lilies.

61

Kabanata 61

I put my palm on my face. I feel like I look like a tomato now.

Me:
stop flirting with me

Rai:
stop being attractive first

Rai:
i'm excited to have you by myself tomorrow

Tinanong ko ang katulong ko nasaan si Grandma. Ang sabi ay nasa garden sa likod bahay kaya roon ako nagtungo.

I find Grandma on the couch she usually hangs out on. I sit beside her and hug her immediately. Ibinaba niya ang wine glass na hawak niya at niyakap din ako.

We usually do not talk. We love our comfortable silence. I checked on my phone.

Rai:
don't sleep! you always sleep when you're with me

Me:
hahaha i can't help it, i'm always sleepy with you

Rai:
does it mean i bore you then?

Me:
no. i love being with you

"You should sleep early, hija."

"I could sleep on the plane, Grandma. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Just thinking about our dinner."

"And...?" I probed, "What are your thoughts?"

"I feel relieved. I thought you'll end up like your mother.  You chose the right guy for you."

"Hmm, you like him that much, Grandma, huh?"

Sinusuklay ni Grandma ang buhok ko gamit ang kanyang kamay. "Yes, he knows their business even when he's not obligated. I heard from his Mom that he's venturing on investing and creating businesses on his own. He's a capable man."

Niyakap ko siya. Hindi pa ako umaabot sa pag-iisip niyan. I didn't even know what he's doing when he says he's doing business. I never asked further.

"He's showing interest in our line of business. He's willing to help you. He's dependable. That's my peace of mind... to know that you have someone who can help you handle our businesses."

"You handle it on your own, Grandma. I can do it too."

"I handled it on my own, only when your Grandpa died. It's different. I had no choice."

We remained silent after. I love the comfort that my Grandma's hug gives. How it brings me calm when she's combing my hair with her hands.

"Have you seen my gift?"

Nagtaka ako, wala pa naman siyang inaabot sa akin. "No, where?"

"In your bed. I asked them to put it there," She said. Nagtawag siya ng katulong matapos, "Pakikuha sa kwarto ni Lily."

"What is it?"

"I got you your first Birkin bag, hija."

I hugged her tight. I am not familiar with it but I am grateful for her showering me with gifts every time. My clothes, bags, and shoes are mostly from Grandma. She'a really a fashionista. I am not. I only dress well because of the selections she made.

"Hay!" She hysterically exclaimed. Napahawak pa siya sa sintido niya para kunwaring sumasakit ang ulo, "I really hate Catherine from hiding you to these luxuries! You don't even know what a Birkin is."

I only chuckled. She's always like this when it shows that I really grew up without the knowledge of how rich people lived which I feel I still don't consider myself one.

"You can teach me, Grandma."

"Yes, but the passion for it can't be taught, hija. It was nurtured if you are exposed to these kinds of things...and appreciate the art for it. Your mother specifically made sure that you don't even have a passion for arts!"

I laughed. "I love you, grandma."

Bago matulog ibinilin ko sa katulong kung anong oras ako dapat gisingin. I also text Rai. Siguro ay tulog na siya ngayon.

Me:
Wake me up when you're up

Me:
Goodnight

I thought he's already asleep but he immediately replied.

Rai:
u done spending time with your grandma?

Rai:
ok i'll wake u

Me:
i thought u r already asleep

Rai:
i'm waiting for you para sabay tayo matulog

Rai:
i assume u wanted to spend alone time with your grandma

Rai:
you'll sleep now?

Me:
Yes, you?

Rai:
i'll sleep now, too