Uncovering the Camouflaged Daughter

14

"Mama Meldy?" I called, eyes roaming around the house.

My other family members were at my back, bringing our things and other necessities. Hawak hawak ko sa kamay yung isang bag ko at si Mia sa isang kamay. Lumapit sa akin si Daddy at kinuha yung bag ko, he brought it upstairs to my room.

My grandmother suddenly appeared in one of the rooms here downstairs. I immediately ran to her. Nag-mano ako at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

"Anak, let Mama Meldy sit on the couch first, please." Mommy said, I nodded.

Pinaupo noong caregiver si Mama Meldy sa isang couch. I sat beside her, asking her how she is.

"How are you, Ma?" I asked. She caressed my face and gave me a sweet smile.

"I am well, hija. Ikaw, kumusta ka?" nakangiting tanong niya sa akin.

"Glad to hear that, Mama... I am well too."

Nagsilapitan na ang mga anak ni Mama Meldy at mga in-laws niya. They all greeted Mama Meldy with a cheek kiss. I can feel and see Mama Meldy's genuine happiness now that we are all here. That is what she always want, us being complete in front of her.

Her great-grandchildren began to gather in front of her too, asking questions. Biglang hinawakan ng panganay ni Kuya Luis' ang necklace ni Mama Meldy.

"Mama Meldy, this looks heavy..." sabi niya.

Napatawa naman si Mama Meldy at hinawakan ang mukha ng pamangkin ko. "It isn't, hijo. Mama Meldy can manage well,"

He just pouted and left our sight, sumabay sa iba niyang pinsan. Mia came back to us after drinking water in the kitchen. Nag-mano ito kay Mama Meldy at yumakap sa kanya.

"How are you, Mia?"

"I am okay, Mama Meldy. Do you know that I can read already?" masayang ani Mia.

Mama Meldy looked shocked, listening to Mia. "Really? That's amazing."

"Yeah, it is. There is many things that I can read already,"

Mama Meldy looked at Mia from head to toe, probably amazed how this little suddenly grew up.

"You're so tall na, Mia... I can't... believe that you've grown so much." Mama Meldy complimented.

Mia looked at herself and happily looked at Mama Meldy again. "Yeah. I'm big already!"

"You are so adorable!"

Lumapit naman sila Ate Xandra at Ate Cara at nagmano kay Mama Meldy. They did a cheek kiss with her and just stood up front of Mama Meldy.

"You both are glowing ah... That's good." Mama Meldy praised.

My Ates giggled. Ate Cara said, "Iba po mag-alaga ang mga apo nyo.."

Napahagikhik si Mama Meldy sa narinig. "Nagmana siguro sa Lolo nila." She looked at Ate Xandra. "Did you bring your ice cream, Xandra?"

We all chuckled. Ate Xandra answered, "Yes, I did, Mama. Let's eat it altogether later,"

Masaya namang pumalakpak si Mama Meldy.

"Mommy, bawal di ba?" Tito Bong said.

Sumimangot si Mama Meldy, "I have medicines, Bongbong. At minsan lang naman," Hinawakan niya ng pulsuhan ni Ate Xandra. "I just love Xandra's ice cream."

"Mama Meldy... Mommy and I baked cookies!" Mia proudly said.

"Oh really? You know how to bake na?"

"Yeah, Mommy taught me." Mia proudly uttered. I giggled.