When I was 18 (COMPLETED)

Chapter 8

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Chapter 8
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"I decided to leave his father when I fell out of love. I realized it was not worth it anymore to be with him. Until your father came to my life. Mas lalong naging madali ang iwanan siya. But I wanted to take your brother from him but he... threatened me." She cocked to the other side to watered the plants.

My eyes crinkled a bit and come closer to her while I watering the plants, also.

It was Saturday. My mom and I are watering the plants while my brother and Dad were preparing for snacks. I got a chance to ask her to tell me the whole story of how my brother separated from us a long time ago.

I got curious. I thought that this is the right timing to know everything about my brother.

"He'll take his own life kapag kinuha ko ang kuya mo. He's only 3 month old that time."

My lips slightly parted. Kung pumayag lang ang tatay niya na sumama si kuya kay mommy, wala sanang problema.

Suddenly, I felt bad for him. He grew up without mother. I couldn't imagine him growing up and looking for the love of a mother. That must be... heartbreaking.

She glanced at me, her smile faded away. "We're just worried about my son's future in his hands kaya gusto namin siyang kunin ng daddy mo. Pero wala na kaming nagawa. Teo took my son and brought him to his hometown, and me and your father decided to fly to the U.S. Nagsimula kaming lahat ng panibagong buhay."

My brother grew up in a province and I assumed he didn't make any friends out there. Nor a girlfriend. That explains why he always distancing himself from everyone.

Bumalik ang tingin niya sa mga halaman. Ganoon din ako. I remained quiet while she continued her story.

"Pero nagpapadala naman ako ng pera kada buwan para sa anak ko. Also, his father always sending me his pictures. Naging ganoon ang set up until I got pregnant with you. Your brother was already 1 year old when you were born."

Napatingin ako kay mommy.

"Palagi ko nga sayong pinapakita ang picture ng kuya mo. Then, you'll just giggled and yeah, things were going smoothly..." her voice changed. "Until his father has stopped sending me his picture. He was 4 years old back then. I don't know why. I haven't heard anything about them anymore."

Biglang bumakas ang lungkot sa mukha niya.

She looked at me. "Until your father decided to stay here for good. I immediately went to my son but I couldn't find him nor his father anymore. Madaming nagsabi sa akin doon na lumipat sila ng bahay matapos may maganap na malaking sunog. Nadamay daw ang anak ko pero sa awa ng Diyos, ligtas siya. But I was still worried to death. I wanted to see him but I have no idea where they are..." tears are forming to her eyes.

I turned off the hose I was holding and put it down on the grass to comfort my mom.

"I'm okay," she assured as she wiped her tears. "Until he was the one who called me. He said the reason why he stopped sending his picture was because of the fire. After that incident, they needed to move in a more safest place. It took a long time before he found a new home and settled in a new place. Isang malaking ginhawa sa pakiramdam iyon. I thought your brother..."