Shades of Flames (L'amour De Cebu Series #1)

28

"Allyssa, mabuti naman at napadalaw ka sa puntod ng Papa mo." sabi ni Tita Veia.

As the years passed by, the way how she talked to us, change. Slowly. But when I passed the physician exam abroad. She totally changes. She's different now too, hindi katulad noon na nanghihingi ng pera sa amin. I heard she found a new business to engage herself instead of Casino. Ang anak naman nitong si Vinzia ay naging manager sa isang kilalang hotel. And yeah, she's already married. Iyong ex ko ang napakasalan niya.

I'm not bitter with it. I'm even glad that they end up each other because I will not gonna meet Ethan if ever we're still together with that ex of mine. Well, at least, I didn't end up with a cheater. Vinzia is still the same but I can see the difference with Tita Veia. She's now different. I tried to give her a branded bag but she declined. Sabi niya ay kay Mama nalang daw iyon. I don't know why but I just shake it off dahil kahit anong gawin ko hindi naman niya tatanggapin.

"I want to visit him, tita." magalang kong saad.

"Are you with your Mom?" tanong niya ulit ng mailapag ko ang bulakbulak at isang nakabasong kandila sa lapida ni Papa.

Tumingin ako kay Tita, and she's still the same. Looking so classy and sophisticated. Even though we're not rich, my father used to be in an elite family. Iyon nga lang nawala daw iyon ng mamatay sina Lolo at Lola. There business failed so my father became an ordinary employee of a company instead.

"No, po. She's busy with her branch of bakeries. I heard she want to open a branch near Ayala or SM Cebu. That's what she told me. The last time she opened a branch at SM Seaside. But she visits Papa po every weekend." sabi ko dito.

Mama's bakery is already expanding. She puts now more branches.

Tumango naman ito at ngumiti. "I also heard. Last time I went to her branch in J Mall and we met. Your Mom looks radiant nowadays. Send my regards to her." sabi niya na ikinatango ko.

"Gladly will, tita." sabi ko.

"I need to leave. I hope you won't mind." sabi niya na ikinatango ko.

"Sure, tita. Baka malate ka pa sa lakad mo. Take care." sabi ko.

Tumango naman siya at nagwave na sa akin. I saw her put her aviators on and walk. Napangiti ako saglit bago tumingin sa puntod ni Papa.

"Pa..." napangiti ako habang inaalala ang mga araw na nasa abroad ako at nahihirapan sa pag-aaral. Especially during my Med School. Nakakstress grabi. During my residency too, I experienced having strict Seniors. I always think about Mama and Papa. I know Papa is just there beside me, guarding me and Mama.

"Kumusta ka na, Pa? Siguro nakatanaw ka sa amin ngayon ni Mama." I can feel my tears building up when someone crowded in my mind.

When I thought I can introduce him to Papa but I end up being alone in the end. Akala ko talaga siya na iyong lalaking maipakilala ko kay Papa. One year... No. Almost a year of our relationship, he's the only guy I had the longest relationship with. My exes only last 3 months or 4. While him, we end up almost a yearbut then yeah, we ended. Looks like faith really did it's good thing.

"Pa, I hope you are happy above seeing us. Mama and I is already happy here but we miss you so much." sabi ko.

It's hard knowing that my father is not there beside me, even if Mama is doing both parts for me. I miss my old man spoiling me to things. Carrying me and taking care of my like I'm his only princess. I miss my Papa so much.

"I'm already a Doctor, Pa. Alam kong ilang ulit ko kung ilang ulit ko na iyong sinabi sa'yo butI just want to say it again. I hope you were there at my graduation after I passed the examinations and boards. I know you're there, watching me." huminga ako ng malalim.