Rekindling Paradise (Estancia Soledad Series 1)

Kabanata 7

Kabanata 7

“La?” I called when I heard her coughing inside her room. Binaba ko ang hawak na bag galing pa kasi ako sa trabaho at sunod-sunod na ang gastusin namin sa bawat project na pinapagawa sa akin.

Agad akong kumuha ng maligamgam na tubig ng mapagtantong nakatulog na pala si Adrienne hawak ang isang libro.

Napabuntong hininga ako at tuluyan ng pumasok sa kwarto ni Lola.

Kita ko siyang nakasandal sa rocking chair na nakaharap sa garden niya. Kita kong binaba niya ang isang lampin ng makita akong pumasok. Ngumite ako sa kanya at inilahad ang tubig.

“La, pa check up na kaya tayo?” malamyos kong sabi sa kanya habang hinahaplos ang kanyang likod.

Ngumite siya sa akin at hinawakan ang aking kamay.

“Huwag na apo.” she said softly and cough again.

Huminga ako ng malalim para hindi niya makitang nasasaktan ako. Napatingin ako sa garden na inaalagaan ni Lola.

Palagi niya sinasabi sa akin na naalala niya daw ang isang paraiso na matagal niya ng hindi napupuntahan kaya gusto niya iyong maalala.

“Para mo makainom ka na ng gamot mo.” She looked at me with her ember eyes filled with so much loved and sorrow is peaking in every corner, trying so hard to hide.

“Just save the money for your school, Femi.” she whispered my name with a bit of longing.

“Mas importante po kayo.” I said quietly and trying to keep my tears.

“Mas importante ka.” She smiled weakly on me and comb my hair.

I pursed my lips and didn’t say anything.

Sumandal lang ako kay Lola at doon ay nakahinga ako. Ramdam ko ang pagod sa aking binte at likod dahil halos limang oras akong nagpa-plantsa ng mga damit.

Ginawa ko na din ang plates ko noong break.

“Kamusta ang araw mo, apo?” Lola asked breaking the silent.

“Okay lang po.” I answered and just closed my eyes.

“I remember when you’re still a baby. You cried all night and only stopped when I showed you the painting I made.” Tumawa ng mahina si Lola. “I-I actually don’t have any idea on how you take care of you but you never give me any problems. You always listen and understand.” She whispered her last word.

“You take care of Adrienne even if you’re still a child. You stood on your own everytime I can’t. You become the foundation of the home I created with you and Rin, Femi.” I could hear how her voiced broke. “Pinawi niyo ang sakit bawat araw hangang wala na akong maramdaman kundi kasiyahan. Binuksan niyo ang bagong kinabukasan sa akin noong pakiramdam ko ay wala nang saysay ang lahat.”

I know from the start that I didn’t lost my parents. Growing up I realized that Lola made up that story so I don't have asked anymore. I know that something happened. I understand her until she could tell the story. Until she’s ready.