Field of Emotions

Chapter 5

Sandali ko lang diniligan ang mga halaman sa balcony. Ayaw kong makita ako ni Sian dahil alam kong kapag nakita ako ng lalaki ay aasarin lang ako.Pagbaba ko naman ay dumiretso ako sa garden. I prepared what we needed, especially as we are doing this activity with Anastacia.

"Ateeee!" sigaw ni Anastacia ng makita ako.

I turned to see Liam and Ivy standing a few steps away, each holding one of Anastacia's hands. Stacy was wearing a yellow dress, perfectly matching her yellow ribbon. They looked like a picture-perfect family, their smiles genuine and full of warmth.

Kuya Liam was dressed in his usual laid-back style, a simple t-shirt and jeans, his hair tousled in a way that made him look effortlessly cool. He had promised to help me with the gardening, but I had a feeling he was more interested in playing with Anastacia. Ate Ivy, on the other hand, was wearing a uniform similar to those worn by caregivers in the hospital. Despite the simple attire, she looked stunning. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her face was glowing with happiness. It was clear that she loved spending time with Anastacia.

"Anastacia!" I said as she called out to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I was standing in the garden, the sun casting a warm glow on the vibrant flowers around us.

I looked at Ate Ivy and Kuya Liam as I gave them a playful smile. Binalik ko ang tingin kay Stacy. "Let's go, baby? Sunduin natin si Kuya Sian?" sabi ko at hinawakan ang kamay ng kapatid. Her fingers curled around mine, a bright smile lighting up her face.

As we started to walk towards the house, I could hear the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The garden was alive with the sounds of nature, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Anastacia skipped happily next to me, her yellow dress fluttering in the light breeze. Every now and then, she would stop to point at a particularly beautiful flower or an interesting bug, her curiosity infectious.

Behind us, Kuya Liam and Ate Ivy were engaged in a quiet conversation, their laughter floating over to us every now and then. Ivy looked at us and waved, her smile warm and inviting. Liam gave us a thumbs up, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

As we neared the house, I could see Sian standing on the balcony, his gaze focused on something in the distance. He looked relaxed and at ease, a stark contrast to the teasing brother I was used to seeing.

Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but smile. I let rang the doorbell and Lola Meli is the one who opened it. She was smiling at us.

"Hello po Lola! Good morning po, si Sian po nasan?" tanong ko sa kanya at nagmano kaming mag kapatid.

With Lola Meli's usual warm smile, she gestured us to go towards the house. "Ay hayon! Kanina pa hindi mapakali sa taas, " natatawang saad niya at binuksan ang pinto ng bahay.

"Pasok kayo, mga apo. " sabi niya samin bago tinawag si Sian. "Sebastián! Nandito na sina Ysabelle! Bumaba ka dyan!" sigaw ni Lola Meli.

Ngayon ko lang din napansin na nakaapron pala siya. Malamang ay nagluluto siya pampalipas oras.

"Bababa na ho!" sigaw naman ni Sian mula sa second floor ng bahay. Natawa ako sa Batangueno accent ni Sian, minsan lang kasi siya ginagamit yon.

The house became silent, it gives calm feeling to my nerves...a thing that our house can't give.

I felt Anastacia's grip getting tight to my hands, a sign that she wasn't used to this feeling either. I looked at her and tried to calm her down by massaging her hands. She looked at me and I smiled at her. "Are you okay?" I asked her.

She hesitantly nodded. We sat at the sofa as Lola Meli opened the TV. She sat next to us and looked at Anastacia. She seemed so amazed seeing my sister come with me for the second time. "What's your name, little one?" she sweetly asked Anastacia.