and I got it. You get some good sleep."

She sighed. "Okay lang ako, mija"

"No, you are not."

She just got back from the hospital and looked like a pretty zombie. Umuwi lang kami kahapon para kumain dito sa bahay at naiwan din kasi ni Daddy si Atticus. Pagkatapos niyan, bumalik doon si Daddy at Mommy. They stayed there for the whole night and Daddy went home around 5am to get ready for work while Mommy stayed a bit behind.

I smiled and kissed her cheek. "We'll be fine, Mom. I don't want you stressed."

She closed her eyes tiredly while smiling then nodded. Nagpunta na siya sa kwarto nila at pumanhik naman ako sa aming kusina. I often help Mommy make something but have never done anything by myself.

I just toasted some bread. I am good at it. We have a bunch of bread stuffing to choose from and I prepared that on the table as well. Then lastly, some cereals for me and Atticus.

"Good morning, Ate." bati ni Atticus sa pagpasok ng kusina.

I smiled brightly. "Good morning, Gabby. Mommy just got home and I told her to rest. Are you fine with cereals and bread? We'll have takeout on our way to school."

Tumango siya habang umupo. "This is okay. I'll have the takeout for lunch."

"Okay. What do you want?"

"Rice and fish fillet."

Tumango ako sa kapatid bago binigay ang chocolate drink niya. I went back to the other mug to pour fresh milk on it.

"Ate, Kuya Maddox is calling you."

Lumingon ako at inabot ang aking cellphone. I answered Maddox's call before sealing the fresh milk then went to the table.

"Hi!" masigla kong bati.

I heard him sigh in relief. "Hello, baby. You suddenly didn't respond to my call yesterday. I got worried. Is everything okay? Is your Abuela awake now?"

Ang boses niya ang nagbibigay kasiglahan sa umaga ko. This is what I need. To hear his voice because he is still away. To have his embrace, I'll happily melt.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I got drained yesterday, Dox. Both myself and the battery. Mommy just got home and told me Abuela hasn't woken up yet." marahan kong sagot.

"Let's pray for her. She'll wake up sooner,"

"Ate, tell him I say 'Hi'." pabulong na singit ng kapatid ko.

Bahagyang natawa ako. "Atticus says 'Hi',"

"Oh, is he in your room?" marahan niyang tanong.

"No, we are having breakfast. I'll put you on speaker,"

Lumapad ang ngiti ni Atticus.

"How are you, Kuya Dox?" agad niyang sambit.

Mahinang humalakhak si Maddox sa kabilang linya. "I'm good, Atticus. How are you?"

"I'm good too. Mommy is tired so Ate Skyrah is making us breakfast today."

"Oh, really? What is she making?" mahinang halakhak ni Maddox sa kabilang linya.