Kanunay Nga Padulngan

Chapter 23

"Nasaan ang apo namin, Ann? Gusto ko siyang makita!"

My heart warmed at the mention of the word. I knew right then and there that they will shower Vania with love.

"Nasa Hong Kong ba?"

Ngumiti ako. My tears are now dried up but I still feel high. My hands are no longer trembling but my heart remains swelling with all the mixed emotions.

"Nandito po siya sa Ormoc. Dinala ko ho,"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ng Lola ko.

"Talaga? Nasaan siya? Sana dinala mo rito, Ann! Sino ang kasama niya?"

"Kumalma ka, Conchita. Ang dugo mo..."

Naging mas marahan ang paghinga ni Lola sa sinabi ni Lolo. Kumuha naman ako ng tubig para painumin siya.

"Nasa Carlosta Hotel po siya. Pwede ko siyang kunin at dalhin dito ngayon."

"Hindi na! Kami nalang ang pupunta sa kanya! Sasama kami sayo, Ann!"

They were very excited that we were already on our way to the hotel with less than an hour. Mabuti nalang at may dumating kaagad na tricycle kaya hindi na kami naghintay pa ng matagal. While on our way, we talked about Vania more. Her birthday... favorite food... color... everything I can think of. Sinabi ko rin sa kanila na kilala sila ng anak ko.

Nang marating ang lobby ng hotel, tinawagan ko muna si Ate Josa. Gusto ko lang bigyan ng heads up ang anak ko... ayoko kaseng gulatin siya.

"Si Vania, Ate?"

"Nag-cocolor po, Ma'am. Gusto niyo pong tawagin ko?"

I glanced at my grandparents. They were both looking at me. Mukhang hindi na sila makapaghintay pero wala naman silang sinabi.

"Yes please..."

In less than a minute, I was already talking to Vania.

"Hey baby,"

"Mum! Hi! How are you?"

"Mum's okay, anak. How about you?"

"I miss you already, Mommy."

Napangiti ako.

"I'm in the lobby, Vania. I'm on my way to see you..."

"Really? Hurry up, Mum, please. I want my hug!"

Hayyy. Ang batang 'to talaga.

"Yeah... but I'm not alone. I'm with Lolo and Lola, my love.."

I heard her gasp.

"Oh emgee! I'm meeting them? Right now?"

"Yes. I know you'd want that. Right, baby?"

"Of course, Mum! Are they with you right now?"

"Yes. We're going there. See you in a bit, okay?"

Ibinaba ko na ang tawag at naglakad na kasama sina Lolo. They were both silent... and I can sense their anticipation... and nervousness.

"She loves you, La... Lo." I said to assure them.

I couldn't name what I was feeling when the elevator stopped on the right floor. It was so euphoric to think that it is finally happening... my daydreams are finally coming to life.

"Vania, anak..."

Nakaabang na siya sa pintuan.... with her hands on the back, like a patient little girl waiting for her mum to come home. Beside her was Chuckie who was wagging her tail adorably. This is what I usually come home to... it's still the same... only that I am not alone anymore. I am not just the only one coming home to her...