Wala pa si Gene nang dumating ako sa bahay. She texted me that she'll be home late since she'll be meeting her mother. Finally, magkikita at mag-uusap na rin sila ng Mommy niya. I know how much this means to Gene. Kaytagal na rin niyang pinangarap na makilala ang ina.
I took a shower and blow dried my hair while waiting for Gene. Hindi na ko nagluto pa ng dinner since kumain kami nina Mia sa labas, syempre, treat ni Elvis. Masaya ako at sa kabila ng lahat, nagkaayos pa rin kami ni Elvis.
Although there are times that we feel awkward and distant towards each other, I think we can work that out. After all, hindi biro ang apat na taon naming pinagsamahan.
Mabilis kong hinagilap ang phone ko nang marinig kong may nag notif sa akin sa messenger. It was my Mom. Nasa Cali silang dalawa ni Dad for business kasama ang Dad ni Elvis.
Anak, sabi ni Elvis okay na kayo. Nagkabalikan na ba kayo? Hindi siya sumagot nang tinanong ko.
Napailing nalang ako sa tanong ni Mommy. Mabait sana si Mommy, kung hindi lang sunud-sunuran kay Daddy. Si Daddy lang naman talaga ang may hawak ng buhay naming lahat.
I composed a message for my mother.
We're okay Mom, but as friends. I don't think we could be more than that. I can't tell you yet, Mom. One of these days.
Mabilis naman ang reply ni Mommy. I looked at her DP and I can't help but noticed our resemblance. People said I looked like my Mom. Mom's not a pure Filipina, that's why my eyes are mixed gray and green.
I love you, Sab. Always remember that. Do what makes you happy.
Napangiti ako sa sagot ng Mommy ko. I wish Mom's beside me so I can tell her everything. Huwag lang umeksena si Dad. Alam kong mahal ako ng nanay ko, pero minsan naiisip kong mas mahal niya si Dad. I sighed at that thought.
I love you too, Mom.
Nilapag ko na ang phone at niligpit ang kama. I glanced at the clock and saw that it's seven. I guess I still have time to read books while waiting for Gene.
Hinanap ko ang librong hindi ko pa natapos basahin. It's Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices. Korni daw sabi ni Gene pero gustong-gusto ko siyang basahin. I always visualize everything I'm reading especially if it's Cassandra Clare's.
"Damn. Asan na yun?"
Wala ito sa shelf kung saan ko huling nilagay. Binuksan ko ang drawer ng bedside table, hoping that I could find what I'm looking for.
"There you are!"
Mabilis kong kinuha ang libro mula sa drawer at kaagad na umupo sa kama. I'm wearing a negligee since naubos ko na suutin lahat ng shirt ni Gene. Nakalimutan ko kasing maglaba this weekend kaya tambak ang labahan ko. Ang hirap pa naman maglaba ng mga damit ni Gene. Buti nalang at hindi nasisira ang kamay ko. Salamat nalang sa washing machine at kahit papano konti lang ang dapat kong ihandwash.
I turned to the page where I left off when a picture fell off the bed. My forehead ceased when I saw who's in the picture.
It's my Dad. Written at the back is his name. Sebastian Altamonte II.
Bakit may picture si Gene ng Daddy ko? Is there something I need to know?
"Babe!"
Mabilis kong binalik ang picture sa loob ng libro and put the book back inside the drawer. I hurriedly went outside to welcome Gene.
"Hey baby."
She welcomed me with a kiss on the lips. Binuhat pa niya ako ng bahagya at inikot-ikot sa ere. It seemed like my Gene is happy.
