As light slowly peaked through my curtains, I cracked open my eyes and slowly made my way to my phone to check the time. The brightness almost made my eyes flinched as I fumble to tone it down. I looked at the screen clock as it read 5:00 am. I placed it back on my nightstand as I combed my hair and splashed some water at my face to wake myself up. I then made my way to the kitchen and checked the fridges for some eggs. I opened the fridge door as I saw 2 eggs left at the carton and some left over chicken. I checked the rice cooker if there was left over rice and thankfully there was some left. That's enough for a quick fried rice at least, just until mom can get groceries this week.
I whisked some eggs and prepared all the ingredients I would need for the fried rice. I grabbed our old but still reliable pan and oil and started cooking. As I'm cooking I heard little footsteps, Caleb my little brother is awake now.
"Oh gising ka na pala, upo ka muna jan. Malapit na to."
He smiled gently as he sits down at the table and watched me finished up the fried rice.
"Wala pa ba si nanay ate?"
He started at me with that brown eyes full of curiosity. I was taken aback by his question but I fixed him a plate as I replied,
"Wala pa bunso, pero alam mo naman na madalas kailangan siya hanggang gabi sa hospital.".
Hopefully I answered his questions. I thought to myself as I grabbed my own plate and sat across him to eat breakfast.
After we were finished with breakfast and cleaning up the dishes, I helped Caleb get ready as Mom just came back from work.
"Anaaaak Xienna, Caleb dito na si nanay."
As Caleb finished up getting dressed for school he went to greet mom with a smile on his face and hugged mom. I followed behind and greeted mom as well
"Nandiyan na po pala kayo nay, mano po"
I placed her hands on my forehead and she put her things down on the sofa.
"Paalis na ba kayo? Oh ito nga pala baon niyo"
She said as she pulls out her wallet and gave us each 150 pesos bills.
"Ay Xienna anak, bumili pala ako nitong kape kaso di ko naubos gusto mo ba?"
As I was putting on my shoes I turned to her
"Ahh sge po nay, una na po kami baka malate pa kami. Sge po"
I grabbed the left over coffee and kissed mom goodbye rushed out the door with Caleb to where the bus usually waits.
I waited for Caleb to get on his bus which was next to mine when suddenly the bus which I was supposed to ride closed its doors and pulled away at the parking lot. I frantically made my way over, panic surging and tried to get the drivers attention somehow.
"Kuya!! Kuya sandali lang!!! Kuyaaa!!!!"
I kept trying to shout to the top of my lungs but the driver didn't hear me. Out of breath, I checked my phone for the time. It's currently 6:30 am if I rode the jeep and make a run for it maybe I'd make it. I grabbed my bag as I waved over I jeepney enroute to my school.
"Kuya pa Northwest High kayo?"
The driver nodded and I made my way to the back relieved. I took out my wallet and counted my spare change which was enough for my ride.
" Kuya bayad po, Salamat"
another passenger was kind enough to give the fare to the driver who I can't reach from where I was sitting.
Riding the jeepney was fine but it would take longer so when I reached my stop I signaled to the driver and as he slowed down to drop me off I made a run for the school's entrance. I checked my phone again as I'm running which says 7:45. I was so busy the I didn't see the person infront on me and I spilled the left over coffee mom bought.