Tú Eres Mi Sol

LXXXIII

Richard, Dei, Ann and Ralph were in the hospital suite, with Ann feeling much better compared to the previous days. The physicians didn't find anything but as a precautionary measure because of her age, they've decided to admit her for a few more days.

Richard's phone rings and excuses himself.

"Mamie! How are you?"

"Mon Cherie! How is Dei? How is her grandmother?"

"The test results came out fine. The doctors are just being careful so she's been asked to stay int he hospital for a few more days."

"That's good news, isn't it? That there's nothing wrong with her."

"Yes, Mamie. How are you and Abuelo?"

"Oh, we are definitely enjoying New York City! Your abuelo wants to talk to you."

"Hello Mi Cielito."

"Abuelo, how are you?"

"Muy bien (very good). How are you and that lovely girl?"

"We're doing good, Abuelo."

"Bueno, Ricardo, Mi Cielito. Recuerdo, marriage first before babies else I will personally whack you."

"Abuelo!"

"Do not Abuelo me. Your Mamie and I are going into the theatre. Chau, Mi Cielito."

His grandfather dropped the call leaving Richard scratching his head. "What was that?"

He sees that he has several messages from his mother.

Mom: Bubba RJ, how are you? How are you and Dei? How is Ann?

Mom: Papa met the guy you're working for, he seems to be very interested in what you do. He says he'll call you.

Mom: Mamie says she's very fond of Dei. So am I. I miss her already. Tell that, Bubba.😭

Richard tells himself, Mom, don't you miss me? I'm your child. He scrolls down further.

Mom: We loved Hamilton, Bubba RJ! Oh, I can now see, Dei would love it so much. I should get her tickets. Tell her that we're eating at Momofuku, the next time we're both here.

Mom: Dad says he sent you an email. Please check.

Mom: You might think I forgot about you, I miss you terribly, Bubba RJ

There we go. At last my mother remembers me. Richard tells himself.

Mom: I cleaned your closet! I found a brassiere and a pair of earrings! Are these yours? Wait, you don't have ear piercings and these are stud earrings. And the brassiere won't fit you, it's small in length. Whose is this RJ? Are you bringing women home? Haven't I taught you not to?

Mom: Who is this girl, RJ? Why haven't you introduced her to us?

Mom: Why are you not replying? Are you intentionally hiding this girl? What are her things doing in your drawers? Is she living with you?

Richard calls his mother before she turns full on ballistic on him. His Mother is not picking up. He feels his phone vibrates, it's a message from his mother.

Mom: It's 11 in the evening here. Your Dad and I are off to bed. I'm too annoyed and mad at you. Text me tomorrow instead and I'll see if I can already talk to you.

Richard shakes his head, his mother is being a drama queen again.

***

Dei and Richard were having lunch at a restaurant in the hospital premises.

"RJ, Love. You've been very quiet."

"It's nothing, Dei. Nothing that you should worry about."

"RJ, if you're bothered, then I will be bothered that it's bothering you."

"Using the words bother 3 times in a sentence!"

"RJ! Tell me what's wrong? You're trying to deflect."

"Wala, it's just Mom. She's being a drama queen. Namimiss ka na daw niya."

He shows her his mother messages on the phone

"RJ, Tell Auntie I'm doing well. Oma is alright, but she's going to have an angioplasty soon."

"Awwww.. Your mom is so sweet. Tell her I miss her, too."

"Is she going to get me tickets to Hamilton, too, RJ, Love? I would love her even more. Momofuku is love."

"RJ! WHOSE UNDERWEAR WAS THAT? AND WHOSE EARRINGS? HOY FAULKERSON, HINDI AKO NAGBIBIRO, YOUR LITTLE SWIMMERS THERE WILL NO LONGER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY PAGNILOKO MO AKO." Dei whisper shouted

"Bakit tayo nakarating sa swimmers ko? Wala silang kinalaman dito. That underwear and earrings are probably yours. Nicole Dei, noong nasa New York tayo, nasa bahay ako with you or with my parents and grandparents, or work. We usually meet for lunch or I go home straight away after work."

"Malay ko ba if your meeting someone on the side?"

"Anong on the side ka dyan? Eto call Mom. (he hands her his phone) Kayo na nga mag-usap!"

Dei dials Rose's number. It rings a few times and it gets dropped. She dials again.

"RICARDO, DIDN'T I TELL YOU THAT I'M NOT READY TO TALK TO YOU YET?" Rose says on the phone.

"Uhhhmmm.. Hi Auntie, it's Dei."

"Oh! Hi Hija, How are you?"

"I'm okay, Auntie. How are you? RJ showed me your messages to him?"

"Ano? Nagsusumbong ba? Yan talagang anak ko na yan!"

"Ah, no, no, Auntie. Ask ko lang, Auntie if you have a photo of the underwear and the pair of earrings that you saw?"

"Ay hija, hold on let me send it to you."

Dei receives 2 photos and opens it.

"Hija, were you able to get it?"

"Yes, Auntie."

"Hay, I really think my bubba is hiding something from me. How can he have these in his drawer? What do I do, Dei?"

"Uhmmm.. Auntie?"

"Yes, Hija?"

"Those are actually mine. Kaya pala I was looking for that earrings and I thought I lost them."

"These are very pretty earrings, Hija. I'll keep them so that it doesn't get stolen. I'll leave your underwear in RJ's underwear drawer ha? Sige, I have to go. I was too sad to do some shopping this morning, now I feel rejuvenated. I have to go before the stores close! Bye, Hija. I love you and RJ. I miss you both, keep safe."

Dei gives Richard his phone. "What did Mom say?"

"She likes my earrings, she's holding on to them for safekeeping. Why didn't you say that you had my earrings? I had gone mad thinking I lost them"

"Dei, I wasn't aware that your earrings were there. Minsan naisip ko baka nahahawaan ka na ng pagkakaparanoid ni Mom."

"Hoy, hindi ah. Naninigurado lang na consistent ang sagot mo."

Richard shakes his head.