Forever

Homecoming

Rhian's POV
Announcing the arrival of Flight 511, American Airlines from Los Angeles,California.

The airport announcement broke my trance and brought me back to reality. I am now back in Manila after 5 years and the feeling of humidity and warm air has confirmed that. I have to take a deep breath to reset the beating of my heart which is running 200 bpm now, it feels like.

I remember five years ago I was on the other side of the airport and my Dad was sending me off. I remember, with tears on his face, he told me, "Rhian, know that I am so proud of you. I want you to live your life fully and I know that whatever you choose to do, wherever you end up going, you will be great. Huwag mo kaming alalahanin ng kuya mo. I just want you to take care of yourself. Keep your old man updated, ok?"

Dad knew it then. I always felt out of place until I migrated to the States. Never akong nagka-interest sa negosyo ng pamilya. I am independent and never wanted to be under the shadow of my family's influence. It was when I was alone traveling abroad that I felt satisfied with life. Yes, I had to work to support myself, yes I did not have the numerous yayas to take care of my needs, but I was able to make it on my own. And that gave me the fulfillment I never felt at home.

I have no idea how long I've been waiting in front of the baggage claim. I think I have seen those luggages pass by several times already but mine still has not appeared. I do not mind the wait, actually I don't really want to move on from here. I am not ready to face what's waiting outside of these airport walls.
......

Rhian finally gathered her luggages and with a heavy heart she walked out of the airport. She looked around to see kung dumating na ba ang kanyang sundo. All of a sudden she sees a familiar car parked in front of her. A man came down from the driver's side and with open arms welcomed Rhian home.

"Welcome home sis!," Tommy said. Rhian's brother is five years older than her. He looks rugged, para bang pagod na pagod ang mukha niya. He has dark circles under his eyes, his face is not shaved. He hugged his little sister tight and Rhian started to cry on his shoulder. After a few, Tommy let her go, cupped his sister's face so she can see him face to face. "You'll be ok." Tommy told his sister. He kissed his sister's forehead and turned to get Rhian's luggages. Rhian then went in the passenger's side of the car still sobbing, uncertain of what her life will be now that she is back home.

.......
When Rhian has finally calm down a little bit, she realized that their route is different from what she was expecting. With a puzzled look on her face she started questioning her brother, "Kuya bakit hindi tayo papunta sa hacienda? Dad loved that place and for sure he'd rather be there now."

"Rhian marami nang nangyare simula nung umalis ka. Wala na sa pamilya ang hacienda. Kilala mo si Mang Felix at yung anak niyang si Glaiza? Sila na ngayon ang bagong may ari ng hacienda sa Batangas."

Naalala ni Rhian ang katiwala noon ng kanyang ama na si Mang Felix at ito ay may nagiisang anak na si Glaiza. Magkababata sila nito at natatandaan niya ang mga panahon na nagbabakasyon sila doon at siya ang parati nitong kasama. Hindi pa rin naalis kay Rhian ang pagtataka.

"But kuya, the last time I know eh katiwala lang sila ni Dad, paano sila nagkaroon ng karapatan aa property na yon?"

Halatang inis na inis si Tommy ng sumagot na ito, "Yun nga, minanipula nila si Dad. Pinaniwala nila sya na mapagkakatiwalaan silang mag-ama. Ginawa sila ni Dad na industrial partner at sa bandang huli kinamkam na nilang tuluyan ang hacienda. Mga hampas lupa, gahaman sila sa pera. At alam mo sa tingin ko niloko nila si Dad para makuha nila ng buong buo ang hacienda."

"Ang dami na palang nangyare kay Dad pero wala akong kaalam-alam"

Napaiyak ulit si Rhian dahil sa hindi niya inaasahang sinapit ng pag-aari ng Dad niya. Alam kasi nito kung gaano kahalaga sa kanya ang nasabing lugar. If it was for Rhian, she does not care about land and property but she knows how much her father loved that place.

After probably some thirty minutes, they finally arrived in their mansion. The house is huge but dated. Vines are hanging on the side of the house's exterior in addition to visible damages on the walls and the roof. tommy parked the car on the house's circle drive.

Around the house you will see numerous cars parked. Maraming tao ang makikita mula sa labas na nagsa salo salo. Nakabukas lahat ng ilaw at may mga bulaklak na nakapaligid sa mismong pintuan ng bahay.

Napaiyak muli si Rhian sa pagbaba nito sa kotse. Mula sa bahay ay sinalubong siya ng isang matandang babae na mas maliit sa kanya. Niyakap ni Rhian ang babae ng mahigpit habang patuloy ang paghagulgul nito.

"Hija, hindi magugustuhan ng Daddy mo ang masyadong umiiyak. Tahan na anak. Kailangan mong maging malakas ha?"

"Salamat Yaya Ising, thank you coz you did not leave Dad. You took care of him until the end. I am forever grateful to you!"

Kumalas silang dalawa sa pagkakayakap. Hinawakan ng matanda ang magkabilang pisngi ni Rhian at hinalikan nito ang noo ng alaga. Pagkatapos ay inalalayan na niya si Rhian papunta sa loob ng bahay diretso kung saan nakaratay ngayon ang labi ng ama ni Rhian.