Midnight Momento (Astalièr Series I)

Epilogue

Finale

"Mayor? Nandito po si Governor." my secretary called me. Nakatayo ito sa tabi ng hamba ng bukas na pinto.

Tumango ako sa kanya bilang pagpayag na papasukin ang Lolo. She disappeared from my sight and I shifted my position as I continued talking with Craig on the other line. "I need the electric power from your solar power plant." ulit ko.

I heard him sigh. I had to call him immediately on the phone because I could not reach him around Astalier. Simula inako niya ang responsibilidad na pagpapatakbo sa kompanya ni Tito Wranje, hindi na siya madalas dito. Palagi na siya sa Maynila. It was just weird, because Miande was also based in Manila for the past years now.

Ever since the issue between them circulated, and Miande leaving the province, Craig started to act weird and suddenly reconciled with his Dad. Which is, I think a good thing.

"If ever, you'll be the first one to use it." he answered.

I breathed heavily and massaged my temples, "It's not for me. But for the people in Tejeros. Alam mo ang problema sa kuryente pagdating dito sa bayan natin. Galing akong naglibot sa bawat barangay at sitio, at Craig hindi sila nasu-supplayan na sapat na kuryente. Marami pa ang mga may sakit doon, at kahit may mobile clinic na bumibisita, kailangan nila ang pang araw-araw na tulong ng maayos na kuryente." paliwanag ko.

Sandali itong natahimik at parang nag-iisip. "Alright. The power plant is not fully operational. But I can ask the engineers to power up at least half of it. That would be enough right? The power plant was originally designed to power up the whole province, but at this moment it's not completely done."

Sandaling nawala ang atensyon ko sa kanya nang makitang lumakad papasok ng opisina ko si Lolo gamit ang kahoy na tungkod nito. Tahimik siyang umupo sa upuan sa harap ko at pinatong ang boater hat nito sa ibabaw ng mesa.

I licked my lower lip when he gestured his hand that I should finish my call first before talking to him. I nodded.

"I know. That's why I am asking only for the town of Tejeros. When it comes to the whole province, you need to discuss it with Lolo." I uttered seriously.

Lolo's head quickly snapped at me when he realized I am talking to Craig. Hindi naman na ito nagsalita kahit alam kong may gusto siyang sabihin.

"Yes. I'll go home next month."

"Thank you, Craig. Just call me for updates."

"No problem, Mayor." I heard him chuckling.

I just shook my head as I ended the call and placed my phone on my desk, before turning my attention to Lolo.

"Lolo," tawag ko at bahagyang tumayo upang maabot siya at nagmano sa kanya. Tinanggap niya naman iyon at tumingin sa akin. Umupo na akong muli ng maayos. "What brought you here?" I curiously asked because I know we're both busy.

Humugot ito ng malalim na hininga. He tapped his fingers on the table. My eyes went down on his hand and stared at his old tanned skin. My grandfather kept on aging and I couldn't get ahold of it anymore.

"Hindi kita naaabutan sa mansyon. Hindi na rin kita madalas makausap. Alam kong marami kang ginagawa at responsibilidad bilang bagong Alkalde ng bayan... kaya ako na ang gumawa ng paraan para maabutan ka dito sa Munisipyo." tugon nito.

I straightened my posture. "Still trying to keep up with the activities, I am fine and I am happy, Lolo. Ano po ang gusto niyong sabihin sa akin?"

His head snapped at me again. "Binalaan na kita bago ka pa tumakbo, na hindi biro ang pagpasok sa politiko. You had a great future ahead on being a lawyer, your career was good. You spent years studying law so I just want to make sure that you're not regretting anything, especially now that you are bombarded by the weight of being a leader."