The Space Between

Chapter 12: "Hi, Baby!"

Back to the same old grind.

The usual traffic in Manila, the usual stress of the busy lifestyle... everything seems to be settling down. I'm definitely home, and it's time to face reality.

I got out of the car and headed straight to the kitchen. Mom was there, busy at her corner of the kitchen, working on her laptop. I kissed her and raided the fridge.

"Kiefer Hijo, I have rescheduled some of your appointments this week, plus added some more, one of which is with Coach Chot," she said busy with her laptop. She paused a bit to check on what was on my plate, and raised her brow, "Potato chips, Anak?" She stood up and took away the fresh pack of chips off my plate and instead pulled out some fries. My mom is the best!

"Baked, and not fried," Mom added, returning to her corner.

"You sound like a commercial on TV," I joked her. She just gave me her no-nonsense look.

I ate on the island table, with my laptop on. I checked on my calendar, and my mom seems to have done a pretty good job organizing it. I had to double check the schedule, make sure that my school and basketball, and other projects do not overlap... then I saw the 29th of June. And it's nearly Aly's birthday.

Alyssa...

I could not avoid smiling at just the mere mention of her name. I took a bite of my sandwich, and started researching on what is the best gift to give to a special girl...

Bags... shoes... perfume...

I was busy browsing the net, when I felt someone tap my shoulder. "Anak, you are not listening again. I was asking if you'd like me to meet Coach Chot for his Nike Rise project, instead of you personally. I could just ask for the contract in advance, and bring it to the meeting...," Mom paused, and I felt her looking over my shoulder. "Anak, I thought you and Mika..."

"'My...," I complained, trying to shoo her away. She retreated to her corner, but was looking at me intently. And I could see she is still looking at me.

"Okay, 'My. What is your question?" I asked, now concentrating on my snacks. A bit cold now after I have been engrossed looking for a gift for Alyssa.

"For starters, nagkakamabutihan ba kayo ulit ni Mika?"

I'm not sure how to react, but... "No, 'My. We haven't had any chance at all. So no, Mika is definitely out of the picture." Then I added out of curiousity, "Why do you ask? Do you really want Mika for me?"

"I'm going to be honest with you. I'm just worried that you seem to have gotten over easily with Mika. I thought you were hopelessly in love with her."

"Well, I thought I was. Akala ko nga, siya na talaga. Pero I guess, it was for the better. There were things na hindi talaga kami siguro magkasundo."

"Anak, not all the time magkakasundo kayo ng partner mo. There would be instances wherein you would argue over something, even petty things," Mom pointed out. She put back her eyeglasses on, and continued, "I just want you to take it easy with the next girl. Get to know her first. You could not just go on and break a relationship just because you think and believe that you have some differences."

That made me smile. Of course, I know her so well... and she knows me, too. And we have argued over petty stuff, yet we have managed to be each other's best friend until now.

Well, I know her so well except for one thing - what to give her on her birthday...

Mom was busy with her laptop again, and I closed mine and sat beside her. Still busy. I tried to catch her attention by tapping on her laptop. She looked at me, and raised her brows.