Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)

Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22

IT'S TIRING AND painful. Life is full of challenges—it can either break you or make you. But one thing is certain: some lessons are learned the hard way.

I can't change the past, but I can change the present and my future. My life is up to me now, and how I choose to live it.

"Hello, Ma." I was smiling as I sat in front of my real mother's tomb.

I lit two white candles and placed fresh flowers. Lanta na kasi iyong inilagay ko no'ng isang araw.

"Hi, Ma, how are you? Ako, as usual, busy, pero kinakaya ko naman. Si Miggy, maayos naman ang lagay. Iiwan ko po muna kay Tita Asunta si Migs ngayon dahil may importante akong kliyenteng kikitain. Babiyahe rin po muna ako sa Casa Amara, sa probinsya namin nila Tatay at bibisita rin sa puntod niya.

"I love you, Ma. I promise to keep my head up and continue fighting. Kahit mahirap, kakayanin ko para sa sarili ko at sa kapatid ko. I wish and pray Tatay and you will guide us both. Sana po i-guide n'yo kaming maging maayos ang buhay at maging successful," I whispered.

I smiled, touched her tomb once more, uttered a brief prayer, and said goodbye.

Pag-uwi ko sa bahay namin, naabutan ko si Miggy sa tapat ng piano, may bagong piyesa na naman siyang kinakabisa. Each day, mas gumagaling siya nang gumagaling.

He just didn't excel musically. I can notice him taking an interest in what I do as an engineer.

"Engineer Flores," ani ng teacher niya pagkakita sa 'kin.

I smiled and nodded.

"It's Mendez," I corrected softly.

He looked surprised but nodded.

"Oh, you were known as a Flores. I didn't know you had a different surname," he said, standing to greet me.

"Hmm, they're just used to it. My family in the same field are the Flores, kaya no'ng nagtrabaho na rin ako, gano'n ang tawag sa akin. I corrected them, but nakasanayan siguro nila kaya hinayaan ko na."

"I see," he said, offering his hand. "Nice meeting you again, Engineer. Habang tumatagal, mas lalo kang gumaganda."

"Thank you! I've been busy." I shook his hand. "How's my brother?"

Nang nilingon ko si Miggy ay seryoso na ang tingin niya.

"He's doing great," the teacher said. "Uhm, busy ka ba mamaya?"

I didn't answer, only smiled at my brother, whose eyes narrowed at me. I chuckled when his sharp gaze shifted from me to his teacher, who was clearly taking an interest in me.

"Hi, Migs!" I cheered, sitting beside him and kissing his cheek.

"Huwag mong pansinin, Ate," he muttered quietly as I hugged him.

"What? Why?"

"You and your boys," he grimaced. Natawa ako.

"Engineer?"

"Oh, hmm?" I turned to the teacher, who shyly scratched his neck. "Uh, I just wanted to ask if I could invite you to dine?"

"For?" I tilted my head.

He licked his lip. "Just... just eat? We can bring Miggy if you like—"

"I'm not interested, Sir," Miggy suddenly said, pouting before turning back to the piano. I discreetly pinched his side, making him gasp.

"Ate!" he hissed.

"Oh, well, ikaw na lang?" Mr. Roque turned to me.

"I'm sorry, butI'm busy." I smiled kindly. "I have a project later, and I don't usually dine out unless it's for business."