Love Me, like the Old Times

Chapter 6: Yes, It's Me

It was too obvious how happy my mother was. Her eyes sparkles with joy everytime she talks to me while holding my hands.

She was a little dissapointed when I told her that Miguel, my older brother didn't came with me. Assuring her that he will eventually come home soon, she then relaxed and returned to her happy state.

I've already talked to our family doctor about her health and he mentioned. He had never seen my mother this happy and active before. So, it was really a good sign that she's getting better.

I guess, I made the right decision after all.

It's been five days since I've arrived. But then again, my mother still would gush about how grown I've become. I was only away for five years, but seeing her reaction really tells me how she must've missed us.

I looked around at our house and smiled as memories flashed in my thoughts. Nothing really changed in our house, except for the garden outside. Few flowers were planted unlike as I remembered before.

Gazing at the outdoor scenery. The trees, plants and flowers. I couldn't help myself remember those bright hazel eyes pierced through my soul. It was captivating. I felt heat crept to my cheeks as I recall the incident.

"Hijo. Is there something wrong?" my mother said waking my thoughts, with worry in her eyes.

"Nothing, Má. Just day dreaming." I assured her, and smiled.

"Well, you need to get dress. We will attend church today. We have to." she reminded me and walked inside the house.

Yeah, religion is really a big deal to everyone here in the Philippines. Spanish or Filipino alike. The spanish colonization really influenced filipino culture in so many ways. Not that I'm complaining about it, it happened long before I was born so I really don't mind. Except for the fact that they still discriminates us.

As I finished fixing myself. I took a last glance at my reflection through the mirror. I saw a young man wearing a white long sleeved polo shirt underneath a barong tagalog with black pants, staring at me. I couldn't help myself think how young looking I was but nevertheless,  I was mature in every actions I make.

I then styled my hair neatly and exit my room.

I went outside to see my mother busying herself telling instructions to our helpers.

She must've plans after mass.

"Oh, Mateo! You're ready. We should go, we don't want to be late." she said while hurriedly walking towards our carriage.

I smiled as how my mother seemed so energetic these days. She looked very reserved in her light brown filipiniana dress. The dress sways as she moved her body but still covers her legs down to her ankles, elbows were also covered with thin sleeves. Her hair was neatly done into a bob just above her nape. She looks conservatively stunning.

We then arrive at our town's church. And as I went down from our carriage. I helped my mother step down, looking so chivalrous.

Then I saw a beautiful lady grinning from ear to ear as she approaches me. I smiled back at her.

"Mat! Is that you? I barely recognize you. You got taller." she squealed with excitement but then toned down before people could see who it was.

"Of course this is me. Still handsome aren't I?" I grinned, really happy to see my childhood friend.

Maria Luciana Uy.

Younger than me by a year. She is half chinese, half filipino-spanish. Looking at her with the first glance, it's obvious that she isn't locally pure. Her eyes were round in the middle but squinty at the sides. A clear Chinese' feature. Her heart-shaped face was emphasized by her long braided hair. Her white complexion really complimented her blue sunday dress. Her built and figure were totally different from before.

"Are you staying for good?" she asked, still shocked that I'm finally back.

I bobbed my head, looking so silly.

Lucia is one of the people who really knows me well. We were comfortable with each other. We used to play outside of our house when we were younger. I used to tease her before, she was not quite ladylike back then. She considers herself as one of the boys.

But now that we've grown up, I took a mental note not to make any foolish actions towards her. And be a gentleman.

When she found out I was leaving for Spain to study. She cried for days, refusing to talked to me.
It seems that she had already forgiven me of what happened.

As I recalled our past memories, I scanned the entrance of the church to look for my mother. She was in a converation with some people I barely know. Then I heard someone calling my name.

"Mateo! Is that really you?" he said while giving me a man hug.

"Hugo. I see you've found me." I chuckle while returning his hug. I glance at his side. Lucia silently gazing at Hugo's figure, with flushed cheeks.

She caught me eyeing her. I raised a brow to give her the look and then she quickly bowed herself, trying to hide her red face.

"How's Spain bro? It's been a while. We thought we'll never see you again. Right Lucy?" he said smiling then turns at Lucia's side, waiting for her to agree. Lucy was his nickname to Lucia even before.

She bit her lips and nodded, avoiding eye contact.

Strange to see how Lucia reacts towards Hugo. I wonder what happened between these two. As I recall, they were inseparable. Way too comfortable with one another if you ask me.

"Let's get inside guys. We don't want to be scolded by the priest again same as last time." I retort to blew the awkwardness. They both knew what I was talking about. We all laughed and went inside.

"Bet he won't recognise us anymore." Hugo added which made Lucia giggle.

I smiled at both of them. Then I guided them to go where my mother is seated, so we can continue our chat.

"You won't believe what I'm going to tell you Mat. Glad that your here for me to share this to you. I met a new friend the other day. And she's really beautiful, as I remember her name was Em..Ema..Ella?  Emilia! Right. That's it!" Hugo chirped. While Lucia's face became sour with irritation.

I laughed and shake my head with disapproval.

Both Hugo and Lucia were engulf with their conversation.

As I took my time viewing the church's interior designs, someone caught my attention sitting at the backseat. A familiar bright hazel eyes looking at me, I was being drawn by it. 

"THE BOY WHO SAVED ME!" she squealed, with accusing voice while her eyes still glued to me.

Echoing through the place. All heads turned to her in an instant.

She practically screamed. I thought.

She was taken aback by her outburst.

I never left her gaze feeling giddy inside.

"Yes, it's me." I said to myself smirking.