And then, there's you. [SNAIL UPDATES]

Chapter 4A

ARDI's POV:

As soon as I get off the car, I suddenly feel the urge to go back inside and drove away. I dont like how big our house is here in Baguio. This is so enormous for just the 3 of us here. Tapos bihira lang si Tita Pia at Daddy magstay dito. Si Stella na step sister ko, sa US nagcollege, umuuwi lang sya pag vacation break. In the end, ako lang at mga maid ang laging nasa bahay. Kaya nung natuto akong lumabas, para naman akong nakawala sa hawla. I make friends a lot but they wont stick with me that long. Why? My aunt always gives my friends a cold shoulder whenever I invited them over. But now that Im a grown up, they wont stop me. No man is an island, I agree to that term.

We head our way inside. I saw my Dad, waiting for me, sitting on the sofa. My Dad is already 43 years old, but looks a bit older pero pag tinignan mo sya, mapapatigil ka. Matikas si Daddy, chick magnet nga daw nung kabataan sabi ni Lola. Then ayun, nainlove kay mama, the most conservative lady my father had ever known, according to my Granny. I just dont know why my Mom leaves this house, and me. But my Grandma says that what my Mom did is never wrong. Said she should not loved my Dad in the first place. I cant understand my Grandma. I cant understand anything about them all.

"Hey, Kid." Said my Dad, giving me a warm hug of welcome. I dont hate my Dad, in fact, I like him so much, that I cant understand why is he so concentrated about the whole business. I can feel that what I see in him everytime is not what he is at all.  But it really gives me the unpleasanty that he cared more for making money more than the family.

"Dad." I replied, returning a warm hug. "How are you?"

"Still as busy as ever. Go see your Granny. She's dying to see you."

"Alright." And I break our embrace.

I walked to my Granny's own room in this house and opened the door.

"Granny." I said and smiled at her warmly.

"Oh my very handsome apo, so full of charisma. I might as well have a crush on you."

"Parang wala namang sakit ang lola ko." I said, sitting at the side of her bed and holds her hand. "How is my precious, gorgeous, Grandma?" I said smiling.

"I think my energy's back the moment I saw your smile."

I laughed. My very funny Grandma.

 "Kaya siguro ko lumaking gwapo, kase lagi mo kong binobola."

"Of course not, apo. You got your handsomeness from your Dad and your great charisma and heart from your Mom." She smiled. I just smiled at her too and then we're silent.

My Grandma breaks the silence. "Kelan ang pasukan nyo apo?"

"Sa Monday na La."

"Im so proud of you apo, you know and you can live alone by yourself. Arent you lonely?"

"I think I am proned to that, La." I said and smiled. My Grandma just stared at me.

"Did you see your Dad?"

"Yep, why?"

"He's getting older and older."

"I did notice."

"He missed you a lot."

"I hope so." I said blankly. Then I heard a small knock on the door and my aunt gets inside.

"Take your medicine, Ma."

"Leave it there. I will drink it a bit later."

"Ok then. You need anything else, Ma?"

"No."

"Alright, Ill leave." my aunt says and gives me an accusing look before closing the door.

"Your false Mom sure never give up on me huh?"

"She sure does."

"Could you spend the night here apo? I think Ill go back home tomorrow. Hinihintay na siguro ko ng Tita Heidi mo. She knows I just want to see you. Im sorry if I pretended to be sick. I just missed you a lot."

"Its okay La, I know you very well. Ok, Ill spend the night here."

"Great. Can I have my beauty sleep a bit?"

"Sure. Take your time. Sleepwell." I said and pats her head. This Granny sure never gets old in mind. I watched my Granny fall asleep for about 10 minutes while thinking random things. Then I decided to go out. Inayos ko muna yung kumot ni lola bago ko lumabas. Naabutan ko si Auntie sa sala, drinking some wine.

"You spending the night here?" She asked, holding the wine glass before gulping up its content.

"Granny asked me to." I said, sitting across her and grabbed the bottle. "You know I hate seeing a woman drink so much, Aunt." I added, smiling at her.

"Do you see me as a woman then?"

"No. But you are my father's wife, which includes you to that gender."

"I hate you."

"I know you are. But Im grateful you manage to be with me even if you dont like me. Thats hard, woman. You sure is great." I stood up and heads to kichen and added "Why dont you make a lovely dinner dish tonight? Grandma would absolutely love that." I took my leave but heared her say, "Youre making me feel guilty, you bastard."