Author's note: This episode is a throwback to an event that happened in July last year when Ms. Irene met a few of her admirers, or should we call them fans. It's also a throwback sixteen years ago to the time when Yara was conceived.
~~
Every month, a Katutubo pop-up store graced the Bench Tower. As a fervent supporter of local artists and their creations, Irene made it a point to visit and buy items from them, so she always goes there to purchase their creations instead of fancy brands.
Inviting her daughter-in-law, Xandra, to join them was a thoughtful touch, especially since Yara was still in school and would catch up later. However, as Irene made her way, she found herself unable to reach either her daughter or her security.
Frustration tugged at Irene as she tried to connect with Yara. As her worry grew, she tried calling again, but it didn't work. Just then, Xandra called.
Xandra: Mom, are you there? I'll be a bit late. Thali is having trouble falling asleep.
Irene: Almost there. Let Thali sleep. I'll just wait upstairs. I still can't reach Yara.
Xandra: We talked earlier, Mom. She might be busy with her thesis.
Irene: Ah, I understand. I'll try calling her again later. I'm here now.
Irene wandered through the Katutubo pop-up store, admiring the intricate local designs. Her attempts to contact Yara were in vain, leaving her a touch uneasy.
Xandra's arrival was a welcome sight. They both shopped in, unbeknownst to Irene, some teenagers were eyeing her arrival, hoping to catch a glimpse of her in person.
After almost thirty minutes of waiting, Yara finally showed up, looking visibly tired and worn out from school. Irene couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and concern.
Irene: *brightening up* Hey, little girl. *hugs and kisses Yara* I was trying to reach you. What happened?
Irene's voice was laced with concern. Yara hugged her back and they had a small conversation. Irene knew that her daughter was worn out and a bit distant.
Irene: *holding her hands* What's wrong, my love?
Yara: *tired* I got caught up in some last-minute revisions for my thesis and lost track of time. But you kept calling me, Mom and my teacher reprimanded me for my phone.
Irene: *feeling guilty* Oh no, honey, I'm so sorry. I was just so worried that you weren't answering.
Yara: But mommy, you know I'm at school and we're not allowed to use phones. It's still school hours, Mom.
Irene: *hugs Yara and holds her hand* Mom is so sorry, sweetheart. It's never going to happen again.
Yara nodded. They walked side by side, hugging each other. Yara felt a bit better being with her mom. They went to Xandra and exchanged sweet smiles.
As the Aranetas were shopping, some teenagers were discreetly following them and taking videos or pictures of them.
"Ang sweet naman ni Ms Irene sa anak niya"
"She even talked to her on the side and hugged her, wish we could all do that, right?"
"Ang gaganda nila!"
"I wonder what it's like to have Ms. Irene as your mother."
Irene: Little girl, something you want to buy to add to your look for the SONA?
Yara: Can I borrow your accessories, nalang mom? Instead of buying new ones?
Irene: Of course, honey! Just look in my jewelry box if you find something.
Yara: But can I also look for a skirt, I would like to try on those tops over there *pointing*
Irene: Sure, my love. Just try them on and get what you like. Use my card
Yara: It's fine mom, Dad just called me, he said my card is activated na
Xandra: Nina mentioned she'll send you her latest collections so you can be the first to have them.
Yara: Really? That's great, Ach. Can you come with me?
While Yara and Xandra were shopping, they also noticed that a few people were waiting for Irene, perhaps trying to find an opportunity to go to her. However, with Irene's brisk pace, walking quickly at a fast speed, and moving swiftly while shopping, they felt shy about approaching her.
"Little girl pala tawag ni Ms. Irene kay Yara"
"Actually madami siyang endearments!"
"Ang cute nga eh!"
"Feel ko dad niya kausap kanina sa elevator!"
"Oo! Tawag sa kanya ni Sir Greg, Yara bear!"
"Nagkasabay kami! Sobrang bango!"
Yara: Ach, have you noticed something peculiar?
Xandra: A couple of girls, tailing mom?
Yara: Yes, even taking pictures and videos? It strikes me as quite unusual, though.
