The Promise

Chapter 4 - I Guess It's Home?

Chapter 4 – I Guess It’s Home?

“Look at you! You’re so beautiful! Gosh!”

“Thanks... again for the hundredth time Trish.”

“Well it’s true. The last time I saw you was at the Alejandria Reunion. You were still round back then, and now look at you! You’re so gorgeous!” I raised a brow at my Filipino cousin who has been giving me same compliments since we arrived to Aunt Glenda’s house.

“Not that you were ugly when you still have carbs in your body. It’s just that you look pretty much attractive now that you almost made me a lesbo.” she quickly added.

“Gee, nice save.” I replied while dipping potato chips with ketchup. I was in her room for an hour now, watching Sweet Flicks on Star Movies.

“So, when are you guys going to Negros?”

I shrugged, “I honestly don’t know. But I have a feeling that it’s gonna happen sooner.”

We arrived around 11am in Manila. Aunt Glenda, my mom’s younger sister, picked us up. She also gave us same compliments. US meaning me and dad. He also had to hit the gym because mom told him to. He was pretty much let’s just say in love with my mom that’s why he did it.

Though I have to give the man some credit, if he hadn’t pushed me about it, I wouldn’t be fit.

I really don’t want to travel again because I lack of sleep. It’s quite of a long story but to sum it up, some kid kicked my chair in the plane for countless hours and I almost gave him a knuckle sandwich. Almost. That little demon was lucky he’s 6.

“Well, Trish. I really don’t want to travel yet because I’m tired of the freakin trip. You know?” I added.

“Yeah, I hope so too so we could spend more time together.” she said.

I just nodded as response. I continued dipping more chips with ketchup and happily ate. Trisha looked at me while I was eating which made me a little uncomfortable.

“What?” I said while munching my chips.

“Nothing. Hey, are you excited going back to your hometown?”

I shrugged, “Not really.”

“How come?” I am so not excited to see my good old neighbor that’s why.

“Is it because of that kid who bullied you?” Yes. I wanted to tell her. “I heard about it. You’re mother told mine, so.”

“Yeah I just hope we get to stay here for a while. Just you know enjoy since it’s summer anyways, and maybe a few days after go back to my so called hometown.” I told her while my stare was stuck on the tv.

“Yeah. I hope so too.” she replied.

“Jane!” my mom exclaimed from downstairs. I sat up from my cousin’s bed. She turns down the volumn of her flatscreen tv.

“Yeah? Mom?” I called back.

“Sweetie let’s go!” I gripped the pillow beside me, shutting my eyes tight. Crap, why?

“Where?” I asked dumbly. Though I know that my mother’s excited to get home. I didn’t know she’s this excited.

“To the airport silly!” she sang. Though I can feel her gripping her teeth together. She really isn’t the most patient person in the world, but she tries to be.

“Why? We just got here!”

“We’re going to Cebu!” her response is a little bit louder now. I think she’s gonna snap anytime soon. But the thing about my mom is that, she’s always... something.

Although I know what she meant but I still dared to ask to test her patience. “What?! It’s too soon and again, we just got here.”

“Just get your ass down here right now!”

Whooop, there it is.

Groaning, I stood up and fixed myself. “Shoot. I better get my ass down there.” I imitated her the last part while facing Trisha. She covered her mouth with both of her hands.

“I heard that!”

“Sometimes I wonder if she’s a vampire. She really has this super hearing.” I joked. Trisha bursted out laughing, I chuckled at my joke too even though it’s not that good. “I really need to go.”

“I can’t believe you have to leave.” Trisha pouted.

Sighing I grabbed my board and my bag. “I know.”

“Honey, hurry! You’re mother’s overly excited!” My dad lilted then groaned. “Oh!”

And I think my mom punched his arm. “I’ll see you again soon Trish!” I hugged her as tight as I could.

“Can’t believe you’re going to leave again.” She squeezed me one last time and breaks the hug.

“Can’t believe it too.” I waved goodbye and stepped out of her door.

“Bye!”

*

Good thing Filipinos have respect on sleeping hours, or should I say sleeping minutes. We took another plane to Cebu and then another plane to Negros Oriental. Such short tiring flights. I can never understand why my mom is still too hyper after all the flights we have.

Our trip from Manila to Cebu and then from Cebu to Negros Oriental is approximately 90 minutes and 52 seconds.

I unbuckled my seatbelt. And we carefully stepped down from the plane. My mom breathes in the little city’s atmospehere and I really don’t like the smell considering it smells like fish from the market. And since Dumaguete City Airport is close to the public market.

“My town. Finally.” she giddly grabbed her belongings and took daddy’s hand, he happens to be excited too. I rolled my eyes at my parent’s excitement. She excitedly looked for a ride home while I trailed behind my parents.

“Manong, Para!” my mom exclaimed.

The three wheeled thing stopped. The last time I came here, that thing didn't exist.

My mom made the directions the dude nodded. We put on our luggages hoping it will not fall off. Afterwards he drove us there.

My stomach started to churn like crazy. Oh my gosh this is it. Jane, calm your pits down, it’s just for one month. What if he sees me? What will I do? What if he doesn’t recognize me? Dumbass of course he wouldn’t recognize you, you look hot!

Wow, my conscience is smarter than me. Oh mighty conscience, call me crazy, what if he flirts with me? If he flirts with you, play hard to get. Be mean to him if you must. Don’t be too obvious.

Damn. I have a mature mind. I like it. I can take ask any advice from her. I smiled to myself.

“Jane?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you okay? You look like you’re planning an evil plot.” my dad asked looking worried.

“Well...” I paused a bit and smiled, “What can I say? I’m excited to get home.”

Lie lie lie lie!

***