HIS..
Laura and I knew that we're cousins back when I was 7. It's actually the first time that we've seen each other as well since she grew up in the States. I can still remember how bubbly she was. How she forced me to do things and talk about myself. She did everything to make me laugh and to make me talk. I wasn't a talker before. I isolated myself from others after that very unforgettable incident which left me traumatized. I was always locked in my room. But still she broke my barrier down and made me talk and happy. I owe her a lot.
She even used to call me names like thin soldier or stick man. Before kasi I was really thin and tall. We basically grew up together, living in the same neighborhood and going to the same school. Only our close friends know that we're cousins so apparently everyone thinks that we're a couple which we did not confirm nor deny.
My family returned to the Philippines a few years later but we did not lose our communication. We used to talk when we have a free time to check on each other. She's such a sweet girl and a very responsible one as a matter of fact.
Last 2 years ago, their family went back to support her on her dream of joining the Binibining Pilipinas pageant which she won first place by the way. Too bad I wasn't able to introduce her to Dennise.
She's not just a pretty face, she's really smart and fun to be with. But behind those smiles, are insecurities and sadness. When her grandmother died, her father's mom, her true smiles were lost. She became a bit distant. She's really hurt since she grew up being taken cared of by Mamita, her grandmother.
I know that 'cause she used to smile wider before. She even went on tour just to forget what happened to her grandmother before deciding na dito sa Philippines mag-stay for good. And as her awesome cousin who owes half of everything that he is to her, I ought to make her happy again.
She's also offered a job to be the courtside reporter of ADMU this coming UAAP Season 76 as a replacement for the graduating Selena Dagdag.
I already have her itinerary planned for the whole day. I don't have classes today that's why I can accommodate her muna.
First on the list, is to go to Ateneo and process all her papers. Then, I'll introduce her to Dennise and my friends.
Ako: Lau! Hurry up! We have a lot of things to do today.
Laura: I'm coming! Stop nagging me please.
She said politely. Isa pa yun sa maganda sa kanya, kahit naiinis na siya, she acts calm and collected. She knows very well how to carry herself in front of many people which is a natural behavior for her.
Pero on the downside, para siyang si Dennise. Ang bagal nilang mag-ayos pareho. Bigla naman akong nakaisip ng prank. Heheh kulit side activated. Nagtago ako behind a big vase sa tabi ng stairs namin and waited for her to go down.
I heard running footsteps pababa ng stairs so I prepared to scare her.
Ako/Laura: AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
Napatawa ako ng malakas kasi successful yung prank ko. She almost lose her footing because she was too shock. Nakahawak naman siya sa dibdib niya at medyo namumutla pa. Napaupo din siya sa stairs. Tumayo siya dahan dahan habang ako tawa lang ng tawa.
Tumkabo din papunta sa'min si Happy, nagulat din ata hahhaha. Hinampas ako ni Lau ng malakas sa braso which made me laugh even more.
Laura: You almost killed me, Oyens!
Ako: Ouch! Hahaha you should have seen your face, Lau. Hahahaha Priceless!
Laura: Hay nako ewan ko sayo.
She said with an accent. Hahah ang cute talaga niya mapikon. Parang si Dennise lang. Awwww, I miss my Dennise already.
Ako: Okay, okay. I'll stop na hahah. Let's go.
We walked towards the car and saw Kuya Diego waiting for us. Sinabihan daw kasi siya nila mommy to drive us papuntang Ateneo.
Kuya Diego: Good morning, Ms. Laura, Oyens!
Ako: Good morning Kuya D! By the way Lau this is Kuya Diego. Kuya Diego, si Laura po pinsan ko.
Laura: Nice to meet you po, Kuya Diego.
They shook each others hand tapos pinagbuksan na ni Kuya Diego si Laura ng pinto. Bago naman ako pumasok sa loob ng kotse, tinawag ko pa si Happy and kissed my baby.
Ako: Mommy's gonna be here tomorrow baby. Are you excited?
Tumahol naman siya na parang naiintindihan yung sinabi ko. Natawa ako sa kanya kaya I hugged him and pat his head.
Ako: Good boy! Baby, you have to behave okay? Go na! Bye!
I said then put him down and pumasok na sa car. The whole car ride, nag-usap lang kami nina Lau and Kuya Diego. She was even shocked to learn that anak ni Mang Rey si Kuya Diego.
Back in the States pa kasi naming driver si Mang Rey tapos yung family niya nandito sa Manila. Kung ano ano pa yung napag-usapan namin. The car was filled with laughters and reminiscing past events.
When we reached Ateneo, ginawa and inasikaso na namin lahat ng kailangang ayusin. Buti na lang super efficient ng system ng university kaya hindi kami masyadong na-hassle sa pag-aayos. Kumain din kami sa Eastwood. May mga nakakilala sa'min so nagpapicture kami sa kanila.
Tapos we confirmed sa office na she's gonna take the job as a courtside reporter. New adventure daw kasi yun for her and she's really excited about it. After naming ma-confirm yun, we went to the gym and waited for the ALE. May last announcements pa daw kasi si Coach Roger sa kanila before parting ways for the Christmas vacation.
Laura: I can't wait to meet the team. And your Dennise.
Ako: You'll meet her any minute now. Don't worry.
Laura: Gosh Oyens! I'm nervous. Do you relly think I can do it? I mean the reporting thing is new to me.
Ako: Of course you can. You're Laura Lehmann po kaya. And you're an amazing person and you're my cousin. Come here.
I motioned her to come near me for a hug. She buried her face on shoulder. She's actually tall din pala. Walang maliit sa family haha.
I pat the back of her head to calm her. Ever since, ito yung nagpapakalma sa kanya. I even kissed her forehead.
??: EHEM!!
-a
