Back at Step One (COMPLETED)

27. Dodging Questions

*THEA* 

I didn’t really mind being at the hospital.

Though I think I would’ve appreciated it if after the hospital, I was allowed to go back to school, but with Jake around, I was supposed to be resting. So I was taken back to Ilocos. Sabi ng doktor, I needed rest. A months worth it seems and I didn't get to even protest.

“Onee-chan!” bati sa akin ni Ninay nang dumating kami sa bahay sa Ilocos by Tuesday Morning. “Welcome home!” she says, hugging me.

I smiled at her and then returned the hug. Si DJ din at sila Kuya John, nandun para salubungin ako. Wala daw si Ate Nic at Kuya Max dahil kaaalis lang, si Ate may klase pa habang si Kuya Max kinailangan ng maaga sa trabaho. Sila DJ naman at Ninay, nakabihis na ng uniform nila at naghahanda nang pumunta ng school.

“Hindi pa kayo pumapasok?” tanong ni Jake na kakapasok lang ng front door dala yung bag ko. “Quarter to eight na o.”
Ngumiti lang si Ninay saka inakap din si Jake. “Ayaw umalis ni DJ ng di nakikita si Ate Thea.”
I ruffled DJ’s hair habang inakap niya ako. “You’ll see me in the afternoon, kid.”
“I didn’t want to wait that long.” Sabi ni DJ. “Si Ate Katie is in the dining hall though.”
“Sige na, pasok na.” sabi ni Jake, na nakatayo sa likod ko. “Pagod ang ate ninyo sa byahe. She needs to rest.” 

Tinaasan lang ako ni Ninay ng kilay, and I shrugged before she kisses my cheek and then saka kinuha yung backpack niya. DJ does the same and then saka sila umalis, nagpahatid sa driver. Si Kuya John naman tinulungan si Jake sa mga gamit ko na ipinagbilin nila sa ilang mga maids.

I didn’t really know what happened, but as soon as the doctor said the all clear, umuwi lang kami sandali sa bahay ni Kuya Gab saka naman sumabay na ako kanila Tita Angie pauwi ng Ilocos.

As promised, I stayed the whole weekend sa ospital. And as Jethro had promised, dinala niya yung buong team dun para puntahan ako. Apparently, nag work daw ang plano ko and the try outs list na nilagay ko sa FB was on the roll. Monday thru Friday daw ang try outs na magaganap dahil sa efforts naming lahat.

Nakadalaw naman ang team sa akin sa ospital, skipping the Saturday training, and spending the afternoon with me.

Jake had been a constant presence though, never leaving my side and being attentive at all times and never leaving me by my side. Especially when Kuya Gab had turned up.

Kuya Gab.

I got the worst from him. Pinagalitan niya kaming dalawa ni Jake for being ‘hard headed’ and such. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Kasalanan ko naman talaga diba? Kung ginusto ko talagang maglaro, I should’ve at least made sure I got away with it clean.

I think masama ang loob ni Kuya sa akin ngayon. Well, at least to me and Jake.

“Thea, Anak, how are you?” tanong ni Mama Val habang pababa sila ni Papa ng hagdan. “We’ve been worried sick. We would’ve gone.” Sabi niya.
Ngumiti lang ako saka siya inakap. “I’m fine Ma. Pa.” sabi ko saka naman inakap si Papa. “Kuya Gab and Jake were there.” 
“Wala ka namang nararamdamang iba?” tanong ni Papa.
Umiling ako. “Wala na po.” Sabi ko.
“That’s my girl.” Sabi ni Papa, kissing my head. 

Saka naman nila napansin si Jake.

“Jacob. Hijo. I can’t thank you enough.” Sabi ni Mama, giving him a hug. “You’ve been too sweet enough to take care of Thea.”