Home (Summer Series #1)

Kabanata XXXIII

"How was your studies, iha?" ika ni Mommy.

We're having our dinner at the resort. It's a day before my debut and we just finished checking on everything. She invited Nate, Prim, Luigi and Elise as well. I shifted uncomortably at my seat. Ramdam ko ang tingin ng mga kasama namin sa hapag habang nagaantay ng sagot.

"It's okay, My." tugon ko. I saw her raised her brow.

"What do you mean okay?" dugtong niya. I heard Dad slightly coughed and hold my Mom's hand.

"I'm sure she's doing her best, El." She just shrugged as she continue slicing the beef.

"How about you, Nathan?"

"I'm doing well, Tita."

"How's the company?" Natigilan ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. Nagkatinginan kami ni Rose na para bang tinatanong kung alam ko na ang tungkol dito. I also felt Nate's eyes on me pero hindi ko siya nilingon.

"Tita! God! Kapressure naman mga tanungan mo! Tell us stories about your travel with Tito nalang." ika ni Luigi. I bit my lip as I felt my heart pounding.

Bahagya akong nagulat nang tumawa si Mommy at nagsimulang magkwento. I glanced at Luigi and saw his eyes flickered with.... guilt?

"Carrie. Uy." Ramdam ko ang pagyugyog sakin ni Rose. It's the big day. I should be happy, right? But why do I feel so anxious?

Alas nuwebe na nang umaga at nakahilata pa rin ako sa aking kama. Rose went here early because my Mom insisted. Sabay na raw dapat kami pumunta ng resort at magpaayos.

She's always like that. Magmula pa noong junior high, she treats Rose like her own daughter. Sometimes I even get jealous. She compliments her with her mathematical excellency and her potential as a businesswoman. Pero mas ginusto niya pa rin magdoktor. But I never got mad at my own bestfriend, it's not her fault that she has the capabilities that I don't have.

"Sabi ko, mamaya ko pa ibibigay. Ngayon na nga lang."

She handed me a pastel pink box na siyang naging dahilan ng pagkakatayo ko galing sa pagkakahiga. Binuksan ko ito at lumipad ang isang pink na lobo galing sa box. Kinuha ko ang nakatuping papel na nakadikit sa tali ng lobo.

Happiest legality, partner in crime.
I love you to the moon and back.
-Rosie.

I unfolded certain corners of the explosion box. Nakalagay doon ang mga litrato namin mula pagkabata.

"I can't think of any gift. Feeling ko naman kaya mo bilhin lahat ng gusto mo. So I came up with a handmade one. I hope you liked it." ika niya, habang nagkakamot ng ulo. I hugged her tightly.

"Yep... You loved it. Your hug... is too tight."
dugtong niya tila para bang nahihirapan magsalita.

"Thank you." I said with tears in my eyes. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko kakayanin nang wala silang dalawa ni Luigi sa tabi ko. They became my source of strength.

"Wag ka umiyak! Masisira beauty rest mo! It's your special day. Make it unforgettable. Sabi nga ni Jack life's a gift, don't intend on wasting it." Sabi niya habang natawa. I laughed along with her.

Kasalukuyan kaming nagpapaayos ng buhok pati na rin ng makeup ni Rose. I haven't heard of Nate since last night. Kahit bati ay wala man lang. I will never talk to him if he won't show up--

"Earth to Carrie!"

Nagulantang ako sa tawag ni Rose. She's just beside me yet I didn't get anything she said. I was too preoccupied by my own thoughts.