I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 23

People here and there, passing by, chatting, walking hand in hand with their families. Hope was passively watching everyone who passed by outside the church. She's with Nana and her daughter Joy, waiting for the driver to fetch them.

"Oh anak? Sigurado ka bang didiretso ka na samin sa bahay? Nakapagpaalam ka na ba?" Nana asked Hope for the second time now. Hope just shrugged her shoulders and sighed. She looked at her Nana next to Joy and smiled.

"Yes Nana." she answered just right when the driver came and they're on their way to Nana's home. It was less than an hour from Manila so she still have time to think of what and how would she celebrate christmas eve with other families. Basically, she'll celebrate it without a family being around next to her.

Roaming her eyes around, people are busy setting up the table and chairs outside the bunggalo house. From what she can observe, they are making a chain like out of the tables in different lengths. Then, they put a big size white cloth on each top. Everyone looks so excited while doing so and chatting.

"Tara na, tara na!"

"Mukang masarap tong mga to ah!"

"Aba syempre! Luto yan ni misis!"

"Nay! Nay! Yung regalo ko po mamaya ah!"

These made her smile so wide. These families are pretty cool and amazing. The christmas vibe is just so strong that suddenly she wished she belongs here. They have made the set up simple, these people obviously have accustomed to this kind of celebration during this season.

A tap on her shoulder made her a little surprised, she turned next to her to see Joy so she smiled.

"Ate, halika na. Doon tayo sa tabi nina nanay at tatay." she said as she grabs her hand while heading towards the right corner of the long table. There were approximately more than ten families on the table. She wasn't just sure if all of them are her Nana's relatives. Regardless, being with these genuinely happy people is a great pleasure to her.

Everyone started eating after they utter a short prayer. Nana put some food they prepared on her plate.

"Try mo yan, masarap yan." Nana said and handed her an orange juice - she pressumed because of its color - in a plastic cup. Hope gladly took it and smiled at her. She stared at the paper plate filled with food in front of her and looked around. It's her first time to celebrate an event with many strangers. Well, not to her Nana. Some gave her glances with a smile on their faces which she pleased to return.

After dinner, they all had a little chit chat while having a short break. The older ones have organized few games, which is again new to her, to the young ones. Some even asked her to join but she politely declined since aside from the fact that she was not used to the kind of game, she can't afford to grow tired here.

She witnessed how happy these families are while doing these simple stuff. At exactly twelve midnight, the adults offered their gifts mostly to children who were so gleefully waiting. She also prepared small gifts for the little ones in exchange for letting her celebrate the christmas with them. They looked so happy indeed.

She moved away a little while everyone was busy opening their gifts. She took her phone and tried to call her father but it says cannot be reached. She sent him a message instead.

Merry Christmas Daddy! I love you!

She felt two arms hugged her from her right side. It's Nana, she returned the hug and faced her.

"Merry Christmas Nana!"

Nana smiled and greeted her back. They went back to the table and she handed her gifts to her Nana and her family.