Rule #1: Rule of Fate

[22]

"W-What?"

She managed to calm herself. Binaba niya ang phone ko sa kama at hinarap ako.

"You were asleep, when your phone kept ringing. I answered it because I thought it might be important. Then, it turns out it's a call from one of your dad's friends in Canada. He told me that your dad is in a critical condition, and that he is suffering from a condition he had for years already..."

My hand flew to my mouth and my tears started to fall. Papa is sick? How come he didn't tell me this? Kaya ba't napapansin ko ang pagbabago sa kanya?

"W-what's the sickness, Emma. Did he tell you?"

She sighed and looked down. "Lung cancer... stage four."

My lips trembled and my tears fell uncontrollably. Why did Papa choose to hide this from me? How did he manage to hide this from me? Stage four is a big case! Was he really planning on dying without telling me?

"He told me that he didn't wanna tell you... but he collapsed. He's now in a hospital. He advised me that it would be best for you to go there now..."

I bit my lip and cried. Emma rubbed my back as I cried all my tears out.

"Look, we can ask help from Kale. We'll book you a ticket to go there, don't worry about the expenses. It's on us."

Kale's family owns one of the largest airlines in the country. Kaya madali nalang din sa kanila na makapagbook ng ticket para sa akin. Nahihiya man ako'y, wala na akong dahilan para tumanggi. I just know that I need to go there, fast.

"Come, papahatid kita sa bahay niyo para makuha mo passport mo. Pack a little of your stuff too." she said and tried to pull me out of the bed. I also changed my clothes for a minute, and went with her downstairs. Pagbaba ko naman ay naabutan ko na si Kale na nandito.

"Kale, go with her. Did you book the flight already?" Emma asked.

Kale nodded. "I already did. Mamayang 3PM na ang flight." he looked at me. "I'll go with you."

I nodded. I know that I need someone to be with me there. Hindi ko alam ang pwedeng mangyari. Ayoko man isipin pero 'yun ang realidad. Pero bago ko pa man tanggapin 'yun ay kailangan ko muna makita si Papa. I need to see him now...

The whole drive to our house, I was just spacing out. I kept biting my nails to calm myself but I couldn't. My tears kept on falling, I wonder how Papa is doing right now? I hope he's fine... please let him be fine.

"Lia, don't worry. We'll get there as soon as possible." Kale assured me.

I just nodded. Pagdating naman sa bahay namin ay dali-dali akong pumasok dito. Pagbukas ko naman ng pinto ay nakita ko si Mama at si Tito Remy na nakaupo sa may sala.

"Lia, anak." she called with a smile.

Hindi ko siya pinansin. Dire-diretso akong umakyat pataas. I need to get my passport and pack some stuff. Papa needs me.

"Anak, may sasabihin ako sa'yo." rinig kong sabi ni Mama.

Pagkapasok ko palang sa kwarto ay kinuha ko na agad kung saan ko tinago ang passport ko. Binuksan ko rin ang cabinet ko at kinuha ang maleta ko. I opened it wide so I can just drop some of my stuff there.

"Anak, saan ka pupunta?" nagtatakang tanong ni Mama.

"I can't talk, Mama. Nagmamadali ako."