Venomous Cure (Katipunan Series #1)

27

"Ladies and gentlemen," I started through the microphone.

We have finally landed in Manila and all throughout the flight, I couldn't stop thinking about Caden's mother. Hindi ko lubusang maisip kung ano ang gusto niyang pag-usapan lalo na't hiwalay naman na kami ng anak niya. I wanted to dodge it, saying I needed rest but it was still early in the afternoon. Alas-kwatro palang ng hapon nang lumapag ang eroplano sa Manila.

"Dawn Blue Airline welcomes you to Manila. The local time is 4:03 PM. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle clear until we are parked at the gate. The Captain will then turn off the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign, indicating it is safe to stand. Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments and removing items, since articles may have shifted during flight," I continued.

Itinuloy ko ang announcement hanggang sa matapos ito at patayin ng Captain ang Fasten Seat Belt sign. We assisted passengers who were having a hard time and when Tita Celine walked past me, she just held my hand and gave me a small smile which I tried so hard to give back.

Sakto namang paglabas ni Tita Celine ng eroplano ay lumabas si Caden sa cockpit. Mukhang sinubukan nitong habulin ang ina. "Mom!" he shouted. Hindi ko sigurado kung narinig ba siya ng babae ngunit nang mapansing hindi naman ito bumalik ay inisip kong baka hindi niya talaga napansin ang anak na tinatawag ito.

"Bella," he called. "Did you... see her?"

"Sino?" I raised my eyebrow at him. "Are you talking about Mrs. Gonzales?"

He slowly nodded so I continued speaking. "She walked past me, Captain. You should hurry and meet up with her inside the airline. She's probably waiting for you."

Hindi ko na hinintay ang sagot nito dahil umalis na ako sa harapan niya. I went to the crew rest compartments to gather my things. After making sure everything has been checked and done, I stepped out of the aircraft.

Mag-isa akong naglakad papalabas ng eroplano dahil wala rito ang mga kaibigan ko ngayon. Mamaya pa ang balik ng tatlo galing sa flight nila mula sa Davao kaya wala muna akong kasama sa trabaho.

I left my stuff on the lockers provided for employees of the airline before walking around to buy something to eat. Pumunta lang ako sa Starbucks para makabili ng kape at kahit anong tinapay dahil bigla akong nagutom pagkatapos ng trabaho. Uuwi na ako pagkatapos kong kumain ngunit dahil mayroon pa akong dalawang byahe sa mga susunod na araw ay paniguradong hindi nanaman kompleto ang pahinga ko.

"One venti iced caramel macchiato, please," I told the person at the counter.

They told me to wait for a while at the side so I could receive my order. Isang cinnamon roll at coffee lang naman iyon kaya hindi rin natagalan. Natuwa pa nga ako nang mayroong tumayo mula sa table nila at umalis dahil naka-upo ako kaagad dahil roon.

I scrolled through my phone while sipping on my drink but as I was about to ask for a take-out, someone called my name desperately. "Bella! Hija!"

Napapikit ako nang mapagtantong boses iyon ni Tita Celine. Hindi ko talaga siya kayang harapin! Pumunta na nga ako rito para maiwasan siya pero nagtagpo pa rin ang landas namin. Malas talaga, e.