Going the Distance (Book #1 of Distance series)

6: Wishful Thinking

"If something is true, no amount of wishful thinking will change it."
-Richard Dawkins-

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"Hesitate"
by Steve Moakler

♪ Cause I'm fearful of heights
and you take me higher
What came with you was a view to admire
I've always been the kind to contemplate
But you like the kind that don't hesitate
So excuse me while I fall for you ♫

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"The kids requested for these." Ngiti ang salubong sa akin ng kapatid kong si Marcia nang makasalubong ko siya sa kusina. Bitbit niya ang isang tray ng mga ice cream tub, mga tasa at chocolate wafer sticks.

"Sa'n ka papunta, Ate?" tanong niya sa akin nang mapansin niyang pinaglalaruan at iniitsa-itsa ko ang susi ng aking kotse."

"Wala naman," sagot ko. Hindi ko mapigilan ang mga ngiting kusang lumalabas sa mukha ko. May kakaibang sabik kasi akong nadarama.

"Eh ano iyang ngisi na iyan? There's something in you. May kakaiba, Ate," sabi niyang nakataas ang kilay. May gimik ba kayo ngayong gabi at sasama ka na this time?" kindat pa niya sa akin.

"Nope. Truth is, kakauwi ko lang from a coffee date with Jane. Kakagaling ko lang sa allergic rhinitis, 'di ba? So I'm all home tonight." Napapakibit-balikat nalang ako at nginisian siya.

I'm all home tonight, at isa lang ang rason noon. Ito ay dahil may isang tao ako na i-mi-meet online.

"I see. Sama ka sa'min sa family room?"

"Sure! I-dress then overnight marinate ko lang 'yong chicken na para sa dinner natin bukas."

Nag-e-enjoy kami sa pagmo-movie with the kids nang tumunog ang mobile phone ko. Nag-install na kasi ako ng app ng Connected. It's the sound I've been excitedly waiting for the rest of the day. Binuksan ko agad ang laptop ko para doon ko i-access. Mas madali kasi mag-type sa keyboard kumpara sa touchscreen ng phone.

Andy: Hi Sophia!

Sophie: Hi Andy!

Andy: How's your day? I know some girl who stayed up late last night, but I hope she was able to join breakfast with her family.

Sophie: Maybe because there's some guy who kept on talking with her.

Sophie: But yeah, I did and our family was complete this morning. My older brother brought along with him his wife and kid. How about your lunch with your folks?

Andy: Great time as always. Nothing beats home-cooked food prepared by your own Mom. Funny thing is, when you still live with your parents, you were so eager to move out. But when you're independent, you miss your old life back home.

Andy: You still live with you parents, right?

Sophie: Yes, with my Dad and my two younger siblings.

Andy: And your Mom?

Sophie: Cancer took her away. Six years ago.