ARLENE MARIELLA's POV
Mama's finger moved suddenly. I looked at her face, waiting to see if she would open her eyes for me.
[Mama: Mommy]
"Wake up, Mama. I'm here now, I love you." I said. A few more minutes passed and she finally realized that her eyes that landed immediately all-around, landed on me. Her lips stretched for a smile when she saw me, she raised her hand to touch my cheek, wet from crying.
"I'm sorry, Ma. I hope you can forgive me," I cried once again. I closed my eyes and felt her caress on my cheek.
[Mama: Mommy]
"Shh, you're not to blame for what happened, Arlene," she spoke weakly, she seemed to lack the strength to speak.
"No, Ma. It is, if you don't suffer because of me, that won't happen to you."
"You weren't the one who drove the car, were you? You weren't the one who almost ran into me either." She repeatedly stroked my cheek.
"Not really, Mama. You worry about me and then just think about what Papa and I give you. Mama, I'm too much of a burden to you."
Her forehead furrowed, seeming to wonder why I said that. "Who said you're a burden to us?" Her voice rose a bit and made me scared.
"It's me," I lied. Yeah, I know I'm a burden to both of them, it's just so hard to say.
"You are my child so it is my responsibility to accept whatever hardship and pain you can give,"
"Ma.."
[Mama: Mommy]
"That's true, hija. So don't think you're a burden to me... to us, because I haven't thought of that since the Lord gave you to me," she said tearfully.
But why does Papa think I'm a burden?
Doesn't he love me?
"I love you so much, Mama. I'm sorry and thank you for everything," I hugged her. I buried my face in her neck while she in turn rested her chin on my shoulder. She rubbed my back against the crying.
"I love you too," she whispered in my ear before touching me with a kiss on the cheek.
"It's good that you're awake Carlene," said Grandma who had just entered the room. I let go of Mama's hug and smiled at the newcomer.
"Oh, hija. I brought food for you, I'm sure you're hungry because you haven't eaten before. I cooked your favorite dish for you," Grandma presented me with Tupperware. I instantly smile when I saw that it was Menudo and rice, a Filipino dish I‘ve been favored of.
"Thank you, Grandma." I smiled at her. She just nodded at me before turning to Mom.
"Are you hungry, Carlene?" Grandma asked Mama with a smile who just nodded at her. Grandma returned to her paper bag and pulled out another Tupperware.
She sat on the chair I was sitting on earlier and kissed Mama on her forehead. I pulled out another chair to sit on the other side of the bed.
"Where's Laurent?" wrinkled when Mama asked Grandma, Grandma on the other hand, stopped eating from her and smiled sadly.
"He's in the company,"
"Ah," she nodded before putting the spoon in her mouth.
That day passed silently. I didn't go out of Mama's room, I used my cell phone all day. That night Papa came, I thought he would tell me again but that didn't happen instead he just went straight to Mama who was watching TV and didn't notice his arrival.
I just ignored them and continued talking on my cell phone. I fell asleep too so I fell on the sofa.
"Hi, Auntie! Good Morning!" Riana's loud voice echoed throughout the room. The reason why I woke up and was forced to sit down in no time.
"What's the heck? It's too early, you're too noisy! ​​You saw someone sleeping, didn't you?" I shouted angrily. I rubbed my eyes before getting up and going to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.
"I'm sorry! Hi Aunt, I have some food. Do you want it? You know, Aunt, it's forbidden to refuse." I heard Riana say from outside.
"You're such a sweety, hija. Please put it aside first, I'll wait for Arlene to finish so we can eat together."
I speeded up what I was doing so that Mama would not have to wait too long.
When I came out, they were both whispering. Just stopped to see me, Riana sat up straight and smiled wide. I stared at her and went straight to the food she was carrying.
"Bacon, egg omelet, fried rice plus hotdogs, I cooked that!" Riana was proud of the little food she cooked. Which is a bit black?
I winced. I picked up the fork and tasted the Egg Omelette. On my first bite, I tasted the saltiness!
I was immediately given water to drink. I didn’t spit, I swallowed it all the way. I faced her and pulled her softly.
"The omelet is salty!" I grunted, pulling her hair.
"Huh? What's so salty? Grandma said I put it right!" her defense.
"Did you taste it?!"
"N-No." She spoke, almost a whisper, hand on her cheek she replied. I would have fought in case Mama suddenly begged me. I forgot she was here, I guess!
"Hep, hep. That's enough, taste it Riana first to make sure. Maybe your best friend is lying." Mama stared at me, suspiciously Riana stood up and tasted the omelet she cooked.
"Argh! It's salty!" she exclaimed and was given water to drink. I laughed out loud and teased her.
"I thought you were a chef, you‘re just a shit," I laughed and pointed at her. I cupped my stomach happily.
"Pft." Mama holds back a laugh. She shot us a bad look before slamming herself on the sofa I was lying on earlier. It was as if she was a child who had not been given candy today, her snout was long with her arms crossed.
When I was satisfied with the ridiculousness, Mama and I put our food on the same plate. I'd be going to feed her, maybe she can't eat on her own yet.
After a short stay, I decided to go out and go straight to Stewart's room. There was a guard for Mama and I said I needed air on the rooftop first so they wouldn't suspect anything. Fortunately, Riana came home tonight, because she said she had nothing to do at their house so she thought of visiting Mama. Uncle Rey and Aunt Ariana will only visit the next day when they have free time.
I stopped in front of the door. I calmed myself first before knocking at the door. It immediately opened and Ciara showed up in front of me. Her smile faded when she saw me.