Destiny's Game

37

"Dumadami na ba requirements nyo sa school kaya mo inuwi yan dito?" Mama said while watching Nic unpack the box she brought home. Nic had called for Nestor, Mama and Papa's driver, to pick her up from Manila. Otherwise, she would have just taken the bus.

"O-opo" Nic replied while putting away some of the things in her room while keeping many items in the box for storage.

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After making sure that J had left, Nic scrambled out of the box and took a shower. Normally, she would listen to music and sing along while showering but after what happened earlier and almost getting caught, Nic showered in silence. She also did it very quickly; under 10minutes from start to finish. Although she looked forward to formally meeting J, she was also scared. "Paano kung di kami magkasundo talaga tapos palayasin nya ako? Saan na ako titira?"

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Mama was very happy that Nic visited. "Ma, naka-weekend leave lang ako. Babalik ako sa Manila sa Monday ng umaga" Nic said when Mama scooped more food on her plate.

"Iuwi mo na ang iba sa apartment mo." Mama replied. On the table were three kinds of dishes. Celia, the helper, was busy preparing other dishes which Mama started to cook when Nic arrived.

"I-share mo kay Belay at sa iba mo pang mga housemates" Mama said. Nic had not told them about her moving out of the dorm.

"Dalhin na natin yung pagkain sa apartment mo. Dun nalang natin i-celebrate ang birthday mo..." Papa began.

"Po?" Nic said with widening eyes.

"O diba, birthday mo sa Linggo? Mag-sisimba tayo tapos dadalhin natin yung pagkain dun sa dorm mo. Tawagan mo nalang yung mga kasamahan mo..." Papa continued.

Nic swallowed hard and nodded hesitantly. She turned her head away and made a face.

"...excited din kami makilala yung mga dorm-mates mo. Hindi na rin kami nakakabalita kay Belay e. Busy na kayo pareho sa trabaho?" Mama asked.

"Lumipat na po...mas malapit sa ospital." Nic responded while scooping more food in her mouth. However, her mind was racing. "Paano ko sasabihin sa kanila?"

"Ah, ganun ba? Eh di i-text mo nalang si Belay at sabihin mong mag-s-celebrate tayo ng birthday mo sa dorm. Baka gusto mo rin tawagan yung ibang kasama mo sa trabaho." Papa suggested. "Magsisimba tayo ng alas dies tapos kakain ng lunch sa labas. Pagkahapon, dadalhin na natin yung pagkain sa dorm mo; mga alas singko. Pwede ka na rin magpa-iwan dun or pwede rin naman na kinabukasan ka na ihatid ni Nestor sa ospital..." Papa gave a schedule.

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'ISABEL MARIA PATRICIA SANCHEZ!! Anong gagawin ko?!" Nic screamed at Belle when the latter appeared on the screen during their video call that evening.