[DIALOGUE]
< CEMETERY. AFTERNOON. >
The area was quiet when they arrived, as it usually was.
Evie kneeled down beside her mother's tombstone.
Evie
Hi, Ma! Jachin si here. Siya 'yong nakwento ko dati.
She looked up to Jachin and then tapped the grass beside her.
Evie
Come sit with me.
Umupo si Jachin at panandaliang tumitig sa tombstone.
Jachin
Hi po, tita. 'Di po yata ako ine-expect n'yo para kay Evie. . . pero wala na po kayong choice.
Tumawa si Evie and lightly slapped his arm.
Evie
See, ma? He always teases me. Remember I told you he locked me up sa jail booth?
Jachin
Tita, hindi 'yon totoo.
Evie
It is!
Jachin
Nagbibiruan lang kami and gusto ko lang makita reaksyon niya no'n, tita.
Sandali silang natahimik.
Evie
But he's very important to me now, ma. I hope it's okay with you.
Jachin glanced at Evie and his eyes immediately softened when he saw the happiness in her eyes.
Despite what she had lost.
Evie
We're going to celebrate my birthday, ma. But first, ito, some of your favorites.
Evie pulled some snacks from her bag and laid it on the tombstone.
Evie
Mama loved snacks. I got that from her. Palagi kaming may stock before sa bahay kahit bawal.
Jachin
Magdala tayo palagi 'pag bibisita tayo. And bisita tayo every month kung gusto mo. Sasamahan kita.
Evie
Really? But you might be busy.
Jachin shook his head, his hand reaching for hers, so that he could hold it.
Jachin
I'll make time. Gusto ko rin magkwento kay Tita.
Evie
She would've loved to meet your mom, you know?
Jachin
Naku! Marites 'yon, tita. Lahat ng chismis sa amin, alam niya at ike-kwento niya 'yon sa 'yo panigurado.
Evie
Jachin! Sinisiraan mo mama mo.
Jachin
Ay hindi 'yon paninira, bub. Totoo 'yon. Isang labas lang no'n kada linggo, alam na niya lahat ng chismis for that week.
Evie
Mama is a bit reserved so she will enjoy the chismis.
Jachin
A little bit like you?
BINABASA MO ANG
as the stars would have it
RomanceAFTER HEARTACHES SERIES #1 Evie Santandes was always the odd girl, and she was fine with it. Between caring for her three cats, all with different personalities, volunteering at a local veterinary clinic, and studying, she doesn't have much time on...
