Chasing an Angel

C11.6

An hour before lunch Meng heard her phone ringing. She reached out for it in front of her table and saw that it was her kuya Leo calling. Since she left, Leo had made it habit to call on her at least once a month to check if how she getting along and likewise to update her on the life from his end. She pressed the receive button and excitedly spoke.

"How are you kuya? Missing me much?" she said over the phone while laughing. Well! I miss you all too.

Leo hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Sad news Meng, Auntie Rosa is gone."

Leo is referring to their uncle Manny's wife.

"Gone? Where and why?" Meng said irrationally for she refused to accept the reality of the news in her mind and is hoping that Leo meant another thing.

She died just this morning due to heart failure. We were able to bring her to the hospital but the doctors' efforts failed to revive her.

Shocked by this unexpected news, Meng' tears started flowing.

"Meng are you still there? Please don't take it too hard," said Leo

"How could I kuya when she was like a real mother to me when I was there? I will try to file an emergency leave to be able to see her for the last time." .

"Meng we will understand if you can't come, we just want you to know. Besides, you should be aware that Alden's family consider us as extensions. I'm sure that what happened between you two will not be a deterrent for his family particularly Alden to see Auntie Rosa. I am worried for you."

"My desire to bade Auntie my final goodbye is stronger than the resentment I had for him. Besides you are all there specially you to protect me."

"No question about that but are you now strong and brave enough to face him just in case? What I am afraid is, the sight of him may possibly reopen and refresh healing wounds. I don't want to see you break down in front of him for I can't tell what I would be able to do to him."

"I am no longer a weakling that I was and if ever our personal encounter could not be averted, please just help me evade any conversation or confrontation with him. Kuya I cannot forgo seeing Auntie for the last time for this will haunt my conscience if I failed to because of fear for someone else."

"What more can I say, I respect your decision and I know Auntie will be happy for it. I'll just promise to do everything to protect while you're here. Even if I need to resort to tying you from my waist just to prevent him from coming near you. They both laugh on this while Meng eyes are still flowing with tears.

********

It's the third day since Meng arrived in his uncle's house. She felt tired and sleepy but knowing that this will be her last and only tribute to her auntie, she is glad that she came. No Alden showed up and she could not tell if this is something she would be thankful of. Anyway, who is he whose presence will scare her and waste her time thinking of, she thought.

Early evening before the day of the scheduled interment, a pearly white car stopped in front of Leo's house who is just beside that of his uncle Manny's. Meng is not aware of this for she is busy assisting her cousins serving food and drinks to visitors inside the house. Leo suddenly appeared behind her, got hold of her left hand and pulled her towards the stairs leading to the upper story of the house.

"Kuya, I still have things to do," she protested.

"Leave that to them..Come with me now and make it fast."

Wondering though, Meng obeyed Leo and let him led her where he intends to.

They entered the bedroom where Meng is sleeping with her cousins. There was no one in the room for everyone are busy downstairs. Leo pulled her down to set on the bed with him.