Field of Emotions

Chapter 12

Life was funny, wasn't it? In times of crisis and planning on how I want to die, He sends people who will help and remind me of how beautiful life was with me in it. He sends people who will show me that I'm not alone in the middle of a path full of thorns.

Pagbaba ko nakita ko si Manang Ester na nagluluto ng agahan.

"Good morning po, Nay! Aga mo naman po gumising wala naman po pasok." bati ko sa kanya.

She looked at me with a smile on her face. "Magandang umaga sayo, hija. Kaya nga ako gumigising ng maaga dahil sayo. Alam kong maaga kang nagigising tuwing Sabado."

I giggled at her remarks. She really knew me. Aside from Sian who knew almost everything about me, Manang Ester was like my second grandma. Ako na ang kumuha ng sarili kong pagkain at sinandukan na din siya para sabay kaming kumain. She cooked fried rice, egg and some tocino for breakfast.

"Kain na po tayo, Nay!" sabi ko at umupo sa tabi niya.

As we were eating, the morning sun began to stream through the windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the kitchen. The smell of freshly cooked rice and tocino filled the air, making the atmosphere even more homely and comforting.

"Nay, naaalala mo pa ba yung unang beses na nagluto ako ng agahan?" I asked, reminiscing about my childhood.

Manang Ester chuckled, "Oo, hindi ko malilimutan yun. Nagkalat ka ng itlog sa sahig! Napagalitan pa ako ni Donya Alyana dahil sayong bata ka!"

We both laughed at the memory, and I found myself feeling grateful for these simple moments.

After breakfast, we decided to clean up together. As we washed and dried the dishes, Manang Ester shared more stories about my childhood. She told me about the time I tried to climb a tree with Sian and Gio but ended up stuck, and the time I tried to ride the bike of Ezekielle and still ended up scratching my knees.

Each story made me realize how much I've grown and how Manang Ester has always been there for me. She became my second grandma after Avó left us.

After our meal, I tidied up the kitchen, making sure everything was clean and in its place. I then made my way back to my room, where Anastacia was still sound asleep, cocooned in the cozy warmth of my bed.

Hindi ko na lang siya ginising at naligo na. Habang pumipili ako ng damit na susuotin ko, naka-receive ako ng message galing kay Alexandra.

Alexandra Ng Pilipinas
Hey, Ysa! Good morning! Daanan kita dyan ha! Sakay ako ni Kuya Arlo 😉

Elysabeth Ng Pilipinas
Oh, thanks. Hindi ba nakakahiya? hehe.

Nakakahiya naman kasi dadaanan pa nila ako. I mean sa aming apat, bahay nina Alexa ang sunod na pinakamalayo pagkatapos ni Gabrienne.

Alexandra Ng Pilipinas
Hindi ha! Cousin ka namin kaya wag ka na mahiya.

I continued picking my outfit until I slipped into a pair of simple but stylish blue jeans, which I paired with a chic tube top. Over the tube top, I layered a crisp white polo, leaving it unbuttoned for a casual, laid-back look. I finished off the ensemble with a pair of clean white sneakers, perfect for a day of comfortable yet fashionable wear. I paired my clothes with a mini backpack where I can fit an umbrella, water bottle, wallet, my cellular phone and my power bank. I also wear the tulip necklace Sian gave me and my rimless glasses.

As I zipped up my mini backpack, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Dahil sa liwanag ng araw na tumatagos sa bintana, nagmukhang may sunkissed effect ang reflection ko sa salamin. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Simple lang ang damit ko pero presentable naman. Bagay lang para hindi kami mapansin ng media mamaya kung saan man kami pupunta. Nag text na din ako kay Gab baka kasi nasa mall na siya ay wala pa din kami.