CHAPTER 13

Angel From Heaven

♧

They drove past the green light after they had endured the long wait of the red light. The apple-cheeked girl bit and rolled her eyes, escaping a sigh from her small lips because she absolutely despised similar situations like this to happen.

Once the red light was gone in a blink, she finally threw a face of relief and Lena hardly handled her chuckle for the whole ride when she saw this.

"I hate waiting," groaned Serena, moodily. "It wastes my time to buy what I want in the store."

"Don't you worry, my little sister. We still got lots of time ahead of us." assured Lena brightly.

"Yes, but still," she moved her gaze to look out her window seat. "I hate it."

Her frown deepened upon her round forehead behind the reflection, and it went like that until they had finally reached the supermarket. Unfortunately, when they went inside, they found a trail of customers lining up the cashier far and wide. How many they were, they never knew, and the two sisters decidedly scurried through the aisles and sections along the way with their trolley in speedy mode. One at a time they searched the things they need. Once their eye caught the rightful item, they immediately picked it out and threw it in their cart.

Finished with everything they had put; they sent their whole body toward the line of people. Ahead of them was a middle-aged man who seemed to have drawn public attention. He did not look like he understood what the cashier lady was saying, so Lena dived in to help the troubled man who appeared lost.

"What seems to be the trouble?" inquired Lena to the cashier lady. The cashier lady sighed in a full baffle.

"I told this man there's a discount. This amount of money he is paying wouldn't do for him since we can't give him a change," she pointed her finger to the man who was waving a few cash in front of her. "I don't know what his problem is, either he is trying to make himself a fool or he is deaf." The cashier lady complained, inadvertently offending the middle-aged man if he knew and heard all of this.

Lena tried to signal her hands in front of the man. He touched his beard for a while, responding to the situation with an air of a man that was calmly pleased. He understood the message and put his money back into his pockets. He nodded in response after that and smiled at the delicate form who helped him immensely. Not for long, he walked out of the exit behind and gave a valedictory wave.

Lena waved back.

"That was truly amazing," remarked the cashier lady, blinking in awe. "I thought he was up to some sort- he was kinda fishy, but I guess I wasn't really paying much attention." she said after witnessing the little scene. She wasn't practically the only person who saw this because Serena learned something she never experienced in her life before. She looked up to her sister in keen admiration for the first time.

"How come he didn't understand what the lady was saying except you?" Serena asked in curiosity which was natural for a girl of her age.

"It was a long time ago. I learned sign language back in school," explained Lena, smiling over at the curious child. "I joined the book club during highschool and there was a time when I have to do this in order to communicate with the members."

"Oh. Will they teach me this in school someday?"

"I am sure they will. Though I can teach you now if you want." Lena smiled as she caressed her little sister's braid.

"Would you, really?" Her eyes sparked.

"I will hold my word for you." Lena promised and kept her word like she did before.

"Oh, yes. I do, I do want then!" Serena clapped her hands in an animated face.

"I wish to be like you." and after she heard that in her ears, Lena was heartily pleased at the cheery figure.

On their way back home, the clouds were shaded with gray and dust while each layered the white puffiness that was smashed above. Then the rain came down from high above, pouring the world with gloom but also true solace. Looking out of the window seat, sat an apple-cheeked girl in deep thought. Her hands were pressed against her oval chin as the little girl turned her attention to her older sister who drove silently on their way.

"Lena," she spoke after her deep thought. "What was our mom like before she died?"

Half-startled at this sudden question, Lena began to reconcile the situation for a few moments or so.

"Our mom was the most patient woman I knew," Lena exhaled gently. "Didn't dad share you her picture before?"

"He did share me a picture of mom once," admitted Serena in her adorable voice. "But I never got the chance to know her like you did, Lena."

In this, Lena cast over a glance to the drooping face that was so lovely, yet it was hurt to watch. There was pity on her face, and she felt her heart struck to the core. Then she soothed the downcast child in tender words.

"I know we never had this type of conversation about mom before," Lena began. "I just want to tell you how much dad and I loves you. You still have us. I know it doesn't sound perfect even though there is no such thing. But we will always love you, Serena. I do swear with all of my heart." promised Lena, her green eyes were still on the road.

"No one," Lena went on earnestly, "No one in this world can ever take my love for you." and this genuinely lightened the child's heart in a fleeting moment.

It was shortly after they arrived at their lovable home, the two sisters made their way inside. In a condition where they were soaking wet because of the rain. Both sisters immediately took a shower once the water was available in the house. Together they dried their clothes outside and pulled the towels that were left hanging on. Outside from their house, they could see the tall blue shadows of the mountains in a faraway distance. It reached the eyes of many, for the place bloomed heavenly in allurement.

"At least I am lucky," said Serena, sitting on the porch swing while she was smoothening her delicate braids. "The kids in school bring their mommies all the time, but I feel like my mom is always watching over me and waiting up there." She pointed the sky yonder.

Soon when she said this in a dreamlike manner, Lena went over to her little sister and sat beside her. She bent and kissed the darling so tenderly like a mother would do.

"If only there is any chance for you to be with her. I will whole-heartedly exchange her place if that is what makes you happy." Lena declared suddenly.

"I am already happy," Serena spoke candidly. "I already have you and dad. I don't want you to be gone because you are too kind and so loving for a sister. I don't want you to go. I don't want anyone but you, Lena." She drew closely by her sister's side. As loving tears streamed underneath her bare cheeks when she heard all this, Lena hastily wiped them and looked at the dreamy face bent over her shoulder.

She is an angel, mom. Just like you.

She thought for a while under the watery rooftop. The sisterly hour could not be described specifically with words, for the sweet moment was entirely something that was too beautiful to portray in this lovely bonding.

"I love you, little sister," sniffed Lena, gazing back at the scenery. "Until the end."