Silas
"Buenos días miss raffy... coffee po?" I shake my head and sat on my mini swivel chair.
"I already drink my coffee at home, Cookie. Thank you tho.." she nodded at me and beamed.
"Ah miss.. pumunta po pala dito kanina si Mr. Becker." napatingin naman ako sakanya at tinigil ang pagtingin sa papel na hawak ko.
"Oh... si kulit." napahahikhik naman ito.
"Opo.. mukhang type na type ka po talaga niya. Almost everyday po bumibili siya ng mga flowers niyo para lang makita kayo." napailing na lang ako nang sabihin niya iyon na parang kinikilig.
The one who are we talking about is no other than Mr. Nathaniel Louie Becker. I've know him since nagstart akong magbukas ng business. Ewan ko kung bakit laging bumabalik-balik 'yon dito. But it's more convenient for me kasi may nabebenta ako.
He's very much open about his feelings for me but sadly... im not interested. I am not ready to have a new man in my life other than... nevermind.
"Let's not talk about him. Anyway, may new client na ba tayo?" ngumuso naman ito kaya pabiro ko itong inirapan.
"Si miss naman eh... pogi naman po si Mr. Becker ah.. tsaka mayaman pa. Matangkad, mabango yung tipong nangangamoy pera." natawa naman ako ng malakas.
"Mga kalokohan mo talaga.. ano nga? May client na ba tayo?"
"Umiiwas ka lang ulit maam eh. Pero meron po.. for wedding daw po at alam mo maam.. sir nathan recommended your shop kaya may work na naman tayo."
"Really?" tumango naman ito.
"Really miss. Kaya pagbigyan mo na po si sir nathan. Ako po ang kinukulit eh tsaka bagay naman kayo. Pareho kayong may magandang lahi tsaka close siya kay si---"
"Wala akong panahon para makipag date pa sa iba, cookie. Bumalik na lang tayo sa trabaho." seryoso kong saad at tumayo.
She bows her head and says sorry. I just smiled at her at says it's okay. Si Cookie ay ang kasama ko sa flower shop na tinayo ko. Sinadya ko talagang Filipina ang kunin ko para mas magkaintindihan kami at mas mapadali sa akin ang trabaho.
Luckily, nakilala ko siya at inalok ng trabaho na agad niya namang tinanggap dahil sabi niya she really needs a job. We're together for 5 years kaya sobrang close na rin kami. Mas lumalaki na rin ang shop ko kaya mas kailangan ko talaga ng makakasama rito.
Thunder didn't agree with this. He doesn't want me to work because he said that he can provide us. But I don't want to depend on him. I can provide my self, I can work for my family.
And eventually, I convinced him kaya hinayaan niya na lang ako. Pero mahigpit pa rin siya sa 'kin na parang siya ang tatay ko. Well, he really looks like my father because he's the son of our father.
Nakakahilo...
"Did you get the client's number?" I asked.
"Yes miss..."
"Call them later tapos tanungin mo kung kailan ang schedule."
"Ay maam nakuha ko na po. According to them the wedding will be 3 weeks from now."
"Good. May specific ba silang choices para sa mga flowers na idedeliver natin?" she shake her head.
"Wala pa po miss. Makikipag meet muna raw po sila sa'yo para kunin na rin daw po ang opinion mo." my mouth formed O.
Well this isn't the first time tho. Siguro gano'n lang talaga kasi mas may alam kami sa mga gano'ng bagay. And im thankful kasi naturuan ako ni mama when she's still alive.
I missed them... ang tagal ko ng hindi nakakabisita sakanila. Ni minsan kasi hindi pa ako nakakauwi sa Pilipinas. Hindi ako pinapayagan ni kuya.
"Okay.. set a schedule na lang para makapag ready na rin ako. Asked the client kung kailan sila available." she beamed and nod.
"Copy that miss."
"Thanks cookie. You're really a big help." inipit namn nito ang buhok niya sa tenga at ngumiti ng pabebe kaya napatawa ako.
"You're always welcome miss raffy." napailing naman ako habang ngumingiti.
"Okay.. let's get back to work!" I joyfully exclaimed.
We started to arranged the flowers while talking to each other. Hindi ata nawawalan ng kwento si cookie kaya laging maingay sa shop ko. We also have other employees, they are also our kababayan. Pero yung iba sa kanila ay nasa ibang shop.
May tatlong pwesto na kasi ako dito sa spain. In five years, my small business is slowly expanding. And im so happy about it. I didn't expect that my flower shop will make this big. Not really big... but it's still big a achievement to me.
"Cookie... dumating na ba yung mga inorder kong bulaklak?" I asked while still arranging the flowers.
