Loving This Bitch

CHAPTER 32

"Philippines!" Kiyoshi shouted loudly as we got off the plane.

People turned to look at us. Because I was famous here before, many people recognized me. That recognition grew even more when I became a Hollywood actress in California.

I called Kuya Joberth, my former driver who still works for me. He and Manang Vicky were the one taking care of my mom's house.

"Kuya, where are you? We're here."

["Papunta na ako, Ma'am."]

"Okay."

I hung up and started walking. When we got inside the airport, we were greeted by cameras. People kept taking pictures of us. I just let them and looked for Kuya Joberth.

He arrived and took the suitcase I was pulling, placing it in the back of the car.

"Ang laki na ng anak mo, Ma'am." Aniya habang nakatingin kay Kiyoshi. I just smiled at him.

Kiyoshi opened the door for me, while Kuya Joberth opened the door for him. This kid is really sweet only to me.

"Wow!" Kiyoshi exclaimed in amazement as he looked at the tall buildings we were passing by.

I tidied up his toys, which he left on the seat because he was now focused on looking outside.

"Mama! Mama! I saw a Ferrari. Woah..." His eyes widened as he looked at the car next to us.

"Do you want one like that?"

He nodded. "I want all kinds of cars. When I grow up, I'll buy lots of cars."

He saw many things here in the Philippines that he could only see here, so he was amazed. I looked outside and observed the places and people. It's been years since I've set foot in this country, so I'm feeling a bit disoriented.

We traveled for four hours before reaching Mommy's house. As soon as I stepped out of the car, Manang Vicky immediately hugged me.

"Ang ganda-ganda mo," aniya habang yakap ako. Niyakap ko rin si Manang pabalik. Tumingin siya kay Kiyoshi na kakalabas pa lang ng sasakyan. "Naku, ito na ba ang anak mo?"

I nodded and gestured Kiyoshi to come. Lumapit siya kay Manang na agad din siyang niyakap.

"Ang gwapo naman ng batang ito."

"Arigatou po," sabi ni Kiyoshi na ikinatuwa ni Manang.

"Pumasok na kayo sa loob at kumain," aya ni Manang.

Pinagmasdan ko muna ang kabuoan ng bahay ni Mommy na matagal ko nang hindi nakikita. Hindi pa rin iyon nagbabago. Ganoon pa rin ang kulay at pagkakagawa. Walang binago, pati ang garden. Kung paanong design ang gusto ni Mommy, ang gusto niyang gupit ay ganoon pa rin hanggang ngayon. Hindi iniiba ng hardinero namin.

"Mama, let's go." Tawag sa akin ng anak ko.

Pagkapasok ko ay parang bumigat ang aking pakiramdam. The paintings, the vases, the furniture, they were all still in the same places where they were when I left. I glanced at the staircase where Mommy and I often passed each other without a word. We would just exchange glances and continue walking as if nothing happened. I entered the kitchen where she always used to serve me food even when I had no intention of joining her.

Those were the times when she was changing herself, when she often talked to me, when she often smiled at me, when she often asked how I was doing. Everything started here. It felt like there was a lump in my throat as I remembered that. Those were the times when I was clueless about her feelings. Those were the times when I ignored her. Those were the times when I was still confused and questioning the kindness she showed me.