Part_2
1009 Words
"Jimmy, what are you doing!" Auntie shouted.
Uncle confronted him.
"Jenna, this nephew of yours won't wake up if we don't tell him." Uncle said angrily.
"We're at the table-"
"Shut up!" Uncle also shouted. "Don't bother me. Out of the two of us, I have the better right to scold your nephews because I'm the one who has a hard time keeping up with this family!"
"Jimmy!" Auntie shouted.
I feel even more ashamed. Here they are again. Arguing because of us.
"You just fix it, Jenna! Will you just leave those two here! I'm the one who works for both of us! I'm the one who works hard for us to eat! Then they'll add more!" He shouted.
Uncle looked at us. Bad look.
"Since you don't know the hard work I do in fishing because all you know is eating food!" He added.
"We're at the table, Jimmy!" Auntie was angry but Uncle didn't pay attention to her.
"Ate..."
Chael hugged me. I also hugged him while bending down.
"Accept your Aunt's offer, Rhea! When you are of service here at home! It's not just me! It's not just your Auntie Jenna! You're not a young girl anymore, you're old! You have a brother who depends on you! on to you! Move move, maybe you should follow your parents because you don't have a job, don't just hang out all the time!"
Auntie threw the spoon at Uncle's behavior. Fortunately it didn't hit Uncle, it just passed him.
I closed my eyes while hugging Chael. I am very shy.
"You're overdoing it!" Auntie shouted.
Auntie and Uncle's shouting did not end. Uncle left the house and Auntie tried to chase him but he never came back. Auntie returned to the table and we eat. Auntie apologized all the way for embarrassing me.
After we finished eating, I washed up what we ate. Mia finished last. He carefully placed his plate in the sink.
"Mga Sampid." I heard him say before he left me.
I sighed.
Days passed. It just keeps happening. Auntie always talks to me whenever she and Uncle end their fight. He always says it's fine even though I know it's not. I can't blame Uncle either. It's really hard to earn money here in the province. Then he feeds more.
It wasn't until the night that I made up my mind. I have to earn money not only because Uncle said but for my brother Chael. Because the enrollment is near again. He needs school supplies this school year. So I have to find a job to provide for his studies. I don't want to expect the same from Auntie.
"Yes, Auntie! I'm sure." I answered wholeheartedly.
"Oh, hey, when are you going here in Manila?" Auntie Debbie asked on the other line.
"Can I go there tomorrow right away?"
"Do you have a fare?" he asked.
I looked at the five hundred in my hand. Is this Enough? Or is it lacking?
"Yes, I saved money on my laundry." I answered.."
"Oh, hey, you know my house is here, don't you?
"Ah, not quite anymore."
"Oh, he, he, I'll just call you to help you get here. Be careful tomorrow."
"Yes, Auntie, thank you."
I looked at the sea when the call died.
"Mom, Dad, please guide me through the life I will face in Manila. This is for me and Chael. "I whispered in the wind.
When we finished dinner. Auntie talked to me. I mentioned earlier while we were eating that I will be going to Manila. Uncle was happy with my news.
"Are you sure, Rhea?" Auntie asked me for the tenth time.
I nodded.
"Yes, Auntie. This is for me and Chael and so that I can help you in any way by continuing with us here."
He hugged me.
"Don't worry about that. You're my nephews so I'm doing that not to scold you."
"Thank you very much for what you and Uncle do for us, Auntie." I sincerely thank you.
"It's not there, Rhea. Be careful in manila, huh? Just let us know." He then separated from me. "How about Chael?"
"P-Can I leave him here first? When I am relieved that I will be able to get a job, so that I will take him with me."
Auntie nodded and smiled.
"Of course! Don't worry, I'll take care of Chael first."
I smiled.
"I'll just send it."
Auntie and I had a long conversation. He mentioned some things to me that I would see at the bus terminal. I didn't even understand but I memorized it anyway in case it could help me.
I was in the room while putting things away. Chael couldn't stop crying while hugging me. He has been preventing me from leaving.
"A-Ate, don't leave please... I no longer have a sister when you leave..." he said crying. He hugged me even tighter.
I stopped the tears that were about to flow from my eyes. I need to be strong. This is for us. This is for your future, Chael.
"Chael, we'll be apart for a little while. When Ate earns her salary, I'll bring you there too," I gently smoothed her hair.
He shook his head.
"I-I don't want to, Ate! H-Don't leave!" He hugged me tighter. I felt the wetness of my clothes where he pressed his face.
I stopped what I was doing and faced him. I hold his cheek and lift his head towards me. His cheeks were wet with tears, there was also a cold in his nose.
"A-Ate, don't...leave..."
I stared into his eyes. I felt the tears that I had been holding back came out of my eyes. I'll do it too painfully, Chael. But this is for you, so even if it hurts, it's okay. As long as it's about you, I'll do anything. I promised Mom and Dad that I would bring you back to life that's why I'm going to do it.
"I'll get back to you, Chael. I-I'll get back."
- Writer
