The Last Rule

Chapter 23 - Sky

It was one of my normal mornings, Mama was in my room again habang nagre-ready ako for school. She always does this whenever nag-bi-bake siya the night before, because she likes giving me whatever she made while I'm getting ready. And today, brownies ang dala niya.

"Your Lolo called your Papa again at doon daw siya magdi-dinner. Dadalawa tayo tonight," she said, watching me while I blow-dry my hair.

"Should I tell Pete to fetch you tonight, Ma? Walang susundo sa'yo." This time, siya na ang nag-blow dry ng buhok ko.

"I already told him. How about you? Walang susundo sa'yo."

"It's fine, magco-commute nalang po ako. Sasabay ako kay Cleo."

"Silly. I'm just testing you. Invite him for dinner para may kasama tayo."

"What?"

"Don't 'what' me, young lady. I know." She unplugged the blower with that knowing-mom smirk.

"I don't get it," I said, even though deep inside I knew exactly what she meant. I started tying my hair into a bun but she took over, and all I could do was stare at her in the mirror.

"Uuwi ako ng maaga. I'll cook for you two. What's his favorite food?"

My brain froze. For a moment, time stopped. The moment she caught us last time, I knew she wouldn't oppose anything... but I didn't expect her to be this supportive.

"Mom..." I whispered, staring at her hands fixing my hair. I suddenly felt so grateful. I knew Papa and my brothers would never approve, but at least someone in the family was on my side.

"Do you want me to make half-cooked meat for him?"

"He doesn't like that, Ma. He loves Pancit Cabagan."

"Pancit Cabagan it is."

"And... coffee."

"Ohhhh. Same."

Nag-cancel ang last period namin so 3 PM pa lang nasa Library na ako, waiting for Dos. Susunduin niya daw ako since Cleo's class ends at 5:30 pa. I was reading quietly when may kung ano'ng street foods ang biglang naipatong sa table.

"Bawal ang foods dito!" I whispered sharply.

He immediately hid them like a guilty child. I rolled my eyes. Every student is allowed here since it's the biggest library in the province, funded by the government, but still, rules are rules.

We eventually went outside and sat by the benches under the trees. We had to go out para makakain ng binili niya bago kami umuwi... and I still hadn't told him about Mama's invitation.

"Ang sarap talaga ng gawa ni Tita. Lahat ng ginagawa niya naa-appreciate ko. Lahat." he emphasized that last word while eating the brownies, Mama baked.

I didn't know why, but the way he said "lahat" made my ears warm. Maybe because I just read about Human Anatomy earlier. Maybe because Mom made me, literally. Maybe because his emphasis sounded like something else.

"Pagkatapos natin dito, saan tayo?" he asked while popping a fishball into his mouth.

Perfect time.

"Wala sila Papa... sa bahay tayo."

"Hep." He clapped once, stopping me mid-bite. "Baby, wag ganun. Bata pa ako at isa pa, conservative ako."

I swear. I could write a whole book about how irritating this man can be.

"Let's have dinner sa bahay," I repeated, walking toward his motor.

"Pwede ba yun?" he asked, following behind. "Baka mapagalitan ka."