Her Full-Time Apricity

Chapter 16 (Part 1): Compromising's Normal

Chapter 16 (Part 1): Compromising’s Normal

Chapter theme: Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift

Emptying my bowl of sinigang, I couldn’t help but to savour and thank Tita Joelle at the back of my mind for cooking foods for everyone. Estelle really took after her mother, namana parehong kabaitan saka talent sa pagluluto.

Dito kasi kami sa may garden nila EJ nagkainan, buti na lang may puno sila dito ng mangga kaya medyo malilom sa pwesto namin.

I remained seated while watching everyone being occupied in their own worlds.

Dwight, Travis, and Timothy are standing near the gates, probably talking about everyone’s vehicle. Then there’s Sef, Rei, Chlowie, and Nexon chuckling at the other side of the garden as they tease the couple they’re with.

“Napuyat ka ‘no?”

Andy suddenly said as she occupied the chair beside mine. Like Lauren, Jexter, and EJ, she’s also having a cup of coffee. Bahagya niya pa akong inalok pero umiling na lang ako.

“Hindi naman.”

I replied, making her doubtingly look at me.

“Sus, halata namang si Kyle lang nakatulog nang ayos sa inyong dalawa do’n sa sofa. Buti ‘di ka nangalay?” She continued. Kung hindi nila ako pinagtulungan ni Reilynne sa pwesto namin, hindi ko kakailanganing bumangon saka lumipat ng higaan.

“Para namang hindi tayo sanay matulog nang nakaupo sa sasakyan.” I sighed, crossing my legs as I comfortably leaned my back against the chair’s backrest. “Oo nga ‘no?” She said, finally satisfied with what she heard. Humigop lang siya sa kape niya bago magbuntong hininga. “Hay...pauwi na agad tayo sa Winsborough, buti ka pa ilang araw mo na silang kasama.” Andy sadly said.

Kahapon lang kasi sila dumating ni Timothy dito sa Green Hills.

They also need to head back home today with me for the New Year’s celebration.

Even I also feel like time quickly passed.

Parang no’ng isang araw lang ako nakarating dito, and now we’re heading back to Fairmont. Parang ang ikli pa rin ng pahinga namin during holiday break.

Andy looked above us, silently watching the swaying leaves and branches of the mango tree that protects us from the sun’s scorching rays.

I now get it why EJ always long to be back home.

Hindi na ulit ako nagsalita pa at hinayaan na lang matulala si Andy.

Bigla kong naalala kung pa’no nag deplete energy level niya bago kami mag holiday break. I guess she really longed for this get together with our friends. I mean, Andy may be one of the bubbliest but I clearly saw how she became glum when we had our hectic hospital exposure. Isama pa yung mga nakakatangang clinical instructors namin sa hospital.

Glancing at Andy who’s once again wearing her bright smile made me feel at ease.

Parang sobrang depressing kasi kapag pati sila ni Lauren na d-down.

We’re all tired and fed up at the back of our minds. Especially those who have other shits to carry on their plates.

Sobrang nakaka drain.

“Nessa, Tita’s calling you.” I flinched when Kyle suddenly appeared in front of me as he gives me my phone that I left in his car. “Thanks, I’ll just take this.” I said, getting up as I excuse myself from Andy and Kyle.

“Bakit iniiwan mo cellphone mo kung saan-saan?”

Mommy greeted just as I stepped outside the gate.