Annalise

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Room

I entered the entertainment room. Kai was there sleeping. Nakabukas pa ang tv nakatulugan yata kahihintay sa’kin.
It’s been a while since I’ve known I have a brother. Akala ko dati wala akong kakampi sa lahat, until he came. He’s the reason of my happiness and made me realize how important family is. I always wanted to have a brother. He is a dream come true indeed. Albeit I and tita Vivian weren’t close and often didn’t get along, hindi ito nakapekto sa closeness naming magkapatid.

I stared at him intently. Hinawakan ko ang kanyang buhok. I’m gonna miss this lil’ man.

Ready na ang mga dadalhin nilang mga gamit pagkababa ko sa sala. Dalawang malalaking maleta iyon.
I feel so lonely staring at it. I hate saying goodbyes. If I would choose I’d prefer leaving rather than being left out.

“Where’s Kai?” tanong ni papa sa’kin ng makita akong pababa. Kasama niya si Tita sa living room.

“Asleep.” I answered.

Seryosong nakatingin sa’kin si tita. “Did you tell him?” she inquired.

“No. Maybe later.” I replied. Silang dalawa ngayon ang nakatingin sakin.

“Kidding.” Dugtong ko. Tita Vivian eyed me coldly.

“This is for you brother’s safety.” Seryosong sabi niya.

“I know.” I sighed.

“What time are you heading back to Forbes?” singit ni papa.

“After ko kayo maihatid.” Sagot ko. Tumango tango si papa.

“You are not planning to drive right?” baling niya ulit sa’kin.

“Actually…” sabi ko bago humugot ng malalim ng buntong hininga. “ I’m here to ask your permission.” Ngisi ko.

Pinakatitigan ako ni papa.

“Annalise –  ” Si tita.

“I’ll be careful, promise.” Agap ko at ititaas ang kanang kamay.

“Remember what you did to your dad’s car last time?”

“You didn’t even pass the driving test!” Histerya ni papa

“I passed!” bahagyang sigaw ko. “I have my license.”

“No you didn’t, you paid for it.” si tita.

Napasalampak ako sa couch. Even them didn’t want to believe I really passed?! How cool is that?!

I kinda had an accident before. I sneaked dad’s car one time and unfortunately I crashed it. I stayed in the hospital for a week. Since then hindi na sila naniwalang nakapasa talaga ako sa driving test. Hindi na rin ako pinahawak ni papa ng sasakyan mula noon. I always had a driver tuwing may pupuntahan ako. I’m not a reckless driver I just forgot rules though. 

“Tsk! I’m so bored I wanna try something new.” Maktol ko.

“You’re forgetting that we’re in danger right now. You’re not supposed to go anywhere.” Paalala ni papa.

“I just want to do my thing without bothering anyone.  They have many things to do I’m not their only priority. And I want to be alone sometimes.” Nalulungkot kong pahayag.

I grow up doing my things alone. I don’t depend on someone in doing what I want. My dad knows this too well. I don’t bother anyone as much as I can. I don’t bother him. Sanay akong mag isa, I grow up alone and it molds me. It is fulfilling sometimes doing things alone rather than relying on someone. It is my way of independence and self – reliance.