We're Only Getting Older (Change Series #1)

Chapter 22

"Are you sure about that?"

Napatingin ako kay Mommy. There's something in me that wants to stay in our house, but a big part of me is telling that I should take care of Steve. He's even barely eating for goodness sake. Bumuntong hininga pa ako nang minsan bago sumagot kay Mommy.

"Yes, Mom."

"Dadalaw ka pa rin naman dito, 'di ba?" Ate asked me while tears are falling from her eyes. Tumayo ako para yakapin siya.

"Ate, don't be like that. Mahihirapan akong umalis kapag ganiyan ka." yakap-yakap ko siya sa likod niya, nakaupo pa rin siya.

"Mamimiss kita kahit na hindi rin naman tayo madalas magkita rito." she's caressing my arms.

"Dadalaw pa rin ako rito, Ate. I promise."

We didn't thoroughly discussed the topic. Mom and Dad just agreed. Hindi rin naman kasi kami nagkikita sa bahay. Si Ate lang talaga ang maaapektuhan.

"Anak, always remember, mahal na mahal ka ni Mommy." Mom hugged me. Paalis na ako ng bahay namin at papasok sa school. "I will do everything for you and your ate." her voice broke which was weird.

"I love you too, Mom." I hugged her back.

After class, kahit sobrang pagod ay dumiretso ako sa office ni Steve. Hindi ko alam kung makikita ko ba roon 'yung parents niya pero kailangan ko na siyang makausap.

Because I am so lucky, nakasalubong ko nga!

"Good morning po." yumuko ako at binati ang mama niya, kita ko 'yung pag-irap niya sa akin at nilampasan ako. What's new? Lagi namang ganito kapag pinupuntahan ko si Steve dito. I sighed deeply and went to Steve's office instead.

I knocked on the door kahit na transparent 'yon. "Love?" he's sitting on his swivel chair while typing something on his laptop. One more knock bago niya ako mapansin.

"Love, what are you doing here?" he stood up and went to me. Pinaupo niya ako sa couch ng office niya. "Why are you here? May lakad ba tayo?" inilagay niya 'yung kamay niya sa baywang ko, sinandal ko naman 'yung sarili ko sa kaniya.

"Wala, wala. I came here to say something important." I replied.

"And that is?"

"Steve," I held his hand that is resting on his lap.

"Hmm?"

"Can I... can I move in to your condo?" nilalaro ko 'yung kamay niya. Bigla siyang napalingon sa akin.

"For real?" his eyes widened.

"I mean, if it's okay with you." I shrugged. I'm a bit shocked when he immediately kissed my lips.

"Of course, syempre!" he said when he let go of my lips.

"I will take care of you, okay." I kissed him again and hugged him after.

The moment that he said yes, nag-ayos na ako ng mga gamit ko. Kumuha ako ng 2 luggages for my clothes. I also brought my shoes with me. It is properly arranged in one of my LV duffle bag.

"Caly?" Ate knocked on my door.

"Come in, Ate." inaayos ko na 'yung mga damit ko.

"Can I help?" I looked at her at nakatingin siya sa mga damit na nakakalat sa kama ko at sa dalawang maleta na nasa gilid.

"Of course, Ate."

Tinulungan niya akong ayusin 'yung mga damit at gamit ko kahit alam kong masakit para sa kaniya 'yon. I love her, but Steve needs me right now.