Xandra: Does it make you feel uneasy, sweetheart?
Yara: It does, but what can we do? Perhaps they've noticed that Mom always comes here whenever Katutubo graces this place, and they know she'll be here, so they come too.
Xandra: I suppose so. My friends have mentioned that she's gained some fans, from TikTok.
Yara: Oh, yes, Ach. There are quite a lot of them. We might run into some of them today.
"Pano kaya natin malalapitan si Ms Irene"
"Andami dami pala nilang security"
"Inggit na inggit ako sa anak niya, sobrang sweet niya!"
"Kamukha talaga ng daughter niya silang mag asawa"
"Sobrang ganda din ng anak niya talaga"
"Mukhang mahiyain din si Yara, si Ms Irene lang madaldal"
The Aranetas bump into Bernice, Irene's cousin, so they catch up quickly and invite them to visit Ilocos again when they are not busy.
Bernice: Yara, kaano manen a mapankayo ken ni Mommy Irene idiay Ilocos?
Yara when are you and you're Mommy Irene will visit Ilocos again?
Yara: Mommy said we can go by next year, Auntie Bernice
Bernice: Yara, ammo mo a nakakatam iti pagsasao nga Ilocano. Naimbag met ti panagsasao mo!
Yara, you can understand the Ilocano language very well! It is so impressive!
Yara: *slowly* Agyamanak, Auntie Bernice. Kasta met laeng aya a pagturungan.
*slowly* Thank you, Auntie Bernice. I'm just really eager to learn.
Bernice: Napintas, Yar. Keep it up, and soon enough, you'll be speaking like a native.
Yara: Agyamanak, Auntie. That's my goal!
Irene made a proud face as she was proud of her child for knowing how to speak Ilocano because she was the one who taught her. When Yara was trying on clothes, the group of girls who wanted to take a picture with Irene approached her, and they took pictures together.
They all approached one by one and just when Yara was about to go to her mom,
"Mammi oh, mukha mo" *pointed Irene's baby picture*
Irene: "Ayyy, ang kyot! Thank you!"
Yara: *waiting* Mom? *patiently waiting*
Irene: *noticed Yara* Oh hey, little girl, come honey!
Yara slowly walked over to her mom, passing by the group of girls who were talking to Irene
"Remember the crochet dolls, Tita Audrey gave you po? It was from me"
Irene: "Thank you so much! *looking* Yes! I did get it! Thank you!"
"I hope you like it"
Irene: "Oh yes! Audrey gave it to me"
"Hello po"
"Hello po"
Irene: "Thank you! Oh my god! Hello! Welcome! We're glad that you're here!"
"One, two, three, smile"
"Isa pa po"
"Smile naka facemask?"
Irene: *laughed* "Kita yan sa mata, kita yan sa mata"
Irene held her daughter's hand after they took a picture and talked to the group, while Yara patiently waited.
Irene: *kissed Yara's forehead* What is it, my little girl?
Yara: *whispering* Are you done? I can use my card to pay, I got a bunch of stuff.
Irene: No, you can use my card, darling. I will pay for everything at the cashier. In a while, say hi to them!
"Hi, Yara!"
Yara: *shyly* Hello! *waved*
"Pretty girl!"
"Your daughter is so beautiful po"
"Can we take a picture with her po ba?"
Irene knew that her daughter is photo allergic and more private than her, and she really doesn't like having her picture taken, so she quickly answered.
Irene: She's super shy, *whispering* she's too private and reserved! Maybe next time *winked, smile*
Yara: *nodding* Sorry *smiled* Just my mom, but I can take your pictures with mommy if you like pa.
They felt embarrassed about trying to get Yara to take a picture, knowing that she was really shy. Irene and her daughter excused themselves while Irene being a clingy mom to her unica hija hugged and kissed Yara on the cheek, then went to the counter to pay.
"Mammi, bye po!"
"Ganda ganda mo mammi!"
"Please lang, nagseselos ako"
"Ang swerte naman ni Yara kay Mammi"
"Kanina kiniss niya sa forehead, holding hands pa, sana all!"
