The Protector

Chapter 2 - Isabel

I am waiting patiently for my friends who promised to be on time. Sadly, they are nowhere in sight.

"Drawing na yata." inip na sabi ko.

I went to the dining room to check if all the preparation there is done.

It's Mom and Dad's idea, this supposed dinner for me and my friends as I have been away too long.

Aside from missing my presence and the company of my friends, I think my parents missed making things like hosting and entertaining people. May mga instances kasi na they want to show off.

Minsan tuloy hindi ko maiwasang isipin na they're doing this for themselves and not for me.

But what can I do?

They are my parents after all.

"I'm glad that you're back anak. I may not say it often but I am really really happy to see you again. I love you." Dad said as he sat beside me.

"Thanks Dad. I love you too and Mom. Thank you for always there for me. For supporting me even if I fail you all the time." I replied as I looked at him.

"Hey, you were never a failure. You did what you can but it's just not for you. With or without that belt. You will always be my champ." sabi niya sabay akbay sa akin.

Napangiti ako. Sumandal ako sa bisig niya at yumakap. Hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa akin. Masarap pa ring maging baby sa Dad ko. Mom saw us in that position so she immediately approached us.

"What did I miss? Can I join you guys?" she asked.

"Come here, Mama. Let's give our daughter a proper welcome hug." Dad answered.

We all hugged each other. It felt good to have them again in my arms. Ang tagal ko din kasing nawala.

Nagtago yata Isabel.

Nawala. Umalis. Nagtago.

They're all the same.

"O don't be so emotional na Papa kasi masisira ang mood kung iiyak ka." sabi ni Mom as I saw Dad taking his glasses off to wipe some tears.

Huh, never kong nakita si Dad na ganyan.

"I just can't help it Mama. Tears of joy as Isabel is now here with us. You're correct though, let's not get emotional. We are here to celebrate her homecoming." he said.

"Exactly. Now let's go to the lounge and wait for them. Shall we, Isabel?" Mom asked.

"Bea na lang kasi. Huwag ng Isabel." nakalabing angal ko na parang bata.

"You will always be Isabel to us, anak. Don't worry, kami lang naman ng Mom mo ang tumatawag sayo nyan. Nobody will know." Dad replied.

"If you say so." I said as we all walked out from the dining room and settled in the sala.

While sitting, I can't help but remember all the things that happened two years ago.

Me, on top of the world.

Well, in kickboxing world.

I was the number one kickboxer under the women's category in the country.

Was.

I had the perfect life. Career wise and personal life. However, in just a snap, it was all gone.

Then her face suddenly surfaced.

I blinked and tried to block her image from my mind. I started moving my legs in an unsteady pace.