Manila Girl

Chapter 8

"Are you alright Iha?" Takang tanong ni Mama ng napansin nyang tahimik ako.

I just couldn't shake the image that I saw awhile ago. Actually wala naman akong problema sa mga lesbian — dahil marami akong friends na part ng LGBT community.

But why it feels strange that Sara is one of them?

I don't understand.

I just can't...

I give my mother a force smile. "Yes Ma."

Hinawakan ni Mama ang kamay ko habang nakaupo kami sa sofa. "Are you sure? You can tell me anything Jill — as in everything and I will not judge."

"That means so much, thank you Ma." Pasasalamat ko. "I'm just tired I guess."

I partly lied because I can't really tell what's really bothering me. Wala ako sa lugar para I out si Sara sa ibang tao. It just happened na nakita ko ang..

Never mind.

"You can go home, rest and take any time you want."

But i shake my head. "No, I'm okay Mama. Ikaw dapat ang paghinga eh."

Napatingin sya kina Winter at Papa na mag katabi na natutulog. "Makita ko lang ang Papa mo na maayos ay nawawala na ang pagod ko."

Sobrang na amazed ako sa love ng parents ko for each other — Time passed, many things has changed pero yong pagmamahal nila parang laging pang honeymoon.

I hope I can find love like they have.

I promise I cherish it.

" You will. " Nakangiti na sabi ni Mama.  "With the right person and in perfect time."

Napalakas pala ang Sabi ko, akala ko sa isip lang.

Niyakap ko si Mama. "But what if I fall in love with a girl?"

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko naisip ang bagay na yan.

Napatigil si Mama at tingin sakin. "What? A girl?"  Medyo kinabahan ako sa reaksyon nya. "Wait are you —"

Napalayo ako. "I'm not!" I feel horrified. "I was just asking you know."

But the look of mother seems not to believe me. "Just tell me Jill."

Tinaas ko pa ang kamay ko na parang nanunumpa. "I swear I'm not gay."

Titig na Titig sya sa mukha ko. "Wala namang problema sakin kung gusto mo ng boy o girl, importante sakin na masaya ka Jill Anak." Ramdam ko ang sincerity kay Mama.

"It's just a random question." Which is true.

Natawa nalang si Mama.

Biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng kwarto at sumilip ang pamilyar na mukha sakin.

And i couldn't believe what I'm seeing. Kaya napatayo ako. "Marrol!?"

My best friend smile at me. "Hello bestie."

Para akong rabbit na tumalon talon papunta kay Marrol with tili kaya nagising pati si Winter.

Nagyakap kami ni Marrol.

"I hate you." I told her.

I feel her body vibrate because she's laughing. "And why?"

Nagtitigan kaming dalawa.

Sinimangutan ko sya. "Parang kagabi lang magka videocall tayo tapos Ngayon nandito ka na at hindi ka nagsabi na pupunta ka."

Marrol chuckles. "You know I love surprises."