Gone with the Wind (Upper East Side Two)

Chapter Eighteen

18 - Everything

Two days from now will be Christmas Day. I always feel joy whenever that time comes. Masaya dahil kasama si mommy at walang inaalalang trabaho.

The Saavedras went to New York to celebrate the holiday with their families and relatives.

Sabi ni Zoey ay nakaugalian na nila iyan kaya mahirap nang ibahin. She told me that they'll stay there until the morning of the 26th before going back here.

"Mommy, sama ako sa'yo." I said to her when she's planning to go to the market.

Napalingon naman siya sa akin at nakita ang ginagawa ko. I was in front of my painting but I stood up immediately when I saw her getting ready. She shook her head and motioned her hand to my work.

"Hindi na, Thalia. I can do it alone. Tapusin mo na lang iyan." Ngiti niya sa akin dahil alam niya naman kung ano itong pinagkakaabalahan ko.

Napanguso ako at sumusukong napatango. Siguro aatupagin ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pagpipinta.

Hindi ko man lang matapos tapos iyon at dahil na rin siguro gusto ko talagang magawa iyon nang maayos at maganda bago ibigay kay Zavi.

I want him to be delighted when I gave that painting to him. That night, Zavi called me through Facetime.

"Hi! How's your flight?" Nakangiting bungad ko sa kanya.

"It was fine. It would've been nicer if you are with me." Agad namang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya.

I genuinely smiled at him. "We'll see each other soon, Zavi."

"I can't wait to see you, baby. I miss you every day." That made my face blushed immediately. Kilig na kilig sa bawat sinasabi niya.

"Hmm. I miss you every day too, Zavi."

I ended our call after an hour because he must be tired from their long travel and I want him to take a rest now.

On the 24th, we attended mass to celebrate His birthday.

We always do this every year. Sabi ni mommy sa akin noong bata pa ako ay gawain din nila noon ito ng kanilang pamilya.

They attend and praise Him. Say sorry for the bad things they did and give thanks to Him. Lastly, to ask for His guidance and protection and to shower us blessings.

"Merry Christmas, mommy!" Sabi ko kay mommy pagsapit ng alas dose ng madaling araw.

"Merry Christmas, anak!" She hugged me and kissed my cheeks.

Nagkwentuhan kami ni mommy ng kung ano anong bagay. I see her genuine smiles and waves of laughter and I hope that I will forever watch her like that.

I want her to find happiness again even though she experienced a lot of pain back then. Iyan lang naman ang hiling ko simula noon.

I cleared my throat and looked at her.

"Mommy, why don't you date again?"

Muntik naman siyang nabulunan sa iniinom niya sa narinig. She looked at me wide-eyed as if I did something terrible. And then she laughed.

"Thalia, ano ba iyang sinasabi mo?!" She exclaimed but there's a glint in her eyes taking this lightly.

"Mommy, come on, you can date if you want." Pilit ko na agad niya namang inilingan.

"Hindi na, anak. I am content with having you in my life. I couldn't ask for more."

Napangiti naman ako sa sinabi niya. I am very grateful to have her as my mother. I will forever love her and will always be here for her for the rest of my life.