"Ay nako. Hindi pa po miss pero baka parating-- speaking miss nandito na siya." napaangat ako ng tingin at napabaling ng bumukas ang glass door ng shop.
"Buenos días hermosas damas!" napatawa ako ng mahina.
"Buenos días demasiado guapo." I playfully said.
"Eh..enebe me lobes." napahalakhak naman ako.
"Hoy! Tumigil ka nga hudas. Ang pangit mong kiligin. Mukha kang sinisilaban na patatas." mas lalo akong napahagalpak sakanila.
"Grabe ka naman sa'kin pinipig. Tsaka Juacinto pangalan ko hindi Hudas. Ayusin mo ha."
"Parehas namang pangit eh. Arte mo." napapailing na lang ako. Ganyan talaga sila kapag magkasama. Lagi na lang may gyera sa pagitan nilang dalawa.
"Tsaka wag ka ngang feeling. Gwapo lang ibig sabihin no'ng sinabi ni miss pero ang pangit pakinggan. Kasing pangit mo chaka mo."
"Hep! Tama na 'yan. Baka magkapikunan na naman kayo eh." awat ko sa kanila.
"Si cookie my loves eh.." sumbong ni sito.
"Ang sumbungero mo." mataray na sabi ni cookie tsaka humarap sa'kin. "Ano nga ulit sa spanish ang handsome miss raffy?" my forehead creased at her.
"Demasiado guapo?" I confusely said.
"Exactly. Tama naman si maam. Ang ganda no'ng meaning noh? Pero ang pangit ng meaning sa Filipino." natatawa nitong sabi. Nagtaka naman ako. Ano bang mali do'n?
"Ano bang sinasabi mo diyan pinipig? Mag trabaho ka na nga."
"Sabi ko nga...di masyado gwapo." she mockingly said.
My mouth formed into O. Now I get it. Ang pangit nga pakinggan. Parang nakakaoffend.
"Stop na guys. Let's get back to work para makapagpahinga na tayo." nagkibit balikat na lang si sito at nilapag nito ang hawak na kariton.
"Kompleto na ba 'yan, sito?" tumango naman ito.
"Yes my loves--este miss raffy. Walang labis, walang kulang." napangisi na lang ako.
"Sige.. lagay mo na lang diyan. Kami na lang bahala diyan. Thank you nga pala ha.." he smiled sweetly at me kaya napatawa ako ng mahina.
Sanay na 'ko sakanya. Parang kapatid ko na rin 'yan. He's playful but he's a kind person. Matagal ko na rin siyang kilala. Almost mag kasabay nga sila ni cookie.
Siya ang nagdedeliver ng mga pangsupply naming bulaklak. He's younger than me pero magaling na sa lahat ng trabaho.
"Basta ikaw miss raffy...malakas ka sa'kin eh." napailing na lang ako.
"Chansing ka hudas. Style mo bulok." singit bigla ni cookie.
"Epal ka talaga pinipig. Kaya wala kang boyfriend eh." hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ni cookie si sito. Magsisimula na naman sila.
Hinayaan ko na lang silang magaway at bumalik na lang sa pag aayos ng mga bulaklak. Hindi rin nagtagal ay nagpaalam na si sito kaya nagpasalamat ulit ako.
As time goes by...we got more busier dahil marami rin ang dumating na costumer. I looked at my wrist watch and it's already 6 in the evening.
Ang bilis talaga ng oras...
Namamahinga lang kami ni cookie dahil sa wakas ay tapos na rin ang trabaho namin. Gusto ko ng umuwi... nando'n sa bahay ang pampatanggal ko ng pagod.
"Let's call it a day... I'll go ahead cookie. Ikaw na bahala magsara ng shop ah. Umuwi ka na rin para makapagpahinga ka." I calmly said while starting to put my shoes on.
She raised her hand and gives me a thumbs up while lying on the couch. I snicker at her. Mukhang pagod na pagod nga siya. Sabagay, ang dami kasing costumer kanina and it's just the two of us.
"Paki hi naman ako kay baby green eyes miss raffy. Miss ko na ang masungit na 'yon." napatawa naman ako.
"Sure...sure. I'll tell him your regards cookie."
I quickly get in the car and started the engine. Isa ito sa mga naipundar ko gamit ang sarili kong pera. No'ng una ay gusto talaga akong bilhan ni kuya ng kotse pero tumangi ako.
Ofcourse, I want to prove them that I can stand on my own feet. That I can be an independent woman. And thank God! My hardwork was completely paid off...
All thanks to my one and only inspiration...
Magdadrive na sana ako nang tumunog ang cellphone ko sa loob ng bag ko. Agad ko itong kinuha and I automatically smile when I saw the caller's name.
