Two days have passed and I really enjoyed my stay here in Zamboanga. My older brother just came home from Malaysia and before we returned to Davao, we ate at a restaurant. We also went around, he said he would spend time with me on the days when I was not with him.
At first, I was upset to my brother because I thought I couldn't be with him. I understand that he's very busy but I'm still very grateful because he still give me his time to bond.
Now we were on our way home and boarded a plane when we saw James sitting on the front seat, on the other side where I used to sit. He was wearing a simple v-neck shirt and pants fitted on him. Add to that his aviator shades that I don't think are necessary. It's gloomy today, so I thought, for his style?
" James?"
" Hey." he greeted and slightly nodded. I felt my older brother behind me so I turned around. His eyebrows were barely frowning.
He just sat on the first part and motioned me to sit near the window. I didn't say a word and looked at James' direction for a moment when I saw that he was also looking at my side. I just smiled at him before sitting next to my older brother.
A few minutes passed, the plane we were on, fly aboard. Everyone was silent as if an angel had come. It was only an hour's trip so we landed on time. They were silent as well as my older brother. Even when the luggages were taken, the two were freaking serious. Our companions were the ones to carry luggage into the vehicle. Maybe dad prepared it too because we are going home.
Jack went into the van first. I was about to get in the van when I heard James talking on his phone. We went side by side and walked outside the airport so I could hear him talking on the other line.
I know it's bad to listen to other people's conversation but I can't help but feel the different in the tone of his speech as if he's disgusted and arguing on the other line.
"Yeah, yeah. I will go the day after tomorrow. Okay, I miss you, too." I heard him.
Who is that?
I just sighed and looked at him again. It makes me like a gossiper. He also looked at my direction and smiled sadly. I notice the sadness in his eyes because he is not that far from me.
He waved before getting into another parked car near us. I just simply smiled before entering the van and instantly heaved a sigh.
What's with the smile, James?
***
I thought about visiting our house where Grandma, Aunt Gisselle and I lived. I asked permission to Dad so that I could formally say goodbye and thank them for everything they did and nurtured for me. During those two years, I become more matured and aware of things.
It was like, there's still another world aside from our comfort zones, and that's reality. Because we can't just stay in our comfort zone. Not in all cases, we will just stay there. We need to explore and enjoy our life to the fullest.
I am with our driver, Paul, to get here. I even saw some neighbors looking our direction when the vehicle parked in front of where I was staying before.
It had been more than a month since I've been at home. It is still fine but it seems to have changed. I turned to Paul, our driver, and was told him to wait for me. I saw him nod.
"Okay ma'am." he smiled.
I was about to knock on the metal gate because it didn't have a doorbell when it swang open because it wasn't locked. I furrowed, Grandma doesn't let it always unlocked. I just went in and went straight to the door. The front door was also open so I was surprised.
Why are the doors not closed properly?
I saw some suitcases open, others were standing neatly near the one-seater sofa. I noticed the equipment weren't here that I felt nervous. What happened to the things here?
"Grandma, Aunt Gisselle?" I called.
I was about to go upstairs when Aunt Giselle came down there with some paper on her hand. She was holding her cellphone in one hand and talking to someone there. She was shocked when her eyesight stopped to me.
" Noted, Sir Waltridge. Thank you and be safe."
Waltridge? She was talking to his boss. She put down her cellphone and then approached me. She smiled slightly and glanced at the house for a moment.
"Jane, why did you get a visit?"
"Good morning Aunt. Where is Grandma? I just miss you so I took a visit."
She seemed stunned when I said that. She couldn't meet my gaze on her and then just sighed. She looked at me. I couldn't avoid the sight of sadness in her eyes when our eyes met.
"Is there a problem?" I asked.
"Sorry Jane." She said then held my hands and guided me to the big sofa in the living room. She put her thing on the table near us. She made me sit then looked at me.
"The day you left was the day Grandma moved to the province. She's not here anymore, Jane. "
"W-why?" My voices began to tremble as if something was blocked because of what Aunt just said. "H-how did that happen, she's in the room, right?"
"That was your Daddy's last command to her, Jane. So you wouldn't come back here anymore. I think you already know about that because you haven't been back here for over a month." she said gently.
I shook and released Aunt's hands. I immediately wiped away the tears that suddenly dropped as my chest tightens.
"How did my dad do that?" I asked myself. "I thought he was going to stop controlling me. And Grandma is no longer her helper. "
"Sorry, Jane," she apologized. "I was also very angry with your father for what he did. I didn't even think about it because of what happened and just let you go back to them."
She hugged me and that's when I cried in her arms. I could not bear the weight of my will and I couldn't stop crying incessantly because of what I found out. I also don't understand why or what caused dad's actions.
I thought, I can fully understand dad. I thought, he also understands my reason to why I left. I thought, he just let me have the freedom I want. I thought, he will not control me like he did to me before. I just thought of everything. He still did that things just to get me home and get back. For someone to inherit and pass on their inheritance and property that I don't need.
"Everything will be fine too, Jane." I let go of her embrace and wiped away my tears.
" Thank you, aunt."
I saw pity in her eyes. I tried to smile at her before look away to avoid the look she was giving me. I don't want to be pitied. I do not want to see pity in their eyes because of my situation and I also do not want them to see that I am weak.
"What happened to this house?" I changed topic.
"I'm leaving here too, Jane. I will accompany Mama there in the province with our relatives. I will also find a job there." I was suddenly taken aback by the last thing it said.
"How is your job here?"
"Sir Waltridge is no longer here and has returned to the States. It will be different for them to manage their company. So I don't have a job here anymore."
I was saddened by what she said and felt nervous mixed with a bad feeling that I could not explain because of what I heard. Maybe James will run their company.
I haven't seen him for a week. The last time I saw him was when we were at the Airport. I do not know why I am looking for that man. Maybe it's because I'm used to his presence. It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring.
"His son? James? " I asked, smiling slightly.
She seemed stunned when I asked. She have been staring at me for a few more seconds before she answered with a sad smile.
" He's now in America."