Welcome Home
“Letty, why did you tell Cade!” I couldn’t help but raise my voice.
Today is my departure for El Preve. Cade commented on my Instagram update today.
You’re leaving…
No one noticed his comment but me. That seems normal because my fans also commented on the picture.
“I didn’t say anything. He himself heard that. Kuya and I talked,” she explained as she helped me unload my luggage.
I have no intention of letting Cade know because that was one of the things my parents and I talked about. I don’t know if punishment is what they want to do to me.
My conversation with Letty ended when I walked up to her first. Mama was there waiting with Papa, Arrow, and Mang Ben.
“Good luck to your project. Be careful,” Mama said as she kissed me on the cheek.
“Thank you, Ma. I’ll do better,” then hugged her.
“Clear your mind, Dear,” it was Papa who hugged me too. I know what he wants to do.
“Piper!” Everyone looked at the man in long sleeves and pants. His face was sweaty as he gasped for breath.
I put up with not staring at him so I decided to put the equipment in the car.
“Piper, talk to me,” his eyes begged. I couldn’t help myself from throwing a single glance at him.
They all stared at me as if measuring my every move. I stepped closer to him.
“Cade, go away,” but instead of following what I said he hugged me.
I estimated myself. “We’re done, Cade. We’re done”
I never thought I would let that go. My heart was almost broken but I knew that in the end, he would also pick it up to make it whole. So far it is no longer us first.
“I can’t believe it. We promised a lot for the two of us, right? We can handle it…” He held both my arms.
“My daughter doesn’t like you so can you leave now,” Mama interfered as she pushed Cade.
“Hijo, it’s all for the better. Let my daughter live in silence.”
His eyes were staring at me verily. It hurts because his pain reflected to me, I can feel it. I calm myself as I catch my breath. He had wounds and bruises on his face. I also looked at his arm with those wounds.
What could have happened to him?
We haven’t talked for almost a month. I ignored his phone calls and texts until I blocked him permanently. Whenever I am not talking to him, I am with Arrow.
“That’s how my daughter smiles when she’s with you, Arrow.”
That’s what Mom would often say when Arrow came to surprise me. This is how I smile. Smile because of shallow fun and not as deep when I’m with Cade.
“It cannot be erased that Piper is our child even when it’s only in paper! You’re one of us! You’re one of the Roshans! You’re a thief and a murderer!”
That was one of the most painful things Papa said once he found out that Mama and I were fighting. It hurts to admit but I am one of them.
Once Mom let me out, I saw how Dad treated the workers. He doesn’t seem to be the father I know. He hurts them when he doesn’t like the job.
A lot happened during the time Cade and I weren’t talking. I would often hear Mom snoring in Dad’s office. They found out that Cade was gathering evidence to disregard their ownership of the land.
This was also followed by the frequent visits of Atty. Tecson. I just sat quietly on the side while vulgarizing their trust. Farmers have protested several times about their wages. Who would be happy with a salary of fifty pesos a week?
I also found out that Papa’s road project in El Preve was paid to him by motorists passing by there.
I vulgarly found out about such a thing and understood face to face what they were doing. They are no longer ashamed of their actions because I already know everything. There are still some that they didn’t talk to in front of the table but that was enough for me to know who they really are.
When Mama ordered me to pick up the papers in the office, I once saw the list of people they were killing as well as their secret transaction. There is still extra money for projects done and some are still pending.
Papa guided me to the ride.
“Piper! I’ll wait! I know you, Piper. I can see in your eyes that you are hurting!” Cade said last before I finally closed the car door. Arrow moved next to me who was already in the passenger’s seat.
“Mang Ben, let’s go.” Even Mang Ben had a sad face. I could do nothing but stare at Cade in the rear view of the car.
Arrow slowly laid my head on his shoulder. I just realized that my tears were flowing. Maybe he felt like I didn’t want any words to come from him so the whole trip he was quiet.
Arrow is staying with me for a few days because he wants to meet Latrelle in person. He feels something different about that man.
I put the present I bought for Pixie and Aria in the refrigerator, the same food that my friend wanted.
“Welcome home!” Aria was excited when I opened the door. She has a spare key to my house so she can enter at any time.
She lowers the container of confetti she exploded with Pixie holding a cake.
“You’re still busy,” I said wearily.
“What are you!? This only happens rarely. I’ll go with your taping. When is that, by the way? I want to see Fafa Latrelle!” She seemed to be being tickled while talking with ke.
“My child’s taping is next week. Sheesh! Your schedule is so hectic! It’s because of you!” It was Pixie who was fixing his hair.
“By the way, is this Arrow?!”, it was like a specimen that Aria examined the man behind me.
“I am right! Engr. Vitale’s handsome, ah!” she greeted as she hit the arm.
“Thank you. You’re still jolly,” Arrow replied, laughing. I suddenly remembered Cade’s laughter. Someone has already drawn what is in my heart.