Back Once More

The house was quiet when Juliana arrived. The lights were out, and no activities indicated that someone was home.

"Nana? Ate Maribeth?"

She called but heard no response. She stepped in and switched all the lights on. Their house was spotless as ever. Her sister must've taken proper care of it. If only she hadn't discovered Maribeth's secret of being a manananggal, she could've stayed longer.

She sat on the rattan bench and stretched her fatigued legs. Just a few hours ago she was on the plane, contemplating her dream about the lake. Most of all, she needed to kick-start a new project while her fans craved more of her stories. Being in her comfort zone helped her write well and productively. 

She didn't have any plan of going back after what happened between her and her sister. However, living in the city stressed her so much that she couldn't think about what to write.

Exhaustion seized her, and her eyelids became heavy; she couldn't stay awake longer. And that was it. After battling drowsiness, she finally gave in. She let her aching back touch the hardwood and slept.

                                                                                 *

"Is she alright?"

"Yes, Nana. She's fine."

The whispering voices nudged her awake. She squinted at the bright light, hurting her eyes. It took her some time to adjust her eyesight from darkness to light.

"Nana? Ate?" she asked in between yawns and stretching. "Where have you been? What time is it?"

"We came from Mang Tino's house. It's his son's birthday. Remember Ryleigh?" Maribeth answered without looking in her direction. She was avoiding her.

"Poor kid. He has just turned seven today, but his doctor already told the family that he has leukemia," Nana replied. She shook her head in dismay. "Maribeth told me that the condition is curable, but only if his family can afford the treatment."

"I didn't know that kid," Juliana said. "I only know Randolf, Mang Tino's teenage son."

"Is that so? Never mind that; you're not staying here longer for sure, are you?" Nana asked. There was a hint of sultriness in her tone.

Juliana got up and smiled. She walked towards and hugged Nana from behind. "Of course, I am staying for some time. I'm working on a new story, and I know just the perfect place to write it."

"Mang tino gave us some packed food. It's perfect timing you're here," Maribeth said while placing a dish on the table for her.

She walked beside her sister and inconspicuously whispered, "Is this clean? You didn't do anything stupid with it?"

"I didn't. Look, I'm sorry I tried to transfer my ability to you."

Juliana stepped back, allowing Maribeth to see her smiling face. "I wasn't turned, so I forgive you. You're my only sister, and I have no choice but to love you back," she said jokingly.

Maribeth gave her a tight hug and smiled back.  However, as soon as she turned her back, her face became sad and her eyes welled. 'I'm sorry, Juliana. But the toxins are still in your system, and there's no way to flush them out unless you seek help from an expert albularyo. Sooner or later, the monster in you will wake up, and you will still become like me,' she told herself.