Mary Grace

Thirteen

Thirteen

"Nervous?" Harry asked for the nth time.

I slapped my hands on my thighs. "Oh, no. Just agitated and my heartbeat won't slow down and there are like, thousand thoughts running inside of my head, but other than that, I'm doing great." I answered sarcastically.

He sighed and slumped on his seat. "I'm just worried, Mary Grace. Kanina ka pa hindi mapakali."

"You can't blame me—" nahinto ako sa pagsasalita when a female voice announced over the intercom that all passengers should be on board by now. "Nevermind, let's go."

I dragged my suitcase as I walked towards the departure area. Harry kept on throwing glances at me as he walked next to me. I ignored him. Hanggang sa makaupo kami sa loob ng eroplano ay tahimik pa rin kaming dalawa.

"You know, you could always cancel this flight and go back. Nobody's forcing you, Mary Grace." I glared at him so he added. "Just a gentle reminder."

I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to lose myself in my thoughts. Mayamaya pa ay nilapitan kami ng isang flight attendant. She's tall and attractive and I automatically hated her when she smiled and showed a perfect row of white pearls.

"Would you like to have some drinks, Ma'am?" she politely asked.

"No." tipid kong sagot.

I scowled when she turned to smiled widely at Harry and offered some drinks.

"I'd like to have one," nginitian din siya ni Harry. Kumulo kaagad ang dugo ko.

"Actually, I'd like to have one as well." Nilakasan ko ang boses ko. Napatingin sa amin ang babae sa tapat at sinimangutan kami bago bumalik sa pagbabasa ng maliit niyang libro. "It'd be nice to have an exquisite wine with my boyfriend, isn't it?" I emphasized the word boyfriend.

The flight attendant gave me a death look before stretching a smile on her face. "Just a moment please." I could hear the restraint on her voice as she turned back on her heels.

Harry chuckled beside me. "I never knew you could be so possessive, Mary Grace."

Siniko ko siya. "Gusto mo naman. Malandi ka rin, ano?" inirapan ko siya.

"Hey, all I wanted is a good drink to calm down because I am nervous as much as you are."

"Oh, thanks for reminding. That's very encouraging."

"Sorry." He murmured and pulled me into a kiss on the temple. Sumimangot ang flight attendant nang makita niya kaming dalawa. Nawala na ang ngiti nito habang nagsi-serve ng wine.

"Thanks." Pang-aasar ko sa kanya bago siya umalis. Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa ni Harry.

I sighed. "I've never been this nervous before." I expelled a heavy breath. As soon as Mr. Sullivan showed up in Parola, Nilo helped us book a flight to Pampanga. Nag-aalala ako sa mga magulang ko. I was there when they broke down because of Ate Annie's death. I was gone for two long years. Alam kong mas masakit sa kanila ang nangyayari ngayon. I couldn't let this happen. Not my mother. She'd been strong enough for years and I can't afford to wreck her spirits again. Kailangan kong magpakita sa kanila.

I felt someone tugging on my arms. Napatingin ako kay Harry. He gave me a little smile. "Sleep." He said. "You'll need it."

And so I did. By the time I woke up and found out that we're landing in Clark International Airport, I was already freaking out more than ever.

---

Harry called someone from his phone while I frantically paced back and forth, fiddling with my fingers, biting my lower lips, and closing my eyes. After a short 'yeahs' and 'okay', ibinaba na ni Harry ang phone. Nilapitan niya ako.