The Reflection of Time [ongoing]

Chapter 3: Can't find the Right Words to Refuse

Khael’s POV

Umaga na at hindi ako nakatulog. We are in the front garage, and our driver, Mang Kempoy, is putting our luggage in the car.

“Martha, lahat ba ng gagamitin ni El ay nasa sasakyan na?” tanong ni mama kay ate Martha, isa sa mga kasama naming dito sa bahay.

“Opo ma'am, nakahanda na po lahat ng kakailanganin ni El,” wika ni ate Martha habang nakangiti sa akin. I know she is one of those people who genuinely wish everything goes well during this vacation.

“El, you go to the car first. I'll just fetch your dad in his office,” my mother said before entering the house and proceed on shouting my dad’s name in the living room.

I followed her instructions and went to the car. I sat on the back seat and stared outside through the car window.

Soon after, my parents followed. Napagdesisyonan ni papa na siya na lamang ang magmamaneho papuntang Batangas.

When my parents had made sure that everything was already in the car, we left the house under the care of Ate Martha, Mang Kempoy, and two other helpers.

Dad started the car, and we bid farewell to our house.

The silence in the car was heavy since neither of my parents are good at starting casual conversations. It’s usually me who breaks the silence, but for now, I can’t even think of a topic.

I noticed they kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror. When our eyes met, they quickly looked away, sometimes pretending to clear their throats.

“So… uh, what do you want for lunch, El?” my mom asked, breaking the silence.

“Anything will do, Mom,” I replied, still gazing out the window.

“Oh, before I forgot, we will be staying at your grandmother’s house. Some of your titos and titas, along with their children, will be there,” my dad said, looking at me through the rearview mirror. He must have noticed I was trembling slightly because he quickly added, “Hindi sila nakatira mismo sa bahay ng lola mo but their homes are very close by.”

After that, neither of my parents spoke for the rest of the trip to Batangas.

“Khael, we’re here,” my dad announced as we arrived.

Binuksan ko ang pintuan ng sasakyan at sinimulang iunat ang aking katawan. “Naghihintay na siguro ang iyong lola sa loob, tara?”

The house seemed quiet, as if no one lived there, and because of that, I felt relieved.

But it was not for long.

Nang pumasok kami ay agad bumungad ang kay daming tao. They all stared at us, and I immediately avoided their gazes, looking down instead.

My mom took my hand as we walked closer to them. My heart raced, and I couldn’t help but wonder—Do they know what happened to me at school? Are they pitying me? Judging me?

I kept my head down, not wanting to see what their eyes might say.

“El, hijo welcome! Halika dito, kain tayo,” my grandmother said, embracing me. Despite my panic, I returned the hug. I didn’t want anyone to think I was uncomfortable.

“Ma, palagay ko ay pagod na si El dahil sa byahe. It’s been a while since he traveled this far, so I think he would like to rest first,” my mother explained.

“Ah, ganon ba?” my grandmother said. “Oh, s’ya sige,
makakapaghintay naman ang pagkain” nakangiting saad ni lola “Nera, assist your cousin to his room.”

Without hesitation, my cousin Nera guided me to my room. I could feel her staring at me.

My eyes wandered around the house’s interior. It was an astonishing ancestral home, with portrait paintings almost covering the walls. The faint scent of varnished wood was not bothersome as I thought it would be.

“Here it is,” she said as we reached the room. It was very different from my room in Manila, but it had the comfort I needed. The smell of old wood oddly made me feel better. It was clear they had prepared the room with care.

“Thank you,” I said, avoiding her gaze.

“You are most welcome. Rest for now, Khael.” she said. I nodded, and she turned her back to leave.

Akala ko ay tapos na ang aming pag-uusap nang bigla syang tumigil sa paglalakad at humarap sa akin.

“I forgot to mention. Pupunta kami sa palangke bukas ng mga pinsan natin. Gusto mo ba sumama? It’s okay if you can’t!” ani niya.

I wanted to decline, but I couldn’t bring myself to say no. So, I just smiled and nodded.

I hate this about myself. I’ve always been unable to refuse—then and now. I can only wish myself good luck.

I went straight to the bed, my body calling for rest. My mind swirled with thoughts, worrying about what tomorrow would bring.

If this habit of mine continues( the inability to refuse), maybe this vacation would not work for me.

Minutes later, I let out a yawn and finally gave in to sleep.