The Past

Chapter 18

It's been days pero hindi pa rin nila mahanap si Allison, bagsak ang mga balikat na pumasok sila sa bahay ni Drew.

"We can't just stop here. No, I can't just stop here." Patricia uttered as she took a sit on the couch, massaging her temple. Kath heaved a sigh and stares her friends.

"Guys, uwi na muna kayo sa Pilipinas. May mga trabaho rin kayo, -" she told them, Archie and Kate let out a long deep breathe as she said that.

"And D, may asawa kang naghihintay. For sure may mga personal matters rin kayo don. We're so thankful - I am so thankful na sinamahan nyo kami ni Mom, pero you all have your own life rin." She said in her low tone, tired is evident.

"Katherine is right. I appreciates the kindness and willingness na sinamahan nyo kami, and thank you.-" Patricia pressed her lips and sly a small smile as she eyed them.

"Pero hindi naman pwede na matigil yung sari-sarili nyong mga buhay dahil sa pagsama ninyong mahanap si Alli, we will update you naman kung meron na tayong balita." She told them.

Halos magkakasabay na napa-buntong hininga sina Archie, Kate, Ynna at Dianne at napatango na lamang.

"Ayos lang po Tita. Para mahanap lang natin si Alli agad. Uuwi po kami pero tutulong pa rin po kami sa paghahanap kahit nasa Pinas po kami. Hindi po kami uupo lang at maghihintay ng balita, magtutulungan ko tayo." Dianne said which made the three nods their head. Patricia flashed a smile and nod as well.

She's thankful na kahit hindi obligasyon ng mga kaibigan ng anak ang paghahanap kay Alli ay nandito sila, kasama sila. She's thankful na kahit may sarili nang mga buhay ay handa nilang isantabi muna at unahin si Alli kahit ngayon lang. Though, it is her obligations to search for Allison, as a mother. Her obligations and not theirs. Yet, here they are! Magkakasama simula 'nong gabing 'yon.

After a while, Drew called them for their dinner. As they are settled in his dining, Patricia eyed Drew.

"Wala na bang mga kakilala si Alli dito, Deniel? Baka they can help us. Or baka may alam sila kung nasaan si Alli." She asked, desperate to be called, but gustong-gusto na talaga nyang makita ang anak. Gustong-gusto na nyang mahanap si Alli. Napalunok si Drew at sinalubong ang titig ni Patricia,

"I already asked them po Tita, wala rin po silang alam, hindi rin daw tumawag si Alli sa kanila." He replied, Patricia chewed her bottom lip, Kath sighs.

"Hindi naman natin pwedeng bulabugin lahat ng mga branch ng negosyo ni Alli, tayo ang mabubutasan ng bulsa." Archie joked, just to lighten their surroundings, but to no avail. Waley, Archie!

"Kung don ko mahahanap ang anak ko, I will Archie. I do not care kung mabubutasan ako ng bulsa, basta mahanap ko lang si Alli." Patricia said, firmly. Archie bit her lower-lip,

'Jo-joke pa kase! Alam nang seryoso eh. Nasaan ka ba kase Allipot?' He thought.

"I'm sorry, Tita. Alam ko naman po 'yon, and willing naman pong magpabutas yung mga bulsa ko mahanap lang natin si Allipot." He said, apologetically.

"Kung butasan lang naman pala ng bulsa, edi lahat na tayo. Since, lahat naman tayo may kasalanan kay Alli." Ynna butted in, as matter of fact!

Patricia forced a smile and took a deep breathe.

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For a week, since she left for the second time around, Alli shut them out for her to move forward.

Pagkatapos nyang puntahan ang Daddy nya, hindi na asya bumalik sa condo at dumeritso ng airport. Took a flight and left.

She really wants to have a start, away from pain, away from sorrow, away from her downfalls. Away from her own family and love ones. For now.