Flowing Through Pages

Chapter 23

Chapter 23.

Hesitant

Today is the day my Mom asked me to come home to celebrate Christmas. I'm not really looking forward to it. They'll probably just talk about business or marriage, which is exhausting. But of course, I'm going-for Mom.

I checked the time on my phone. Hapon na at hindi pa rin lumalabas si Yael sa opisina niya.

I sighed and was about to knock on his door when it suddenly swung open. Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. He looks in a hurry. . .

"Oh, Kalli. Perfect timing," he said, biting his lip and looking hesitant.

"Work?" I asked, already expecting the answer.

He nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I can go alone," I reassured him. He always looked guilty when he had to leave for work, and I didn't like it because I knew how important it was to him.

He kissed my forehead. "Sorry, I'll catch up with you later."

"Hm."

He smiled and gently caressed my cheek before hurrying off. It looked like an emergency; I'd never seen him walk so briskly. Nag ma-madali rin sumunod si Ugo sa kaniya.

After they left, I took a moment before heading downstairs. Nay Flor was at the door, opening it for me with a warm smile.

"Ingat, 'nak."

I smiled back. "I'll be back, Nay."

Driving my own car felt strange. Nakakapanibago dahil hindi naman ako lumalabas ng bahay at kung lumalabas man ay si Yael ang laging nag mamaneho. Mukhang nasanay yata ako.

As I drove, Tia's call connected through the car's Bluetooth. I answered, keeping my eyes on the road.

"Ate-"

"I'm the only one who hasn't arrived yet?" I interrupted.

"Yes. Are you almost here?"

"No," I replied.

I'm not even on the highway yet. It's because our house is situated quite far from the main road, secluded at the end of a long, private driveway within a prestigious, gated community. Pero mukhang malapit na rin naman na ako.

I heard her sigh. Tumaas ang kilay ko. What's wrong with her?

"Okay," malamya niyang saad.

"What's wrong?"

Rinig ko ang yapak niyang palayo. "Grandpa's angry because Kuya Lau didn't show up," mahinang bulong niya.

"What do you expect?"

"Yeah, exactly. That's why the vibes here are just off! Storm and I want to get out of here na lang," she said with irritation. It sounds like the mood is really bad. This is why I was hesitant about coming.

"Why don't you just do it. . . " I began, but then I spotted a child standing alone. I tilted my head and blinked several times, trying to make sure I wasn't imagining it. What is he doing here? Wala pang mga bahay rito na ang ibig sabihin ay malapit na 'ko palabas.

"As if we can, baka nga hindi pa ako nakalabas-"

I eased the car to a stop and parked it on the side. "Tia, wait a minute."