A Second Home and Some Childhood Reflections

Well I'm going home

Back to the place where I belong

And where your love has always been enough for me

I'm not running from

No, I think you got me all wrong

I don't regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

So I'm going home

Well I'm going home

It was early Friday morning and I was singing to Chris Daughtry's 'Home' en route to Cathy's place. And for good measure, Charissa fetched me straight to her sister's house as a favor.

"Take care Christine. And remember that you should always behave," Charissa's last reminders to me before we went our separate ways.

Cathy's majestic mansion became my home away from home. Many Christmas and Easter holidays were spent in this humble abode.

It was located in a posh neighborhood in the Ortigas area. Similar to Michelle's house, it has a garden, a swimming pool, a balcony and a guest room.

Upon arriving at my aunt's house, I saw some familiar faces, from Cathy's prized rottweiler to her loyal security guard. But the one person that piqued my interest was Cathy herself, and unfortunately, she has not shown up yet.

So I sat on the sofa, stretched a bit and took a nap. Just 30 minutes later, someone rang the doorbell.

I got up yawning and rubbing both eyes, my body still visibly tired from yesterday's intensive workout. Upon gazing at the window, it was indeed Cathy who arrived.

"Auntie," I yelled upon making my way outside.

"Oh, it's my cute niece Christine. Great to see you at my humble abode," Cathy joyfully greeted me as she opened the door, her cheeks blushing from all the glee.

Back inside, I resumed my nap on her trusty old sofa. Meanwhile, Cathy went to work preparing lunch.

Moments later, something piqued my sense of smell. I woke up to see Cathy in the kitchen and saw some chicken and soup being poured on the bowl.

"Is that tinola?" I wondered to myself.

After gazing at Cathy's cooking I went back to the living room to play Cathy's grand piano. The piano was a gift from her father after college graduation and it still functioned well after over two decades of use.

Unfortunately, I was unable to hit the right notes. Turns out my voice needs more practice.

Back in the dining room, I walked gently to the table to see a bowl of tinola, fresh steamed rice and lemon juice all ready to serve. Lunch time is about to begin.

"So, what have you been doing lately?" Cathy asked as a cup of rice and tinola are served.

"Well, I've been losing weight," I revealed to my aunt, her lovely face nodding with approval. "You see, some people have teased, mocked and abused me for years that I was no longer satisfied with being myself. A fundamental change to my body was sorely needed."

"Yesterday, I voluntarily joined Michelle and Ella for some exercise and realized just how fun working out can be," I continued. They also offered me some practical suggestions on which foods to eat. Right now, tinola is one of these quality foods because of free-range chicken and chayote. And homemade lemonade too."

"That's splendid to hear, Christine," Cathy said heartily with an assured look on her face. "If you're unconfident with yourself, better change your habits."

"But it won't be easy. I still have a lot more work to do," I replied back, my face projecting a serious demeanor.

"Don't worry about it. You'll get there eventually. Just keep it up," Cathy wholeheartedly assured me.

After a delicious lunch, Cathy and I headed to her magnificent garden to relax and enjoy the afternoon. She brought along a few photo albums from her bedroom as well.

Cathy began showing me some of the old pictures from my childhood years. Even after over two decades, these photographs looked as pristine as ever.

There is a rosy picture of me as a six-year-old during my preschool graduation. Below that image is a family photo with me and my parents during one of our reunions.

"Look Christine. It's you, Clark and Charissa," Cathy pointed out. "Your face looked so charming and innocent at the time. Hopefully, I can shoot another one with your family someday to see how much you've grown tremendously."

That memorable image turned out to be the last time Charissa and I shared the same picture until our Tagaytay trip the previous week. But there was more to come.

There was also me dressed as Little Red Riding Hood during first grade Halloween party, joined by my most trustworthy friend Michelle as the Big Bad Wolf. Placed next to them are other group shots with Michelle and later on with Ella during elementary and high school class.

On the next page, Cathy pointed out our joyful and candid images at the Christmas get-together 14 years ago with other family members. Below it were rare images of me chatting with Charissa on social media, all shot by my aunt.

Cathy also pointed out to me my elementary and high school graduation photos with her acting as the doting mother. Next to them were a series of group shots with Michelle and Ella, both in formal and wacky poses.

Those were only just some of the countless photographic memories that my family and friends shared through the years. If there was a common theme about these pictures, it would be that I had a wonderful childhood in spite of all the personal problems facing me.

After a lengthy hug, I bade farewell to my aunt Cathy and her trusty rottweiler, vowing to return someday. Upon returning to the room, my pocket detected a stinging vibration.

It was a text message on my smartphone. But who could it be?