Heartbeat of the Sunrise

64

The days went so fast. Weeks, for me felt like a century while being excited for his birthday. I want it all to be a secret, and he didn't mention of it either.

Unti-unti ko na ring nakitaan ng pag-asa ang posibilidad ng paglaya nina mom at dad.

All of a sudden, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I am currently chained to.

Finally, after how many years, I am taking a step forward. But the war has just began for me.

Alam kong hindi ito magiging madali, pero hindi nila ako basta-bastang mapapasuko.

"My beautiful daughter..." Mom's voice were shaking. "We're still far but, at least, we're finally breathing the same polluted air. Right?"

"Ximena, my princess?" Nangibabaw naman ang baritonong boses ni dad.

Nanikip ang lalamunan ko. The tears I've been suppressing, rolled down my cheeks as I heard his voice. Dahan-dahang bumalik sa isipan ko ang lahat ng hirap na dinanas ko, mailipat lang sila dito sa Pilipinas.

"Dad, I miss you... so much..."emosyonal kong sinabi.

"Mommy and I misses you too, my darling. Mag-aral ka ng mabuti, hmm?"

"Yeah, dad. I'll make sure to do good in school. For the two of you."

Kung pwede lang sana, yayakapin ko sila nang mahigpit at hindi na bibitaw pa. They are near yet so far from me. This kind of feeling fuels me to fight harder for their freedom. Makuha man nila ang lahat sa amin, hinding-hindi nila matitibag ang pagmamahal namin sa isa't isa.

Hangga't alam kong wala silang ginagawang masama, walang dahilan para sukuan ko ang lahat ng ito.

"Gagawin ko po ang lahat para maging buo tayo ulit..."

"You don't have to. It's not your job, hija..."

"Pero gusto ko, mom-"

"Anak?" she hushed me. "Please don't cry much. Know that we're always proud of your milestones, kahit wala kami sa tabi mo."

"Thank you, mom..." I tried to hide my crying voice.

"By the way, kumusta na ba kayo ng... manliligaw mo?" biglang tanong ni dad.

Shoot.

"Uh... well..." I smiled to myself. "Hindi ko pa po sinasagot."

"What's taking you so long, my dear?" sabat ni mom.

"We're still taking time to know each other po."

"Magandang ideya 'yan, anak. I'm still not satisfied with what he said about his life in Albay. Tapos ang anyo niya, parang kayang pagsabayin ang maraming babae!"

"Dad!" angal ko at nagtawanan silang dalawa.

"Leo, ano ka ba naman?" saway ni mom kay dad.

"Oh well. Physical appearance doesn't matter anymore these days. Pero hindi pa ako ganoon kakumbinsido. Hindi pa ganoon ka buo ang tiwala ko sa kanya."

"I understand po. Dahan-dahan na rin naman po siyang nag-o-open up tungkol sa family background niya, though I understand that it's not easy for him. Pero sana, bigyan niyo rin po siya ng chance. Maybe he's not that rich but, he's kinda nice to everyone in the hotel."

"Balewala naman sa'kin kung may pera man siya o wala. Ang hiling ko lang sana, makahanap ka ng lalaking mamahalin ka... gaya ng pagmamahal ko sa mom mo. Hindi man niya kayang higitan, at least, mapantayan man lang niya, dahil deserve mo 'yon. Understood?"

"Leo, you're so-" Mom giggled and I continued to listen as they make fun of each other.

"Yes, dad." I smiled again as I laid down on my bed.