Sorry for the grammar, I just wanted to write freely without worrying about it..
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"Welcome to NAIA" was the last statement I heard through the intercom. I took a deep breathe and looked outside the window and whispered "home". I slowly started to gather my things while doing so I had several conversations about memory lane in Brazil with teacher G and KC. It's hard to believe that our short little vacation was over -- back to reality.
As we proceeded to the baggage claim area, KC tapped my shoulder and said, " Sis, you'll be ok, we're here for you." I gave her a sweet smile and thanked her for what was one of the best and most liberating experiences of my life.
As we said our goodbyes and gave each other hugs, I reminded myself that I needed to stay strong and stick to my plan. It's high time I take charge of my life, my career, and my decisions. A brand new me.
I saw mommy and daddy as soon as I exited the gate. I missed them so much, but part of me wished I had more time on my own. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and they have my best interest at heart, but sometimes I need my space. I envied my sisters who are currently abroad for school because of their independence. Soon, I will also have that feeling. It's all in a matter of time.
My mom, otherwise known to many as Mommy Divine has been depicted by the media as strict, controlling, and mean. What many fail to see is that she's the heart of our family. The glue that binds us together. Sure she's strict but what parent isn't especially if your child is in the media 24-7. We've had arguments which is normal in every child parent relationship, but in most cases she's was right and those became lessons, but on few occasions I've been proven right. Not to gloat but those occasions were rare and secretly daddy and I would give each other high fives. Nevertheless, mommy is frequently misunderstood by the public and it saddens me seeing her hurt with the accusations they throw at her. She hides it well until one night.
Flashback
I couldn't sleep so I went downstairs to fetch a glass of water. Before entering the kitchen I hear my mom crying while my dad tried to console her. I didn't know what was going on but they were walking towards the doorway so I quickly hid. It was dark enough that they couldn't see me. They were heading towards their room. I went to the kitchen and got my water, but I accidentally spilled some on the floor. Still concerned with what I had seen earlier and wondered what could be troubling my parents, I cleaned up the mess and threw the tissue in the garbage, but something caught my eye. It was a crumpled paper what seemed to be an article. I opened it and saw water stains which must have been my mom's tears. I read the article, and anger had risen all over me. I couldn't believe how low people will go to attack my family. I felt sorry and guilty for not being able to do anything. I need to speak up, it's my turn to protect our family.
End of flashback
Daddy or daddy D short for Delfin has been my mentor and rock throughout my career. Yes, I must admit I'm a daddy's girl. We share the same likes and he'd always come running in my defense when mommy would be upset with me. He treated my sister and I like princesses and my brother a prince. Nevertheless, he treated as equals, spoiled in so may ways, but when in trouble, nako we were scared. The mad daddy wasn't a sight we saw often, but we knew when too not push his buttons when it did happen. To us kids he's our hero to mommy he's her prince charming. One of the many traits about daddy is that he never fails to show mommy how much he loves her. She's his queen and the little things he would do made me proud. My sisters and I all wished that we could find someone like daddy, hopefully some day.
On the ride home I told stories about our adventures in Brazil. My parents sounded happy for me but they couldn't hide the concern from their eyes. I knew there was something that they weren't telling me, but I brushed it off. When I arrived home, my dogs came rushing towards me. I felt that they've missed me too as much as I did them. My younger brother, Gab came running towards me and surprised me with a huge hug. The first words that uttered from his mouth were, " ate pasalobong ko?" I couldn't help but chuckle and say " I missed you too!"
It was a night filled with catching up and handing out gifts. My ate's even face timed and asked for updates. Though they were miles away, it felt as if they were physically here. Trust me, aside from my parents ate Shine and ate Joana were the second ones to scold me for a mistake or console me when I've been hurt. Despite how crazy my show biz life may be I'm thankful that our family remains strong and connected. They're my core, my substance, and strength. Annoying sometimes, yes, but I wouldn't change anything. My love for them is unconditional and vice versa. No matter what happens we're here for each other.
I smile knowingly that everything will be ok.
