Forlorn.
That's what everyone feels right now.
Mom didn't make it. She gave up.
We are here mourning for her. Kahahatid lang namin sa kanya sa huli niyang hantungan. I wanted mom ti be cremated but dad didn't let us. He wanted mom's body to be intact and we didn't argue.
"Our deepest condolence Yanah."
I looked at Ken and his cousins and nodded at them. Ang hirap mawalan ng nanay. I can't forgive myself for being too late. I was wrong for not telling her my situation before and I regret it. She could've helped me but it's too late now, wala na akong magagawa.
Most people already left. Ako at si Nicholas nalang ang natira.
"We're too late. I'm too late." I spoke.
"If I only told her sana nakasa niya ng mas matagal ang mga apo niya. I wasted the precious time."
Hindi siya gumalaw o ni nagsalita. I thought he won't really talk but I was wrong.
"Mom is not angry or sad. She was happy. I saw her last glimpse in her eyes when you hugged her. Hindi namam siya 'yung tipong nagtatampo o mataas ang pride. She was a wonderful woman. A perfect wife and a perfect mother."
I tried hard not to cry. I promised myself I won't buty tears are renegades. I looked at Nicholas. He is fighting his tears too. Ni isang luha wala akong nakitang pumatak sakanya mula ng mawala si mama.
I held his hands tightly." Nicholas.. if you want to cry then cry. Stop suppressing your feelings. Let your tears flow even if your mind says no. Not crying is also not good for the heart, madedepress ka lang."
His eyes twinkled with tears. Among the three of us si Nicholas ang napakaclose kay mama. He idolizes her. She was our hero.
"I miss her." He said while hugging me. I know It should be awkward but right at this moment what I felt is love.
Love towards each other... as siblings.
"I miss her too." I answered as I hug him back.
-*-
"Ma'am you have an appointment with Mr. Vasquez at 3:30 this afternoon." My secretary, Sophia said.
I nodded at her. Eversince mama died I'm the one managing her small business, a restaurant. Hindi pa naman masyadong malaki may dalawang branch palang dito sa Manila dahil last year pa ito itinatag ni mama. It's amazing how she could run a business like this in just a year.
As I walk in the office of Mr. Vasquez a familiar figure of a woman was sitting infront of his table.
"Goodafternoon Sir, Miss Stoneburst is here."
"Goodafternoon Mr. Vasquez." I greeted politely as I shook his hands.
"Miss Yanah I would like you to meet Miss Nathalie Ambrosio. She's also my business partner and she is actually interesred in investing in your company also."
I stared at her hands that were extending and waiting for my response. I don't want to shake hands to her but I don't want to be rude also.
"Hi. Nice to meet you Miss Ambrosio."
"So do I Miss Stoneburst." She then flashed a beautiful smile.
"Let's start?"
The meeting went well and I now the two person I've met earlier are now my investors.
