Dazzled by Flames (Flames Series #3)

Chapter 37

Climb

"We're here," I heard Kuya Santi say from the shotgun seat.

I opened my eyes from a short nap and straightened my back.

Minaniobra ng driver ang sasakyan papasok sa gate. Naglakbay naman ang tingin ko sa pamilyar na bahay.

Habang nakatitig doon, nakita ko ang sarili ko sa harapan nito. I was staring at it, wondering if I should go inside or just leave. I also saw myself crying.

But those were just memories. 

Sinulyapan ko si Dad bago sila Kayla at Tita Miranda.

I'm in a different situation now. We're coming here altogether.

Paghinto ng sasakyan, isa-isa kaming nagsibabaan. Dala-dala ko ang malaki kong shoulder bag na kinuha sa akin ng isa sa mga sumalubong na helpers. They helped us with our things, which we are grateful of. 

"Welcome back po," bati nila.

I only smiled at them. Wala ni isa ang pamilyar sa kanila. Perhaps because I was always too hurt to notice them while I was here.

"Let's head inside," anyaya ni Daddy.

Sinulyapan ko siya at sumunod papasok.

It feels different stepping inside, but I'm happy to be here with them.

Seven years ago, I wouldn't dare imagine that I would be in this situation. Na makakasama ko sila at maaayos ang relasyon namin ni Dad. Sobrang imposible kasi noon dahil sobra-sobra ang galit niya sa'kin. 

I guess they're right. Wala ngang imposible. 

"Wow! A lot has changed!" si Kayla. She looks so happy to be back home. Hindi maalis-alis ang ngiti sa labi niya. Ilang araw na rin siyang excited sa pag-uwi. Excited pero may lungkot din dahil sa mga iniwang kaibigan doon. 

Dumiretso kami sa dining area. Sumalubong sa amin ang hilera ng mga pamilyar na pagkain. 

"Wow..." I heard Kayla from beside me.

Maging ako ay hindi maiwasang mamangha. The amount of food on the table made it seem like we were in a feast. At kung hindi ko nakita ang mga pagkain, hindi ko mararamdaman na gutom na gutom na ko. I even heard my stomach growled.

Nagsiupuan na kami, hindi na naghintay pa na may magsabi. Ako ay tumabi kay Kuya Santi at kaharap ko si Kayla na katabi ang mommy niya. Si Daddy naman ang nasa kabisera. He was watching us. Noong magtagpo ang tingin namin ay ngumiti siya. 

We began eating silently. Gutom at pagod halos kaya walang umiimik. The silence wasn't awkward though. It was rather comfortable.

Noong patapos na kaming kumain ay saka naman naglapag ng iba't-ibang pangmatamis ang mga helpers. I saw red velvet cheesecake, two different Filipino rice cakes, and fruits.

"I'm so full!" said Kayla after she finished her meal, including the dessert. She rested her back against the chair and held her tummy. 

"Nakahanda na ba ang mga kwarto?" tanong ni Tita Miranda sa helper.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Thank you. Magpapahinga na muna kami."

"Then, I'll go now."

Bumaling kami kay Kuya Santi. He stood up from his seat.

"I'll come back tomorrow," dagdag niya.

"Kuya, sleep here na lang!" pakiusap ni Kayla. Tumayo siya at inangkla ang mga kamay sa braso ni Kuya Santi.