June ( Gugma Series 3)

Chapter 34: I've Always Been Your's

Chapter 34: I've Always Been Your's

"Mommy, where are you now?" It was yet another video call with Angela. Nakasimangot na siya at mukhang naiinip na dahil wala pa rin ako sa Cebu hanggang ngayon. The plane was supposed to land in Manila, but due to bad weather, it had to make an emergency landing in Clark.

May mga nagpaypay dahil sa init at inip na inip naman ang karamihan sa loob ng eroplano. Nagrereklamo naman ang isang ginang dahil nagugutom na raw siya. The flight crew then tends to their needs at binigyan ng tubig at tinapay ang mga pasahero. Humingi rin ng paumanhin ang piloto dahil sa pangyayaring iyon.

"We apologize for any inconvenience, Ma'am." A fair-skinned flight attendant approached me, smiling.

"It's fine with me. I understand." I smiled back at her.

She then offered me a drink, which I declined. Malakas pa ang hangover ko sa nagdaang sobetsukai kagabi kaya natulog na lang ako. Kahit noong mag-take-off na pabalik ng Manila ang plane ay pinilit ko pa ring bumalik ulit sa pagtulog.

"Sa ngalan ng Philippine Airlines kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa iyong pagtangkilik sa amin. Inaasahan po namin ang muli nating pagkikita. Maraming Salamat." Dinig kong sabi sa landing announcement ngunit nakapikit pa rin ako. Because of the hangover, my head is tilted and a little painful. Someone tapped my arms, but I remained motionless. Itinuloy ko lang ang pagpikit.

Later, a female voice wakes me up. "Chef Skye, nakarating na po tayo sa Manila. Is everything okay with you po?" Nakangiti siya nang magdilat ako ng mga mata.

"Yes, I am." Pagtingin ko sa paligid ko ay ako na lang ang tao sa business class area. The flight stewardess assisted me in retrieving my bag from the cabin compartment, and I noticed her hesitations. "Do you need something?" I inquired out of curiosity.

"It's a protocol not to do this... Pero..." She smiled after biting her lower lip. "Could I take a picture with you, Chef? Idol po kita."

I pointed myself, not believing her. "A-ako? Idol mo? Why? And how did you know my name?" Mukhang kinabahan siya sa tanong ko kaya hinawakan ko ang braso niya. "I'm not mad, I'm just curious how you found out about me being a chef."

Her eyes glistened with joy. "Sikat ka po sa social media, chef. Lagi ka pong nafi-feature sa mga food journey mo. Lahat surreal po kasi hindi mo alam na may kumukuha ng video sa 'yo. Pinakagusto ko pong episode 'yong sa Greece at Mexico."

Napaturo ulit ako sa sarili ko. "Really? I don't know na may ganoon pala."

She nodded. I'm still stunned, but I grant her wish to pose for a photo with me. Nang makita ako ng ibang flight crew ay nakiusap din silang kuhanan ako ng litrato kasama nila. I was wondering who was behind those videos while we were doing it. At bakit hindi ipinapaalam ng mga kaibigan ko sa akin. Minus, mommy and Angelo dahil hindi mahilig ang mga iyon sa social media.

I walked through the immigration area and handed over my passport to the customs officer when it was my turn.

He examined my documents and looked me in the eyes. I gave him a friendly smile. "Welcome home, Chef Skye," he said as he returned my passport.

And when he said those words, I felt a softness, a calmness run through my veins and into my bones.

I never felt at home abroad because I was always busy cooking and sleeping. I occasionally go out with coworkers, but most of the time I'm either visiting restaurants or sleeping soundly in my small apartment.

Yes. It's great to be home.

I also slept during my hour and a half layover at NAIA. Then, around 1:00 p.m., we arrived in Cebu.