This is How We End

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Mama Normillah stared at me, scrutinizing, before she opened her mouth and speak in a low voice.

"You want to go out at night, Parvana?" pag-uulit niya sa kahilingan ko kanina.

I swallowed and shyly nodded my head. "B-But... But I understand if it's not okay, Mama Normillah..."

Binitawan ni Mama Normillah ang hawak niyang sandok at nilapitan ako. Naupo siya sabay hawak sa aking mga kamay, dahilan kung bakit nagpatianod ako sa kaniya.

"Why do you want to go out, Parvana?" she asked softly. "You've never asked for this before..."

I bit my lower lips, feeling guilty all of a sudden. Closing my eyes, I silently asked for forgiveness from Allah for being such a disobedient daughter.

"My friends..."

"Your friends?" a ghost of smile appeared on her lips. Somehow, it helped to ease the erratic beating of my heart.

"Yes, Mama Normillah. I want to watch my friends perform tonight."

"Oh?"

"They're a band." Nagkamot ako ng ulo at nahihiya ulit siyang tiningnan. "Though, I still don't know what their band is called."

Ngumiti si Mama Normillah sa sinabi ko. "My little girl is really growing up."

"I know Baba will get mad..." sa mahinang boses kong sinabi. I swallowed. "I-I... I just want to give it a try. I've never been to a café before and I want to watch them perform. They're really great at what they do. I mean... music."

Mama Normillah nodded her head. "I understand, Parvana. But if you go, we must keep it a secret from your Baba."

Kumislap ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. Ang bata kong puso ay nagbunyi. "Really?"

"Yes, Parvana. I'll cover for you tonight, but make sure that you go home before 10 pm, alright? We don't want your Baba to find out that you've sneaked out of the house."

"Yes, Mama Normillah."

"And... please. Do not drink."

"I understand, Mama Normillah."

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi ko saka marahan akong hinalikan. "I hope you have fun tonight, Parvana."

I went back to my room to change. Examining my closet, I realized that I don't know what people at the café wear at night. I only have a rack full of long-sleeve dresses and trousers. Most of my clothing are composed of earth tone, if not darker hues in thick fabrics.

Ilang minuto din akong nakatunganga sa harapan, pilit na iniisip kung anong dapat isuot. In the end, I pulled a black long-sleeve dress with silver diamond details on the hem and the shoulder blades. I paired it with my Dr. Martens black boots. Pinalitan ko na din ang kulay rosas kong hijab sa kulay itim upang mag-match ito sa suot kong damit. Then I wrapped a red and black scarf over my shoulder and stared at myself in the mirror.

Allah, please forgive me for disobeying my Baba tonight.

Bumuga ako ng isang malalim na hininga bago ko kinuha ang isang maliit na sling bag at lumabas ng kwarto. Baba must still be in their room by now. Pinuntahan ko si Mama Normillah sa kusina.

"You're already dressed." She commented and wiped her wet hands on the towel before turning to me. "You ready?"

I nodded my head. Mama Normillah nervously glanced at the closed door of their room before she nodded at me and ushered me outside the house.