After I took a shower, I opened my phone and saw an unknown number message me.
My brows furrowed.
From: Unknown
I'm home.
A small smile appeared on my lips, and I sighed afterwards.
It's Ashild, no doubt. Sya lang naman ang kasama ko kanina at sinabi nya ring itetext nya ako paguwi nya.
Oh, I almost forgot. I hope Tita likes his gift.
Hindi na ako nakabiling regalo at siguro sa susunod na pagkikita na lang namin ko iaabot sakanya ang late gift ko.
Bago pa mawala sa isip kong replyan sya ay nagtipa na agad ako sa phone.
To: Ashild
That's good to know. Goodnight.
Gusto ko sanang tanungin kung kamusta ang naging dinner nila pero sa susunod na lang baka pagod na rin sya.
"What time did you sleep, Ate? You looked stress." tanong ko sakanya ng pasadahan sya ng tingin.
Mukhang antok na antok pa sya at wala sa sarili.
Hindi na naman ba sya natulog para gumawang plates?
She's working hard. Never ko pa syang nakitang nag-procrastinate.
She sighed.
"There are a lot of deadlines for today, Yari. You should go first. I think I'm having a headache. I'll just rest for a bit." she tiredly said.
My heart ached for her. She's really doing her best to meet our father's expectations.
"Do you want me to accompany you, Ate?" marahan kong tanong sakanya.
Her eyes flickered with happiness.
"Silly. You have class. Now go, you will be late. I'm fine, I swear." she nodded, reassuring me.
I pouted.
Lumapit ako agad sakanya at niyakap sya patagilid. Ipinatong ko ang ulo ko sa balikat nya at humingang malalim.
I feel sorry for my sister. She's been hard on herself for the past few weeks. She deserves a rest too.
"I'm worried, Ate. Kumakain ka pa ba on time?" nagaalala kong tanong sakanya.
Marahan nyang hinaplos ang ulo ko.
"Don't worry about me, Yari. Worry about yourself instead, okay? I'm sorry for not being available. I'm always busy. I can't be with you when you feel alone and hurt." she said, and her voice shaken a bit.
Pinikit ko ang mata ko at pinigilan ang sariling maluha.
How could I hate her? She's literally the best woman in the world.
"You're making me cry," I said instead, trying to lighten up the mood.
She chuckled.
"I'm proud of you, Yari. Always remember that," she softly said.
I am more proud of you, Ate.
Nakarating ako kaagad sa university dahil pinilit ako ni Ate na pumasok. Ayaw ko sana pero nagpumilit sya at susunod din daw sya kahit masama ang pakiramdam.
Ate Salisha is also hardheaded. Ang sipag pang magaral! Kaya hindi ko masisisi ang mga nakapila na mapansin ng kapatid.
"Yari!" tawag agad sa'kin ni Ashley ng makapasok ako sa room.
"Good morning, too, Ash!" I teased her.
Natawa naman sya at pagkaupo ko pa lang ay kumapit na sya agad sa'kin. Hay nako.
