Chapter 8: Surprise

I sat on the bench in the bus stop. I sighed before looking at the right side of the road, waiting for the bus to arrive. I watched as several kinds of cars passed by, and in between watched the sky endlessly poured all its heartbreak. I also end up watching some townsfolk walking along the road with their umbrellas. I waited for a few minutes until I feel like my patience is going to break. Why is the bus taking so long? It is so unlikely for the bus to be this late. I irritatingly looked at the time. I am 40 minutes late, goodness!

A sudden beep disturbed the silence. It was a text message from Jacq, asking me of how I will spend our long vacation.

What?

I texted back asking him what he means by that. What vacation? What is he talking about? Is there something I am not aware about? Am I missing something?

My phone beeped once again, indicating that my message was not sent. I tried again and watched as the faint, colorless circle on the screen appeared. My message is not sent right away and is delayed still. I assume that the signal is poor. After a while, I saw another message popping up and it was now from Mama.

Mom:

Where are you?

It was delayed for a good minute.

Jacq:

What do you mean what? There are no classes for today, man and I think for a couple of days too because of the surging storm. Wanna go check my new laptop?

I read his text message for a couple of times letting everything sink in. I sighed. The perks of not asking and listening.

“Ansel!”

I heard a voice calling me somewhere. I looked around and found my Mother, with an umbrella almost protecting her from all the rain but is still getting wet as the rain moves with the wind. I was not able to figure out who she is right away because of the misty surrounding, but her voice is a giveaway. I can quickly name her just by her voice.

“Mama!” now shivering, I shouted back. Its as if I suddenly feel all the cold and heaviness after seeing my mother. It was like I could feel her warmth even if we are a few feet away.

When she finally reached me, I hugged her tight feeling the familiar comfort and security only she could make me feel. We sat down on the bench as I tell her about my confusion.

“yes, I waited for the bus to arrive, but I was informed recently that the classes ae suspended.” I inhaled and blew out the air in disappointment.

She started rubbing my back in gentle strokes, moving up and down, calming all my nerves. She held my hand and I liked it. I could feel her warm hands against my cold ones. She then blew a hot breath on them, not satisfied with only holding my hand and the warmth I get there.

“I was about to inform you, but you are in a rush. I thought that you will be back after some time, but you did not. I was worried when you did not text back, so I decided to go to you.” She informed me with pity and affection mixed in her eyes.

When we reached home, I immediately went to the sink to get water for the both of us. I drank it in one swift gulp. I put down the empty glass on the table. Even though a bit drenched, I still went for my mother and watched her every move thinking if she is okay. She noticed me that is why she stopped drinking and put down her half-empty glass of water.

She sighed, “I am fine. Go to your room and go fix yourself. You might catch a cold.” She stated with assurance.

“are you sure?” I asked and got up hesitantly. I looked at her intently and was ready to stay if ever she changes her mind, or if I see even a slight discomfort.

She nodded right away upon hearing my question, “I am fine, son. And I am perfectly capable if ever I need something. Go now and take a rest. I know that the cold is too harsh for you”

Which is why I want to stay if ever, because I want to take care of you. I could do it for you. But instead of telling her that, I got up and went to my room feeling uneasy.

I went to my small cabinet to get comfortable clothes. After that, I went inside the bathroom to fix myself and change. When I saw myself in the mirror, while I am fixing my hair, I thought of the things I missed out in my dream. There is something important hidden in it and I was about to uncover it when I was awakened.

There is this sudden urge for me to continue where I left off, but will I? After the recent ‘traveling’ in my dreams, I figured that I do not have the capability to just imagine wherever and whatever I want to be and be that person, be in there, in my own bidding. I realized that when and where I am supposed to go depends, but in what aspect, I still do not know. One thing that I am sure about is It is always a surprise!

When I went out of the bathroom and into my bed, I felt like there is a string attached to it, pulling me closer and closer. I was a bit frightened to feel that same feeling I had yesterday. I am still not ready for another round of it. But I am itchy and eager to know where this is leading me to and questions must be answered.

A part of me is saying that my journey in my dreams will lead me to somewhere I never thought I could, something amazing, unimaginable! Well, all of my dreams are, and they are dreams for one, but deep down I feel like there is something to it than what meets the eye; that what I know is not even the half of everything and that I just barely started yet. I am getting this feeling that more truths will unfold, and a new chapter is about to come that will forever change my life.