"Tapos tingnan niyo, habang naglalakad naka yakap"
"Sana maging Yara sa next life"
"Di na to normal nagseselos sa totoong anak ni Mammi"
While they were waiting for Irene to finish, Yara and Xandra talked.
Yara: Achi, did you hear them saying "mammi" to mom? *rolled eyes*
Xandra: I did. And I was right that you would tell me about it *laughing*
Yara: It's kind of weird, them calling her that...
Xandra: *teasing* Are you jealous or?
Yara: Not jealous about it, but I heard the other girl saying that the other girl said she's the little Irene.
Xandra: *laughing* Never mind, sweetheart. You're the only little Irene we know!
Their conversation was cut off because Irene was done. As they were leaving, Joann called out to them for a picture. Only Irene and Xandra took a picture with her, and Yara just stood on the side, not having the energy to socialize.
Irene: *dancing, vibing to the music* "Ay ganun lang"
Yara just laughed when Irene danced and did a little kembot because of the music. It turns out, Irene was trying to be cute for Yara to lighten up her mood.
They said their goodbyes to Xandra, and Irene felt a sudden urge to connect with her daughter. She knew Yara so well, especially after encountering those girls earlier.
Irene: *gently holding Yara's hand* Sweetheart, don't pay them any mind. They're just happy to see us, that's all.
Yara: I guess so, Mom, but it still bothers me when they call you their mom...
Irene: *with a soft smile* I get it, darling. I understand
Irene then took a moment to share something dear to her heart - the story of carrying Yara in her womb. She wanted Yara to know, in the most genuine way, that she is their cherished, one and only daughter.
Irene: You know, little girl, when I was carrying you in my tummy, it was a time filled with both joy and fear. I was so afraid of losing you, anak.
Yara: *listening intently* Really, Mom? *curios* Because of your age? And because you are at high risk?
Irene: Yes, darling. I had to be very careful, and the doctors were concerned about the possibility of a miscarriage like Manang. But every day, I held on to the hope of holding you in my arms.
Yara: I never knew, Mom. That must have been hard for you.
Irene: It was, my love. There were moments when I worried that I might never get to meet you. But you know what? The day you finally came into this world was the most beautiful moment of our lives.
~flashback~
Sixteen years ago, Irene and Greggy stood on the precipice of a life-altering moment. The day was filled with a mix of joy and apprehension as Irene was about to give birth to their long-awaited daughter.
In the hospital room, Irene clutched Greggy's hand tightly. Her eyes shone with a mix of emotions, reflecting the magnitude of the journey they had undertaken.
Irene: Greg, my love, I can feel it. Our girl is almost here.
Greggy: *smiling, his eyes filled with both excitement and concern* We're so close, Irene. You're doing amazing.
The room buzzed with the soft hum of medical equipment, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The medical staff moved with practiced precision, ensuring the best care for Irene and their unborn child. Their doctors had been with Irene and Greggy throughout this challenging pregnancy.
Dra: Irene, Greggy, we're almost there. Remember, we're a team. We'll do everything we can for your daughter.
Irene nodded, a mixture of trust and gratitude filling her eyes. She knew that this was a delicate moment, a culmination of hopes and fears they had carried for months.
As the hours passed, Greggy remained by Irene's side, his thoughts a whirlwind of concern for his wife and their unborn daughter. Irene was in the operating room, surrounded by a team of dedicated medical professionals, the air was charged with urgency as they prepared to bring little Araneta into the world.
As the surgery commenced, tension hung in the room. Suddenly, the monitors began to beep erratically, indicating Irene's soaring blood pressure. The doctors and the team moved swiftly, their faces etched with concern.
Dra: *firmly* We need to stabilize Mrs. Araneta's blood pressure, now!
The anesthesiologist worked diligently to administer the necessary medications, but Irene's condition was not improving. Greggy stood nearby, his face a mask of worry, his heart pounding in his chest.
Greggy: *voice trembling* What's happening? Is my wife going to be okay?
Dra: We're doing everything we can, Mr. Araneta. Please have faith in us.
