Claire's POV
"Thank you for the treat my lovely parents. I'm so full. Cravings satisfied." They both chuckled.
"You're welcome, baby."
"Okay, dad. I'll let that pass tonight, but just for tonight."
"Well, in that case, put down your phone, baby. This night is for us muna." Mommy tells me as she catches me busy with my phone.
"Sorry, mommy. But can I call Gab first? She's not replying on any of my messages."
"Can you just call her later when we get home?" She sounds serious, but I really am worried about my bestfriend. I could have not left her. It was almost dark when we got out from school.
"Mom, please. Just for a minute. This will be fast. Excuse me." I stand from my seat and move three meters away from our table and dial Gab's number. Thankfully she answers it.
*On the phone:
Gab:Clai---
Claire:What happened to you? I've been texting you since we got here in the restaurant. You told me to text me when you get home. Are you homeless or something?
Gab:Hahaha!
Claire:And you have the guts to laugh. You made me worry. (I manage to roll my eyes even she doesn't see me.)
Gab:Sorry na. Haha. I just got home. Kakacharge pa lang ng phone ko. Nagshutdown kasi e. I didn't mean to make you worry.
Claire:Okay. I'll talk to you again later. I just wanted to make sure if you're home safe. Bye!
Gab:Thank you! Love you. Bye!
*Call ended
I went back to my seat.
"What did I miss?" I joyfully asked.
"Nothing, baby. So, how was your second day of college life? I missed to ask your first day last night." Dad interestedly asks.
"Good so far, dad. Sorry I wasn't home last night."
"It's okay. Your mom explained it to me. And I'm sure you missed Gab so much. You two probably had a good time."
"Yes, dad. But just to clear things out, last night was not all about us having a good time. We were also there together for our assignments."
"Woah, ofcourse, baby. I know that, don't worry." Why am I even so defensive? Hahaha.
"Can we go home now?" Mom suddenly asks. Seriously? We're just starting to build up a conversation. Why is that sudden mood swing? I noticed that she's frowning since I got back from a call.
"Why so hurry mom? Are you okay? Bigla na lang po kayong tumahimik."
"I'm okay." She plainly said without even a little smile.
"Um, let's go na baby. Mommy's probably tired." Dad initiated to stand. As mom's request, we are now home and I can no longer handle the silence. What just gone wrong with this two???
"Gosh, I can't take this anymore. What is this sudden silence all about? We were so happy when we arrived in the restaurant. But the time I came back after I made a call, you two became awkward. Mom was so silent. What's wrong? Did you had a small fight again?"
"Baby, I told you. It's nothing. I guess, your mom became silent because she's tired. That's it." Dad.
"Yes, I'm tired. I'm tired of telling you what to do though I know that you are not listening. You never listen to me. Wala ka nang ibang pinakinggan kundi si Gab. I understand that you trust her because she's your bestfriend, but Claire, I am your mother." She sternly said. I did not expect this from her. I looked at dad unbelievingly. He's just standing behind mom, scratching his head.
"I-I'm sorry if I did not follow you when you told me to call her when we get home, but I was really worried. And, mom, it was just a two minute phone call." I innocently try to defend myself.
"Exactly! Can't you sacrifice those two minutes for your parents? Halos maghapon na kayong magkasama ng bestfriend mo tapos siya parin yung gusto mong kausap sa oras na kami na kasama mo? The more you get closer to her, the more you get far from us. It feels like you are casting us out of your life." Is she actually over-reacting? Or is this a prank or something?
"Babes, calm down. Let's not make a big deal out of it." Dad tries to keep her calm. I can see anger and sadness in mom's eyes. She seems serious about this. This is the first time she rants at me this way. She was always calm and patient. I must have done something I do not know that have reached her limit. I don't want her to hate me. That idea crushes my heart. Even though we are not that close and open to each other, I love her very much. My tears are pouring, I can feel it. I just bow my head to hide it from her. She might get more angry at me. A warm hug envelopes me and I can't help but give the same warmth.
"I-I'm really sorry, mom. I never intended to make you feel bad. I just really had to make that call earlier. I left my bestfriend alone in the campus and it was almost dark. I wanted to know if she was home. That's all. Mom, I know I'm stubborn but I love you so much. I will never cast you and dad out of my life. You are my family. Please don't be mad at me. I promise, I will follow you always. Just please... Please do not hate me."
"Ssshh... I'm sorry if I rant at you this way. It's so not me. I'm sorry, baby. Stop crying already, please. I should have asked the reason why you called her. Now I know it was really important. I understand. I'm sorry if I got mad without hearing your explanation." She said as she rubbed my back to stop me from crying. I let go of the hug and face her.
"I'm not casting you out, mom." She cups my both cheeks.
"I know. I just said that out of anger. I do not mean it. I'm sorry."
"Are you tired of me?" I cannot stop this damn tears.
"No. Ofcourse not.---" "Do you hate me?" I cut her off.
"Listen to me, Claire. Never ever will I get tired of you, anak. And nothing that you do will make me hate you. I love you no matter what, okay?" I smile and nod then she kisses my head and my nose. Sigh. Thank God, we're okay.
"Hey, how about me here?" Dad jolly asks as he joins the hug.
"I love you, also, dad."
"You know that I love you babes. And you also know how much I do." Then as if I'm not here inches away from their faces, they just shared a kiss.
"Eeww... Get a room." They simply giggle.
"We will really get into our room na and so are you. Take a shower before sleeping." How can I get into my room if she will not let go of me? Just so you know, she's still hugging me.
"Okay, mom. But before I do that, you have to let me go."
"Ow, yah. Get upstairs na. I'll check on you later. Goodnight. I love you." She instantly said.
"Goodnight, love birds. I love you." I chuckle and I saw before I leave them that they both shake their heads. Haha.
"Goodnight, baby love you too!" Psh. Pati ba naman sa reply in person late si dad??? Finally, I can take a shower and sleep. I am so damn tired.
