Play Pretend

Chapter 56

Wala na akong nagawa upang makumbinsi si Macy na bumalik ng States kasama si Wil. Konting pilit pa, sa tingin ko'y magagalit na siya sa akin. She really didn't wanna leave us.

I appreciate her kindness and loyalty, but I didn't want to be a burden. I was sure that Wil also wanted to leave with her, pero katulad ni Macy, he's also selfless.

Siguro ay kailangan kong makapagplano na kung paano ko pagkikitain ang mag-ama. I have no idea if it should be grand or casual. I just wanted everything to be memorable, even with all the uncertainties. Even though it might turn out to be a painful event in our lives, it would still be a beautiful memory. I would think of it as just something inevitable, so it would hurt less... I guess.

Umuwi rin sina Macy at Wil pagkatapos ng aming wine sesh. I checked on Cami, who was deeply asleep in my room. Nakapag-adjust na siya sa buhay namin dito sa Pilipinas. Macy and Wil would take her out on a stroll every time I was out for the case. Pagkatapos ay magkikita kami para kumain sa labas o ako naman ang magpapasyal kay Cami. I wanted to share with her every memory I had here and let her take in every place I had been. Para bago bumalik ay marami siyang babaunin na alala.

Lumapit ako saka maingat na umupo sa kama. I didn't wanna do anything that would wake her up, but I couldn't fight the urge to kiss her forehead. Kumislot siya at gumalaw upang mas lumapit sa akin upang yumakap.

I smiled and cradled her head in my arms. I couldn't help but be emotional to see her growing up so fast. She was just a little baby that could fit in my arms perfectly, but now she's old enough to walk on her own. In time, she'll be able to take care of herself.

Alam kong matagal pa 'yon at taon pa ang bibilangin. I might also change my mind, but for now, I don't want her to grow up. Natatakot akong dumating ang araw na kaya niya nang alagaan ang sarili... na hindi na niya ako kailangan. I want her to always want me... to always need me.

I chuckled to myself when a tear suddenly fell from my eye. Tuwing iniisip ko talaga 'yon ay lagi akong nagiging emosyonal.

Maingat kong tinanggal ang pagkakaulo ni Cami sa aking braso at saka bumangon. Pinulot ko ang cellphone na ipinatong ko sa lamp table. I noticed a new message on my notification screen. Lumakas at bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang mabasa ang pangalan nang nagpakilala ang nag-text.

From: Unknown Number
Hello, Chan! This is Hari. I heard you're also back here in PH. I hope you have time to spare. Let's meet up!

Without any second thoughts, I agreed to meet up with Hari. She was one of the positive forces I had in my life when Xaiver and I weren't on good terms. Her company and presence comforted me a lot.

Noong umalis ako patungong Amerika, hindi ako nakapagpaalam sa kanya dahil masyado akong iniisip at iniintindi noong panahon 'yon. I was guilty of leaving without saying anything. Kaya naman, walang pag-aalinlangan ko siyang pinaunlakan ng oras para makabawi.

Kasama ko sina Cami, Macy, at Wil nang pumunta sa Resorts World kung saan kami magkikita ni Hari. Humiwalay lamang ako sa kanila nang nagtungo sa restaurant.

She was already patiently waiting on the table and sipping on her fruit shake when I arrived. Medyo tulala pa siya nang dumating ako. She didn't notice me until I took the seat across from her. Bahagya siyang nagulat dahil doon.

"Chantal!" Hari exclaimed as her eyes lit up.

Kahit nakaupo na ako, tumayo siya at umikot upang lumapit. I also got up from my seat to hug her back. Mahigpit ang yakap na ibinigay niya sa akin bago humiwalay.

Hariette beamed as she looked at me with pure joy. I was suddenly in awe upon seeing her up close. She always looks gorgeous every time I see her. I always thought that Cami resembled me more than Xavi, but after seeing Hari, I realized she took after more from the Dela Vegas.