Concealed Truth

07

I was staring at Liam as he look around the condo. He’s wearing what seems to be their school uniform though hindi siya formal looking. Nakapants siya, black polo shirt with his school’s logo and his The Flash backpack on his back.

“ Liam, nagbreakfast ka na?” tanong ko. Umiling naman siya and looked at the photos on the display cabinet

“ That’s Ninong Rex!” sabi niya sabay turo sa isang picture ni Rex.

“ Yes. Because this is ninong Rex’s condo.” sagot ko.

“ You don’t have a house, ninong?”

“ None. I’m staying here until I can find my own place. halika nga rito. What do you want for breakfast?” tanong ko.

“ I don’t know. Mommy and I don’t eat breakfast.”

“ But you’re a growing boy. Alam mo binilin yan sakin ni grandma kahapon. Dapat daw nagbebreakfast ka. Gusto mo ba di tumangkad?” tanong ko na siyang inilingan niya.

“ See? Oh sige. What’s your idea of a breakfast ba?”

“ Chocolates.” ngisi niya. Natawa ako saka ginulo ang buhok niya.

“ It’s too early for chocolates, lil guy. Ako na lang gagawa ng breakfast mo. Upo ka lang dito ha.” sabi ko saka siya kinarga at pinaupo sa kitchen counter. He watched me as I prepare his breakfast habang natutuwa naman akong tignan siyang nagtataka sa mga ginagawa ko.

“ Alam mo, when I was a kid your age my mom would always make me a banana pancakes with peanut butter and jelly.”

“ What does it taste like?” tanong niya

“ It’s delicious. Whenever I get the chance to make it, I’d do it. Kasi that way, parang si Mom na din nagluto para sa akin.”

“ Where’s your mommy, ninong?” he asked

“ Well, my mom died when I was in college. she had a cancer kasi since I was just 12. tapos we thought na okay na siya after ng ilang chemo sessions niya pero ayun. It got worse nung college. Bumalik yung cancer cells and then she didn’t make it that time.” kwento ko. He looked sad and even reached out his hands at me. Niyakap niya ako and I felt like crying. Minsan lang may batang yayakap sayo dahil ramdam niya yung lungkot mo.

“ It’s okay ninong…” sabi niya

“ I’m okay little guy. Ninong got over it naman na. Though I missed my mom sometimes.”

“ I missed my mommy sometimes too. Kasi she’s busy with work and she’s always with her boyfriend and…”

“ Do you like your mommy’s boyfriend?” I asked. He slowly shook his head and heaved a deep sighed.

“ Ninong please don’t tell mommy!” aniya. Natawa ako saka ginulo ang buhok niya.

“ Of course. Kakampi mo ko promise.” I assured him.

“ Oh. kumain ka na. you’ll be late for school na.”

He nodded and ate the breakfast that I made. Pagkatapos niyang kumain ay umalis na kaming dalawa para ihatid ko siya sa school. I decided to text the taxi driver that brought me here last night. Nagulat nga ako kasi ang bilis niyang nakarating.

“ Ang bilis mo, kuya.” sabi ko nang makasakay kami.

“ Sakto din kasi text mo sakin eh. May hinatid akong mag-asawa dun sa kabilang street.” aniya

“ Swerte ko naman pala.” ngiti ko.

“ Siya ba yung inaanak na kinukwento mo?” tanong ng driver.