Above the Sea of Fog (Provincia de Marina Series #3)

Kabanata 32

Kabanata 32

Above the Sea of Fog

Linda was waiting for us in the front door when we arrived. She was wrapped in a thick jacket and a scarf on her neck as if the coldness was trying to seep into her skin. Saab was still sleeping as Wyatt carried her inside. Linda insisted on carrying her but he declined.

Napangiti naman ako. Linda looked already tired from all the preparations. Hindi naman kasi ako makatanggi sa trabaho dahil required pa rin naman kaming pumasok sa teatro kahit Christmas Eve. We were only given Holiday leave and a few weeks of vacation every six months. The rest of those days we're already preoccupied with workshops and trainings, especially when we do not apply for roles in a show.

The whole house was beaming with bright yellow lights. The fireplace was already lit and there were decorations on the wall. Hindi kami madalas na nag-aayos tuwing Pasko dahil sa labas naman kami kumakain. In fact, this was the first time that we will be eating at home with homemade food. Nag-effort talaga si Linda na magluto at maglinis ng bahay. Even the gifts were already arranged under the Christmas tree.

"Mama..." Saab uttered in her sleep. Nilingon ko ang anak na kinukusot na ang mga mata habang karga-karga ni Wyatt. Tumingin din si Wyatt sa akin.

"Mama..." ulit ni Saab sa pagtawag kaya lumapit na ako. She was already awake yet she's still hugging Wyatt's neck. Napatingin sa akin si Saab at ngumiti.

"Mama is so pretty!" aniya at gising na gising na. She asked Wyatt to put her down and the latter obliged. Tumakbo papunta sa akin si Saab at niyakap ang aking binti.

I ruffled her hair as she hugged me tightly. Bumaba ako para maharap siya. "Did you enjoy the musical?"

"I did! You were so pretty, Mama! And Auntie Jacinta, too."

"You look so pretty in this coat too, Saab."

"You're not mad, Mama? Because I went out with Mr. Wyatt," she pouted with eyes almost tearing up. Umiling naman ako at marahang hinaplos ang kaniyang lumulobong pisngi.

"I'm not mad, Saab. I'm happy that you enjoyed."

Pumalakpak siya at nasiyahan sa narinig. Ilang segundo lang ay nagtatatakbo na siya sa buong living room at mukhang aliw na aliw sa Christmas lights na parang alitaptap kung umilaw.

"Gutom ka na ba?" tanong ko kay Wyatt nang lapitan ko siya. He was looking around our house as if looking for some flaws.

Hindi naman ito akin, technically. Binili ko lang din naman ito at ang pinili ko ay 'yong sapat lang sa amin ni Saab. The house had three rooms. Ang isa ay para kay Linda, ang isa ay sa amin ni Saab at ang isa naman ay ginawa kong rehearsal room. May piano organ ako roon at iilang musical instrument na nakadisplay. Malaki rin naman itong bahay kung tutuusin. A lot of London houses were built like apartments in the neighborhood but once you enter, it feels like home.

In fact, napili ko itong bahay dahil komportable si Saab. When she was a baby, she didn't like the houses that we've been into. Laging umiiyak siya sa tuwing pumapasok kami sa mga bahay na gusto ko sanang piliin para sa amin. Since I don't have much budget for a shelter, I always choose the cheap ones. Nang makapag-ipon-ipon dahil na rin sa mga kinukuhang shows, nakapili ako nang mas maganda at mas komportable.

Saab liked the view of the street and even the mini garden in front of our home. She liked the park which was a few walks from here, she liked the neighborhood and is even fond of the puppies that our neighbors own. Ayaw ko lang na mag-adopt kami ng isa pang aalagaan at baka mapabayaan lang din. I suddenly remembered Isla, my dog in Marina, which died a year ago. Hindi matanggap ng mga kapatid ko iyon lalo pa at sila ang nag-alaga. Isla was so precious for them that they were crying when they informed me. Hindi napatingnan agad sa doktor kaya namatay rin kalaunan.