THE GIRL IN RED DRESS (Cousinhood Series 1)

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

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"DADDY!" Nanigas sa kinatatayuan nito si Cole ng marinig ang pagtawag na iyon sa kanya ni Jewel.

Nakatingin sa kanya ang bata at may ningning sa mga mata nito. Kumawala ito sa pagkakakarga ni Clara at tumakbo sa kanya. Napayuko si Cole at tinitigan ang batang mukhang tutang nakatitig sa kanya. Jewel's eyes are like the lost puppy he saw in the street.

"Daddy, you're finally here. You come to pick me up." Niyakap siya ni Jewel sa kanyang hita.

Lalong natigilan si Cole. Hindi niya ma-intindihan ang nangyayari. Jewel calling him Daddy shock his whole being. Slowly he looks at Clara who is standing near them. May namumuong luha sa mga mata nito. Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa anak nito. Jewel still hugging his tight. Hinawakan niya ang bata sa balikat at yumuko para ipantay ang saliri.

"Hi, Jewel," bati niya sa bata.

"Hi, Daddy. How are you?" Masayang tanong ng bata.

"I'm good, baby. How about you? How's your studies?" Slowly, he understands why Jewel called her Daddy.

"I learn a lot today. I'm also the top student at my classroom. Mommy said I'm smart like you. I miss you, Daddy." Jewel hugs him.

Cole feels like something touch his heart. It's warm and makes him float. He wanted to cry but he stops his self. He hugs her back. It is tighter than what Jewel gives him. Cole can't describe the feeling he have at that moment. The only thing he knows is that he wants that moment to last. He feels like home at Jewel's arms. It' like he was lost at find his way. It's like he is now a complete man. This kids in not his but he feels like his.

"I love you, Daddy."

Tuluyang pumatak ang mga luha sa pisngi ni Cole ng marinig ang tatlong salitang iyon. He suddenly remembers the time he carries Jewel for the first time. The moment that he carries her is like he sees the light in his life. Mas hinigpitan pa niya ang yakap sa bata.

"I love you too, Jewel. Daddy loves you so much."

He looks at Clara. Like him, she also crying. He smiles to him and alter his thank you. She is indeed a wonderful woman. He understands now what's happening. Clara... Clara did it for him and he is thankful.

After that moment, Cole bring Clara and Jewel to the nearing restaurant. Hindi maitago ang saya sa mukha ni Jewel habang kumakain. Hindi siya binitiwan ni Jewel mula pa kanina sa sasakyan kaya naman si Clara na ang nagmaneho ng kanyang kotse. He wanted to ask Clara but he needs to be patient. He can't ask her when Jewel is around.

"Daddy, do you like ice cream?" tanong ni Jewel habang kumakain ng ice cream na inorder nito.

Dessert na ang kinakain nila at ice cream ang kinakain nilang tatlo. Jewel order ube ice cream while Clara and him order chocolate. Napatingin siya sa bata na katabi niya sa upuan. Sa kanya talaga ito umupo dahil ayaw nitong mapahiwalay sa kanya. Napuno naman ng kasayahan ang kanyang puso. Knowing that Jewel likes him makes his heart floating in air.

"Yes. I do like it." Sagot niya.

Nang makita niyang madumi ang gilid ng labi ni Jewel ay kumuuha siya ng tissue at pinunasan iyon.

"You are a messy eater like your mom." Hindi niya napigilang sabihin iyon.

"Really, Daddy?"

Itinigil niya ang ginagawang pagpunas sa gilid ng labi nito at tumingin sa ina ng bata na tahimik lang na nakamasid sa kanilang dalawa. He reads a lot of emotion at her eyes. But one thing he can name, happiness. She is happy looking at him and Jewel. He gives her a smile. He wanted to reach out for her hand but he stops himself. Kailangan niyang pigilan ang sarili dahil kasama nila ang anak. Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon sa anak.