One Promise (Celestial Series #1)

Promise 3

#OnePromiseWp

Chapter 3

"Mommy . . . ?" I drowsily said.

Malungkot na ngumiti sa akin si Mommy. She was sitting beside my bed first thing in the morning. Nagulat na lang ako nang bigla niya akong ginising nang ganoon kaaga.

Humilata lang ulit ako sa kama at itinago sa ilalim ng unan ang aking ulo.

"Wake up, baby girl!" Tinapik ulit ako ni Mommy.

"Why, Mom?" Sumilip ako sa ilalim ng aking unan.

"Ngayon ang camp, right? Gising ka na, ihahatid kita!" Na-e-excite na sambit ni Mommy.

"Don't you want to go to an adventure? C'mon, get up! I'll drive you."

"Now?" I groggily asked.

"Yes, right now." Hinawi ni Mommy ang buhok sa aking mukha at hinatak ako paupo ng kama. "Besides, happy birthday to my lovely, Naomi!"

Napadilat ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. Mommy hugged me tight, she kissed my cheeks too. Marahan niyang hinaplos ang aking sugat sa pisngi at nagtagal ang tingin doon.

"Mommy?"

Nakuha ko ang attention ni Mommy. Ngumiti siya at agad na tumayo sa kama.

"Go wash, I'll pack your things."

Tumayo na rin ako sa kama. Inayos ko na ang sarili ko habang si Mommy naman ang nag-empake sa aking mga gamit. Mommy drove us to the church. It was a kilometer away from home, kaya napagdesisyunan na rin naming mag-drive.

Gideon Camp was a two-day camp. I lost hope of going since the way Daddy reacted the day before that. I didn't think I'd expect this.

"It's called Gideon Troop Camp, right?" tanong ni Mommy habang naka-focus ang mata niya sa kalye.

Tumango ako bilang pagsang-ayon. "Shaien and Othniel will be there mom. Akala ko po ba, hindi ako pinayagan ni Daddy? Would this be okay for him?"

We were Born Again Christians. More accurately, both Mom and I. I studied at Grace Baptist School, and every Sunday, mom would take me to their Sunday sessions on their church. Annually, they'd held this two-day camp to strengthen the bonds of their members. It had been years since I'd dreamt to join that camp. It was only that time that I'd got the courage to asked permission. I regretted doing that too.

"Sure, darling. Leave your Daddy to me. Besides, consider this as my birthday gift to you. Syempre, I know you want to bond with your friends and I want you to grow more together. Saan nga pala ang camp gagawin?"

"Caliraya Resorts in Laguna. It's a fun camp daw po, according to my friends who went last year. Pero late na po ako, hindi ko po na-confirm ang attendance ko kahapon," malungkot kong sinabi.

"Dear, I called yesterday. I already confirmed your attendance for you, and they said you could go. Now, cheer up! I don't want you looking sad on your birthday, Naomi. Besides, you know I'd give anything for you. I love you. You know that, right?"

Tumango ako. I quickly hugged Mommy and kissed her in her cheeks.

"I love you too, Mom."

Hinawakan ni Mommy ang kamay ko at mariing pinisil iyon. I warmly smiled at her. Umayos na rin ako ng upo sa passenger seat to avoid distracting Mom from driving.

"Come on, you're gonna have a great time, for sure. You're gonna make some friends aside from Shaien and Othniel. You'll make some memories better than your memories at home."

I pouted. "Mommy, gusto ko man pumunta sa camp, but can we just do this instead?"

Kumunot noo si Mommy. She took a quick glimpse of me. "Do what, baby?"