Disturbed Serenity

29 - Crossing the threshold

First Person Point of View.

"Anak!"

"Ate!"

"Dzai!"

I first ran to my Nana, who was welcoming me with her open arms. I felt how she was hugging me so tenderly. Her smell invaded my nose, and it made my head like in the clouds. I am so happy that she's here. That they're here.

"Nana..." My heart was beating so fast, and the corners of my eyes are already wet. Naririnig ko ang hikbi nila sa paligid. Nakapikit lang ako at ninanamnam ang yakap.

"Miss na miss ko kayo..." bulong ko. Tumango lang siya sa akin, at nipat ang likod ko.

I pulled away from the hug so I could see her. She cupped my face, and nakita ko na lumabas sa gilid niya si Tata na humawak sa aking braso na nakangiti rin. Hindi ko na alam sino ang lalapitan ko basta ang alam ko lang masaya ako na narito sila. I was busy, that's why I never had the chance to call them after all that happened.

"Ang ganda ganda mo anak ko...." Tinitignan ako ni Nana mula ulo hanggang paa.

Ngumiti ako sakaniya.

Riley hugged my waist. "Miss kita ate..."

I am so stunned that they are all here. "Anak, namiss ka namin...Mabuti at ayos ka na." Tata spoke to me, and I turned to him. Inilapit ko ang ulo ko kay Tata para maglambing sakaniya.

I heard Kikay and Maria squeeking from their back. They are both praising how I look.

"Chiara ba?! Jusko ang ganda ng pangalan mo! Ang ganda mo! Ang ganda rito!" Tumatalon talon na bungad sa akin ni Kikay. This is what I love about them. They are grateful for everything, no matter how small it is.

We pulled each other for a hug. I saw Maria on her back with her kid, and I smiled at them. I saw Jack on their back standing quietly and just smiling while appreciating the view.

I went to do beso with Maria and carressed her back. I patted her child's head for a greeting, too. "Ganda mo Chiara! Miss ka namin... Sobrang sosyal nitong lugar!" Halakhak ni Maria.

I laughed with her, too. "Jack, salamat sa pagpunta."

"Wala 'yon, Chiara. Mabuti at maayos ka na." Nag shakehands kami as an exchange for greeting.

"Nadala kami ni Hugo rito para masurpresa ka...talagang the best ang boyfriend mo!" Tumawa ako sa sinabi, at lumingon kay Hugo na nakangiti lang sa amin. He looks satisfied with what he is watching. I mouted thank you at him, and he nodded.

Napuno ang gabi ng kwentuhan, at kainan. Kamuntikan ang iyakan, pero napigilan din naman namin dahil biglang mangaasar sila Kikay, at Maria. The people I love so much are now on my sight, and this gesture of Hugo warmed my heart. Ang mga taong nagpapasaya sa puso ko ay nasa harap ko.

"Hugo... Please contact Josephine to fetch my family here. Please let them know that they should accommodate them with all the things that they want to do, or buy..."

"Grabe naman!" Eksaheradang reaction ni Kikay.

"Sosyal ni ninang noh!" Maria's kid was looking at the chandelier of this restaurant.

"Anak...Ayos lang." Nana looks worried, and Tata.

"Wow! Angas! Ate, pabili ako ah!" Riley was just clapping his hands out of excitement.

Jack looks so shy, too.

"I already instructed them." Hugo whispered.

"Okay, thank you... but this is on me. Okay?" Hindi ito sumagot at nagkibit balikat lang.