Fragmental Fondness

Chapter Five

Ichigo

"What is it Aunt?"

The first thing came into my mind as her name displayed at my phone's screen— she'll be needing something from me.

She didn't speak ahead. I had time to glance Therese. She was walking, lazily. Her feet marched in accordance of how she really felt. She was bored and so dying to go home.

I saw her ankle a while ago, nang pagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. Both of it were swollen. I just don't know if she knew it but I guess, she wasn't aware of it 'cause why wear heels then?

Nang makapasok na si Tere sa fitting room doon pa lang muling nagsalita si Aunt Ligaya.

"Are you with Tere? How's the date going?"

I remember myself sighing whenever I'm having any kind of talk with her. She can't really leave me alone and make my mind be at peace more especially when Therese's involved.

"That's why you called?" I got my irritation rose up a bit.

"N-o, of course not!"

I gasped. "Then what Auntie. You go straight with your point or I'll hang up in an instant."

I could imagine her perfectly with the way she rolled her eyes.

Biglang lumapit sa'kin ang babaeng tumulong kay Tere sa pagsusukat. I hold the call and faced her. I tried to smile.

"Ah, Sir. Dalhin ko na po ba lahat nang dresses sa labas ng pinto ni Ma'am para mas mabilis ang pagsusukat niya?"

She was so polite that I was forced to be too.

Umiling ako, "Hindi na po. Therese won't fit them all. She'll get bored for sure. Pipili na lang ako."

The saleslady smiled and moved gracefully, "Alright Sir, I'll lead you the way."

"Thank you but can I have a moment?"

"Yes sure, Sir."

Ini-unhold ko agad ang tawag. "I'm in a hurry Aunt Ligaya you tell me now what do you want."

Nakarinig ako nang kaluskos sa kabilang linya. The next sounds were heavy footsteps and voices.

Nagkakagulo sa linya ni Aunt Ligaya.

"Auntie where are you. You okay?"

Her line turned wavy and unreachable. Where is she?

The call suddenly ended. I cursed underneath my breath. I tried dialing it again for I don't know how many repeats but neither anyone was answering it. I felt irritated.

Ilang subok pa ang ginawa ko bago ako nakatanggap ng mensahe kay Aunt Ligaya. It says, there was an emergency. Tita Amber rushed to the nearest hospital for I don't know reason. Hindi nakalagay sa text ang rason. She only told me to take good care of Tere for the mean time and if I get her home quickly, I must done it.

I have to control the panic. Lalo na kasama ko si Tere. Hindi siya pweding maapektuhan ng usto. I'm sure her mother will be fine. She'll surely will. I'll tell her maybe after we got a dress for her. I, maybe prolonging it when she badly needs to know what happened at their abode but I can't seem to take away her happiness. The way she grinned before and the way she plays with me was kinda heartwarming. Dahil ramdam ko kahit papa'no na wala nang nakasagabal sa pagitan naming dalawa. But half of me was complaining. She has to know...

"Sir, pipili na po ba kayo?"

I got my feet stood straight. "Yes,"

Kagaya ng gusto ko pinakita niya sa'kin lahat nang designs ng mga dresses nila, both local and international. Pagkakita ko pa lang sa mga bestida alam ko na agad na mahihirapan akong mamili.