Mimi Turns Pretty - SOON TO BE PUBLISHED ✅

Chapter 45

We're waiting by the door of Lola's room, trying to listen in on the conversations.

Nagsiuwian na ang mga bisita and I think more than the party being over, we were all waiting to be alone with Lola so we can ask her what is going on.

Walang may idea na may plan mag-announce si Lola ng gano'n sa party.

She really wanted to surprise us all. Whether for good or bad, I'm not sure.

Halos isang oras nang nag-uusap sila Mom, Dad at lahat ng Auntie and Uncles namin sa kwarto ni Lola.

Kaming magpi-pinsan naghihintay lang sa iba't ibang part ng bahay.

In the kitchen it's just me, Kuya Marky, Chase and Ollie.

I told Chase he could leave na, but he wants to make sure I'm okay.

I can't say for sure kung ano ang nararamdaman ko about Lola's announcement na magiging sa amin na ang Conchita's Restaurants, but I'm more bothered by the fact that she thinks she needs to do this now.

Bata pa si Lola. She still cooks, bakes, cleans at kung ano ano pa ang ginagawa dito sa bahay, she can still run her business. Actually, she has good people sa branches that can handle it for her, so bakit kaming dalawa ni Kuya ang napili? Tsaka bakit naman sa birthday n'ya pa in-announce?

I'm so pissed. Para siyang namamaalam na and it's just upsetting I don't even want to think about it.

The door opens and we all stand up straighter.

Unang lumabas sila Auntie Baby at ang mga kapatid ni Dad.

Auntie Baby smiles at me, "Mia, Marky, gusto kayong makausap ng Lola n'yo."

I can't even smile back kay Auntie. I just walk into the room and see Mom and Dad there, sumilip ako sa pinto bago ito magsara and I see Ollie and Chase standing there, side by side.

***

I walk into Lola's room thinking na I can get a clear, direct answer on why she did what she did, but true to Lola's personality, she does not give explanations, but she asks the right questions.

I'm crying while hugging her when I finally realize the reason why I'm so confused about everything.

I now know what I need to do. And it's already breaking my heart.

Nakaakbay sa akin si Kuya nang lumabas kami ng kwarto, Chase and Ollie stand when they see us.

Chase asks first, "So?"

I face him and wipe my tears as I say, "Can I talk to you? In private?"

Chase frowns but nods, and I lead him to the garden na unti-unti nang nililigpit. There are people around but they're far enough, so they can't hear us.

Humarap ako kay Chase and take both of his hands.

My lips quiver.

Nagbuga ako ng hangin before saying, "I really like you, Chase. And it's been great getting to know you better. If it were a different time, we probably would have worked out."

Napailing ako, "But I'm sorry. It just doesn't seem right, right now."

His eyes soften and he rubs my hands with his fingers, "You have nothing to apologize for. You have so many things to focus on for the unforseeable future and I completely understand."

He sighs, "I understand, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."

Napaiyak na naman ako and Chase pulls me in for a hug.