Long Lost Love

CHAPTER 11

After getting off the cab, I went straight to my room without sparing any glances at our house. I felt devastated and annoyed after talking to Airi.

I really sympathized with her situation, but I never once wished to take my misery against others. Each individual has their own struggles, but some of them chose to keep mum because that's how they probably make themselves invincible to fight unfairness in life.

I will be forever blessed and thankful at the same time to have been taken in by mom and dad as their daughter, but that doesn't mean I didn't have my own struggles as well.

Every day, I have to always remind myself that I'm not related to them by blood and that I have to always do my best to please or make them happy. Though they never asked me for anything in return, I was doing it to pay them back.

An hour later, I heard knocks on my door, and it was my kuya Shashi knocking on it.

"Denise, are you there?"

I hurriedly went to the door and opened it. "Welcome home, kuya. You must be tired, so go straight to your room and take a warm bath."

Matagal niya akong tinignan sa mga mata. "Is there something wrong?"

"Wala naman kuya." Pagsisinungaling ko.

"Then why did you go home early without waiting for us? That is not so you," nagdududang sabi nito.

"Medyo sumama kasi 'yung pakiramdam ko kanina, kuya. Pero uminom na ako ng gamot pagdating ko ng bahay." Mama-minusan na naman ako nito ng points sa langit dahil sa pagsisinungaling ko.

Mukhang napapadalas na lang yata ang pagsisinungaling ko, ah. I couldn't help but heave a deep sigh.

"How are you feeling now, then?"

"I felt much better after taking some meds."

"Alright! Go and take a shower now; mom and dad were waiting for us downstairs to eat dinner," he said before walking to his own room.

I did what I was told. Nag-shower ako nang mabilis dahil ayaw kong paghintayin sila mom at dad nang matagal. Pagbaba ko ay nandun na din sila kuya Sashi at kuya Kio sa living room kasama rin si daddy.

"Okay ka lang ba, Denden? Sabi ni kuya masama daw pakiramdam mo kaya nauna kang umuwi kanina?" nagaalalang tanong ni kuya Kio.

Alam ko namang concerned din ito sa'kin at hindi lang pang-aasar ang alam nitong gawin. Pero dahil sa pagtatanong niya kung okay lang ba ako ay mapipilitan na naman akong magsinungaling.

"I felt much better after taking some meds, kuya. Thanks!"

"Are you sure, princess?" asked Dad.

I smiled and reassured him. "Yes, dad."

"Come to the dining room now, so we can have our dinner," said mom from the kitchen.

Naging masunurin kaming lahat at dumiretso kami agad sa dining room, pero bago pa man kami makaupo doon ay may nag-ring ang doorbell.

"All of you, sit down. I'll just get the door," said mom before strutting to our main door.

I didn't have the slightest idea who would be coming to our home at this hour. They should be at their own homes, enjoying their meals with their families. I picked up my chopsticks and started eating.

Mom prepared Shogayaki, grilled pork with ginger, and Nikujaga, which is braised meat and potatoes. Mommy also made a vegetable salad and homemade pumpkin soup.

Sa itsura pa lang nila ay naglalaway na ako, kaya hindi ko maiwasang ganahang kumain kahit kanina lang ay ang sama ng loob ko. Mom's cooking is really the best!