My freedom

CHAPTER 6

"Mom, how were you?" I missed her so much. No words could describe.

She is miles away from us but we still have communications with each other but Dad never knows at hindi niya na kailangang malaman pa.

She left us, 4 years ago. Kasagsagan ng pagpaplano ni Dad sa fixed marriage nina Ate at Daniel.

Ate was very heart broken at that moment after hearing Dad's plans for her and the company's future.

She asked Mom to help her convince Dad to stop using her as some sort of a business deal.

Of course, mom being mom, she did everything just so Ate would be out of his grasp and opted to seek something that could help the company grow. That of Dad could also see a lot of options. But it gone wrong. Instead, they'd fight that night. And the next thing happened was history.

It was sad. It still is.

"I'm fine ija. You?"

"When are you coming back?" instead I asked.

"Why do you ask? Any problem?"

"Nope, I just missed you. And don't you missed your two adorable grandchildren?" So, mom has no idea about these Lagdameos. She seemed not to know any. I could tell.

"Of course, who wouldn't?" she paused, "How are you, really darling?" she's now more serious tho.

"Am fine really mom. So when are you coming back?" ulit ko.

"A month from now. Do you have something to say?" she suspiciously asked.

"What? None! I was just missing you. And I haven't seen you for quite long," pagmamaktol ko.

"You're such a baby, baby." and she laughed. I missed her so much.

"Mom, can you recommend a psychologist? Badly need one." nakalimutan kong i-open up to kay Mom. Buti naalala ko.

"Why?" her voice was now laced with concern. Natatawa ako, bwisit.

"I just think Dad needs one." Sana hindi niya marinig yung mahinang tawa ko. Lord, sorry po.

"Huh? I don't understand. Why? What happened to Alberto?" I sensed care. Genuine care. I knew she cared for dad. But I didn't know she still is.

"I just know he BADLY needs one. Lumalala na kasi ang pangarap niya. Akalain mo yun Mom, ang imposible ginagawan niya ng paraan para maging posible? Shocks! Pati ako nadadamay," Sumbong ko. Kahit alam ko naman na walang magagawa si Mother Earth.

"What d'you mean "nadadamay?"" She emphasizes the last word. I know she knows exactly what I mean. "He's still doing that? Hindi na siya nakontento sa Ate mo? And now you?" I can imagine Mom, nagpupuyos sa galit. Ang sama ko talagang anak dahil natutuwa akong galit siya.

"Uwi ka na kasi. Pagalitan mo si Daddy. O di kaya magdala ka ng psychologist dito. Tawagan kita kung tulog na si Dad tapos papasukin natin yung psychologist, para pagising niya okay na siya ulit." sulsul ko pa.

"Gaga! Hindi pwede yun. Kailangan gising siya. Kung tulog siya sinong sasagot sa mga tanong? Alangan naman kaluluwa niya?" Tumawa ako. Minsan, ang seryoso nito pero madalas talaga parehas kami ng wavelength. Kaya mahal na mahal ko siya eh.

"Mom, I love you. I miss you. Come back ka na." Seryoso ko ng saad sa naglalambing na boses.

"Sa birthday mo, okay?" And she promised.

"I thought you were a Del Mundo?" I asked, after seeing him in the library.

I was sharing a table with him - sitting in front of him.

"Long story," simple niyang sagot. Ang taray ng lola niyo.

"Make the story short, then." Nakataas kilay kong sabi. Kaso di niya nakikita, hindi nagtataas ng tingin ang kutong lupa.

"To make the story short, I introduced myself as Tyrone Del Mundo, obviously." Not even giving me a glimpse. Maskuladong bruha talaga! Hmp!

Nakakainis!

Mrs. lagdameo smiled.

Dapak? Akala ko ba Del Mundo 'to? Sa isip ko.

Sinungaling din 'tong maskuladong bruha na 'to eh. Andami pang kwento. Baka pati yun kasinungalingan.

He was so shocked he did not utter a single word. He just stand there, wide eyes open as he looked at me. Still not dawned on him that he was facing the goddess. I smirked.

"And Tim, this is my daughter, Saoirse" pagpapakilala naman ni Dad. Kumurap-kurap siya. Ang arte ng lola niyo!

"Oh, pls just Tyrone," instead he said. He walked near me and extended his hands like he was forgetting that we've met and talked this morning.

But because I don't want any drama, I played along with his little game. We shook hands.

The elders continued talking about business while we ate our additional fourth meal, which is more like a snack than a substantial meal.

I am so full I want to vomit the foods out of my stomach. Shit.

"Anyway, Saoirse you're studying at CMU, right?" Tita Janina asked.

"You're not wrong" I mindlessly answered.

I heard her chuckle. So I look at her. "Well, you're at the same school as Ty. I hope you too could be friends. And look for each others back," she hoping-ly said. I just smiled in reply.

I glanced at him. He shrugged. He doesn't mind. Dapat lang no! Eh magkakilala na kami. Cho-choosy pa ba siya sa ganda kong to?

"Sure." kaso maskuladong bruha yang anak niyo. Dagdag ko sana. Sarap ilaglag ng vaklang two!

"Be good to him, anak," dad butted in.

"Of course, dad" pilit ko namang saad. Buti di nila napansin.

While the rest talk about business. I also mind my own business.

"You keep on asking instead of answering." I said matter-of-factly.

I heard her chuckle in the other line. I don't know what time it is in the other side of the world but it is 9 pm here in the Philippines.