Kapal
I passed out. I didn't know how but I just woke up the next day in bed with Tati.
Naalimpungatan ako at around 3am, which rarely happens, maybe it was still the adrenaline from all that happened yesterday but since I didn't know how I got in bed, I decided to check the situation down stairs.
Pagbaba ko ng hagdanan, siksikan sa sofa ang mga lalaki. Nico was sitting on the floor with his head resting near Matt's feet on the sofa. While Matt's head is leaning on the backrest. Katabi niya ang mga kapatid ko na pareparehas ng upo at pwesto. Paniguradong masasakit ang leeg ng mga ito mamaya. Only Ross is in a sleeping position and sakop niya yung isang line ng 'L" na couch.
Dumiretso na lang ako sa kusina para uminom bago bumalik sa kwarto. I just realized while drinking that most our confrontations take place in the kitchen. Natawa naman ako sa idea itong.
Naisip ko din ang posibilidad na umuwi na kami mamaya. Even if, I think I did enjoy my stay. I'd want to be back soon though, kasi bitin talaga.
That morning, I was right. It was decided.
"You're going back to Manila today Roscoe Caesar. No buts no ifs. I'd had enough!" Lola's voice thundered all over the house.
Nico and Matt instantly went to calm Lola down. For the past hour Ross has been insisting on staying. Making all sorts of reasons like it would be easier to recover away from the city and all that. Lola just had enough and the conversation resulted to this.
"I won't be able to bear the weight of worrying over the possibilities any longer. Just stay where you're safer. If it means that I won't be able to see you any longer then I'd take that option over and over again just to prolong your dear life. I've always listened to you. It's time for you to listen to me now." Lola left us at the dinning table after saying that. She was followed by the three brothers.
"You guys should pack up. Sundan ko lang si Lola."
To be honest, I packed kanina upon waking up before going down for breakfast. I expected this. With a heavy heart, tumayo si Ross at sumunod sa kaniyang pamilya.
Kaming mga naiwan naman ay nagkatinginan. Kuya Enzo and I haven't talked yet about our confrontation last night so I don't know if we're cool now or what. I just assume we are.
"I'll ask Ross to stay over at our house for the mean time since he's alone naman in his. For sure mom and dad will approve once I raise the idea. It's fine with all of you right?"
"Yes," sagot ni kuya Enzo kay kuya Alas bago tumingin sa akin. "And Ash, I've already told mom about the whole story. She's kinda angry about how you're involved sa incident. You better prepare for what she has to say when we get home."
"As I play a very significant role in this family, I think my vote counts for both my sister and I. And I say yes," maarteng pagkakabigkas ni Tati. Nakaliyad pa siya sa pagkakaupo at parang prinsesang may inaanunsyo.
"Your vote matters, yes," natatawang sagot ni kuya Alas bago pinat ang ulo ni Tati ng daanan ito. Paalis na sila ni kuya Enzo, magaayos na siguro ng gamit.
"You both better start packing, especially you, Tatiana. Make sure you don't forget anything," bilin niya pa.
Sa kwarto, na corner na ako ni Tati. Paulit ulit niya akong tinatanong sa nangyari kanina pa pagkagising na pagkagising niya. Nalusutan ko siya kanina, ngayon hindi na.
I had to filter a few details but she was informed about everything else. Pagkatapos kong ikwento lahat hanggang sa bulungan namin sa sofa, naiwang nakatunganga si Tati sa kama.
