Escapade

chapter 1

“Heli, come here, anak.” tawag sa akin ni Mama na masayang naghihiwa ng iba't ibang prutas.

Mabilis akong lumapit kay Mama at kumuha ng isang mansanas. I love apples. Mama said that apples are very healthy.

“You should eat healthy foods to live longer.” sabi niya sa akin habang patuloy na hinihiwa ang mga prutas.

“How can we say that we can live longer kahit kumakain tayo ng healthy foods, Mama?” I asked while chewing the apples.

“I don't know, but there's nothing wrong when you believe into something, Heli.” sabi sa akin ni Mama at ngumiti.

I heard Daddy's footsteps and followed by many. Birthday ngayon ni Daddy kaya may mga bisita.

“Mababait ba ang bisita ni Daddy?” tanong ko kay Mama. She stopped slicing the melons and she looked at me.

“I don't know them but I think they are kind.” sabi niya at ngumiti.

I continued eating apples. Tumingin ako sa garden at nakitang everyone is happy. They are drinking and smoking cigarettes.

“Mama, para kila Daddy 'yang fruits?” tanong ko.

“Yes.” simpleng sagot ni Mama.

“Why do you have to give them foods to have longer life when they are making their life short and killing theirselves?” tanong ko uli.

Mama stopped slicing and put the fruits in a bowl. She let a sigh and gave me a smile.

“This is kindness in disguise, Heli.” sabi niya. She looked at me and held my little hands.

“It's just a little help and it is a way to say that they should stop killing theirselves.” sabi niya sa akin.

“I don't know if you already understand me, but every people needs kindness and courage. Kahit sinisira nila ang buhay nila, you should not stop giving them a sign to change.” sabi ni Mama.

I just continued chewing apples. I don't understand what she says. Maybe I'm too young to understand that.

“Go out and play with your cousins.” sabi ni Mama at lumabas na siya papunta sa garden.

Naglakad ako papunta sa harap ng bahay. Nakita ko ang mga pinsan ko doon. They are playing and laughing.

There's Ate Mavis, Iris, Ate Leigh, Ate Claire, Louise and my older guy cousins. There's Kuya Chester, Kuya Caster, Kuya Liam and Larry.

Madami kaming magpipinsan. Ate Mavis, Leigh and Claire are in near same ages. They are already 8 up to 10. While Kuya Chester, Liam and Castee are 11 up to 16. Kuya Liam is the oldest among us. While Larry is the youngest, he's just 4. Louise and Iris and me are just 6 years old. Hindi malayo ang ages namin kaya there's no awkward moments.

Ako nga lang ang solo child. Lahat sila ay may kapatid, ako lang ang wala. But it's okay dahil parang kapatid ko naman na din sila.

“Heli, tara na mag laro na tayo!” sigaw ni Iris.

Pumunta ako sa kanila at nakipaglaro. We enjoyed the whole day playing and bonding with each other.

I felt tired playing kaya umuwi ako sa bahay at hinanap si Mama. I saw her with Daddy's colleague. They are busy talking. I know it is bad to listen but I want to listen on their comversation.