Hey You

Chapter 32

"Nella," Weng hurried towards her niece the moment they parked in front of the house.

"Tita," Nella walked into her aunt's embrace. "Hi," she greeted her with a tight hug.

"Hi," Weng greeted back. "I'm so sorry, it was such a chaotic shift, I didn't have time to check my phone. I'm sorry."

Nella could feel her aunt trembling. She figured she must have gotten the message sent out from her school regarding the stabbing. She thought the incident probably also triggered Weng's anxiety."It's okay, tita. You don't have to worry. Jane and I are both fine," she assured her.

"Are you sure? You both look like you've been crying. Kakilala nyo ba yung mga nasaktan?" Weng asked worriedly.

"We know them by name and face po, but we're not friends with them," Nella glanced over at Jane who nodded at them.

"Good. I mean—this may sound bad, but I'm glad hindi kayo at mga kaibigan nyo yung involved sa nangyari," Weng carried the worried look in her eyes all throughout their conversation. She couldn't stand the thought of something bad happening to her niece and her friend, Jane.

"We're okay, tita. Don't worry," Nella reassured her.

"Come on. You guys go and get cleaned up para makakain na ng dinner," Weng led the two girls inside the house and started setting up the table.

"I'll shower later, PB. I don't want to make tita Weng wait too long. Gutom na yun lalo pa ang busy sa work nya kanina. Baka hindi pa yun nakapag-break," Nella told Jane after they entered her room.

"Mamaya na din ako maliligo," Jane nodded. Then she walked up to Nella and held her face. "Okay ka lang ba talaga?" She couldn't help but worry about her.

"I'm okay," Nella closed her eyes while she held the hand Jane used to touch her face. "Ikaw, are you okay? Kamusta head mo? Masakit pa ba?"

Jane frowned. "Dapat ako yung nag-tatanong sayo nyan."

"It's okay. Sa pag-iyak lang toh and maybe dala na rin ng gutom. I just want to eat then sleep. That will make it feel better," Nella told her.

Jane nodded. "Tara na para makapagpahinga ka na."

Downstairs, Nella shared a meal with Weng and Jane. She was clearly exhausted, and Weng could tell.

"Jane, dito ka na rin matulog. Would your parents mind?" Weng asked Jane who looked at her the moment she called her name.

"Tita, yun nga po sana pagpapaalam ko sa inyo. Can I stay here for the night?" Jane replied.

"No need to ask permission, anak. Feel at home," Weng smiled.

"Salamat po," Jane nodded at Nella's aunt then she turned to look at Nella.

"Ako rin po sana magpapaalam, tita Weng," Nella spoke which made her aunt and Jane turn their attention to her.

"What is it, nak?" Weng asked.

"Can I use the rest house tomorrow? Suspended po yung classes for three days for further investigation, and I thought maybe Jane and I could use the house to get away from here. I think we both need it," Nella looked at her aunt hoping she would say yes.

"Anak, of course. Why are you even asking me eh sa inyo yun ng mama mo?" Weng replied.

"Thank you po. I just didn't want to go there without telling you," Nella reasoned.

"Ay, oo naman. Syempre ineexpect ko naman na mag-sasabi ka, pero hindi mo kelangan magpaalam. You go and take Jane there anytime you want or need, basta ma-inform nyo lang ako. No need to ask," Weng reminded her.