BORROWED TIME

27

"Sige na, Bea. Kumain ka na." I encouraged her to get her eating utensils.

She looked around us, then her family just nodded and smiled at her.

"Anak, you should eat all of these, okay? Masarap lahat yan." tito Elmer told her.

But instead of following him, she just looked at me as if asking if she can eat all of those.

I just nodded and smiled at her for the assurance.

Then slowly she started to eat, with her family in front of her.

"Jho, the foods are ready. Pwede mo nang dalhan si Bea sa kwarto niya." Tita Det said habang busy siya sa pagsasandok ng niluto niya.

"Ahm tita, would it be better if we let Bea join us for lunch?"

She stopped from what she is doing then turned around to face me.

"Isn't it a bad idea, iha? You know Bea's afraid to face us." napabuga na lamang siya ng hangin.

Nilapitan ko ito at pinatong ang kamay ko sa balikat niya. "Don't worry tita Det. It will change. Simula ngayon, susubukan kong gumawa ng paraan para makasama niyo na ulit si Bea ng unti-unti. Aside from her health, her relationship with her family is one of my priorities right now. Para kapag dumating na yung time for her surgery, she won't hesitate and worry because she knows you are there beside her. I will help her learn how to trust someone again."

Ngumiti ng tipid si tita Det and continued what she is doing.

Ako naman, I decided to check on Bea in her room.

"Kumain ka pa anak. I cooked a lot for you." tita Det said as she puts more food in Bea's plate.

Gusto kong matawa sa eksena because it's actually my first time to see Bea eating like hindi siya nakakain ng isang buong buwan.

She was about to eat more when she caught me staring at her.

I tried to clear my throat and compose myself. "Ahem... Kumain ka lang Bea. You need that." tsaka ko na rin itinuloy ang pagkain ko.

Nakakahiya naman kasing mahuhuli niya akong nakatingin sa kanya habang kumakain siya.

I am happy that Bea is now starting to conquer her fear of interacting with her family, but there is still an awkward atmosphere surrounding us.

Pero keri na yon. Alam kong unti-unting matututunan ni Bea na harapin lahat ng bagay na ikinakatakot niya. Most especially the judgment of the other people towards her.

"Bea, you have to drink your medicine now."

Nasa garden nila kami ngayon because after eating, she said she want a breath of fresh air.

Maybe she is not yet comfortable with the thought of her, joining her family for meals.

She looked at me emotionlessly and just looked away immediately.

Bakit ba ayaw akong titigan ni Bea? Maganda naman ako ah!

Char!😂

"Bea, kailangan mong inumin tong painkiller mo. I know there are times na namimilipit ka na sa sakit ng mga binti at tuhod mo. This will help ease the pain you're feeling."

She looked at the medicine I am holding, and grabbed it. She started to take it and drink water.

I secretly smiled for I know that even if she's harsh and rude to us sometimes, I am happy that she is slowly following my commands.