Miggy's POV
"I'm Gabriel's bestfriend. Based on what you read, do you remember that handwriting of your mama hija? " and Uncle Rick.
"Mama didn't even tell me when she was alive. He doesn't want to talk about my dad. He always changes the subject whenever I ask about who my dad is. Now, it's clear why my mom doesn't want me to ask him about my dad, "he sobbed.
Nothing silenced us about what he told us about his mother. I felt more sorry for him because he really didn't know because he didn't want to mention any of his questions. Manuel couldn't stand it. He stood up and hugged Gabriella.
"Shhh… stay. 'From now on, we are here to help you. We are here for you. You won't have any more difficulties, "he comforted her.
"W-can I ask?"
"Sige hija, what's that?"
"Why are you here? Where is papa?" We all sighed at his question. There was a long silence before someone sneezed before speaking.
"Hija, I am sorry to say that Gabriel had a heart attack. The day he told Miggy about you, before he took it that day, he said he would find you to get you back because he didn't know where your mother lived. He once tried to find you after he received that card the day after his birthday. But we just found out that your mama allegedly moved. Your mama was just making you pregnant then. After a long search, your dad gave up because he knew that your mom wanted to hide from your dad, "Uncle Rick explained to him.
She was moved to tears by what she heard. I was hurt by what I saw because she grew up not knowing who the father was because of her mom's desire to keep everything from her. Then now that his mama is gone, he has a chance that he will meet his daddy, in case daddy is gone.
I suddenly remembered that I had prepared a picture of my daddy that I planned to give him so that he could at least recognize it by face. So I snatched my wallet from the pocket of the jacket I was wearing, then I took the picture there, then I handed it to him.
"That's daddy's picture, you might want to see," I said hesitantly.
I could see his hand still shaking as he lifted it to reach the picture I was giving him. He looked at me then lowered his gaze to the picture he received.
"I'm sorry, that's all I brought because I couldn't find anyone else." I've been busy at work and a lot has happened in the past since daddy disappeared, so I can't go home, "I explained as he stared at the picture. by daddy that I gave to her. He sighed and then looked at me with a shocked look on his face.
"She? Isn't he the… "I didn't let him finish his question because I understood what he meant.
"Yes, he's the one who heard on TV, if that's what you mean," he said, returning his gaze to daddy's picture, clearly unable to believe what he had discovered.
"Can you tell me how mama and I will meet?"
"No problem, hija, Rick can answer your question because they are the ones who are frequently together with my brother," Uncle Manuel said, pointing to Uncle Rick next to me, who was between me and Meynard.Then Meynard and Willie stood side by side, quietly listening to us.
Uncle Rick sneezed and then started telling stories from the night they attended the producers' gathering until they moved to the bar. And how daddy and Teresa's path met at the bar.
Gabriella had many more questions that were answered carefully by Uncle Rick and Uncle Manuel. We didn't notice the time that passed, we just noticed that it was pretty dark shovel.
"Gabriella, please don't be offended by what I have to say. I just wanted to help with your need, "I said hesitantly when I approached him after we decided to go home to Manila.
"Thank you very much. But can you let me think so that everything doesn't sink into my brain yet? "
"Okay, no problem, this is my cellphone number to text or call me anytime. I'll be glad of help. 'Don't be ashamed of me. You're my brother, okay? We will meet again to talk because I know you want to know more. Sometimes when you call and I'm not the one to answer, it means it's Meynard. He's the only one I trust on my phone. He is my assistant and secretary, so don't hesitate to tell him when you talk to him, "I instructed.
Willie accompanied them when they left. My uncle and I would take Gabriella to her place of residence because I begged her to let me know where she lived. Our trip to the house where he lives was quiet. He only spoke when he told Meynard where the road was.
It was obviously old but still in order. There is a wooden gate. Suddenly, I thought about how safe he was here, because all I know is that he lives here alone.
"Are you okay here?"
"It's okay. There is no problem because the people who live here already know me because I grew up here. "
"I mean, because you live alone in that house."
"It wasn't then, but later I got used to it, so it's okay."
"All right, be careful. Call me anytime. Then is it okay for you to call me once? I'll text first before I call to make sure you're not busy. "
"All right, it's okay. Thank you so much for the delivery… "I didn't let him finish what he was going to say. I hurried downstairs to open the door for him.
He nodded at me then smiled sparingly.
We waited for him to enter his gate before we finally left that place.
When we got to the condo, Meynard didn't go upstairs. I let him go home because it was Saturday. He only had to work for half a day, but we didn't go into the office so we could go to Bulacan.
I took a shower and when I finished getting dressed, I realized I didn't have dinner. I was too lazy to cook, so I thought I'd just deliver something to eat. I turned on the TV once I sat on the sofa to call for the food delivery. As I was watching TV, I remembered the upcoming event: the launching of Gabie's commercial.
