The Second Time Around

Chapter 16

I know now, I'm never been in love before...

'Mama...'

'Oh, I though you're sleeping already?' I saw my little angel in her pajama with her turtle stuff toy her Tito Thirdy gave her, in tow, cutely rubbing her eyes. I already thought she's sleeping na, iniwan ko siya sa room niya na tulog na... or yeah, nagising nga siguro.

I picked her up, and let her sit in my lap. I am busy computing my student's grades.

'Why are you up baby?' I asked kissing her temple.

We are now back in Cebu. After Kiefer got out from the hospital, that day after, Mimi and I flew back.

There are so many things I wanted to do pa nga sana in Manila, but I really need to go back, work's waiting.

'Mama...' My happy pill said again while caressing my face. She's catching my eyes, trying getting a contact.

'Yes baby?' I said and look at her sleepy eyes.

'Mama...' She yawns. Ano ba talaga Mimi?

'Mama, why can't we live with Papa?' She asked and buries her face in my neck.

Here goes our random question night again.

Why can't we?

Kiefer and I have talked it out already.

And yes, we are back...

Officially!

Wala eh, hindi ko kayang pahirapan pa si Manong.

Though marami pang dapat ayusin... pero isa lang masasabi ko, kami na ulit.

'How many times did I answer that question na Mimi ah...' Yes, every time we have this night, she would always ask that same question.

'But Mama, lahi na man karon diba?' Yeah, the situation's different now. We are back. We are back! Why can't we just live in one roof, eh sa kung nagbalikan nga kami, why not live diba?

'Mimi, soon baby.' Sabi ko na lang. And she just replied with a yawn and hugs me. Tulog ka na lang ulit baby.

Eto, napapaisip nanaman ako. Yes, now that we're back in each other's arms, why don't we live in one roof?

But the thing is, I have my work here in Cebu, alam ni Kiefer yun, na mahal na mahal ko ang work ko dito, and di ko basta bastang iwan to.

And yes, gladly Kiefer understands.

Pero ang isang to, who's sleeping in my arms, atat to live in one roof with his Papa.

Paano ba to?

And then my phone rings, incoming Facetime request... from sino pa ba?

Papa ko.

'Yes?' I answered, struggling trying to balance the phone sa table facing us.

'Baby ko...' He said pouting. Kakatapos lang yata ng practice nila, coz he's so sweaty pa, and naka jersey pa and yeah, background niya eh basketball court pa.

'Ssshhh, Mimi's sleeping.' I shooed him, and stand up.

'Pasok ko muna si Mimi sa room niya. I'll be back, wait.'

~~~

After our practice, I immediately dialed Mika's for a Facetime request. Miss ko na ang mag ina ko. I just can't wait to be with them again.