Arra
"Anak! Your Kuya Paolo is arriving soon. Let's go. We have to be at Tita Zeny's house already!" My mom yelled.
I rolled my eyes as I put the finishing touches on my makeup. Si Mommy talaga, I thought. Akala mo naman kung gaano kalayo ang bahay nila Pong, eh tatawid lang naman kami.
Oops. "Pong" and "Kuya Paolo" are the same person - more on that story later.
Anyway, to appease my mother, I rushed down so we could all cross the street and mingle with other neighbors and Pong's relatives for the welcome home party organized by his mom, Tita Zeny.
Pong's sister, Pauline, greeted me with a hug. "Hi Arra! Buti nandito ka."
"Alam mo naman si Mommy. Hindi yan papayag that I'll miss this party."
I moved out of our house some years back, but being the only child, I was commanded back home for certain events. One of those being this welcome home party for the child of my mom's closest friend in the village.
In a lower tone, Pauline whispered, "Excited ka makita si Kuya?"
I rolled my eyes. Kahit ilang ulit ko sabihin, she would never pass a chance to tease me. "Ano ba... matagal ko na ngang hindi crush yung kuya mo!"
Pauline giggled. "Oo na. Fine." But just before she left, she asked, "Pero bakit ayos na ayos ka?"
Before I could blurt out a defense, she was gone.
I always try to look my best, but I have to admit, I did want to look even better for today.
For Pong.
Kahit never naman niyang napansin.
We've been neighbors forever and at some point, I developed this crush on him. Years later, I realized it would never be reciprocated and he and I were better off like this.
He has been living abroad for a number of years now and for the first time in over ten years, he would be back in Manila for a bit.
For a brief moment, I thought, maybe this would be the beginning of an "us"!
But that was quickly stomped by another thought saying "arte mo".
So, I approached it preparing like I did for any other party except that I knew I was excited to see him.
After all, I was fond of the guy and it was pointless to deny.
"WELCOME HOME PAOLO!!!"
People yelled as he walked through their massive front door, sunlight behind him and bright beaming smile for everyone.
When our eyes met, he gave the briefest of nods to me but my day was made. Though he couldn't hear, I whispered, "Welcome home, Pong."
And Moira dela Torre suddenly sang in my head... "At ngayon nandiyan ka na, di mapaliwanag ang nadarama..."
But, of course, basag trip Arra's brain cuts in and says, "Ang arte."
Hay. Makapag-juice na nga muna.
