She who hides

Chapter III:Yarn

While other kids surrounded themselves with the latest toys and expensive dolls, I found joy in crochet, sewing and crafts.

Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba iyon laki ako sa hirap o nahilig lang din ako dahil kay Mama. She crochets plushies for me and my siblings instead of buying dolls from the market, and I think that's the best gift of all time.Kahit pa siguro kung lumaki na ako ay iyon pa rin ang gusto ko. Aside from the fact that it won't go outdated, what makes it more special is it was made by my mother. Making it more expensive than any other dolls or toys that the kids my age have.

Learning crochet takes time, but with patience and practice, the process is rewarding and the skills you gain are invaluable. Mama told me to at least learn at least one skill and it will later on help me in life.

Crochet was Mama's way of earning ever since she was young, until she met Papa and was hired by her best friend to be the Nanny of her kids.

"Anna!"

Giana, the wife of Mr. Harold Jaime Castañeda.Owner of the mansion where Mama is working and the mother of the children Mama is babysitting.

"Gian~" Mama said gently, as she hugged her best friend.Yumuko ito sa akin pagkatapos ng yakapan.

"Eto na ba ang inaanak ko?Nakuu!Ang laki mo na at ang ganda rin!Asan na sila Felix at Francis?"

"Nasa Bicol, kasama ang Auntie nila."

Tumango si  Ma'am Gianna at nginitian ako, "Sana di matulad ng ama mo ang dalawang kapatid mo."

She booped my nose.Napatingin ako kay Mama, ganoon din siya sa akin.

"Gian, nagbago na si Marion."

"Dapat lang!May babae siyang anak!Sana maisip niya kahit iyon man lang."

Kahit pa buntis ito sa pang-apat niyang anak ay nagmumukhang bata parin ang ginang. Mama and Ma'am Gianna were childhood bestfriends. Nagtatrabaho din si  Lola sa pamilya nila Ma'am Castañeda dati.

"Kung hindi mo lang ako pinigilan Anna, masusugod ko talaga ang babaeng iyon!"

"Iana, si Nadia."

It was only subtle but I can hear a trace of warning from Mama's voice.

"I'm sorry, okay. Ayaw ko lang na sinasaktan ka niya nang ganoon."

Mas matanda si Mama kay Ma'am Giana. Mama gently stroked her hair.

"Okay lang ako. Hindi na iyon gagawin pa ulit ni Marion."

Nakasimangot man ay
napabuntong hininga ito.

"Sana nga" tanging tugon nito.

I was only 8 years old when that happened, although I did not understand a single thing back then, tumatak iyon sa isip ko. My brain seems to mark it as important. I was curious, yes but didn't bother to pry and as I grew older, I began to understand...

Tatlo kaming magkakapatid. Felix and Francis went to Bicol with Auntie Mirasol as per her request.Ako lang na babaeng anak ang naiwan kay Mama. Nami-miss ko sila oo, pero nagpapasalamat din akong wala sila rito.

Hindi ko kakayanin kung pati sila ay makikita ang sitwasyon namin ngayon.

Outside, Mama and Papa seems to be happy. I was oblivious to everything that's happening behind the curtain. O sabihin na nating itinago nila sa akin.

Papa always kisses Mama goodbye whenever he goes to work and when he comes back he always showers us with gifts and chocolates. Mama on the other hand always took care of me and Papa and cooks him dinner.