"Do you want me to come over?" Rachel asked as Mika picked up the phone after saying her mom is on her way.
"Rachel? Baliw ka ba? Aren't you in Singapore at the moment?"
"I'll be booking the earliest flight available"
"Wag na. Mag tipid ka nga" Mika chuckled. She does wish that Rachel is with her.
Being with her family is draining, the reason she opted to buy herself a condo unit. It was even an issue as the monthly mortgage could have been spend for their house instead.
Mika never heard them tell her to save for her future or even for herself. It's always them, them and them. She really doesn't mind helping, but that simple thanks is elusive.
"Isa pa, uuwi ka naman na din sa susunod na araw. Tapusin mo na lahat ng kailangan mo gawin dyan"
"I should have sent Peter."
"Ayan, Peter nanaman." then her bell rang. "They're here. I'll call you after, kung may energy pa ako"
Rachel laughed but she's really worried for her. "Alright. Bye"
It was after three hours when Mika finally contacted her. The lady called, letting out a deep sigh. She stayed quiet, waiting for Mika to speak.
"Pagod na ako" Mika whose heart has been aching since earlier started their convo with this.
Although Rachel hasn't been in this kind of situation, she knows how hard it is for everyone struggling— for every breadwinner to provide.
But at this time, she didn't really want to offer Mika help. It wasn't pride, ego or such that Mika never asked for help. Like she said back then, she wanted them to thank her. A simple thank you would actually suffice for the growing pain she's holding in.
"I think it's time, Mika"
"For what?"
"Na tumaya tayo sa pula or sa white"
Mika laughed at the casual conyo ass of Rachel. "This was supposed to be me ranting lang sana, bakit ka naman nagpapatawa"
"I'm not kidding. But on a serious note, what do you think is it that you have to do for them to be thankful?"
"I don't know. Maybe die. Maramdaman nila what they lost?"
"Mika, please don't say such thing." Rachel sighed. "I'm sure your siblings are thankful— I guess your parents aren't just as expressive as you think."
"I don't know. May kailangan daw bilhin, nanghihingi nanaman ng pera. I gave them yung extra ko, and all I hear is what? Kulang daw. I'm just tired doing this."
"I know you are, my love. I know you are. Gusto mo ba kantahan kita?" Natawa nalang din si Mika sa narinig. "Excuse me? Tinatawanan mo ako?"
"Hindi ah!" She tried hiding her laughters but really can't. "Sorry, we both know we're not meant for comfort singing, Rachel. Okay na. Napatawa mo na ako"
"Ang sama mo ng slight"
That night, Rachel tried to make Mika feel that she's not alone. That even though life's rough and being unkind to her, with all the grudges slowly building unconsciously— Rachel would be there trying her best to lift her spirit up.
*****
"Hi" Rachel greeted Mika when the latter's door opened.
"You're finally back" Mika welcomed her with a big hug. "Ah, shet. Namiss kita"
Rachel chuckled. "Papagalitan na nga ako ng lola ni Peter at hindi daw ako umuwi muna sa bahay bago mangapitbahay. But I just wanted to see you soonest. I missed you too."
