Fragmental Fondness

Chapter Three

Italy

The next day felt just like yesterday. Normal day which has no new to serve and as usual I woke up with my living alarm clock—Aunt Ligaya.

"Ichigo..."

Her voice was already teasing when it was only past seven in the morning. Her eyes were sparkling more with those diamond earrings that she wear.

"Good morning po," bati ko para sa kanilang dalawa ni Dad.

"Morning son, you take your seat now. Para makakain ka na. Nauna nang umalis si mommy," Dad said.

I just nodded.

Sanay na 'kong hindi sila kasabay kumain. It's been years.

"What do you want Tere's —este Ichigo?"

Seriously? I sighed. "Aunt, please."

She gave me a swift glance, her eyes turned innocent right away.

"What? Nagtatanong lang naman ako kung anong gusto mong kainin."

Parang bata talaga siya. Lalo na kung kasali si Therese sa usapan.

I haven't eat any yet but dad seemed done eating his food. He urgently moved his seat backward to freed himself. Just did tapped the top of my head then he was off.

"Any plans for today Ichigo?"

I bite the bread blisteringly, not killing the eye contact that we have. "Hindi ako sasama sa'yo Auntie kahit wala akong gagawin ngayon."

She made face as she groaned. "Just this once nephew please?"

"Auntie what was this again?"

I'm surrendering everytime she smile sadly. I feel like I'am accountable.

She suddenly became gleeful. She could dance right now, no joke and I told you right. She was moving her hips together with her arms as she neared me.

What again?

"Gusto ko sanang mag sleep over sa bahay nina Kuya Higa mo and—"

"No!"

"Why? I'm not yet finish Ichigo."

"Still, no Aunt."

Nagpapacute na siya bigla. "Bakit hindi?"

I sighed, wiped the side of my mouth with table napkin and stood. "No..."

"Ichigo, you cold-hearted Santillan. Come back here now!"

Why would I? I'm not going and that's final.

Agad kong narinig ang mabibilis niyang yabag palapit sa 'kin. Before she could even see me tumakbo na 'ko papanhik. She was at the middle of the stair when I shut closed the door of my room. Kita ko ang panggagalaiti niya sa inis.

I laughed. Namumula pa siya sa galit.

"Ichigo open this damn door!"

I shrugged my head. Hindi ako sasama kahit anong mangyari.

Umungol bigla si Teresa. Mukhang nagising siya sa ingay ng lola niya. She wiped her hands on both of her eye and got her sleep again just like that.

I went on her little dog house. I had to touch her head so she could be deeply asleep. She moved her body closer to my hand.

"Good morning, Teresa." But since she got tired last night too. She wasn't able to greet me back.

"Italy Chicago Rosales Santillan!"