The room seemed to close in around Greggy. He felt a surge of fear and helplessness, his mind racing with thoughts of Irene and the life they were bringing into the world.
Dra: *determined* We have to get her stable before we can continue. Prepare for an emergency intervention.
Time seemed to stretch and contract as the medical team worked tirelessly to bring Irene's blood pressure under control. Every second felt like an eternity for Greggy, who could only watch, his heart in his throat.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the monitors began to display a more steady rhythm. Irene's blood pressure began to normalize, and a collective sigh of relief washed over the room.
Dra: *exhales* We've stabilized her. Proceed with caution.
The surgery resumed, albeit with heightened focus and attention. Greggy's eyes never left Irene's face, his silent prayers filling the room.
In the final moments of labor, as Irene gave her all, a cry filled the room. Yara had arrived a tiny bundle of life. The room seemed to hold its breath, only to exhale in a collective sigh of relief and joy, a stark contrast to the tense moments that had preceded.
Their doctor gently placed Yara in Irene's arms. The moment was tender, a journey fraught with challenges, and the beginning of a new chapter filled with love.
Irene: *teary-eyed, looking at Yara weakly* She's beautiful, Greggy.
Greggy: *overwhelmed with emotion* Our miracle, Irene. Our Yara. You did great there, honey. I love you *kissed Irene*
As the nurses cleaned and swaddled Yara, the Doctor turned to Greggy, a mixture of exhaustion and triumph in their eyes.
Dra: Mr. Araneta, your wife has shown incredible strength today. She's a fighter, and so is your daughter. Congratulations!
Greggy's eyes glistened with tears, his voice choked with emotion.
Greggy: Thank you, Dra. Thank you for bringing them both back to me.
As they gazed at their daughter, their hearts swelled with a love that transcended any hardship they had faced. Yara was not just their child; she was their life.
As they cradled Yara, Irene and Greggy's hearts overflowed with a love so boundless, it felt as if she had been etched in their souls long before her first breath, a testament to the extraordinary depths of a parent's love.
~~
Yara: Mom. I never knew all of that. It's kind of amazing and a bit shocking to think about how much you went through just to bring me into the world.
Irene: *smiling warmly* Yes, it was quite a journey, my love. But every moment was worth it to have you in our lives.
Yara: *hugging Irene tightly* Mom, you're incredible. I'm so lucky to have you and Dad. I can't believe Dad was so strong for you. And you, Mom, you're even stronger.
Irene: Your dad was my rock, just like you are for us now, Yara. The feeling is mutual, sweetheart. Your dad and I love you more than words can express.
Yara: *teary-eyed* I love you both so much.
Irene: *holding Yara close* We're so grateful for you, my little girl. You're our greatest blessing.
Irene made sure to let her daughter Yara know that there's no point in getting worked up about people they don't even know being jealous of a calling that holds no meaning to them at all.
Irene: Now, sweet girl. About those fans calling me "mommy," it's nothing. Maybe they see the special bond we share and that they admire the love we have for each other.
Yara: *nods* I guess I never really thought about it that way, mama. I get that, Mom. But sometimes, it does make me feel a bit... you know, jealous. But yes, you have a point there.
Irene: It's natural to feel protective, my baby. I want you to know, deep in my heart, you're the only little girl I've known and loved this way. I cherish you with all my heart. You always hold a place in my life that no one else can ever fill.
Yara: *reassured* I won't be affected anymore, Mom. I know you love me more than anyone else.
Irene: That's my girl. *smiles warmly* You bring so much light and joy into my world, my not so little Irene. I couldn't imagine it without you or anyone else.
Yara: I always cherish our these moments, Mama. And I am grateful for it
Irene: And I promise to always be here for you, no matter what. You have me, my darling. Always.
Yara: *teary-eyed, touched* Mom...
Irene: *wiping Yara's tears* I mean it, anak. Nothing and no one can change that.
Irene, in her own special way, reminded her daughter that she feels love all the time. They talked things out to process their emotions and not to merely validate them.
They returned home with hearts full of gratitude and smiles, knowing that no amount of love could ever alter the deep connection they shared as mag-ina in every possible way.
~end~