Our Universe

Twenty Four

"Really? So what's your plan now?"

I just stared blankly at my laptop while Kiana's busy playing with my stress ball. Sinabi ko kasi sa kanya kung anong napag-usapan namin nung taga NBI and now she's asking me for my next plan.

"It's not that big deal right? I mean it is but I'm just considering James' condition." I said to Kiana.

"Girl, kahit kailan hindi naging tama ang magtago at magsinungaling although that's not really a lie pero parang ganun na rin yung dating. But yeah. I guess it's for good knowing James' state right now."

Hindi na ako nakasagot at nagpatuloy sa pag-iisip. This is for James' sake. Mahigpit na pinagbawal sa akin ng doktor niya na kailangang hinay-hinay lang sa mga paglapat ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa mga nangyari bago yung aksidente para hindi mabigla ang alaala niya. It would be too risky if I rush everything at baka kung ano pa ang mangyari sa kanya.

I almost lost him before and now I wouldn't let that happen again.

Under surveillance na raw yung naging person of interest ng NBI tungkol sa aksidenteng kinasangkutan namin ni James. We had a car accident a couple of months ago and sinadya yung pagbundol sa amin plus the fact that the brakes of my car didn't worked that time, something's fishy.

"Buti hindi nabutas itong sahig sa sobrang lalim ng iniisip mo, Nak."

Napatingin ako sa likod ko and I saw my Mom and sat next to me. Nasa balcony ako ngayon trying to contemplate things when she saw me. I kissed her cheeks and she hugged me so tight.

"Anong iniisip ng unica hija namin? Is there any problem?"

Ngumiti ako at hinawakan ang kamay ni Mama. "Hmm wala naman Ma. May mga iniisip lang."

Mom guided my head to her shoulders and she let me rest on it. I missed this one because we're both busy with work and I am happy she was able to visit me here at our house.

"Hay nako anak kung pwede lang hilingin na sana hindi ka nalang lumaki para wala kang mga problemang iisipin."

I laughed a little bit and it somehow made me teary eyed. For some instances I kinda wish that somehow I never had to grew up as an adult because growing up means more problems will come. I just missed those times where my problems were just so petty and I just had to think of what handkerchief I will be bringing at school.

My youth was really a bliss that time. How I wish I can just go back to those times just to have a little break from everything pero hindi pwede kasi imposible.

"I heard about the investigation going on. I know this will be a rough road for you but I know you're strong. You'll eventually get through this anak. Kayo ni James."

I hugged my Mom and she just smile. I love my Mom so much more than anything in this world. Sila ni James ang inspirasyon ko and I can't afford to lose them. Not that soon.

"Buti nalang talaga within the area lang ako sa bahay ninyo kaya I decided to visit you. Have some rest Nadine because tomorrow is another day."

"Later nalang po Ma. I'll wait for James to come home."

Nag-iba ang expression ng mukha ni Mama at mukhang nagtataka kung bakit wala si James dito sa bahay given that it's almost late.

"Lumabas lang po kasama sina Bret at mga kaibigan nila. Binilin ko naman din po sa kanya na wag magpapalasing masyado."

"Hindi ba siya natatakot to drive again? I mean with his situation right now."

"Actually Ma natatakot din po siya but he wants to face his fear at tsaka para din daw masanay siya."