ALASTAIR ARMENDAREZ

CHAPTER 22

I QUICKLY run towards my bathroom as I felt something in my stomach. I suddenly vomit on the toilet bowl. I felt my head is throbbing in pain right now. I even hugged the toilet bowl and continue to vomit.

"Gosh this is insane. My head hurt as well." I just wanted to curse and get angry to myself for getting drunk last night.

My knees tremble as I sat on the floor. I let out a deep sigh and close my eyes to calm myself. I tried to remember what happened last night but still, my mind is not yet functioning.

It took almost ten minutes when I felt a bit relieve. I didn't waste a time and drink some pain killer to ease the pain. Huli na ng mapagtanto ko na may hindi ako nag iisa sa unit ko dahil may narinig akong ingay sa kusina.

"Conner?" I called his name. Did he sleep with me last night? What happened? I remember he drove me home.

Nakakunot noo akong lumabas ng kwarto ko.

"Gising ka na pala, anak! Kumusta ang pakiramdam mo?"

Mama suddenly ask me as I finally reach the kitchen and dining area. Gulat na gulat pa ako ng makita at marinig ko ang boses nito.

"Mama?" Hindi pa ako makapaniwala.

Ngumiti ito sa akin. "May naghatid sayo kagabi because you're drunk last night, Anak. And he even called me. I'm sorry for not telling you that I will go here." nakagat ko nalang ang labi ko sa kahihiyan. "Nag aalala ako sayo kaya ako pumunta kaagad dito." dagdag pa niya.

"Nasaan na po si Conner?"

"Umuwi na rin siya kagabi, Anak. Hinintay niya ako na makarating dito bago siya umalis." Mama explained. "Siya ba ang boyfriend mo, Anak? He's such a gentleman." she added.

Kunot noo nalang akong napatingin sa Nanay ko. "He's not my boyfriend, Ma."

"Ah ganon ba, Anak!" Napatango nalang ito. "Sandali, kumusta na ang pakiramdam mo? Masakit ba ang ulo mo?" Mama is so worried to me right now.

"I'm fine Mama. Uminom na po ako ng gamot."

"I cooked sinigang for you, Anak. Have a seat! Nakaluto naman na ako." tsaka niya binalikan ang kanyang niluluto.

I just watch my Mama prepare the food and she's still my Mama before, walang pinagbago. She's so sweet when it comes to me and I felt like I'm still her baby girl.

It's been how many months since we saw each other. Minsan nalang ako umuwi sa bahay because of my work and commitment. Madalas ay siya nalang ang bumibisita sa akin. My grandma left us already two years ago.

"Did you change my clothes last night, Mama?" I ask curiously. Kasi ang inaasahan ko pagkagising ko ay amoy alak ako.

"Yes Anak! I can't let you sleep with the smell of alcohol. I even clean you.." my heart flutter. Nahihiya tuloy ako sa nanay ko!

"Thank you, Mama! And I'm sorry as well. I will not get drunk ever again, I promise." I explain.

"Ano ka ba, Anak. Nanay mo ko—anak kita so why would you feel sorry? You can drink naman but always set limitation." she told me. "Here, eat this." May nilagay itong mangkok na may lamang mainit na sinigang sa akin harapan.

She even handed me the rice and other breakfast food such as tocino, omelette and bacon.

"Eat with me, Mama!" I told her. Ngumiti lamang ito sa akin at sinabayan ako kumain.