Being the only child at home

Well, we all know how it is to be a Filipina, single and living in a smaller city. The rule of “you can’t leave the house till you are married.” still applies no matter how old you are. And out of respect (and stinginess coz I’m saving up for something else), I’d stay home and be with my parents too so I can help out with things they need around the house.

Anyway, now I know how it feels to be the only child at home. I’ve gotten past the middle child syndrome stage in my life wherein I always felt that my parents loved my elder sister more because she’s the eldest, my brother because he’s the only son and my younger sister because she’s the youngest. Oftentimes, growing up, I always got taunted as having the title of “special” child. Not that its bad coz admittedly, I do get autistic, especially when I start working and not paying any attention to my surroundings and anything else in the world.

Since Leigh left for Cebu, I’ve had my parents visiting me in my room almost every night. Bringing something to eat or drink (skyflakes, can of soda, hot tea, pakwan, chocolate, grapes, strawberry and pancit…. Trying to give an excuse here just in case you see me one day, fatter than ever), sit on my bed, ask me how my day was or just ask about the movie or show I’m currently watching on TV. Since Leigh is not around to sit with dad for breakfast, my dad wakes me up early in the morning (even though I was working till 3 AM) to ask me to join him for breakfast (and I sometimes get this feeling of wanting to stick the fork into my eyes just so I can keep them open).

It’s a good feeling to get attention and all but oddly enough, scary too. I mean, I’m not used to this. I know my parents love me (for being so special..hwehehe) and all that but I pretty much grew up doing things I wanted to do alone and not being asked questions as to what I’m doing and how I’m going to do it. My room is my sanctuary with books stacked on my bedside waiting to be read, my dvds scattered near my TV and my abubuts displayed all over. Now, my mom walks in, starts to look at my stuff and starts arranging them or asking me what I should sell for a garage sale coz I have way too many stuff in my room. I know her intentions are good, but what about my organized mess?

My mom now goes to my room at 2AM now just to see what I’m doing (she never did that for the looooongest time). She’d then sit on my bed and ask how business is going and if I’m using the beauty soap she gave me (“Mom, I’ve been using it, but how come I still don’t look like the model on the box?”) and often times ask me some of my most dreaded questions and sometimes, it’s just too difficult to answer.

What are the perks of being the only child at home?

1. I get to hear them say how much they love me more often now.

2. Dad asks me to have coffee with him at the mall and just sit and relax.

3. Mom now picks my favorite fruits and food when she does the groceries and of course:

4. She asks me if I would want to go shopping with her and get a new skirt or blouse.

There. I’m still trying to adjust to my “new life.” This is going to take some getting used to but I’m happy that I get to spend time with them in their “golden” years. So, time to stop this blog and be the one to visit their room now and spoil their “telenovela” time by asking my questions this time. Haha.

Goodnight, sleep tight and sweet dreams people.