Be Mine

3

Carlos opened his condo unit, something he recently purchased since he got back from Manila. He took a shower to take off the alcohol scent and get back to his senses. He's not yet sleepy and decided to check on some work for tomorrow. He was answering some emails when his phone rang.

*Bunso calling*

"Hello, Bunso. Anong oras na, bakit gising ka pa?"

"Eh Kuya. Sorry sa istorbo. Hindi makatulog si Mama. Hinahanap ka."

"Pinainom niyo na ba ng gamot?"

"Oo. Kaso ayaw pa rin eh. Kinantahan na nga rin ni Papa. Kaso nagalit. Ikaw ang gusto."

Carlos smiled, "Sige, speaker phone mo. Kausapin ko."

"Mama! Ito na si Kuya Caloy."

"Caloy, anak? Saan ang anak kong gwapo?"

Carlos chuckles at the words his mom just said, "Mama, bakit gising ka pa? Matulog ka na. Bawal sayo ang napupuyat."

"Ayoko. Gusto ko kanta ni Caloy lang."

"Mama, uuwi ako diyan sa susunod na linggo. Dadalhan kita ng paborito mong pancit."

"Pancit?"

"Oo. Pero gusto ko matulog ka muna, ha? Sumunod ka na kila Christian at Papa."

"Kanta ka muna, Caloy. Gusto ko yung kanta mo."

"Sige, pero higa ka na. Kakanta ako para sa paborito kong Mama."

Carlos started to sing her mom's favorite song. He was almost finished when he hears his mom snoring in the background.

"Good night, Mama."

"Hello, anak."

"Pa.."

"Salamat, ha."

"Wala po yun. Magpahinga na rin po kayo."

"Sige. Bye."

Carlos ended the call, stared back into the laptop's screen but decided to just continue everything tomorrow. He went to his bed and ended up staring at the ceiling, reminding himself about his life now.

It's been hard the past few months since he went to Manila. He loved his life in La Union, his family is not really rich but they get by because they own a small resort and a farm that his Dad manages. Carlos is smart and his Dad wanted him to take over the family business someday. He went to Manila for college and took up a business degree where he met Gary. They became bestfriends since then. However, as he was about to apply for a job in Manila, his parents asked him to come home and help with the resort. The place needed an extra boost because the area has been becoming extra popular to tourist. He couldn't resist his parents and went home. But early this year, his mom got diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer's and his Dad had a mild heart attack last year. Tha family savings aren't enough to keep up with his parents medical expenses so he decided to go back to Manila to find a more stable income. He contacted Gary and explained what happened and Gary offered him a job. So there he is, missing home everyday but he is willing to sacrifice just for his family.