The Captain's Only Sea (Cavanaugh #4)

Kabanata 19

Kabanata 19

Deep

"Kalei! Look at me! I'm flying!"

"You sure are, please be careful when you land," I smiled at the front camera of my phone whilst writing important details on my notebook here at the corner area of the ship's Main Laboratory.

"I'm expert with it! You don't have to worry!" On the phone screen, I can see my sister that was in the skies, literally skydiving.

"Kaia, your sister Kalei is right. Just be careful, anak. Hindi dahil ilang beses mo nang nagagawa eh hindi na delikado. Dapat ay mag-ingat pa rin," saway ni Dad mula sa katabing view screen. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa loob ng kaniyang opisina.

We were having family or group video call. We always do this every Sunday or once in two weeks. But today is Monday, and Kaia requested it to show us her skydiving skills.

"Yes, Dad. I'm sorry. I promise, I'll be safe!" Kaia smiled at us before screaming in mirth and satisfaction. Flipping the front camera to its back. Showing us how breathtaking the skies are.

I just chuckled at my sister. Wala naman akong kasama sa banda'ng ito at nakatalikod naman ako mula sa mga kasama ko na nasa kabilang sulok. No one will hear me chuckle or see how I show my emotions.

Nakakatuwa kang kasing isipin. Kahit ilang beses niya nang nagagawa ay masaya at excited pa rin siya.

Just like me with the ocean. I never get tired of it.

"How's Manang Sonya, Dad?" tanong ko habang abala sa sinusulat.

Tinignan ko si Dad sa screen at nakitang abala rin ito sa kaniyang laptop at may tinitipa.

"She's doing well, anak. Pina-checkup ko na siya sa doktor at magiging maayos din siya pagkatapos ng isang linggo na pag-inom ng gamot."

Balita ko kasi ay isinugod sa ospital si Manang Sonya dahil nawalan ng malay. 'Yon pala ay pinapagod niya ang sarili niya. Dad told her to take a month of rest. Sagot na rin lahat ni Papa ang gastusin at bayarin. Kung babalik ito sa pagtatrabaho ay dapat hindi na ito masyado'ng gagawa ng gawain. Taga-utos at gabay na lang sa mga kasamang katulong.

Manang Sonya's family visited her in Manila at least once it twice a year in special occasions.

Yeah. Dad stayed in Manila with Manang Sonya and the other helpers taking care of his house. Sometimes, he would visit Madridejos. His fishing business there was still running, but he hired a manager to manage it. Hindi kagaya noon na siya talaga ang nag-aasikaso ng lahat at nakikipag-usap pa sa mga mabuting mangingisda.

A memory came replaying in my mind. Iyong araw na sabay kaming nag video call apat. Dad, in his office. Manang Sonya, in the kitchen house. Kaia, skydiving. Then there's me, deep diving. I used my waterproof phone for that.

Parang atakihin sa puso si Manang Sonya sa mga napapanood. Ilang santo rin iyong sinasambit ni Manang Sonya no'n. Si Dad naman ay hindi natuwa at ang dilim ng ekspresyon na para ba'ng binabantaan kami na kapag may mangyaring masama sa amin ay mananagot kami.

Morning slipped, and afternoon substituted. All researchers were asked to assemble in the multi-purpose hall at the Accomodation Area. To welcome the three visitors or guests on board, along with the new ADS Officer.

From outside the deck, I heard the harsh sounds of the wind spun and rotated by a chopper's wing. Declaring its landing.

"They're here," Mrs. Siguenza formally announced. Her atmosphere was telling us to get to our professional selves.

Sa malaking bukana ng multi-purpose hall ay unang pumasok si Daumier na siyang sumundo sa kanila mula sa helipad ng research vessel.

Nakasunod sa kaniya ang isang hindi ko kilalang may katandaan na lalaki at isang magandang babae na sa tingin ko ay anak nito.