I breathed in and out while walking. I'm sure Radicus won't let me go to Mela's room but I just want to make sure kung okay lang ito.
Lumabas ako ng elevator patungo sa kwarto ni Mela. The whole time I was playing with my fingers because I'm tensed.
Nang makarating ako sa tapat ng pinto nito ay wala akong nakitang kahit sino sa labas. They might be inside and I know I couldn't just barge in like nothing happened last night. I'm really not comfortable doing this kaya instead of knocking to get inside, I stumbled my feet turning around, already decided to see Mela next time. Maybe this isn't the right time.
I was about to walk away when the door opened. Natigilan ako. Huminga ako ng malalim bago lumingon, it was dad who came out from the door. Mukhang nagulat ito nang makita ako.
"Maya? Why are you here? Maayos na ba ang lagay mo? How are you?" Sunud-sunod na tanong nito.
I run out of words to say. Mas nabother ako sa itsura ni dad. He's different than the last time I saw him. He seems really stressed. Maputla ito at halatang wala pang matinong tulog. Nakaramdam ako ng awa. I know, what he's feeling. Alam kong lubos ang pag-aalala niya para kay Mela.
"I-I'm okay dad. I-I'm here to know Mela's condition..." I said.
I saw his hesitation on answering me. Mas lalo itong nakabother sa akin. Bahagya itong napalingon sa pinto ng kwarto ni Mela. I can hear my heart beating so fast.
My father is standing tall infront of me. This is probably the first time I saw him this vulnerable. He's the man I looked up to for several years. Ngayon, parang hindi siya ang dating amang kausap ko. That guy who used to ignore my whimps, calls and arguments. I can see a father figure right now. A father who loves his child. I envy Mela for having this kind of attention from him but I never got the chance to tell anyone of this feeling. Everyone thought...I'm fine.
"How are you anak?" Dad answered instead. So much of my eager to know Mela's condition, I was shocked to hear that he's asking my condition probably the second time just within an hour.
"I'm ok. I mean..I'm good, I'm alright."I answered. Damn! This is awkward.
Dad smiled at me. I sighed.
"I'm..I am so sorry dad. " I started. Hindi ko alam kung alin sa mga recently na nagawa ko ang hinihingan ko ng tawad. Was it the petition? Was it for being stubborn? for not listening?
"I understand where you've been through anak. I should be the one telling you that. Pasensya na kung hindi ako nakadalaw sayo dahil..Mela's in a bad condition right now."
"What happened?" I asked.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I gasped the moment I heard Tita Olivia's voice. I am pretty sure she finds it unpleasant to see me here. Base na rin sa iritadong tono nito.
"Ti..ta" I managed to say. I faced her and now I can see her eyes fuming mad at me.
"Olivia. Please, let Maya go." Dad said.
"Ang kapal ng mukha mong magpakita dito." Tita started.
"I-I'm sorry..Gusto ko lang pong malaman kung anong kalagayan ni Mela." I answered.
Tita balled her fist. Namamaga ang mga mata nito dahil siguro sa pag-iyak.There are still traces of tears on her face and her eyes are now teary again. Maybe it's really right not to be here.
"You want to know? You really want to know Armaya?" She said with here gritted teeth.Naramdaman ko nalang ang kamay nito sa braso ko at pilit akong pinapapasok sa loob ng kwarto ni Mela.
