"Mommy..." someone whispered on my ear.
Iminulat ko ang mata ko upang makita ang aking anak na binubulangan ang tenga ko habang nakahawak sa magkabila kong pisngi.
Humikab ako bago humalik sa aking anak. Tiningnan ko ang orasan sa bed side table at nakitang alas kuwatro pa lamang ng madaling araw.
Binalingan ko ng tingin ang anak ko at nagsalita "Regen Ajavis, madaling araw pa lang bakit gising kana? What did i tell you?" seryoso kong sambit.
"Mommy, you said we're going to the café today so i got excited and i woke up early!" bakas sa boses nito ang excitement.
Oo nga pala, i promised him that we're having breakfast and meryenda there.
"But it's too early, anak. Let's go for a walk nalang muna?" i asked.
"Oki," he responded with an approve sign on his hand.
Bumangon na kami mula sa higaan. Sinuotan ko lamang si Aji ng jacket, ganon din ang ginawa ko.
Malapit lang ang favorite café namin dito, katabi ng building ng tinitirhan namin. Ganoon kalapit.
Nakababa na kami ng building habang ang anak ko ay tumatalon na sa excitement, akala mo naman hindi nakakapunta rito araw araw!
"Yes! Yes! Ajavis! Ajavis!" sigaw nito habang tumatalon.
"Anak, 'wag kang sumigaw you might wake people up. Madaling araw palang nagsisi-sigaw kana d'yan."
Hininaan naman nito ang boses niya at tumigil sa pag talon. "Sorry, mommy."
Pumasok na kami sa café at nag order. Umorder lamang ako ng brownies, chocolate pancakes, french vanilla iced coffee, at hot choco.
Puro chocolate, siguradong hyper nanaman ang bata mamaya.
"Here's your order, maam." sambit ng waitress habang hinahain ang aming pagkain.
Napansin kong may nilagay pa siyang blueberry cheesecake na hindi ko inorder. "Miss, this is not included on our order. Wala kaming in-order na blueberry cheesecake."
"That is free of charge po. Loyal customer po kasi kayo rito at ayon po sa loyalty card niyo, birthday niyo po ngayon." paliwanag nito.
"Oh... okay."
I didn't even remember my birthday. I was so focused on work, my company, and my son to the point that i'm forgetting myself.
"Happy Birthday, Mommy!"
Napalingon ako kay Aji. "Thank you, baby. Buti ka pa, naalala mo."
"Tito and Tami remembered po kaya. They help me make my gift for you pa nga po," he explained.
"Really? They didn't even greet me. Magtatampo na ako," i said with a exaggerated sad tone.
"Hindi mo naman po chineck ang phone mo, Mommy, eh."
I inserted my hand on my pocket hoping to get my phone to check their greetings. Naiwan ko ata...
"I forgot my phone upstairs pala, Anak." napakamot ako sa batok ko.
"Pero mommy, sana andito po si daddy 'no?" Aji suddenly asked.
"Hmm? Why are you asking that, baby? You know daddy's busy pa po, right?"
"Wala lang, Mommy. I wish he was here with us to celebrate." he said while playing the fork and i can notice that he's trying not to show that he's sad.
"Don't be sad, baby. Daddy won't like to see his cutie baby's sad on his birthday."
"I want celebrate every occasion with the both of you po, mommy."
"You're going to be with daddy soon. Just wai-"
"I'm here!" i heard someone shout.
Bakit nandito siya?
Si Avis...
*****
HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO OUR UNDEFEATABLE AND INDEPENDENT WARRIORESS, THANJA NAVERIE!!
YOU ARE READING
String Promises
RomanceThana grew up with unfulfilled promises left by people who she cherished, especially loved. Yet she have Gethro, someone who can she lean on and always there when she's at her peak of giving up. He promised to stay by her side whatever happens, thro...
