When
I finally came to the decision to leave my sister’s house, I was
concerned how to tell my niece and nephew Toni and Nonoy. I extended my
stay for a week so I could bid them goodbye. I know that we have become
attached to each other and leaving is not so easy.
One evening
I asked the both of them to come to the room. Weeks before, I took them
out on a date and we spend time malling. Toni asked me to take her to
SM City and our first stop was at The National Bookstore. She asked me
to buy her a Bratz sticker book and we had a long negotiation over it
because I don’t really think the Bratz is a good influence on her. I
relented because she argued they are not really brats, to her they are
angels. 
After
paying for the sticker book, we proceeded to the fun house where she
tried her hand in basketball, she had two rides: the jeep and the
carousel. I remember I shelled out a considerable amount on the tokens.
I asked if she was hungry and she asked for ice cream. We both had ice cream. 
She still explored the rides while I waited for her to get tired.
Finally, she told me she was hungry and wants to eat pizza.
We
ended eating at Pizza Hut. Her appetite was ravenous and she finished
two or is it three slices of the pan pizza. I asked Toni where else she
wants to go? Her reply: "What a great date Tita. I love you." 
Taking
Nonoy out on a date is a different story. This time we went to
Robinson’s and I told myself I would just allow Nonoy to lead me. Our
first trip was to the comfort room because he wanted to wee wee. 
Then
he lead me to the toys section of the mall and started inspecting the
cars on display. I was observing him and I know he was bent on getting
one of the toy cars (remote control). I bought the car, with the
batteries which was rather expensive but I made him promise to take
good care of it.
I thought we would still take our snacks but
he told me he wants to go home now. I surmised he’s really typical
male, single minded. He already got what he wanted so it’s time we got
home. I was concerned because he did not even ask for milk. But when we
reached home, he just played and played and played with his new remote
control toy car.
So, how did my saying goodbye went? Toni
threw a fit; she cried and yelled and I have to placate and pacify her.
Nonoy quietly left the room after saying to my face "No".
It was a
scene I did not really imagine. I rehearsed my lines to convince them I
was going to transfer to another house and that they could come visit
me and even sleep over if their parents allow.
My sister had to come up and take Toni. I was also crying…
Toni
was going to perform at SM City the afternoon I left the house… Every
one in the household is watching her. I attended the final rehearsal
the day before…
She complained about the song Ako Ay Pilipino
as scary… Her mother explained to her the lyrics of the song…
Impishly she replied: Could I just be Chinese?
I visited my
niece and nephew a week after I left… Toni still cried and yelled at
me… and Nonoy gave me a cold shoulder treatment…
Kids,
they’re so free to express their emotions… When I said goodbye again,
I got the warmest hug from both of them this time… 
