MINSAN.

M-19

“Si Ms. Morisette ba ‘yun?” Tanong ni Marimel habang nakatingin at tinuro kung saan nakita niya nakita sila Morisette na may kasamang babae.

Tinitigan naman nila si Mori na nakatingin lang din sa malayo. “Shet, oo nga!” Sabi naman ni Autumn sa kanila. At lalapit na sana ito nang pinigilan siya ni Marie.

“What do you think you’re doing? Hindi tayo kilala niyan.” Sabi naman ni Marie.

“Remember we’re helping Nicole? This is our chance, guys. Most especially, mapapasaya natin si Manang. Ayaw niyo ba ‘yun?” Sagot naman ni Autumn sa kanila at tumingin ito isa-isa sa kanila.

“I understand. Pero, what if deadmahin lang niya tayo dahil hindi niya tayo kilala?” Pag-aalala naman ni Rose sa puwedeng mangyari.

“Guys, Autumn’s right. This is our chance to make Manang happy. Especially now that she’s back.” Sabi naman ni Catherine sa kanila.

“I got the point also. It’s better to take risks than what if’s.” Pagsang-ayon naman ni Shan sa kanila.

Hindi na sumagot si Autumn at lumapit na kay Morisette. At ‘yung lima naman, hinayaan na lang si Autumn.

“Ms. Mori?” Pag-tawag naman dito ni Autumn at napalingon lang siya at nagtataka kung sino itong mga batang ‘to na lumapit sa kanya. “No worries, we don’t bite.” Sabay ngiti naman ni Autumn at tumabi sa kanila.

“We’re sorry, Ms. Mori. Did we somehow invade your privacy?” Pag-aalalang tanong naman ni Marie.

“No, it’s fine. I’m just actually shocked na kakauwi ko lang, may nakakakilala sa akin tapos kids pa.” Sabi naman niya at sabay tumawa ng konti.

“I told you, guys. She’s kind. Hindi naman siya magiging kaibigan ni Ms. Lea kung may attitude ‘to, eh.” Pagsabat naman ni Autumn sa kanila.
“Mas mabuti na ‘yung nag-iingat, Tum.” Sagot naman ni Marie sa kanya.

“Teka lang, kilala niyo pa si Ms. Lea? It has been ages since she left the showbiz, ha. And you guys look so young.” Pagtataka naman dito ni Morisette.

“Yeah, time flies so fast nga po, eh. Kami po ‘yung nagpaabot sa inyo ng letter noon para ibigay kay Ms. Lea. ‘Yung box po? At saka, kami rin po ‘yung maingay noon.” Pagre-remind naman ni Rose kay Morisette.

“I see. I somehow captured what happened in the past. Pasensya na kayo, ah? ‘Di ko lang kayo namukaan. Madami kasing fans si Ms. Lea, eh.” Paghingi naman ng paumanhin sa kanila ni Morissette.

“It really is fine, Madam. But, can we ask you a favor one more time?” Tanong naman ni Catherine at nakatingin lang si Morissette while she was waiting for another words to utter. “Is it okay for you to visit Manang again? I mean, it has been ages na rin. It’s time for you guys to catch up. Most especially, now. She’s back.” Straight na sagot naman ni Catherine sa kanya and waiting that they could get a yes as an answer.

“As much as I love to, but, I can’t. Kung ano man ang meron kami, nasa nakaraan na ‘yun. We have our own lives. Besides, baka rin hindi na ako kilala ni Ms. Lea.” Malungkot na sabi ni Morissette sa kanya.

“Why don’t you try it, Ms? I mean, for us, it really is hard to approach someone whom you don’t know personally. But, we did.” Shan said calmly.

“We’re not forcing you, Ms. Morissette. It’s just that we just wanted you guys to have Martes like before. Hindi man kayo katulad ng dati, I’m pretty sure, you can always start again. Think of this, okay?” Sabi naman ni Autumn at kinuha niya ang calling card niya, “In case of you have somehow changed your mind.” Ngumiti ito at umalis na.