Run, Zhian (EL VICENTE SERIES #2) COMPLETED

Kabanata 18

"The pop-rock band kings, The Alpha, are back on top of the United World Chart of the week with their global smash hit 'Pains and Kisses'! It is the group's 5th album, Darling, and it is in the 1st track, and had the biggest global sales debut on the United World Chart this year, beating their last year's album 'Amour'!"

I closed my eyes while hearing those on Kael's stereo. I looked at my child at the back, trying to focus on his new books. I bought him five books today, some are just for his age and some are different.

Bumuntong hininga ako. That's right, Dylan, make your child proud.

I gritted my teeth thinking about that.

"When do you plan to enroll Coen?" Kael asked.

"I'm waiting for Issa. Siya raw ang bahala doon.." pagod na sabi ko.

Coen will be first grader. He knows how to write his name well, of course. Marunong din siyang magbasa, iyon lang, pahinto hinto. I help him sometimes but he really prefers studying on his own. Nagtatanong lang siya at sinasagot ko naman.

Pagdating sa bahay ay nilatag niya kaagad ang libro niya sa sahig. Nawiwili ang mga maid na kausapin siya.

"I've read this book from my class back in our old house but Mama picked this so I don't have a choice. It was boring." I heard him say that.

Kumunot ang noo ko. He didn't say anything when I picked that! Sinapo ko ang noo ko nang marinig ang halakhak ni Kael doon. Sana man lang sinabi niyang binasa na niya pala, ano!

"Coen, let's change you up first." sabi ko pagkatapos iayos ang mga binili kong grocery sa sala, tinulungan ako ni Manang kaya napabilis.

Pinakawalan siya ni Kael. "Go to your Mama.."

"Naku, parang mag-asawa talaga!" a maid exclaimed. "Nagulat nga ako noong nalaman kong hindi pala. Grabe, bakit hindi?!"

Tumalikod ako at hindi pinansin iyon.

Iritado si Coen nang binuksan ko ang shower. Everytime I take him to shower, lagi siyang iritado. Tahimik at nakakunot ang noo, tila may ayaw sa ginagawa ko.

I smiled, "What's wrong, big boy?"

"I can shower by myself, Mama. I also know how to change my clothes now!" he irritatingly said, halos may pinaglalaban.

Humalakhak ako at nagsquat sa harapan niya. I didn't care if I got wet, maliligo din naman ako pagkatapos niya kaya ayos lang. I really got to laugh with his attitude. He wants to do everything on his own even if his hands were still little! I doubt that!

"You're still learning, Coen. Hindi mo pa kaya.."

"But Mama," he frowned. "I'm a big guy now. Big guys don't need to be taken care by their Mamas. Big guys should sleep on their own, dress and eat on their own!"

Umawang ang labi ko. I don't know how to react. I  thought that he only says those things with the thought that he likes to grow up faster. But hearing these things from him, I feel like he's really getting older now. And loneliness crept inside me. He knows a lot and I should be glad by that, right? Bakit ako nalulungkot?

I smiled. "You're still five, anak."

Sumimangot siya. "But if Mama wants to take care of me, then its okay.."

I kissed his wet forehead. Pumikit ako at hindi maiwasang maging emosyonal. I've never loved someone this large. I think I'm fine with him. Kahit siya lang ang natitira para sa akin, magiging maayos ako, sobra sobra pa nga. I just can't believe I have him in my life.