Imagine Me And You

Chapter 15

Time flew so fast. It's been a year since Sheena and I talked. That conversation left massive pain in my heart but a relief knowing na I know she's okay.

I graduated from college. I took up business management not because of my family's wealth but because I want to build my own business.

I'm on my way to nanay Tess's house. Galing akong bukid para kumuha ng mga pananim. Habang papalapit ako sa bahay, napansin ko ang pamilyar na sasakyan na nakaparada sa hindi kalayuan.

Pagkadating ko sa bahay, nakita ko ang parents ko na nakaupo sa may wooden sofa in the receiving area.

They both smile upon seeing me. Sakto naman na lumabas si nanay Tess mula sa kusina na may dalang tray ng juice at mga baso.

Nanay Tess looked at me softly. I gave her a questioning look. She puts down the tray on the small table before turning her attention fully to me.

"Iwan ko muna kayo. Gwen, anak, pakinggan mo muna sila." Nanay Tess said. Before I could say anything, she already went to the kitchen.

"Gwen.." my dad called.

"What is this? What are you two doing here?"

"We waited for four years. We miss you." My mom said. I scoffed because of what she said.

"How did you know na nandito ako?"

"Matagal na naming alam. But your mother and I decided to give you the space that you want." My dad stated. I saw mom stands up and walked towards me.

"We tried, Gwen. We tried to stop your grandma because the only time we saw you happy is when you're with your girlfriend. Please don't hate us anymore, Gwen."

I let my mom hold my hands. I felt tears start to form in my eyes. I look up to suppress it from falling.

"We know where she is. Kami ang nag-asikaso sa kaniya and sa family niya. We made sure na hindi sila guguluhin ng lola mo." Tumingin ako kay dad.

My heart skipped a beat due to excitement I'm feeling knowing that I can visit Sheena. But, then, our conversation a year ago played in my mind.

"Hindi muna ngayon. I'm forgiving you both because you took care of her. Despite that, hindi muna ako babalik ng Manila. I want to stand on my own feet without the help of our family's name."

My parents understood what I meant. We reconciled and they left at night.

The next day, tatay Dom asked me to accompany him to one of their own farmland. We ride on our motorcycle and stop at the very beautiful vast scenery of the place.

"Ano po pala gagawin natin dito, tay?" I asked. We're standing side by side while admiring the landscape.

"Maganda magtayo ng bahay dito. Magsimula ng panibagong buhay." He said. I nod my head without looking at him.

"Tama po kayo. I can imagine a life in this place."

"Maipapangako mo ba na iingatan mo itong lugar na ito?" Napatingin ako sa kaniya because of his statement.

"Ano po ibig niyong sabihin?"

"May sariling bahay at pamilya na si kuya Tony mo, ganun din si Cheryl. Matanda na kami ng nanay mo at wala kaming mapag-iiwanan nito. Napagdesisyunan namin ng nanay Tess mo na ibigay sa iyo itong lupa. Pasasalamat namin sa lahat ng kabutihan mo sa amin. Regalo narin namin dahil graduate ka na."

"Hindi naman po ako humihingi ng kapalit. This is too much, tay. I can't accept this." He hold my hand. He squeezed it lightly made me feel the touch of a loving father to his daughter.