The Runaway Groom

TRG ~ 20

TRG ~ XX

***

Freesia

I stared at the door for a minute even after Priam walked out of it. I sighed heavily reminiscing my Mom's death anniversary.

I couldn't say it was a disaster neither it was a good one. I felt caged whenever I'm with my relatives. I feel suffocated. I don't know why I've been feeling this way since my mother was gone.

Did I hate the whole world when she died? No, I didn't. But I was so heartbroken. I know I'm not the only person who has experienced such loss but I just can't get my heavy feelings out of my system.

Is it because I only cried during Mom's wake in my own room alone? Is it because I never let anyone cry with me and grieve with any one of them? Maybe because it's my first ever heartbreak.. And I didn't know how to handle it.

It's just so complicated. Just like what I said, I can't understand myself. Hindi naman ako psychologist para ma-analyze ko ang behavior ko.

Loka-loka na ba ako sa lagay na ito?

"Nana Soleng!" I happily greeted her with a hug.

She's like a mother to me when I lost my own. And no, I didn't hate all Yaya's for what I've experienced as a child. It's just sad that she didn't notice all wrong things my old yaya did to me. And as a child, I never told anyone what nasty and cruel things she's been doing. So partly, I blame myself.

"Freesha, anak! Mabuti at napadalaw ka? Aba'y ngayon ka na lang ulit umuwi dito.. Nag-aalala tuloy ako ng husto kung ano na ang lagay mo! Pati ang Papa mo, naku! Parati kang hinahanap."

I smiled a little with what she said. Her hair's almost gray.. Really, she's getting old and I regret never visiting her. I should spend some time with her.

"Hey, I've been asking for some fresh orange juice! Ang bagal mo naman!" Supladang pakli ni Lerissa sa isang kasambahay.

Namutla ang mukha ng kasambahay habang nagmamadaling gawin ang utos ng bruha.

"Lerissa!" Mariing pigil ni Tita Lerize sa anak. "Where's your manners? Ang daming tao but you can't even hide your horns!"

"Tita, imposible nang matago pa iyan ni Leri.. Ang taas na oh, abot na nga hanggang third floor. " Nakangising biro ni Priam.

Naiiling na nginisian din siya ng kapatid ni Lerissa na si Levis. Madalas din siyang manita sa kanyang kapatid. And he make a good pair with Priam when it comes to doing mischievous things.

Umirap si Lerissa sa dalawa at masama ang titig. The two just shrugged like nothing happened.

Ate Somalia smiled at me then gave me her son, Hachul. My ever so naughty nephew. Ito yata ang magmamana ng kakulitan ni Priam.

"Do you remember her, son? She's your Tita Freesh.." nakangiting wika ni Ate sa kanyang anak.

Siguro'y nasa apat na taong gulang na ito. Malikot. Agad ngang pinisil ang ilong ko pagkabuhat ko pa lang.

"Nose." he mumbled. Then touched my eyes. "Eyes."

Ate Somalia laughed. "He's been learning about the body parts. So.." Then she pinched her son's cheeks. Agad namula iyon. "Very good, baby. Now, say Tita Freesh!"

"Ta Freeeeessshhhh, " mahabang baby talk nito.

Nakakagigil. Namumula ang kutis niya pagkatapos ay singkit ang mga mata. Koreano kasi ang tatay ni Hachul. Oppa material iyon. Ang swerte nga ni Ate Somalia roon dahil pinagbibigyan siya parati. Even when she's at fault.