Chain Reaction (On Hold)

Chapter II

It's a Sunday today, and Ana's getting ready to go to Church. Although this reminded her of him, she can't neglect going to Church. Her motto is "God is first." That's how religious she is. Besides, she wanted to thank God because she's still alive after all what she's been through. Everyday she gives thanks to Him for the second chance. Yes, she almost died. The reason, she wishes to forget. She didn't die. But something very precious inside her did.

The service ended earlier than expected. So she called her Mom. Today's her parents' last day here in the Philippines. So as promised, she'll spend time with them. She and her Mom just went shopping. It was such a great time for her.

She hasn't felt this good for quite a while now. Feeling niya dati, zombie na siya. But the time she spent with her parents, kind of brought back the old her. It also brought back the light in her. Ngayon lang 'to. Mamaya, wala nanaman. So might as well, enjoy it. She told herself while with their company. They were about to say goodbyes when suddenly her Mother had a not-so-brilliant idea.

"Anak, why don't we go to your house? Since it's our last day naman. Let's have dinner there. I'll cook." Her Mom said with e very wide smile. How can she say no to that? For a moment, she stood there frozen. Then was back to reality.

"O-okay Mom. But I haven't done the grocery for a while now. I eat out almost everyday." She said as an excuse. The truth is, she never eats at home. Baka nga puro tubig lang laman ng ref niya.

"Ah, ganun ba. Me and Dad will go to the grocery and then we'll go to your house. How does that sound?" Suggested her Mom

"Okay Mom. I'll wait for you." She said and said goodbye.

While in her car, she was really bothered. For the nth time, she has to make stupid stories to cover up for her husband. Husband.. She thought. The thought made her teary eyed. But she wiped it off before it could even fall. She's driving. She can't cry while driving.

The moment she got home, kahit labag sa kalooban niya, she opened all the lights. Which gave her a clear view of what used to be a home. Now, it's nothing but a house. Memories came coming back to her. She was looking at it, di niya napansin may tumulo nang luha sa mga mata niya. She felt the pain again. That pain, you wished you never feel because it's killing you. When she was back to herself, she wiped the tears which escaped from her eyes. I can't cry, any moment baka dumating sila Mommy, I can do this. Ana, you can do this! She said in her mind.

She just went straight to the shower and had a quick bath. After that she just went to the living room to watch while waiting. On the way there she saw the grand piano, she thought of playing the song she wrote while waiting. But she changed her mind. She still can't.

She didn't had to clean the house, because it's already clean, at least thrice a week, pinapapunta niya si Manang Sita to clean.

After 10 minutes or so, she heard a car engine. So she went to the gate and opened it. It was no other than her parents. They sure are fast.

Ana and her Father were busy talking. Her Father asked her a lot of times about her husband. How they have been, what is he doing, stuff like that. Of course she had to make up stories. She felt really guilty about lying. But there's nothing else she could do. She just answered her Father with believable excuses. Like, they really in good terms, he's in the States meeting people, that he's really busy but there are times that he calls her. Which was totally the opposite of what's happening.

'Dinner's ready!" Her Mom called them. She felt relieved and at the same time, making up stories really made her hungry. It was the first time she felt hunger after a long time.  

"Mooooom, it smells good. Mabubusog talaga ako nito, baka walang matira." She said, really, the food smelled good. Her Mom cooked Lasagna, and that's her favorite.

"Mabuti naman, you have to eat! Grabe ang payat mo na. Gusto ko pagbalik namin, you'll be back to normal. Mukha ka nang stick." Her Mom said. She's really worried about her daughter. She might not say it to Ana, but she thinks her daughter looks so fragile and weak.

"Sorry, I've been really busy. Sure thing. I'll eat more!" Ana said. She's really determined. She lost a lot of weight. The last time she checked she was only 80 pounds, before she weighed a hundred pounds. So she lost 20 pounds. And that's a lot!

She really meant what she said. She ate a lot. They finished dinner and just talked.

Her parents were leaving tomorrow so she said she wanted to be the one bring them to the airport, but they said no need. She insisted but still no, they wanted her to rest and that their driver will be the one to bring them there. And they have a really early flight.

She's really thankful that her parents came by. At least, even for a while she felt better. She forgot the bad memories that she had in that house. She just washed the dishes. "Wow, it's been a long time since I last did this." She told herself. That night, she slept with a smile on her face.

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