Always Coming Back (Chasing Dreams Series #2) [COMPLETED | Wattys2020]

Chapter 23

After my training on Wednesday, Ate Symphony and Coach Raven accompanied me to the recording studio. I'm going to record the song and the cameras are all set up because this'll also serve as the music video. The editor will combine the video of my recording and some scenes from Ate Maxine's drama as a sneak peek.

The following days were pretty normal; I trained and was pestered by Sehra's group. I was getting used to it, alright. Madali lang naman silang tratuhin na parang hangin, eh.

The most awaited day came—it's Saturday and Kuya Azure's going to propose to Ate Maxine! Ring the bell because this is going to be something big!

We arrived in the house around 7 a.m. Dapat ay kasama si Seija, pero may kailangan silang aralin na recipe nina Maru at Miah. Sa totoo lang, exempted na sana si Seija dahil siya ang nanalo sa competition nila at ang mga niluto niya ay kabilang na sa menu ng dining hall, pero nahihirapan ang mga kaibigan niya kaya pinili niyang tumulong. They're working as a group now and I don't see anything wrong with that.

"Hi, Kuya!" I kissed Kuya Marcus' cheek.

"Good morning, my beautiful cousin!" he pinched my nose and smiled.

Hinawakan ko iyon dahil medyo nasaktan ako. "Kuya Marc, isusumbong kita kay Mommy!" banta ko.

Hihirit pa sana siya nang may nag-text sa kanya. He looked down at the screen and flashed a smile, then his gaze went up to me again. Napakamot siya sa ulo at sumenyas na pupunta muna sa guest room na tinutulugan niya. 

Hmmm, I smell something!

Sumunod ako sa second floor at nakasalubong sina Kuya Azure at Isla. Pareho silang bagong ligo. Looking at him, I could definitely tell that nothing's gonna ruin his day!

"Good morning, Kuya!" I greeted as I waved my hand.

They stopped in front of me. "Good morning, Harmony! Pwede bang iwan ko muna sa 'yo si Isla? Tulog pa kasi si Maribel, eh. Tito Michael and Tito Eddie wanted to talk to me about my proposal. Pinapapunta nila ako ngayon sa pool area. Okay lang ba?" aniya.

"Sure, Kuya! Good luck!" I said teasingly, but he just gave me a smile full of confidence.

Kinuha ko sa kanya si Isla at kinarga. Kilala na ako ng pamangkin ko kaya hindi na siya nangingilala o umiiyak. Napagod raw siya sa paglalaro at pagkakalat ng mga bagong laruan na ibinigay sa kanya nina Tito Michael at Tita Melanie na binili pa nila sa Germany.

"Aww, Isla! You can't sleep right now! We're going to the airport to witness your Daddy's proposal to Mommy!" sabi ko, pero hikab lang ang isinagot niya sa akin.

Ngumisi ako at hinalikan ang pisngi niya. I love her so much!

"O, nariyan ka pala, Harmony..." Si Manang Minda na kakababa lang galing sa third floor. "Naroon sa kwarto ng Ate mo sina Madame Melody at Madame Melanie."

"Gano'n po ba? Sige, pupunta po kami doon," sagot ko.

Naghintay talaga sa unang baitang si Manang Minda para malaro kahit saglit si Isla.

"Ay, naku! Ang ganda ganda naman ng batang iyan, pero suplada!" tumawa si Manang Minda at ibinaba na ang kamay ng walang pakialam na si Isla.

"Inaantok po kasi, Manang Minda. Papatulugin ko siya 'pag tuyo na ang buhok niya," umakyat na kami ni Isla dahil napansin kong ayaw niya kay Manang Minda.

Sa hallway patungo sa mga kwarto ay nakasalubong rin namin si Trina. 'Tulad ng kanyang ina, hindi niya pinalampas ang pagkakataon na laruin si Isla.

She held Isla's hand. "Hi, Isla! Ang bango mo naman! Love ka ni Ate Trina!"

Isla groaned. "No!!!" she was struggling to free herself from Trina's grip.