A DIFFERENT SIDE OF ME

CHAPTER 2

"Te Javen! Nandito na si Ate Javen!" My niece's excited scream filled the air, a sound that always brought a smile to my face.

They rushed towards me, eager hands reaching for my bags, their small faces lighting up with joy as they greeted me with a 'mano'.

"Ate Lyca, pakikuha naman ng dala ni Ate Javen! Puro ka lang facebook diyan, tumulong ka naman!" Marie's playful scolding of Lyca was a familiar sound, a blend of affection and sibling rivalry.

I heard Lyca's footsteps approaching, her hesitant yet joyful gait unmistakable. She smiled warmly at me, performing the traditional 'mano' before taking some of the groceries from my hands.

"Akala ko hindi ka uuwi, Ate?" she asked, curiosity and relief mingling in her eyes as she inspected the contents of my bags.

"Joke lang yun, hehehe" I replied, sitting down on our outdoor chair. Ngumiti lang ito at pumasok na.

Haysss, it's really tiring to travel, but all the fatigue vanished when I heard my nieces' banter.

Nakakatuwa silang pakinggan. Finally, finally, I'm home. I let my eyes wander around the familiar surroundings before stepping inside.

"Ma? Nasan ka?" I called out, my voice echoing through the cozy confines of our home.

"Nandito lang ako" came her gentle reply as she approached me. Nagmano muna ako tinignan ko siya.

I really miss her so much. I noticed the beads of sweat on her forehead. Hayss, she's still so beautiful, her face a canvas of stories etched in wrinkles.

As I watched Mama, I saw the years etched into her skin, each wrinkle a testament to the life she had lived and the love she had given. Her hands, rough from years of hard work and care, rested gently on my shoulder.

"Kamusta ang biyahe mo, anak?" she asked, her eyes filled with the kind of concern only a mother can have.

"Okay lang po, Ma. Medyo traffic lang dahil pasko pero nakarating naman ako ng maayos," I replied, my voice softened by affection as I patted her back.

"Hay nako, buti naman at ligtas kang nakarating. Kanina pa kita hinihintay. Sige na, magpahinga ka muna at nang makapagkwentuhan tayo mamaya," she said, her voice a soothing lullaby as she guided me to our room.

Pumasok ako sa aming kwarto para makapagbihis. Nilagay ko muna ang bag ko sa sahig at naghanap ng pambahay na masusuot.

Pagkatapos kong magbihis, napansin kong may duyan pala sa sulok ng kwarto. Lumapit ako rito at sinubukan itong upuan.

The hammock was soft, as if it was hugging me tight. I gently settled in, letting my eyes close for a moment.

Napagod talaga ako sa biyahe kanina. Mula sa maingay na terminal, sa siksikang van, hanggang sa mabatong daan patungo rito sa bahay namin sa probinsya.

The joy of being home, of being surrounded by the familiar and the beloved, was more powerful.

I took out my phone and texted rein letting her know I had arrived in Canagara safely.

The smoothness of the floor under my feet was a testament to how well they had scrubbed it.

The scent of freshly cleaned wood mingled with the cool breeze coming through the window.

Outside, the sound of crickets and other insects was like nature's own symphony, a sign that night had truly fallen.

This sound was a reminder that I was in the countryside, far from the noise and chaos of the city.

The serene environment brought peace to my mind as I sat back in the hammock, cradled by the memories of my youth in this place.

I went out and saw Lyca and Marie organizing the groceries, their faces radiant with joy as they joked and teased each other.