MINSAN.

M-27

Nicole went downstairs to check her Mom of how she’s doing after revealing herself after a decade. She felt relief that finally she’s getting back on the track.

“Mom?” bungad ni Nicole at tumingin naman si Lea sa kanya.

“Anak, andiyan ka na pala. No appointment for today?” Tumingin naman siya dito at nang nakita na niyang palapit sa kanya ang anak, binalik ang tuon sa bintana.

“You okay?” Nicole asked her.

“Oo naman, anak. What makes you think that I’m not?” Sagot naman nito.

“Wala naman, Ma. Baka kasi you need someone or something after showing yourself and going to stage. I was just kinda worried.”

“Nakooo, anak. Alam mo ba, it feels like heaven. I know, I didn’t do a lot of practice. But now, it feels like I am me again. Alam mo ba ‘yung ganung feeling, anak?” Natuwa naman si Nicole sa sinabi ng kanyang ina.

“I know, Ma. Stage is really meant for you, Mama. Lea Salonga, the broadway diva.” Sabi niya and she giggles.

“Ikaw anak, ha. Marunong ka na rin mangbola.” Sabi naman nito at sinamahan ang anak niya sa pagtawa.

“Bakit, Mom? It’s bagay kaya.” Sabi naman niya and then they suddenly stopped and Lea stared at the window again. “Mom, why are you always staring at the window?” Pahabol naman niyang tanong dito.

“Nothing, sweetheart. It seems like this is my communication between your mother, your Dad and Me. Kapag nandito ako, pakiramdam ko kausap ko sila at parang nandito pa rin sila. I know, I have to let go. But, you can never unlove someone who was once a part of your life.” Pagpapaliwanag naman dito ni Lea sa anak.

“I know what you feel, Mom. I really do.” Hinimas naman ni Nicole ang balikat ng kanyang ina. “That is how I feel when I almost lost you.” Dagdag ni Nicole and she shed a tear.

“I’m sorry, anak. I don’t even know how to make it up to you.” Malungkot na sabi niya sa kanyang anak.

“Mom, I’m not blaming you. Alam kong you just lost someone that you really love. And, I’m happy with every progress that you’ve made.”  Sagot naman nito at niyakap niya ang kanyang ina.

“I don’t even know how to say thank you to you, anak. Sige, I want you to call your fiancee and I wanna meet him and thank him for being with you when you need to take good care of me.” She said while she was having a smile on her lips.

“Talaga, Mom?” Nicole finally exclaimed.

“Of course. And, I wanted the RVLD stans to be here, your Tita Dawn, Regine, and Tito Vice. We’ll all be glad to meet the person who made my daughter be happy.” Sabi naman ni Lea sa kanya.

“Thank you, Mom!” Niyakap naman niya ang nanay niya and she suddenly remember her father. “Mom, what do you think would Daddy say or do if he finds out that I’m getting married?” Tanong niya at kumalas naman ito sa yakap so that she will have a face to face conversation with her Mother.

“Of course, hindi niya matatanggap ‘yun. Because in our eyes, you’ll always be our baby girl. But our baby girl has to grow up. She was once our princess that needed to be someone’s queen. And, that’s your fiance. Your Dad will be upset for a while. But then he’ll realize that for sure, you’re not getting any younger.” She answered while her eyes were forming tears but she shrugged it off.

“Sorry for bringing up Daddy, Mom. I just couldn’t help but to miss him.” Paghingi naman ng paumanhin ni Nicole habang pinupunasan ang luhang dumadaloy sa mata ni Lea.

“It’s okay. I already said goodbye, I already let him go. But we couldn’t deny the fact that we all miss him. It’s okay, sweetheart.” Sabi naman ni Lea dito.

While Nicole is leaning to her mother’s shoulder, she suddenly hears her cell phone ringing.

“Argh. This might be a client meeting.” She uttered while looking at her cell phone.

“I’ll be fine here. Your Tito is here naman to check on me from time to time.” Hinalikan niya sa forehead si Nicole. “Go right ahead and do your thing.” Pahabol niya.

“Okay, Mom. This is just quick. I love you, Mom!” Nicole kissed her Mother’s cheek at nagmamadaling lumabas ng bahay.

Sakto namang pagdating ni Gerard sa kanyang silid.

“Hi, Gerard.” Bati nito.

“Hi, Ate!” Sagot niya at hinalikan naman ni Gerard ang kapatid niya sa pisngi. “You did great.” He smiled and so did she. “Are we gonna expect a concert na ba from my big sis?” He giggles.

“I’m not sure about that, yet. For sure, my so-called fans already forgot me or won’t even recognize me.” Sagot naman niya sa kanyang kapatid.

“You’ll never know until you try it.”

“Hun, we’re not getting any younger. There are lots of younger artists out there.”

“But, Lea Salonga will always be a Lea Salonga.”

“I’m not sure about that, Ger.”

“Why are you so hard on yourself, Ate?”

“I don’t know. Probably, I already lost the confidence that I have since our mother left.”

“Well, you still have me. You still have me as a musical director.” He smiled. “You’ll always be the person that I am grateful to share my talent with. You’re always that person whom I like the most to work with.”

“You’re saying that because I’m your sister.”

“No, Ate.” Napatingin sa kanya si Lea. “I’m saying this because you are very much talented. Nasa’yo na ang lahat ika nga nila. Please, do me a favor.” Gerard holds her hand. “Just in case that they offer one musical, a concert, or even a movie? Please, accept that. I would love to see you on the big screen again. After a long period of time. Please?”

Paki-usap naman ng kapatid niya sa kanya.

She heaved a sigh and closed her eyes. Gerard on the other hand, was hoping that Lea wouldn’t say no to her request.

“I’m not sure if I can do that.”

“Why not?”

“Masasayang lang ang pagre-rent natin sa PICC if ever.”

“Again, bakit?”

“Nobody will watch.”

“I swear, Ate. There are lots of people who still wanted to support you. There are lots of people who still wanted to watch you, who are still patiently waiting for you. Remember, all of your videos were still uploaded on YouTube. They would still recognize you, Ate. I’ll give you time to think about it.” Hinalikan niya ulit ang kapatid niya sa pisngi at umalis na so that her sister would have alone time and can think about those stuff that she needs to think about.

Her attention went back to the window as if she’s seeing something. She loves the view, ito ‘yung naging pahinga niya nu’ng nagging magulo ang utak niya. This is her way to escape reality.

“I’m still scared to get back. Mom, Babes, help me. I couldn’t do anything without you here beside me. Please, I’m begging you.” Sabi naman niya sa isip niya.