"Hi baby..." masigla kong sabi. I heard him giggle on the phone.
"H-hi mommy..."
My face was in awed. My baby is such a sweetheart. I missed him so much.
"What are you doing baby? You done eating hmm?" I melodiously asked.
I heard him hummed. "Done mommy.. where are you? Go home mommy. I missed you already."
Napahagikhik naman ako. My baby never fails to amused me. When I hear his voice... the tiredness inside me will instantly dissapear. He's really my sunshine through the darkness.
"Yes baby.. im on my way home. Do you want a pasalubong?"
"Nope. Just bring your self home mommy. Im good."
Now that's a butterfly in the stomach.
"Okay then... wait me there baby. I'll be there in 20 minutes."
"Okay mommy...and mommy?"
"Yes baby?"
"Are you driving already?"
"Not yet..why?"
"Good.. don't drive while you're on the phone. Okay mommy?"
Napahagikhik naman ako. He's just 4 years old but he talks like a big man already. But still, he's a softie when it comes to me.
"Copy that boss baby." I heard him laughed.
"Drop the phone call baby.. I'll drive na po."
"Okay mommy..."
Napatingin ako sa cellphone ko pero hindi pa rin nito binababa ang tawag. Napangiti naman ako at muling binalik sa tenga ang cellphone.
"You still there baby?"
"Yes mommy... I forgot to tell you something."
"What is it baby?"
"Drive slowly mommy."
Napapailing na lang ako habang ngumingiti. Now I badly wanted to go home. I want to hug him tightly and shower him a lot of kisses.
"Sure baby.. mommy will drive slowly. You still have something to tell me?" I teased him.
"Yes... love you mommy." again. My face is in awed.
"I love you too baby..." I softly said.
"Thanks mommy.. I'll drop the phone mommy. Byee..."
Para akong baliw habang nakangiti sa harap ng cellphone ko. I don't think that I'll get used to my baby's sweetness. I really liked it. No... I love it. How I wish he will never gets old.
I like it if he stays a baby. Im afraid that... if my baby hits his puberty. He'll change. That's my biggest fear. I just want him to stay a little but I know that it's impossible.
I just wish that if my baby will gets old.. his sweetness to me will never change. I want him to stay as my little baby. He's so precious to me. He saved me when darkness was eating me.
He saved my life... without him.. I don't think I will survived.
I started to drove my car while tapping the steering wheel. I stopped at the mini store and bought a gummy bears for my baby. I know he told me that he don't want pasalubong aside from me. But I know he likes gummy bears so much.
Nang makarating na 'ko sa bahay ay agad akong bumaba ng kotse. I look at the front door, waiting to be open by my little baby. And im right...
"Mommy's homee...." he excitedly squealed while running towards me. I widely open my arms and bend over while waiting him to reach me.
When he reached me. I hugged him so tight and kissed his whole face repeatedly. I heard him whimpered kaya napatawa ako ng mahina.
"I missed you baby.." I pouted.
"I missed you too mommy. Did you eat your meal mommy?" I giggled when I heard his small voice while his trying to make it a mature tone.
"Not yet baby... and guess what?"
"What?"
"I bought you a gummy bears." I saw his eyes glitter in happiness. Told you he'll be happy.
"B-but mommy... I told you that I don't need anything." he mumbled. I grinned at him and tousled his hair. I pinched his nose when he pouted at me. My baby is such a cutie.
"You want it or not? If you don't want it I'll give it to sofia--" napatawa ako nang mabilis itong umiling.
"I want it mommy. I'll eat it later." natatawa naman akong napatango. Kinuha ko ang maliit nitong kamay at sabay kaming nagtungo sa loob ng bahay.
"Where's your lola sheila, baby? Did you gave your lola a headache?" he shake his head.
"She's inside mommy. And nope.. I'd behaved while you're not around. Ask lola, mommy." napangiti ako.
"That's good then...how about school? Did you listened to your teacher?" he murmured while swaying our hands together.
"Yes mommy..." he let go of my hand and pointed his palm at me. "My teacher gave me a stars..look."
My mouth formed into O and slightly giggles. "Wow... very good baby. Mommy is so proud of you. What prize do you want baby?"
"Nothing mommy... let's just talk to dada later. He told me that he has a story to tell. I want to hear it." I nodded at him and beamed.
"Sure baby. Let's call dada later. But first... I'll cook our dinner for today. Do you want a friend chicken baby?" he excitedly nodded.
"Yes mommy! I want it spicy, okay?"
"Ofcourse baby. Spicy friend chicken is on the way..." we squealed together while walking towards the front door.
"Hi tita..." I great her and kissed her cheek.
