THE UNTAMED LUNA

A SOUL MATE

To keep my parents from worrying unnecessarily, I decided to keep some experiences to myself. These are strange happenings that I know most people would find odd. For now, I think it’s best to keep these things as my own little secrets, especially since they don’t really hurt me.

Until the following night, I have a dream.

I was standing on the cliff, watching the bright moon light. Marvin caught me by this time.

"What are you thinking?" He asked as he stood behind me.

"I just wonder if the moon has a natural power to give its blessings to all living in this world. Aside from giving a light at night."

"Most of the elders believe that the moon is actually the living place of the heavenly goddess. So I'm sure it is"

"The truth is, ever since we came here. I found strange things that I have never experienced before. Hmmp. If I died I wanted to live in there." I said.

Marvin opens his arms and embraces me. It is warm and comforting. I feel so safe. I can feel the deep rumble since I am pressed against his chest. Then he told me "I need you,"

When I wake up in the morning, I can only recall tiny part of my dream. I really wish I could cling to those details, but they vanish from my mind almost instantly as I come to. I still can’t quite gauge the atmosphere in the room, but I know I need to head downstairs. As I make my way to the breakfast table, I see my parents deep in conversation, happily enjoying their meal. They greet me with warm smiles as I grab a cup, whip up my coffee, and set some tasty sandwiches on the table.

"Do we have any plans today?" I asked.

"Me? I wanted you to cook for lunch because I have to complete those unfinished tasks from school. I have to prepare it for tomorrow's class, is it okay?" Dad said.

"Yeah, sure, Dad, I'm going to cook "biko" specially for you," I said.

"What's biko? " he asks.

"It's a special dessert from Auntie Linda. A chewy rice cake made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and dark sugar. She served it in a round, shallow bamboo tray lined with banana leaves known as a bilao; biko belongs to sweets called "kakanin." Auntie Linda taught me how to cook it before, and now I will try to make it by myself for you," I told dad with tenderness. Because I would like to make it something for him, to make him feel that he is not alone, that we love him, and we need him forever. Dad nodded and smiled.

"Honey, Jolina would like us to come over and talk to her. She said she had some important things to tell us." Mom said and no one reacts next, between the three of us. Then she says

"We should go in about an hour."

"Would you prefer that the two of you go alone?" Dad asks.

"No, I would like you to be there."

"Honey, are you sure you don't want a little privacy? I'm sure you feel a little uncomfortable discussing this in front of me." Dad suggested. Mom took his hand in hers. Maybe I should give them some privacy. I grabbed my cup with coffee and a plate with a sandwich and headed to my room. Mom follow me after a little while.

"Your Dad wants us to have the freedom to discuss your father without feeling like we are hurting his feelings. Is that okay with you?"

"Sure. I just don't want him to think that we don't want him with us," I told mom.

"He doesn't. Don't worry. He loves us very much, and he wants what's best for us." She said.

I nodded in acceptance.

"Can you be ready in an hour?" she asks.

"Yep," I replied.

An hour later, we headed to Jolinas's house. Thank goodness. I wrung my hands nervously in my lap. Mom noticed it and said,

"Sweetie, I'm sorry I never told you anything about your father. I just couldn't speak about him without completely falling apart. I know it's a huge injustice to not tell you about him. He was thrilled that I was pregnant. He is a strong man, and he broke down and cried when I told him. You were always wanted and loved. That means more to me than you can imagine."

"Thank you for telling me. I hope you don't mind that I want to see the photos of him," I replied.

"Oh no, not at all. I'm so glad they have some photos. I don't have any, and I have always regretted that. You should have seen your father and known his name. He deserved better than that." Mom said, and she spoke to the man behind the camera of the gate, and he showed us the way.

"Did it look this nice a few years ago?" I asked.

"It was similar but different. I am sure their house has been completely remodeled. I knew that I had been there before. I was simply confused"

Jolina opened the front door as we came. When Mom got out of the car, she immediately embraced her. I was happy to see them like that. I hope they can get over all of their repressed feelings. Mom is an amazing psychologist. I'm sure she has already analyzed the benefits of putting those fears behind her.

Marvin was standing at the front door behind Jolina. I looked at him as soon as I caught his scent. Then I remembered a piece of my dream. I was in his arms. I got a chill from the memory. I can't wait until it really happens. I realized Mom and Jolina were already headed toward the inside of the house. I followed them.

Jolina had coffee and rice cup cakes on the table for us. I sat down next to Mom, and Marvin was next to Jolina.

"We asked you here to explain a few things about your father, Abby Jezz. It may seem a little confusing. But please have an open mind."

Jolina told me, but I was more than ready. Mom took my hand. Is it going to be that bad? Was he a spy or something? Or maybe a gangster? No, that's ridiculous. He was a good guy. They made that very clear yesterday.

"Solidad, do you remember how you felt about Robert when you first met him?" She asked.

Mom nodded.

"You were completely and utterly drawn to him. You couldn't help it. You had to be near him all the time. You felt sick when you guys were apart. Your mind wasn't clear."

"Yes, I remember. It was completely consuming. He's all I could think about. When we were together, I felt complete. My mind and senses were clearer. I could breathe again. First love is certainly powerful," Mom explained. The feelings sound familiar to me.

"Do you remember when the guys had to go away for the weekend? You stayed here with me and Marvin? Do you remember how sick you got?" Jolina asked.

"I can't forget that. It was awful. I thought I was dying. It must have been a really bad flu. It only lasted a couple of days," Mom replied.

"Do you remember the time you went back home during the winter break? You were gone for about four days," Jolina says.

"Yeah, that was rough. My mom actually took me to the hospital on the third day. I couldn't eat or sleep. It was a miserable trip. Mom didn't want me to come back here. She didn't think I would make it on the plane without help. Worst vacation ever." Mom reminisced.

"How did you feel when Robert met you at the airport?" asked Jolina. Where was she going with that? Mom thought about it for a moment.

"I was so thrilled to be back. I ran straight into his arms," Mom says.

"Solidad, I have to tell you something that you might not believe. You felt sick when you weren't with Robert because the two of you shared a special connection. You and Robert were meant to be together. He was your soulmate,"

Okay, I believe in true love and all that.

But a soulmate? It's more of a fantasy movie, but in reality? it is possible. One person who was made just for you. That is a little far-fetched for me. Maybe I should believe in destiny rather than a soulmate.

Mom didn't speak, she just looked intently at Jolina.