Two Sides of Love

11

I stepped out of Esmael's room, my heart is still racing from the tangled memories.

The hallway was narrow, its walls adorned with sepia-toned family photos. As I descended the creaky wooden stairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon enveloped me.

And there, in the cozy kitchen, stood a middle-aged woman. Her apron bore flour smudges, and her wrists jingled with silver bracelets.

My eyes widened as I met the woman's warm gaze. She smiled, revealing laugh lines.

I smoothed my hair and surreptitiously checked my breath.

She is wearing a fancy dress and sparkling jewelry.

" Ikaw ba ang girlfriend ni Esmael?"

My eyes widen, caught off guard.

"Uh, e-e-eh.. hindi po-"

Before I can say more, the door opens, and Esmael walks in.

"No, Mom."

My jaw drops. The woman turns to Esmael.

"Ah, my son, you didn’t tell me you had such a lovely friend. perfect match!"

Esmael rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of amusement.

"Mom, we’ve been over this. Magkaibigan lang kami."

I studied Esmael’s face. His eyes, the same shade as his mother, hold a secret. I wonder if he feels the tension too.

"Well, you two would make a striking couple. Maybe I should invite you both for dinner sometime." her mom smiled at me

Esmael’s cheeks flush, and my heart races.

"S-sure tita-"

"It's tita ricell, but you can call me mom too"

Ang pangit aminin pero kinilig ako, ano ba 'to? Senyales na ba 'to?

Esmael’s mother chuckles, leaving us alone.

"Friends, huh?" Esmael leaned closer

My pulse quickens. Maybe this unexpected connection is more than just friendship?

The three of us ate peacefully, once we're done, we headed to Esmael's living room and his mother headed to the garden to check her plants.

Me and Esmael sit on the plush couch.

"So, your mom... She's quite something."

He leaned back "Yeah, she's a force of nature. Always meddling."

I glanced at the family photos on the mantelpiece. Esmael's mother beams in every frame.

"Sa tingin niya talaga we'd be a perfect match, no?" Tanong ko

He smirked "Apparently. But don't let her get to you. We're just friends, remember?"

My heart twists. Friends. The word echoes between us, heavy with meaning.

"Why haven't you ever told me about her, about your family?"

He looked away "She's... complicated. Our relationship isn't easy. Madalas kaming mag talo ni mom"

I studied Esmael's face, the same eyes that have haunted my dreams.

"Ano ba ang nangyari?" I paused "W-Well... A-a-ahh.. if ayaw mong i-kwento, okay lang! I understand if it's too personal-"