"If I can talk to her during lauching or after that it's time, I'll ask her for dinner? Will he agree? Shit! I didn't know if she had a boyfriend. Damn! I'm the fool. I think I'm rusting since I haven't dated. If she says yes after asking her for dinner, then that means she isn't in a relationship. That's it! "That'swhat I should do.
My mind was interrupted when I heard the doorbell ring, so I got up immediately to open the door. Apparently, it's the delivery man from a Chinese restaurant I ordered food from.
I quietly ate my dinner alone in front of the television. I just sat down on the floor with a pillow on my butt, so it wouldn't hurt later. While I was in the middle of enjoying my food, I then remembered Gabriella. Does she have her dinner right now? So, I decided to call her right after I finished my food.
Minutes later, I caught myself sending her a text message asking her if I could call her. I cleaned the center table where I ate while waiting for her reply. Just in time, I got back from the chickens to throw the garbage. I heard my phone beep, then I picked it up on top of the sofa. When I read the message, it says, "Yes."So, immediately I dialed her number, I waited for her to answer my call. Then she did answer it right before the second ring finish.
Gabriella: Good day.
Me: Hello! How are you? Have you eaten?
Gabriella: Later in my break, I'm at the bar now.
Me: Sorry, did I bother you?
Gabriella says:No, it's still early so there aren't many people yet.
Me: Ah, okay. All right, what time do you usually end up there?
Gabriella says:Soon it will depend on whether there are more customers or just a few.
Me: So, how are you going home? Are you with someone? Because we know that it is not safe to walk at that time.
Gabriella: I have friends, then we ride a tricycle.
Me: Oh, okay. Still, you have to be extra careful. Okay, I just called to check on you. I hope you don't mind.
Gabriella says:It's okay, the case is just new. I'm used to no one saying hello to me.
Me: You get used to it from now on. I will check on you whenever I can, okay?
Gabriella: Thank you very much.
Me: Don't mention it. Maybe you will be reprimanded because of me. Bye.
Bye, Gabriella.
Just that we ended our conversation.
Gabie's POV
It was a big relief for me when I finished shooting for a commercial because I had to focus on my studies first. I had to make up for the day I was absent due to contract signing, then I finished my research project so that I could pass it on to the next meeting. I begged my classmates to ask for a copy of the lectures that I didn't have for me to study. I also asked if there was a quiz scheduled. They said there was none, but we were better prepared in case I didn't get a betlog score. I can't allow that to happen because I have to maintain my grades for the scholarship, or else I'll lose the scholarship. I won't allow that to happen because it's a waste of my hard work. Next semester I'll finish my thesis when I pass it. I will graduate. When I'm done, that was the new journey of my life that I was waiting for to happen because I would be able to work then. We can buy this house because the owner has been selling it to us for a long time. It is a typical bungalow with two bedrooms, a bathroom/comfort room, and a living room and kitchen just the right size. With an iron gate, the total lot size is only one hundred and fifty (150) square meters. We have been living here for a while because we have moved around a few times because we are not comfortable with the places we used to live because the surroundings are not safe. And when the house is sold out, I will be able to save for my mom and I's vacation. We can buy this house because the owner has been selling it to us for a long time. It is a typical bungalow with two bedrooms, a bathroom/comfort room, and a living room and kitchen just the right size. With an iron gate, the total lot size is only one hundred and fifty (150) square meters. We have been living here for a while because we have moved around a few times because we are not comfortable with the places we used to live because the surroundings are not safe. And when the house is sold out, I will be able to save for my mom and I's vacation. We can buy this house because the owner has been selling it to us for a long time. It is a typical bungalow with two bedrooms, a bathroom/comfort room, and a living room and kitchen just the right size. With an iron gate, the total lot size is only one hundred and fifty (150) square meters. We have been living here for a while because we have moved around a few times because we are not comfortable with the places we used to live because the surroundings are not safe. And when the house is sold out, I will be able to save for my mom and I's vacation. We have been living here for a while because we have moved around a few times because we are not comfortable with the places we used to live because the surroundings are not safe. And when the house is sold out, I will be able to save for my mom and I's vacation. We have been living here for a while because we have moved around a few times because we are not comfortable with the places we used to live because the surroundings are not safe. And when the house is sold out, I will be able to save for my mom and I's vacation.
"Mom, are you leaving?" when I saw him dressed and in front of the mirror.
"Yes, buyers of a few orders."
"You won't take me?" I asked in astonishment, because he usually makes me feel bad because it's hard to carry when I get home.
"It's only a matter of time before I see you as focused on what you're doing so he doesn't like you anymore."
I hurried to take a shower and get dressed because I was going shopping with him.
