To Be Loved

Chapter Twenty-Five

"Do you two wanna visit your grandparents in Wales summer next year?" tanong ni Mommy.

Mama Nova, my father's mother, was born in Wales, England. Doon din sila nagkakilala ni Papa Lucas. My grandparents chose to reside there permanently after their early retirement. Both Mama Nova and Papa Lucas came from old money, so an early retirement isn't really questionable.

"Will it be okay for you to travel, Mom?" I asked and glanced at her stomach. The bump isn't that visible yet. You wouldn't know that she's pregnant unless she tells you.

"I'll consult the doctor, pero kung hindi ako payagan, ayos lang ba sa inyo ni Dashiel na kayo lang ang pumunta? Your grandparents want to see you," she cooly replied.

My father joining me and my sibling isn't even an option. Instead of feeling hurt, it actually made me wanna laugh. Dad can't take being away from my mother. Mas lalo na ngayon na sensitibo ang kalagayan niya.

"Can Ate Lavie go alone? I don't like England, Mom. I don't have friends there," my brother, Dashiel, grumbled with an obvious distaste on his face.

My mother shook her head. "Hindi pwede. They want to see the both of you."

Dashiel heavily sighed but didn't complain further. Alam niyang wala siyang magagawa. Batas ang salita ni Mommy. Even Dad can't break my mother's words. Napangiti na lang ako.

My smile faded when I felt a tingle at the back of my nape. I know this feeling. I straightened from my seat and brought my eyes to the entryway.

I immediately spotted Xavi wearing his corporate uniform. Hindi na ako nagulat sa pagkakita sa kanya. Kagabi pa lang ay sinabihan niya na ako na susunduin niya ako ngayong umaga.

His hair was specially waxed in a brush up this morning. He usually just lazily mess it with his fingers, achieving a gorgeous bed hair. 

His eyes found me. An easy and contagious smile plastered on his face when he caught me looking at him. He arrogantly cocked an eyebrow at me. I shook my head and brought my eyes to my plate.

"Kuya Xavi's here," Dashiel announced.

Muling umangat ang mga mata ko. Everyone turned to look at Xavi who's fast approaching the dining table.

"Good morning po, Tito and Tita." He leaned down to plant a kiss on my mother's cheek.

"Oh, ang aga mo atang sunduin si Lavie ngayon?" tanong ni Mommy.

I'm curious about that, too. Kapag kasi wala siyang training, Xavi usually arrives after breakfast to pick me up. Hindi ako nagsalita at naghintay na lang ng isasagot niya.

"Napaaga po ng gising, Tita." He chuckled. My lips slightly puckered at that. 

"Kumain ka na ba, Xavi? Join us for breakfast," aya naman ni Dad.

"I did, Tito. Thank you po." Sumulyap sa akin si Xavi. Nanatili pa rin ang ngiti sa mukha niya. Lumipat ang mga mata niya sa katabi kong si Dashiel. "Hey, bud."

My cold brother nodded in acknowledgment. "Kuya."

Xavi's eyes found its way back to me. "Ready to go, Vie?"

I glanced at my plate. Just a few more bites and I'm done. I nodded at him. "Lapit na. Then I'll just brush my teeth."

Mabilis kong isinubo ang natitirang pagkain. After drinking water, I quickly headed upstairs to do my business. Xavi was happily talking to my family. 

He's obviously in a good mood and he's not even hiding it, wearing his happiness on his sleeves. I can't help but wonder what got him in such a high spirit.