The Ravages of Time

Kabanata 25

Kabanata 25

Exposed

"Uuwi ka na, Ate Sonnet?"

I smiled and slowly nodded at Lei. She then pouted her lips.

"This is not the last time we will meet. When you return to Manila, we will play again, ha?" I asserted. She nodded, gleefully.

"Sinong susundo sa 'yo, 'nak?" tanong ni Manang Nora.

"Si Reighn po, 'yong kaibigan ko," sagot ko.

I glanced at my wristwatch, it's already one in the afternoon. I texted Reighn earlier in the morning and I'm sure she's on her way here.

"Mabuti naman kung gano'n. Mag-iingat ka ro'n, ah?" I nodded, cheerfully.

Manang Nora is the ideal mother for me. She is the epitome of a loving mother. A mother who is ready to sacrifice and lose everything on her just to provide for her children. She may not be able to provide everything for her children, but she always tries.

My mom was the opposite of her.

My mom can provide everything in the world for me and my brother, but care is what she can't offer.

My phone rang, symbolizing someone texted me.

the bad bitch: I'm here outside.

"Naroon na raw po ang kaibigan ko, Manang Nora. Thank you for letting me stay here. Thank you for giving me a genuine welcome and care my mom couldn't give me. I'll wait for you in Manila," I thanked.

I can see my face now with a teary-eyed eye.

"Hindi ko masyadong maintindihan."

Napakunot ang noo ko sa sagot ni Manang Nora. "Ang ano, Manang?"

"Ang sinasabi mo, ingles kasi. Tagalugin mo," Manang Nora answered and chortled a little.

I chuckled. "Sorry, my bad. So, Salamat po dahil tinanggap niyo ako ng buong-buo rito sa tahanan niyo. Na-appreciate ko po talaga! Salamat, Nay—Can I call you Nanay Nora too? Just like what Ori call you?" I asked.

She nodded with a smile. "Oo naman, maliit na bagay, 'nak," sagot niya.

"Oh, my g, I'm so kilig! Baka mainip si Reighn do'n, una na po ako." I was about to carry my backpack, but Tariq refused. Instead, he carried it.

"Ihahatid ko na siya sa labas, Nay," pagpapaalam ni Tariq.

"Sige, mag-ingat ka 'nak, ah? Nawa'y gabayan ka ng Panginoon." I smiled as we walked outside. I waved my hands to them.

"Bye, see you soon!" huling sinabi ko kina Nay Nora at Lei.

Sabay kaming naglakad ni Tariq palabas habang nakasukbit sa likuran niya ang Hawk backpack ko. I smiled a mile wide when I remembered what happened last night.

"You promised that you would bend on repairing the ravages of time on me..." I paused. "You will fulfill your promise, right?"

The chirping of cricket pervades the entire circle. Six seconds passed before he answered.

"Oo naman, pangako ko sa'yo 'yon," he promised.

My cheeks burned and I bit my lower lip preventing my lips from smiling.

"If you'll break your promise, susuntukin kita," I threatened. He laughed and that influenced me too.

I just want him to be threatened. Dapat lang na matakot siya. Hindi niya pa alam kung gaano kalakas ang suntok ng isang Sonnet Ida Vinco.