My Aloof Husband (Barkada Series 1) - Published under PSICOM

Chapter 43: Staying Strong

Ralph's POV

"Aalis na kami, bro. Let us know if you need something. Babalik kami."

I nodded at Sander and the other guys. "Thank you for visiting." I gave them all a manly hug before they left the room.

My friends came over to show their sympathy. I remember what they said na they will be there whenever I need them. Isang tawag lang daw sila. I got touched because of their concern. Patunay lang na totoo ko silang mga kaibigan.

Ang swerte ko na sa kaibigan. Mas swerte rin ako kay Gen plus we have a baby, but I ruined it. Inabuso ko ang mga binigay sa akin, so I get to pay the price.

A month later... Everything is still the same. There's no progress with Gen's condition. But my son has shown improvement. Sinabi ng doctor na medyo nag-mature na ang mga organs niya at effective ang light therapy niya sa isang buwan pa lang. He's delicate but he can survive na raw. The doctor advised that I should take the baby home. Excited ako kung sana gising lang si Gen. Alam ko siya ang pinakamasaya na malamang okay na si baby. Although he needs to be taken care of really well.

I don't wanna leave Geneva here in the hospital, but the doctor said it's not good to let the baby stay here longer. There's a lot of sick people around here. The baby might get sick. His immune system isn't fully functional yet.

"Take him home, anak. Ako na ang bahala muna rito," mom said.

I answered worriedly, "Paano kung magising si Gen? I must be here when that happens." I want to be the first person she sees when she wakes up.

"Naiintindihan ko pero sa ngayon, kailangan mong unahin ang anak mo. He survived the therapy. Ayaw mo namang lumala ang condition niya, 'di ba?"

Nag-alala ako bigla. Yes, I don't want my son to suffer again. I should protect him. Pero ayoko ring iwan si Gen. Hindi ko na alam ang uunahin. I am torn between the two of them.

Hindi man sigurado ang damdamin ko ay iuuwi ko na rin naman ang anak ko. I know 'yon din ang gusto ni Geneva na gawin ko. Ang unahin ang kapakanan ng anak namin.

Mom gave him to me. I held my baby for the first time. A tear escaped my eyes. He's so small and fragile. I am afraid to move cause I might hurt or drop him.

I heard mom chuckle. "Loosen up, son. You look so nervous. Ganito oh..." Mom positioned my hands correctly. "Mahalagang suportahan mo ang ulo at leeg niya pag kinakarga mo."

"Like this?" I showed her the way I held him.

"Ayan, tama 'yan, anak. How does it feel? It isn't that bad, right?"

I smiled. "Yeah. I love the feeling."

Para na akong ama literally. Ganito siguro ang feeling ni dad the first time he held me. I am the happiest right now. I am holding my son, my own blood. My little me.

"Mom, kung ikaw na lang kaya ang mag-uwi sa kanya? I might end up messing up."

Umiling siya. "No, you're the father. The baby should feel the warmth of his parents. Wala si Geneva kaya ikaw na lang ang gagawa n'on. He needs the touch and care of his parents for the baby's development. Don't worry, I already told Jinggay to help you. You'll be okay, son." Lumapit si mom and she kissed the baby lightly in the head. "Grammy will see you soon, apo. Don't give your daddy a hard time, okay?"

We arrived home and the first time I stepped inside the house with Genoah in my hands, kinabahan ako. This is it. I will be doing all the responsibilities and duties of a dad. I am nervous, but I need to make Gen proud. I should not fail nor disappoint her. I promise to show my love and care to my son.