To Have and To Hold

Chapter 1: Angel

Carrie.

It was the first week of summer. If lahat ng kabataan inaabangan ang summer, well, I am not of them. I just wished araw-araw nalang mag-aaral, besides dito lang din naman ako sa bahay, with my books, and with my works.

My drawings were my bestfriend. Yep, wala akong social life gaya ng iniisip niyo. I am just shy to open up to people. Kahit nga mga pinsan ko, I feel awkward with them being around. I appreciate their presence, but its all good that I'm alone. At least, wala kang matatamakan, or masasaktan. I can do whatever I want, as long as I'm happy. 

And besides, I have my parents—especially my dad. Since I'm the only child, they cherish and spoil me a lot. I don't have any requests though, masaya na nga ako with just a pencil and paper. As long as I can draw my dream house, together with them.

I heard a knock on my door. "Anak, go downstairs na, we'll eat breakfast," my mom called me. She's weird today, matamlay siya ngayon like any other days. Is she okay?

Of course, I immediately prepared myself for my first breakfast for this year's summer. I tied my hair to a ponytail and wore white statement shirt which says, "Seize the Day" and a denim short. Dali-dali na din akong bumaba kasi baka naiinip na si Mommy and Daddy kakahintay sa dining area.

"Good Morning po!" I greeted them happily as I could. My parents smiled at me, but they look not happy than the usual. Anong nangyayari?

"Good morning, Carrie. Take a seat, para makakain na tayo," dad told me. Umupo naman ako agad agad, hindi talaga maalis sa isipan ko anong bumabagabag sa isipan nila. "Is there something wrong, Mom? Dad?" I asked them. I couldn't hide my confusion. "What's with the look? May problema ba?" I asked them once again. Di sila umimik for a short while but my dad broke the silence, "Wala naman, anak. We are just concerned about your summer break. Do you have any plans?"

Natigilan ako. Hindi pa ako nakakapag-isip regarding my summer plans this year. Nakapag Disney na ako at Korea with them last two summers ago, and my mind went completely blank about the question.

"You know me, Dad. I'm okay with everywhere basta kasama ko kayo," I answered while eating the waffles my mom made. "The waffles are delicious mom! Pre-made mix ba 'to?"

My mom laughed, "No anak, sariling recipe ko yan. Iniral ko noong I went to baking school. Your dad and I wanted something new, so I tried it. Masarap ba?"

I smiled, abot hanggang tenga, "Yes it is mom! Let's eat now!"

We continued to eat, and after eating, I helped my mom wash the dishes.

"Anak, what if this summer you'll try to build your social life?" She asked while wiping the plates.

Umiling ako. "You know its not me mom if I would interact with other kids. And besides, andyan naman kayo kasama ko, diba?"

My mom patted my head. "Hindi sa lahat ng oras, anak, andito kami for you. What if magkasakit kami, and we cannot be with you?"

I was completely struck with the question. I don't know what would be my life without my parents. They were just entirely with me since birth. Sila ang nag-alaga sa akin hanggang ngayon.

"What's the point, Mom? I'll gain friends nga pero maiiwanan ko kayo. Ayaw ko ng ganyan." I replied.

She stared at me for a very long time. She held my hand and said, "Anak, your dad has a little time left."

My heart crumbled into pieces. My dad, leaving me? Di ko ata maimagine yun.

"Are you sure, mom? He was okay during breakfast, bakit naman magkakasakit siya, diba? He is alright mom, please tell me it's a prank. Don't give me silly jokes mom, its impossible," I laughed in distress. Sana, prank lang 'to ni Mommy.