I sighed as I was pushing my grocery cart. After this I'll be visiting mom. She texted me earlier to join them for Christmas eve but I don't really want to. I am not in a mood to share this day with her new family. Pakiramdam ko kasi mauulit lang ang nangyari noong nagpasko ako kayla daddy. I might just drop by and greet them and then I'll cook and do my own celebration in my unit.
Dad called as well which I haven't answered. He's inviting me too to have the night with them. I declined. I sent him a voicemail, greeting him Merry Christmas, even told him I love him. That's how it goes for me this day.
"Merry Christmas ma'am," the cashier clerk greeted me.
"Merry Christmas din po." I answered with a grin.
As soon as I get inside my unit, I tiringly sat on the floor. I checked my phone and was quite surprised that I got a message. From Rad.
'Where are you?'
And yes, we did exchange numbers. He used to look for me around the campus kaya hiningi na niya ang number ko.
I was about to tap my reply when an incoming call appeared. It's Troy. Agad ko itong sinagot.
"Atkins! Merry Christmas!" I stood up and started checking on my goceries.
"Merry Christmas Maya, where are you?"
"Dito lang sa unit why?" I heard him sighed.
"I thought you really went to Tatay Meng's province. Bukas pa ang uwi ko, so I won't be able to celebrate with them this night. How 'bout you?"
"Dito nga lang. Kulit." I said while arranging some canned goods. Bigla itong natahimik.
"Troy, you did not call me just to ask me to go right? Alam mong hindi ako pupunta. I've had enough. "
"Right. Sabi ko nga. Just wanna try my luck. Guess I'm not that lucky..so I assume na kay Tita Maria ka magsecelebrate?"
"Yes." I lied. Alam kong kabang sinabi ko ang totoo ay lalo lang ako nitong pilitin na pumunta kayla dad and worse baka tawagan pa niya si dad.
"That's good. By the way, I might visit you tomorrow. I'll get my guitar too. Nandyan pa hindi ba?" He asked.
Napaisip ako bigla. Well the last time Troy was here I felt awkward. Dahil siguro sa mga inaassume ni Prim. I should remind myself to set away such incest ideas. Alam kong kapatid lang ang tingin sa akin ni Troy. Right.
"Sige. Ikaw bahala."
"Okay. Bye. Merry Christmas again." He said.
"Merry Christmas." I answered.
I blew air all of a sudden. Pabalik na sana ako sa ginagawa ko nang marinig kong may nagdodoorbell. Bahagya pa akong napaatras nang makitang si Radicus na nakadark jeans at dark blue hooded longsleeves ang prenteng nakatayo sa labas.
"Hi!" I greeted.
"Hindi ka nagreply." He said. Pinaawang ko ang pinto para papasukin siya. I can see that he was hesitant at first but then he came in.
"I forgot. I got a call before I was able to press a key." I said.
"Sinong tumawag?"
"My brother." I answered. Lumingon siya sa mga groceries sa ibabaw ng mesa.
"Lumabas ka?" Kunot-noong tanong nito. I raised my hands to massage his knotted forehead. I just felt doing it.
"Yup! Naggrocery ako. I am planning to cook lat--I mean para bukas. And I bought some stocks." I said as I put down my hands.
