Chasing That Holy Feeling

Chapter 1: Not Mine

Hawak ko ang aking telepono habang kinukuhanan ng litrato ang magandang tanawin ng Puerto Galera. Napagpasyahan nina Mommy na bisitahin sina Tita Leesi at Tito Ivo dito dahil matagal na daw nang huli namin silang makita at bakasyon naman daw kaya maigi na mamalagi kami dito ng ilang araw.

Mapayapa ang dagat at tanging mumunting huni ng ibon ang narinig ko habang nakaupo sa malalaking rock formation malapit sa may dagat kung saan tanaw ko ang lahat. Napangiti ako nang mapansin si Daddy kasama ang mga kapatid ko na nagtatayo ng sand castle. My Dad is in his late 30's now and time flies so fast. I can say that we really deserve this happy family after all the hardships we've been through. After all that hatred and complications my parents faced, I think they are more than deserving of this.

Kinuha ko ang aking camera at palihim na kinunan ng litrato ang aking mga kapatid na hindi na nasundan. I remember when I was a kid, my Dad always used to tell mom that they'll make a basketball team and a cheerleading squad but I guess that's all an exaggeration. I never asked mom when they are going to have another baby. I was curious but I didn't dare ask because I'm in my teenage years now and weirdly, asking questions frequently feels a little awkward now.

While I was enjoying my time staring at my Dad and siblings, my phone rang displaying the company representative of the publishing house who got my book. I quickly answered it and greeted him a good morning.

"Hi Leighton! Are you in Manila on Wednesday?" panimula niya na ikinakunot ng noo ko bago ako nag ayos ng upo sa batong inuupuan ko.

"No sir. My family and I are in Puerto Galera right now until next week. Why'd you ask po?"

"I see... kasi the management plans on having a book signing event for your fans on Wednesday. We were thinking na you still have two days to prepare pa naman."

"Sir Rigor, you know I don't want people to know my real name and see my face. I prefer to be a low key author than to be a famous one. I'm not into book signings, you all know that."

"Yes Leighton that's why we are thinking na mag set-up lang ng table then one by one ang punta sayo. You'll wear a cap or something just to cover your face?"

Agad akong umiling sa ideya dahil sobrang absurd non at sa tingin ko'y maglolokohan lang kami ng mga taong nagbabasa ng libro ko. "I don't like the idea sir Rigor. Ganito na lang, pupunta ako sa event pero what I want you guys to do is to get the books they have and I'll sign it in the office. I don't want to keep their hopes high to see my face because that will never happen."

"Leighton, bakit kasi ayaw mong magpakilala? You're a great author!" Sir Rigor said his words full of encouragement but I declined.

"They know less, they'll talk less; less information, less gossips. I just don't want my quiet life to be swarmed by fans or people I don't know. Sapat na 'yong nabasa nila ang libro ko at may natutunan sila. I'm happy and satisfied just by that thought." I smiled and shook my head.

"If you say so... so you'll come this Wednesday?" tanong ni sir Rigor.

"I'll ask mom first. I need their approval before anything else."

"Okay Leighton. Tell us as soon as possible so we can start preparing for the event." Sambit niya na sinangayunan ko bago ko ibinaba ang tawag.

Tinignan ko ang lugar kung saan naglalaro ang mga kapatid ko kanina ng buhangin pero wala na sila. Matayog na ang kastilo na binuo nila at sayang lang at hindi ko pa sila nakuhanan ng ibang mga litrato.

"Kuya Leighton!" tili ng isang babae sa likod ko at nang lingunin ko 'yon ay nakita ko si Leana na naakyat ng batuhan na agad ikinalaki ng mata ko. Si Leana ang pinakalampa sa tatlong magkakapatid at baka kung mapano pa siya kung patuloy siyang aakyat.