"Eh, how are you doing?"
"Okay, I just finished my research and then I'm just waiting for the reply of my classmates for what I asked to be noted when I was absent," I replied while in the room to put my belongings on my bed and I took the towels for bathing.
"Oh, all right, I'll wait."
I didn't answer him and I hurried to take a shower so we wouldn't have lunch. It's a good thing that I really woke up early to finish my research project. It's also coming to an end because I've only finished it a few times, but I'm just left because I've been doing a lot lately.
Mama and I chatted happily while shopping for orders with her in her online selling business. Most of the items we bought were women's shoes and clothes. There were also children's clothes as well as men's accessories. He says they are repeat buyers, so he lets them order items that are not in the ones he posted. He has already become a customer, so he gives because he pays immediately when he sees the item and likes it.
I can see that mama is happy with what she is doing. I know it is far from her previous dream because she didn't finish school because she got pregnant with me. So he said that he and papa got married and I can't remember their faces because he died before I was born. He also couldn't show me a picture because he said he left everything in the province, so I really have no idea what my father looks like. I was imagining that when I remembered mama's description of him.
"Mom, don't you miss papa anymore?" I suddenly asked him, so I was no longer surprised if I saw big shock on his face because of my question.
"Uhm, yes, sometimes I still think of him. Why did you ask that question all of a sudden? "
He just nodded at what was said, then continued shopping.
I just amused myself by looking at the many goods and the many buyers who are busy making fun of others, while others are counting how many to buy and asking if there are colors, sizes, designs and so on. .
"Are you tired?" mama asked as she was behind me as I looked at the bags hanging at the top.
"No. Why are you so tired? "
"No, but it's hot, let's just wait, we're just wrapping it, I've already paid for it after we eat halo-halo so we can be cool somehow, it's too hot, eh," I was wiping my sweat away earlier, but I didn't complain because I knew if mama found out, she wouldn't take me with her because she doesn't want to bother me.So I'm not really complaining for me to still go shopping with him, because I know he'll have a hard time when I don't accompany him because it's heavy and hard to walk when you carry a lot to the boat.
"That's a good idea!" He smiled at what I said and shook his head.
"Mom, can't you think of just building a place to put all your stock except for your online selling?"
"I thought that was the case before, but I realized it was just a hassle because we still needed to hire a position and a security assistant because I couldn't be alone. No one will be in place when I need to shop. It's not good if I close it because I have to shop. It's a waste of the day when there is no income because I have to pay rent and electricity. It's not practical for me. It's okay like this because I don't have rent to pay and no one to pay, "he explained. I just nodded because he had a point.
"Then I don't have a big investment, so I'm just content with how much cash I have from what was paid to me," he added.
Isn't it true that I didn't think that when there was a place, a lot of capital was needed so that the rented place was not wasted? It needed to be filled with goods to recoup the rent paid and other expenses.
As mama and I talked, we went to a nearby fast food chain and ordered halo-halo and siopao each, to make sure we were full because we would be going back to shopping so we might be hesitant in time after we bought the all he needed was for us to go straight to the boat because the traffic was definitely heavy at that time. This has happened before, so mama always makes sure that we are full so that even if we get stuck in traffic, we won't go hungry. Sometimes when we pass someone selling food, mama buys it and then we eat it in the car, so it's embarrassing because you eat in front of someone, especially when you have someone next to you who can't help but look at you.
It was eight o'clock in the evening when mama and I got home. We just bought something to eat after we passed the barbecue vendor because we were tired of cooking. The duration of the trip was tiring because of the heavy traffic we encountered. We also bought rice at the karenderya but we still managed to catch up tomorrow because there are a few more people to eat, because they close early because they are running out of food to sell.
Finally, we're home too, mama said as she leaned her head on the back of the sofa as she sat and rested her feet on our small center table. Obviously, I am exhausted.
"Wait a minute, I'll just serve so we can eat and then we can rest properly," I didn't wait for his answer, then I walked to the kitchen and put the food we bought on the table, and then I washed my hands. I called mama as soon as I finished serving at the table.
While we were eating, I said, "Tomorrow you can fix your purchases, ma, just rest first because I know you're really tired from our walk." We both shook our hands because I don't know if it's delicious to eat when mama shakes hands.
"I'll just fix that for a while so that tomorrow morning I can send it early."
"Okay, I'll just help you after I wash up and get out of the kitchen."
"You really don't have anything to do?"
"I'll just check later if there's a reply from my classmates about the copy of the notes I asked for."
I suddenly heard my cellphone ring, which was still in my pocket, so I quickly washed my hands to see who was calling. I didn't catch the call, but I saw that Jhay called me. I know that each of us is important to us because he doesn't like to waste time having sex. I waited a while because I knew he would call again.