Memories of Maine

Caretaker

"Hi Tali!"

"Hello po, Tita Meng!"

Tali greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Naparito ka? Wala si Andrew ngayon eh."

"Nasaan po sya?"

"Nasa basketball court sya ng village."

"Ahmmm... Maya ko na lang po kausapin. Yung kambal po?"

"Kalaro si ate nila sa labas."

"Tita, sasamahan ko lang po si Athena dun. Thank you po, Tita!"

Tali left Maine and went to Asenath and Austin's room. The doorbell rang, and yaya Fe came in. She was sweaty and looked like she had ran.

"Ya, ano pong nangyare sayo?"

"Ma'am, dinala po sa hospital si Andrew... Kailangan na po natin syang puntahan!"

"Bantayan nyo ung kambal. Kami na lang susunod."

Maine went upstairs and took her purse and phone. Tali came out and asked where Maine is going.

"Nasa hospital si Andrew, Talitha. Pupun—"

"Tita, sasama po ako."

Maine nodded and ran downstairs. They both hopped inside the car and drove to the hospital.

**********

"Love!"

Alden saw Maine running from his left side. He stood up and hugged her.

"Ano nangyare kay Andrew?"

"He broke a bone. More than one, actually."

"What?! What happend?"

"It's basketball, my Love... I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Just... be careful next time. Is he going to be okay?"

"He is. But, it will take some time. And I'm flying to Canada in two day—-"

"Aalis ka nanaman? Alden, wag ka ng magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Dito ka na lang... kailangan kita dito."

"Pero Love, I have to. Do you want to hire a personal caretaker for Andrew? Para hindi ka naman mahirapan?"

"Tito, ako na lang po magaalaga kay Andrew."

"What? Tali, no. Baka hindi ka payagan ng magulang mo."

"Aalagan ko po si Andrew kahit anong mangyare. Mahal ko po si Andrew kaya gagawin ko po ang lahat para sakanya."

A doctor came out and told them that they can enter the room. When they entered, they saw Andrew laying down in bed with a sling on his arm and a bandage on his feet also on his head.

"Andrew..."

"Mommy, I'm sorry po..."

He was already crying. Maine was also in tears as she wrapped her hands around her son.

"Okay lang, Andrew. Magingat lang next time ah."

"Drew, someone's here to visit you."

Tali appeared and he walked towards Andrew.

"Hi, Andrew."

She was crying aswell. Andrew caressed her face and smiled.

"Hello, Talitha. Anong ginagawa mo dito? Did your parents allow you?"

"No they didn't. They don't know that I'm here."

"Kung di nila alam, umuwi ka na lang Talitha. Mapapagalitan ka lang."

"I'm not leaving. Personal caretaker mo na ko."

"What? I don't need a caretaker. I'm fine, I'm okay."

"Andrew... Iniiwasan mo ba ako?"

"W-what are you talking about?"

"Isang lingo kang di nagparamdam, Andrew. Ako na nga yung nangsususyo, ikaw pa yung maiinis."

"Tali... Wag please..."

"Sorry po, Tito, Tita."

*********

"Anong gusto mo? Eto? Kumakain ka nito?"

Tali asked. It was already 9:00 PM and they were left alone.

"Thank you, Tali. For taking care of me. And for showing me how much you love me."