Having You

Kabanata 1

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Walking on the shore with my barefoot, I slowly smile as the cold wind approach my skin. I can't help but to reminisce my childhood days. An image of a happy family, a mother calling for her husband and child appeared like it was just yesterday. The little girl was so happy as her father teach her how to swim. Suddenly, a tear escape my eyes from the memories of the past.

It's been 6 years since I last visited this town. It is where my family lived peacefully before that incident happen. I can't forget that since it caused a huge damage to my parents.

Leera calling...

" Yes Lee?" bungad ko kaagad pagkasagot ko sa tawag ng kaibigan.

" Where are you? I've been trying to contact you an hour ago and your line is busy. So where the hell are you lady?" sunod-sunod na buwelta sa'kin ng kaibigan. Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ba ako o maiinis sa biglaan niyang pagsigaw sa kabilang linya.

"Relax Lee. I'm only at my old town. Visiting my parents." paliwanag ko dito.

" You can't expect me to relax babe. We only arrive here in the Philippines 3 hours ago. I only take a nap for Godsake and I wakeup without you informing me were you're going. Do you really want me be killed by your Tito Steve?" pang sisinghal niya sa akin. This time natatawa na talaga ako.

" Listen, I know Tito Steve give you a task to look after me but can you please come down? I don't wanna wake you up because I know you're tired and I have no plans to stay here until night. I'll be back before the sun sets down." sabi ko sa kaibigang maghurumintado na sa pag-aalala.

"Alright make sure you're here at 5pm if you don't want to be back in Singapore tomorrow." pagbabanta niya sa akin. After that I ended the call.

I'm back after years of hiding. I'm back to face my fear and take back my freedom.

After reminiscing, I visited my parent's grave and give them flowers. I didn't visit them for years because I'm afraid to come back and remember how devastated and tragic that day was.

As I clean the dried leaves from the tomb, my tears immediately falls. It hurts until now. It was supposed to be a normal day for us but I think life is really harsh sometimes.

"Hi Mom,Dad.." panimula ko pero hindi ko na mapigilan ang pagbuhos ng emosyon ko.

"Sorry it takes so long before I got a chance to visit you. After what happened, I lived years full of darkness. Tito Steve gave me a psychiatrist to help me recover from the trauma I've got. At first, they said that I never talk nor eat. I only cry and cry until I fall asleep but with the help of Tito, I recovered from the darkness covering for years. And here I am Mom,Dad. I wish I could take back the time and be a better daughter to you. But from now on, I promise I will find justice for you two." halos hindi ko na maramdaman ang sarili dahil sa panghihina. Isang malamig na hangin ang dumampi sa balat ko na mas lalo kong ikinaiyak.

" I love you Mom and Dad." I'll visit you more often from now on.

After a long deep silence, I've decided to come back in Manila. Hindi ko namalayan ang oras kaya malapit nang mag 5pm. Sigurado akong maghurumintado nanaman yun si Lee dahil pagtingin ko sa phone ay nakakailang tawag na pala siya sakin. Naka vibrate lang kasi ito.

I arrive in our condo almost 6pm. At isang kinakabahang kaibigan ang naabutan ko dahil tumawag si Tito Steve kanina para icheck kami.
Buti nalang at nalusutan ni Leera.

"And why are you late Ms. Allysah Merion Fonasier?" usisa kaagad ng kaibigan. Ganyan siya kapag galit buong pangalan ko ang nasasambit.

"Eww..Stop saying my fullname. It creeps me out. Sorry I forgot to check my phone. First time ko kasi bumisita sa mga magulang ko after how many years. I got preoccupied by my mixed emotions." Paliwanag ko sa kaniya.