Lead Me To You

Simula

"Welcome back, Ms. Carluccio!" The airport staff in the counter greeted.

Binalik nito sa akin ang aking passport at boarding pass. Masaya kong binalik sa kanya ang ngiti at nagtungo na sa baggage area para kunin ang aking maleta.

It's been five years since I last step my foot here in the Manila Airport. I've been into Tuscany to continue college and train for business. I never really planned on studying abroad if this was not my father's order.

"Let's buy some wine here, honey. I heard that the Carluccio's retailed their brand here." I happened to heard the woman said.

It caught my attention since my last name was mentioned. Carluccio's is the biggest wine producer all over the world for hundred of years straight. Thanks to my grandparents for expanding and manufacturing such successful business.

"Of course, honey. Let's gather our bags so we can rest." Her husband said.

My purpose of coming here is to claim what's rightfully mine. Sa mga taon na wala ako dito, iba ang namamahala ng kumpanya. At sinisisi ko ang pinsan ko dahil hinayaan niya iyong mangyari. My father died mercilessly, I lived miserably and the company slipped through our hands. Ilang daang taon iyong inalagaan ng pamilya ko ngunit ngayon ay mawawala iyon ng ganoon na lang.

I cannot blame my father for doing things that I can't understand before. I can't forget how hopeless he was in front of me with pile of problems over his head.

But now that I'm here, I will make sure to put everything in its right place. I will not allow anyone or anything ruin my plans. I will not allow anyone to stop me.

"What do you mean that you can't fetch me?" I scolded my cousin through phone. I looked stupid right now.

"I can't. Wala akong oras ngayon. Hindi nga ako makatayo rito sa opisina ko sa dami ng ginagawa. Kung nagsabi ka, wala ka sanang problema ngayon." My stubborn cousin said.

Really? Why should I announce my arrival, though? Bumili pa ako ng sim dahil walang signal ang sa akin. Nagpa-load pa ako ng halos limang daan para lamang matawagan itong pinsan ko. Ngunit wala rin siguro mangyayari dahil wala itong pakialam sa akin.

"You make decision, now! I am not leaving this airport if you did not pick me here!" I hung up the call.

Kakarating ko lamang ngunit pinasama na nito ang bungad ko. Galing akong byahe at pagod na pagod ako na gusto ko nang matulog at magbabad sa bath tub na may gatas. Wala naman akong masyadong dala ngunit ang bigat para sa akin ng mga ito.

Minutes passed and he is still not here. I am starting to think of crushing his bones when we meet. And my phone beeped and when I see his name on it, I immediately opened it hoping that he's on the way.

Matteo:

I'm sorry, Monica. I really can't right now. Something urgent came up. Nagpadala na lang ako ng driver, ihahatid ka niya sa condo mo. Take care.

What the fuck? Does he really think that his apology will be accepted?

Ako:

Is this your way of greeting me? Vaffanculo! Merda!

Padarag akong umupo sa mahabang upuan dito sa waiting area sa arrivals. Nakakunot ang aking mga kilay at hindi ko na alam ang gagawin. Pagod na pagod na ako at wala na akong ibang naiisip kundi ang tumulog.

"Umuulan na! Naku, wala pa rito ang sundo ko." Sabi ng matandang babaeng katabi ko.

Tinanaw ko ang labas at totoo ngang umuulan na. Malalaki at malakas pa ang patak ng mga ito.