Summer's Heartbeat

One

Hindi naman sa ayaw ko sa Manila, I actually love the city lights and the life here, but I also want to travel as far as I can.

Manila na ang kinalakihan ko at bukod sa travels namin ng pamilya abroad, ay hindi pa ako nakakapunta sa ibang lugar dito sa Pilipinas.

I was forcing mom and dad to take me to our province. I haven't been there, actually. Gusto ko naman makalanghap ng sariwang hangin at makakilala pa ng ibang tao. Balita ko kasi mababait daw ang mga tao roon.

Kakatapos lang ng academic year namin ngayong Abril, at grade 10 na ako sa pasukan. Isa ako sa mga honor students kaya naman malakas ang loob kong humingi ng pabor kila mom and dad.

Ayokong maburyo dito sa bahay lalo na at parehas doktor ang mga magulang ko. Minsan, naiiwan lang ako sa bahay kasama ang mga kasambahay.

Kaya naman ganon na lang ang inggit ko kay Kuya Cade, na kasalukuyang tinatapos ang high school sa La Palma. Grade 12 na siya at balita ko ay doon niya pa rin gusto ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ng kolehiyo.

"Mom, I want to spend my vacation with lola and kuya in La Palma," I said as I took a bite on my pandesal.

I am wearing a white ripped shorts and maroon fitted tank top. My long and wavy natural brown-colored hair was hanging loosely as I sat on our couch. Kakatapos ko lang maligo at kumportableng umupo sa tabi ni mommy.

"I already know you and dad will be busy. Isa pa, I haven't been there," I took another bite again, "Please," I said while chewing.

"Are you sure, Kaya? Magiging baguhan ka sa paligid mo at hindi mo alam kung anong ugali nila don," said my mom.

She's so worried that some probinsyano boys would harass me. I can't say na sa isang lugar ay walang malokong tao. Kuya Cade will take care of me naman.. that's for sure.

"Both kuya and lola told me na mababait daw ang tao sa La Palma," sambit ko, "How can you not know that, ma? Didn't you grow up in La Palma?" I asked.

"I did. I grew up there and made lots of friends. I know La Palma so well, kaya nga iniingatan ka namin ng dad mo," she said in a very concerned tone.

She's sitting next to me on the couch while playing with my hair. She sometimes does my hairdo and sometimes she lets me na lang kasi I don't really like people playing with my hair, unless it's her.

"Why did you leave La Palma then?" I said while chewing.

Her hands stopped from playing with my hair so I looked at her. Nakatingin sa akin si mom at saka ngumiti.

"It's better to leave a memorable place behind for your own safety, Kaya," she said, "if the people around you are not healthy for you anymore, don't hesitate to leave the place-- even if it's the hardest decision you have to make," she smiled.

I know there's an untold story behind those words, and my mom thought my young mind couldn't afford to take it yet.

"Okay, mom," I nodded, "so, can I stay in La Palma for my vacation?" I asked her, isinantabi muna ang kabuluhan sa sinabi niya.

Tumango lang siya pagkatapos ay nginitian na lang ako.

Mom has long eyelashes and light brown eyes. She always ties her hair in a bun. Mas gusto ko talagang nakalugay ang buhok niya dahil mas maganda ang natural na kulay ng buhok niya kaysa sa akin. Nabanggit din ni dad before na sobrang daming nagbalak manligaw kay mommy ngunit wala pa sa isip nito ang pumasok sa relasyon noon.

"Alright! I'll prepare my stuff na muna," hindi nakatakas ang tono ng galak sa pagkakasambit ko sa mga salita. "What time should I wake up mom? Mahaba ba ang biyahe?" tanong ko.