Thank You for Loving Me

Runaway

Beam POV

Mama agreed with my proposal. I reasoned that I wanted to see my cousins from her side as well as my uncles and aunts plus my grandparents. She arranged my immediate departure.

When she asked me when would I like to leave. "Tomorrow, if possible." I said bitterly.

"Hmmmp, okay. But the only flight available is the 10AM flight. Is that okay?"

I nodded.

xoxo

The next morning, I woke up before the break of dawn to prepare. Usually, we leave earlier than usual to avoid the traffic in the metro.

When I exited our house, I didn't expect to see P'Forth just outside, drinking alone. I acted like I didn't see him but I knew he was looking at me. I'm sure he saw the huge luggage in my hands with my mother. He watched us as we placed my things inside the car.

P'Forth was about to approach the car when mama suddenly drove away. I turned to look at him. He was standing dumbstruck in his spot while silently watching our car disappear.

At the entrance gate, mama asked, "How long will you stay there? Remember that in two months, it's your cousin's wedding. Your aunt and your cousins will come home from abroad. The wedding will be held here."

"Ma..." I trailed off. "Can I just continue my studies in the province?"

My mother smiled. "You? Stay in the province for good? Fat chance!" She knew that I'm a city boy, I can never stay in the province that long. "Suit yourself. You'll miss out on all the souvenirs that Josa's mother will give you like imported perfumes, shoes, and clothes. We both know that your her favorite nephew. She even spoken about wanting to adopt you."

I mustered a smile. I kissed her on the cheek and said goodbye.

"Take care of yourself, son." She said as I walked away.

I pivotted and rushed back to embrace mama. I wanted to explode right then and there and tell her all the pain that I was experiencing. I held her tightly and broke down in tears.

She was suprised then said, "It will pass soon son. You can do it."

It was my turn to be surprised from her remark. Well, she is indeed my mother. She knew exactly what I was feeling. She knew that it was hard for me. I didn't say anything but she knew.

I cried even more.

Mama was sympathetic but even if I didn't tell her about P'Forth and me. I knew she knew. After letting go of our embrace, I turned around and went through the entrance gate.

"Call me immediately Beam when you arrive at the house so I'll know you're safe." Mama hollered.

It was an uneventful flight and I arrived safe and sound in my grandparents' place. It's been a while since I've been here so I savored the clean air that my lungs have not taken in for so long.

"Grandie! Grammie!" I exclaimed when I saw my grandparents. They welcomed me gleefully because I was still a kid when they last saw me in the flesh. All my cousins were all over me because according to them, I look like some celebrity from the capital. Grandie was so astounded, we made a quick rounds in the neighborhood so he can introduce me as his grandchild.

Then, I remembered to call mama to inform her that I arrived safely in her hometown.

"Did you inform Forth about your trip? He's looking for you just now." Mama asked.

I didn't respond. Maybe she felt that I was not ready to answer her so she changed the topic. I gave my phone to grammie so she'll talk to her daughter. I saw grammie nodding a few times while looking at me. Perhaps, mama was giving her some tips on how to take care of me.