Sailing Against the Tides (CS #1)

Chapter 21

Livy
"Kayo na lang muna. Uwi na 'ko. Medyo masakit kasi pakiramdam ko," sabi ko sa mga kagrupo ko.

I felt bad since I won't be attending our celebration party. We just finished our thesis and was praised. What's more interesting is that our work was suggested to be published.

"Hatid na lang muna kita," suhestiyon ni Joseph pero umiling ako.

"No. My driver will pick me up. You guys go, time is running," ngumiti ako at nilapit sa dibdib ko ang mga librong hawak ko.

Kim sighed and shook her head. "Sis, ihahatid na lang muna kita sa parking tsaka kami aalis."

Despite of my disagreement, she stayed. We waited at the parking until Kuya Bong came. "Thanks, Kim. Enjoy the celebration."

"Wala nga 'yung leader ng grupo, hmp!" Bumusangot siya. "So we'll schedule another group date para kasali ka. Hindi pwedeng wala ka. Ikaw pa naman nagtawid sa paper natin," she laughed.

Graduating na ako. I'm already in my 4th year first semester. I sighed and checked the time.

3 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, 32 seconds. Then, he'll be back again. "Konting hintay pa," I whispered.

"Kuya Bong, sa bahay po tayo," I instructed our driver who nodded. "Sige po."

When I arrived at home, wala si Mommy sa sala. Dad is nowhere to be see too. 'Yung bagong kasama lang namin sa bahay na si Manang Agnes.

"Manang, si Mommy po nasaan?"

"Nasa taas, hiya. Kanina pa siya roon. Hindi rin  siya kumain ng panghapunan," imporma niya sa akin na ikinatigil ko.

"Bakit daw po? Wala po ba siyang gana? Si Daddy po, wala na naman?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi niya sinabi sa akin, hija. Ilang araw na ring di umuuwi ang Daddy mo eh." The hell, Dad?

"Sige po. I'll just check on my Mom," I politely excused myself before going up the stairs.

I sighed. Nasa pintuan pa lang ako pero natigilan ako nang marinig ang ilang mahinang hikbi. Agad akong pumasok sa loob. Pero napaawang ang labi ko at napatakip ng bibig nang makita si Mommy na umiiyak. Her hair is a mess at nagkalat ang tissue sa sahig.

"Mommy," I rushed to her and wrapped my arms around her into a tight embrace. "W-what.. why are you crying?"

My heart tightened when she hugged me back and tried to stop her sobs. "Anak," she whispered, crying harder. Lalo siyang humagulgol. My heart clenched the the sound and sight of her.

"Wala 'to, anak," she stated in denial. But her own tears gave her away. Nanghihina niyang hinigpitan ang yakap sa akin na tila ba sa akin siya kumukuha ng lakas. I caressed her hair and kissed her head, whispering soft words to her. Anong nangyari?

"I'm here, Mom. I'm just here," pati ako gusto kong maiyak habang rinig ang bawat iyak niya. I never witnessed my Mom crying in pain. When she does, it's always because of joy. But now, the way her voice shakes means otherwise.

"Olivia, my love," she muttered as her voice broke. I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly. Hearing her sobs and witnessing her tears made me feel weak. Maski ako nahihirapan na rin at nasasaktan.  But all I could do was hug her and let her recognize my presence. It hurts to know that all I can do was comfort her. Nanatili ako sa tabi niya, nakayakap sa kanya hanggang sa unti-unti ay tumahan siya.