Embracing the Uncertainties

03

"And that's because of you being careless Zaeron! Paano kung tuluyan na nila siyang makuha sa atin?!"

Sigaw ni Mommy ang bumungad sa'min ni Ate Tania. Hindi ata napansin na nakarating na ako, and why are they fighting? Most importantly, bakit kompleto sila dito? Makuha sino?

"Stop making me feel like you are the only one worrying here! You're not here too, busy ka na gamutin ang ibang tao not knowing na nawawala na ang anak natin!" Dad's voice thundered. Wait, nawawala? Don't tell me—

"Mom, dad, will you please stop shouting?" Pagod na sambit ni Kuya Zyair habang may kausap naman si Kuya Zaylee sa sulok at mukhang stressed.

"Mom? Dad? What's going on?" I asked confusedly. I look at Kuya Zyair and he sighed.

"Oh god, Lia! Where have you been?!" Singhal ni Mommy at lumapit sa'kin saka ako niyakap. Okay? So, what's happening here?

"Lia, I told you to just stay here in VHouse. Hindi ba't sinabi ko naman sa'yo na kapag pinapunta ko kayo dito hangga't maaari 'wag muna kayong lalabas? Manong Lito, we already talked about this, bakit pa kayo lumabas?!" Ginapangan ako ng takot sa pag sigaw ni Dad. Nilingon niya si Manong Lito na nasa likod pala namin nakayuko katabi si Manang Sania.

"What? Nasa EG lang ako, Dad. Ako ang nagpumilit kay Manong na pumunta roon may hinatid kang akong bata 'pag balik ko sa parking wala na si Manong—"

"Still! I told you to stay put here!—" Hindi natuloy ni Dad ang sasabihin nang nagsalita muli si Mommy.

"Bakit mo siya sinisigawan, Zaeron, this is your entire fault, why are you venting out your anger to our daughter?!" Galit na sumbat ni Mom. What the fuck is happening really. Ate Tania tried to speak but failed.

"What's done is done, can't we talk about this without shouting? Lia, you texted Manong to go to Thysse Cafe, pero pag dating niya roon wala ka," Huh? I texted Manong?

"But, Kuya my phone's missing.."

"I knew it. Isang patibong na naman 'to Dad, did you already talk to Vsec? The threats has stopped. They probably want something from you at ang pangyayaring ito ay isang mensahe o pahiwatig," Kuya Zaylee explained.

See how messed up my family was, this is so stressful. That is why I don't wanna get involved sa kahit ano pang problema ng pamilyang 'to. Because I know once I get to know everything— no, I can't even afford to think about it.

"I'll sort this out, follow me to my office. Aitania, salamat sa paghatid sakanya rito, umuwi ka na rin, delikado pa ang pag pasok mo sa village na 'to. Mag iingat ka susunod ang ilan sa Vsec at ihahatid kayo. Lia go to your room, you're not allowed to go out from this day on" Dad said with full of authority. I just sighed and nodded. Ate Tania smiled and then nodded too.

"Thanks Ate Tania, mag iingat kayo" I hug her, saka sila nauna nang lumabas.

"Mom, you should rest too. I am okay now, sorry for worrying you." I said and look at her. She really really looked tired. Naka lab coat pa siya halatang nag madaling umuwi rito. She's still my Mom, after all.

"Alright, go and rest you had a long day," She sighed. I nodded. Paakyat na ako sa hagdan ng magsalita ulit si Mommy.

"Lia.. I'm sorry, please be careful 'wag mo na ulit kami pag aalalahanin ng gano'n. Anak, hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag may nangyaring masama sa'yo, sainyo ng mga Kuya mo.."

"Yes, Mom. Sorry po, hindi na mauulit.. take care.."

Tumango si Mommy at nagtungo na rin sa office ni Dad.

Umupo ako sa harap ng dresser at tinitigan ang repleksyon sa salamin.

I wonder how does it feel to live like a normal teenager? I sighed. Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang pasukan mukha na akong stress na stress. Ang resulta!