Relentlessly Yours [Completed]

Chapter 34

"Nicola, sweetheart, naalala mo 'ba ang sinabi ko sa'yo? About that piano recital," malambing na sabi ni mommy sa akin nang sunduin nila ako ni dad sa airport.

"Bettina," may warning sa boses ni dad pero hindi ko alam bakit.

My mother playfully rolled her eyes at him. "Shh, darling. Napag-usapan na namin ng anak mo ito."

She was referring to the phone call we had last month about going on a lunch date with her friend and her friend's son who was a pianist. May recital daw iyon at gusto ni mommy na manuod kami at mag lunch pagkatapos.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Of course, mom. Kailan ulit 'yon?"

"Next week pa naman. Oh, and I'm actually flying out to Hong Kong. Why don't we go shopping there, sweetie?"

Natawa ako ng bahagya. "Punong-punong na ng bagong damit ang bagong closet ko, mom."

"Bags it is then! Oh and shoes! May bagong labas ngayon ang Chanel at Dior. Let's see kung may magustuhan ka."

Sinipat ko si dad sa rearview mirror nangingiti na umiiling lang.

I wonder if he ever grew tired of my mother's shopping sprees. Ako kasi ay medyo napapagod na. She's been shopping for clothes for me for the past several months, spoiling me with everything she can think of. We also went to Greece a few months ago to celebrate her birthday and she also shopped there for herself and for me. Mabilis na napagtanto ko na iyon ang love language niya.

I also noted how she always checked on me in my room when she thought I was already sleeping. Nararamdaman ko nalang na umuupo siya sa gilid ng kama ko at pinagmamasdan ako ng matagal at hinahaplos ang buhok ko. Ilang beses ko din siyang naririnig na umiiyak at nagsosorry pero kung para saan ay hindi ko alam.

She probably felt bad for me because I lost my memories. Siguro ay nalulungkot siya para sa akin bilang nanay.

"I'll go with you if you want, mommy," sagot ko sa kanya na agad na ikinatuwa niya.

Pabagsak na nahiga ako sa kama ko pagkarating ko sa kwarto. Ang comforting ng kwarto ko. I heard one of the maids mention that it was renovated and I can't remember how it used to look like but I definitely loved how it was organized now. May mga hints of burgundy and red ang mga furniture. And I love my queen-sized soft bed.

Naidlip ako ng sandali at nagising pagkatapos ng tatlong oras. Bumangon na din ako at nagsimulang maligo at mag-ayos.

I am going to an exhibit of a renowned local artist and the theme is Greek mythology. The artist is also known internationally and I actually have been in her exhibit in Paris just four months ago. I bought one painting of hers and am planning to get another one from this exhibit.

May driver na naghihintay sa akin paglabas ko ng bahay at hinatid ako sa five-star hotel kung saan ang exhibit. My red Jimmy Choos clicked subtly as I walked into the exhibit. May karamihan ang tao dahil sikat ang artist na ito.

I let myself wander for several minutes, appreciating the artistic way how she painted the Greek gods and goddesses when I came across a familiar-looking painting. Actually, hindi ang painting ang pamilyar kundi ang mismong naka-paint doon. In the back of my mind, I think I saw something similar before. My eyes went to the label beside it and gasped.

'Goddess Calliope

Calliope was goddess of music, song, and dance. She was also known as the goddess of epic poetry and conferred the gift of eloquence on kings and princes.'

"Do you like this one?"

Namimilog ang mga mata na napatingin ako kay Kai na nakapamulsa na nakatayo sa tabi ko. Nasa painting ang mga mata bago binaling sa akin iyon.