It had been five days since Charissa came back home, yet something was not right. My mother and I had yet to experience some leisurely bonding time since her return.
The only periods we were able to talk in person were during the time I was in the hospital recuperating from a serious headache, and on Cathy's visit inside our unit.
At long last, Charissa's first weekend off had ultimately arrived and an ample opportunity instantly arose. Early Saturday morning, Charissa and I were sitting at the table eating breakfast when an idea suddenly popped out of my brain.
"Mom, would you like going on a trip with me?" I politely asked Charissa while she carefully prepared some corned beef and omelet. "It's been awhile since we last got together for some mother-daughter bonding time and I'm extremely excited to once again catch up with you."
Charissa did not hesitate one precious second. With a simple 'yes' for an answer, we promptly decided to go on a road trip. "But where do we want to go?" Charissa carefully questioned.
It took Charissa and me several minutes to think carefully of a destination. In the end, we mutually decided on Tagaytay. After all, the cool climate of this bustling city would undoubtedly help us chill and relax from a week full of elation and gloom.
While on the way to Tagaytay, Charissa stopped by a neighbouring stall to purchase a few souvenirs, but not before she gently woke me up from my travel nap. We bought some native biscuits like barquillos and broas and even buffalo milk for the trip home.
After some lunch at Antonio's, Charissa and I decided to savor the magnificent view of the Taal Volcano first before we headed out to the picnic grove. Climbing our way through the steep steps, Charissa and I began having a heart-to-heart talk like old times' sake.
"First of all Christine, thank you for making the trip possible," Charissa joyfully said. "It was apparent that 17 years apart was long overdue and we really needed this trip to compensate for lost time."
"You know, while living in Hong Kong, I never stopped thinking of my dearest daughter. Even as I experienced different people and diverse culture, all I could look upon is my very adorable daughter growing up back home."
"In spite of those long-distance conversations, I felt that living with you back home is still the most pleasant experience a mother would have," Charissa continued. "It was unfortunate I wasn't able to attend most of your important events in school because of work. Yet despite my absence, you still felt me in spirit. Correct?"
I promptly answered Charissa's question by saying "Affirmative. You never abandoned me at all. Even when you're away from home, your presence from afar still guided me. But then again, talking to you in person is indeed better than a long-distance conversation."
As Charissa and I continued our lively conversation, we took a seat in one of the huts at the picnic grove to relax and enjoy the refreshing Tagaytay breeze. At that point I politely asked Charissa a question in relation to my academics.
"So did you receive the joyful news about me finishing valedictorian in elementary and summa cum laude in high school?"
Charissa responded, "I did Christine. I received some messages from my sister Cathy through text and I couldn't be happier."
"All this time, you undoubtedly proved to me that you were indeed a diligent, hardworking and intelligent daughter. Not even my absence hindered you from your academics. You maintained your focus until you accomplished your goal, and as a mother, I never felt any more gratified."
The topic then shifted to the present time. Charissa asked, "How are you doing in college, Christine?"
"College has been okay so far," I replied politely. I entered an organization where my writing skills were put to the test, and I still get to see Michelle and Ella in class on occasion."
"Oh, Michelle and Ella," Charissa wondered. "Those were precisely your friends I met in the hospital a few days ago, right?"
"Those are undoubtedly my longtime friends," I proclaimed. We've been together since grade school and were long-time study buddies as well. Perhaps I should formally introduce Michelle and Ella someday when you have time."
"No, it's ok," Charissa retorted promptly. "I already encountered them at the hospital before."
"But it would help tremendously if you get to know them better," I plead earnestly to Charissa.
After promptly giving it some thought for a few minutes, she finally responded "Ok then. If I receive some free time then you can formally introduce me to Michelle and Ella. But only when there is free time, okay?"
I proudly finished by saying "Cross my dear heart, mom, I will."
Later that afternoon, we continued taking on the sights and sounds of Tagaytay, from the People's Park to the fertile highlands. Unfortunately, the glowing sun was about to set, so it was time for Charissa and me to return home.
On our way back, we got caught in horrendous traffic with all the travelers pouring in. The slow movement of vehicles made me yawn and I suddenly fell asleep in my devoted mother's arms.
As traffic remained at a standstill, Charissa mildly stroked my forehead and right hand. She gently smiled upon reflecting positively on what happened that day.
As Charissa continued to peek at the heavy traffic, she promptly began to whisper.
"Christine, I'm delighted that we get a chance to bond again. Those 17 years away seem to fade instantly in one day, and with each passing minute you and I were able to recoup everything that was lost."
"Thank you for this wonderful trip today. I sincerely hope we can do this again someday."
We returned to our room after an uncharacteristically long four-hour ride. Exhausted and weary, I fell asleep again on our plush couch, but with a gentle smile on my face to go along with it.
The following morning, Charissa and me were cordially greeted by a surprise visitor. As I gently opened the door, I wondered if he or she was a stranger or a beloved relative. I absolutely don't know.