ARLENE MARIELLA's POV
I got out of the car as soon as we got home. The car they use at work is already there, so they are home now. I took a deep breath before entering the house, I caught mama sewing fabric in the living room. The house is very quiet.
I ran towards her, hugged her consciously.
"Ma, I'm sorry." I cried on her shoulder.
She started caressing my back. While saying, "It's okay, sweetie. I understand your pain."
"I'm still sorry, Ma. I didn't get to control myself."
"I know, I know." She grabbed both my shoulders to face him. She pressed my cheeks, she wiped my tears using her thumb. "Don't think about me, okay? I'm alright. I understand you, and I already forgave you, the moment you started hating me." tears burst out in her eyes. "You should be thinking about yourself if you're still okay. I can handle myself, sweetie."
"Ma..." I cried more.
"Arlene... you have to be strong to handle everything. Don't think about the people around you, they won't heal you, but only you. They can't take away the pain you're feeling, it's engraved here." she pointed at my heart. "All the pain is engraved here, hija. They can't take that away, because only you can do it then."
"Mom, I can't be strong..."
"You can. You won't leave last night if you're not strong." she smiled. "You will come to me if you are weak, but, no.. you were able when you were with him."
I closed my eyes.
"I'm happy, you're being with someone with all the pain you're feeling."
"W-who are you referring to, Ma?"
I'm confused. I feel like she’s talking about someone, but I don’t understand why.
“You already know who I'm referring to." She poked my side and smiled as if we hadn't cried just a few minutes later.
"Is it Riana?"
"It's not."
"Who is it? I don't have anyone else with me—" I stopped when I remembered something. What— did she see me leaving yesterday night? Or did she follow me through the park?
"Do you remember? You even hugged him when you met him in the park. Alas! He's a very handsome young man, hija! How old is he? Where is he from? That one also looks like a business because of what he's wearing."
Gosh.
"Mom! He's just my friend!" I looked at her, disappointed.
"You hugged him... it's so tight."
"I cried then." I pouted while glaring at her.
"Yipee.." she teased. "I already know those people, it's as if they only look at one of the troops, but he/she's keeping a deep feeling for you. I've experienced that."
"What are you thinking?" My face went bad.
"Who wouldn't think that right?" she arched her brow. "Those who hugged like that in my time will get married, you are not allowed to touch a girl if you are not her husband."
"Eh, what about the bride and groom?"
"You can touch your boyfriend."
"Was that the policy back then?" it caught my attention too much.
"Yes, hija. But, back then, even a couple or a boyfriend didn't handle it. That's okay if you decide. It's up to you,"
I nodded and wiped my face with the handkerchief she gave me.
"You know, hija? The Philippines was better in my time. There were very few vehicles, and there was not much smoke in Manila. It was polite and respectful then, unlike today. Tsk." She shook her head as if disappointed by what was happening now. "Oh, he's right about the past. By the way, hija, the next time you meet your man, invite him here ah? I want to meet him."
"Mom!"
We spent our time arguing about that. He doesn't listen to me, he just keeps on teasing me. If she wasn't just my mother, I might have hit her earlier. Kidding.
—
"Did you know we used to be friends, FC, Ariana, and me?" She asked me with a smile.
FC?
"Who's FC, ma?" I asked crookedly.
"Fiona Carless Montenegro, mother of Carlisle's troops, right?"
Ahhh. Fiona Carless is his mother's name.
"Yes." I nodded.
"Best friends, we used to be Ariana and FC. FC, that's what I call her because she's so Feeling Close when we first met." She laughed. "I used to be irritated by her because I still don't like feeling close. It's like being full of plasticity. In case our friendship lasts, I got used to her. I found out she's really real because no matter what we go through, Ariana was there, even when Ana left for America, we still didn't split up. We're still the same. "
Their friendship was strong. I wish for us too.
"I see myself in you, Arlene," she stroked my hair. "I know, one day, when the time comes for me to disappear from this world, you will be able to endure all the hardships. You will be successful in life. You will be strong to fight against people who are doing you wrong." She said emotionally.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought, what if I was the only one living now? No parents, not rich. How can I get through this life? It's just a simple problem that I'm weakening, what if I... just.
"Mom, don't talk like that." I hugged her. I'm crying again, I just think that mama will disappear like I'm not here anymore.
"I'm telling the truth, what are you? We're all dying. You know, tomorrow there will be no—"
"Mom, what the heck!" crying but annoyed, I tightened my hug with her.
"I don't know when my time is, but for now... I want to be with you as long as I have time. I want to be with you in all your battles, as long as I can stand. I will take care of you as long as I have time. I can still support you. I will let you know how much I love you because I do not want to have regrets until the next life. "
She kissed my forehead. "Let's eat—" we looked at each other as the front door opened. My father was then born playing with the car key with his finger. "Oh, you're here already, let's eat together." Mom invited me.
"Okay. Hi, honey." he greeted me.