When Love Lasts

19

"I totally understand why kuya became their fave. Siya lang ang bukod tangi sa aming apat ang pumasok sa business world. He will continue the legacy that our grandparents started. Kaya nga atat na atat halos lahat na magpakasal na siya." she said that made my eyes grew bigger. "Be ready" she added.

I cleared my throat, "You're not interested to handle your company?" I shifted the topic immediately.

Umiling siya. "I want to walk on my own path, not the path that they want me to take. Kuya George is a doctor, Ate Gabriela is a lawyer, both of them, inilihis ang landas kase ayaw nilang sila ang magpatakbo ng kumpanya. Mas lalo naman ako" she chuckled.

"What do you want then?"

"I love travelling, so FA siguro?"

Nangunot ang noo ko, "Siguro? You're not sure?"

"Hindi ko kase mapicture ang future ko Ate, I don't know what I want."

I went near her and held her hand. "You know that my family are politicians right?" I asked and she nodded. "Only Aimee and I didn't follow their steps. Hearing a lot of things that people throw to our family is very tiring, ano pa kaya kung ikaw na mismo ang inaasinta nila." I sighed, remembering the things we went through.

"My love for music had pushed me to take a path that is very different from my siblings. What made me so happy to walk that path is, my family didn't stop me. They supported me all the way till the end. I know your family will also do the same to you. Follow what your heart wants, you may not see your future self now, but you will soon, just trust the process. Don't rush things, it will come in the right time." she hugged me.

"You're really the best."

When we parted, we laughed in an unknown reason.

"You girls done? Uuwi na tayo, baka gabihin tayo sa daan" Greggy who's leaning on the door.

We stand up and went to Mama La. "We'll get going now Mama La." he said.

"Siya sige. Thank you for your time."

"Bye Mama La." Gwen kissed her cheek.

"Wag nang magpa-pasaway ha" she patted her head like a kid. "Irene, dear, I have a lot of things to say and thank for." sinenyasan niya ang dalawa na mauna nang lumabas.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, "I am now getting older and weaker." she sighed. "I just want to ask you one thing. Please never leave Greggy's side whatever happens."

Why do I feel that she wants to tell me something. Yung mga salita niya... may laman.

"I will try my best to do that Mama La."

She smiled and gave me a hug. "Thank you, Irene. You should go now, baka mainip sila" she chuckled.

Inihatid niya ako palabas. We bid our goodbyes and then went to the car.

"Anong pinag-usapan niyo?" pakiki-usyuso ni Greggy.

"Wala. Give me the keys, I'll drive."

"No. Ako na" he said and opened the passenger's seat. He glared at me when I didn't move.

Napatili na lang ako nang buhatin niya ako at inilapag sa upuan saka isinara ang pinto. He thinks he's done? Dali-dali akong lumipat sa driver's seat and made myself comfortable.

"Ang tigas ng ulo mo" he said when he opened the door and saw me.

"Saglit lang naman eh"

"Ako na lang kaya mag-drive?" Gwen said.

"Stay there!" sabay naming sabi ni Greggy.

"Fine." Greggy said, defeatedly. "Follow the GPS. Saglit lang ha" then he went to the passenger's seat.