"Hello raffy... kasama mo na pala 'tong bulingit. Kanina pa 'yan hindi mapakali habang hinihintay ka." napatawa naman ako at umupo na kaming dalawa sa couch.
"Ganyan na po talaga 'yan. May pinagmanahan.."
"Oh... is it the fa---" before she says that word I immediately cut her off.
"Kumain na po ba kayo tita?" tanong ko habang sinusuklay ko ang buhok ng anak ko gamit ang kamay.
Sumandal naman siya sa 'kin kaya lumambot na naman ang aking mukha. "Do you want to eat your gummy bears baby?" I whispered on his ears. He look at me tenderly.
"Later mommy." I beamed and nodded.
Napaangat naman ako ng tingin at sumalubong sa 'kin ang malambot na tingin ni tita sheila. Siya ang mama ni kuya thunder. Mabait siya at sweet na tao.
No'ng unang pagpunta ko dito sa spain ay nahihiya pa ako sakanya kahit na ang approachable niya sa 'kin. Inasikaso niya ako at tinuring na parang anak. Siya rin ang tumulong at umalalay sa 'kin no'ng pinagbubuntis ko pa ang anak ko.
Naging maselan ang pagbubuntis ko sakanya. Ang dami ring bawal dahil kailangan kong imaintain ang health ko para lumabas ng malusog si baby. And I'm very thankful because he gives me a healthy baby. He's still good to me even though I committed a sin that's unforgivable... for me.
"Hindi pa raffy... pero busog naman kaming dalawa kasi kumain kami sa labas bago kami umuwi sa bahay." I smiled and nod.
"Gano'n po ba. Hindi naman po ba naging pasaway 'tong si baby silas?"
"Mommy..." natatawa ko namna itong nilingon.
"What?" I chuckled when he pouted at me.
"Nako raffy... behave naman 'yang si silas. Sa sobrang behave wala siyang kinausap bukod sa 'kin." natawa naman kaming dalawa lalo na nang umungot si silas.
Sa 'min lang talaga siya dumadaldal lalo na sa 'kin. Pero pag sa ibang tao ay mailap siya. I don't know why his like that. I tried to talk to him that he should be approachable to others for him to have a friends. But he doesn't want to.
He said that he have us and he don't need friends. Wala naman akong magawa kundi suportahan siya kung anong gusto niya. Maybe, in the future he'll gain friends. And I hope that it's a true friends.
Wala akong magagawa kung mailap talaga siya sa iba. May pinag manahan eh.
Hindi rin nagtagal ay nagluto na ako ng favorite dish ng baby ko. Masaya kaming kumain habang nagkekwentuhan. Nakapaghugas na rin ako at pinag half bath ko na rin si silas.
Both of us giggles when we looked at the mirror. We look cute in our matchy pajamas. Mahilig talaga akong mamili ng mga matchy clothes para sa 'min ni baby.
At mabuti na lang ay payag ang baby ko. Dapat lang noh... hanggang bata pa siya ay gusto kong sulitin ang pagiging childish naming dalawa.
"Aren't we look cute in our pj's mommy?" he mumbled.
"Ahuh... let's take a picture baby. I'll upload it to my ig." I excitedly uttered.
"Sure mommy.."
Tumayo kaming dalawa sa harap ng full mirror at tinapat ko ang cellphone ko roon. Naka pigtail ang buhok ko habang si baby naman at nakalugay ang medyo mahaba niyang buhok.
I lowered my body to level the height of my baby. I placed my phone on the faced and take a mirror shots.
Nakaluhod ang isa kong paa at ang isa ay nasa harapan. I straighten my back ang put my available hand to my baby's back. I look at my baby's posture and slightly giggles because he looks so mature.
He putted his both hands on his pj's pocket and straight-up his body. Napailing na lang ako at muling kinuhanan ng picture ang sarili namin sa salamin.
Nang matapos na kami ay agad kaming lumundag sa kama at tiningnan ang mga kuha namin.
"What should I upload baby?" he didn't answer me because his too focused swiping our photos.
Tumigil naman ito at tumingin sa'kin. "This one mommy." he said and pointed my phone using his mouth.
Napaawang naman ako at napatango-tango. "Good choice baby. I like it... you look badass here." he chuckled.
Yung pinili niya ay yung last shot naming dalawa. Kung saan nakaluhod ang isa kong paa habang siya ay nakapamulsa. Kamukha tuloy niya ang dad-- nevermind.
I uploaded it on my ig account with a caption...
@rafflesiaDL matchy-matchy with my baby.
I just uploaded it a minute ago but it gained a hundreds of likes and comments.
And since I have nothing to do. I checked the comment section and I've read some of the comments under my post.
@cutiecathy gandang genes naman yan momshie.
Napatawa naman ako ng mahina kaya napatingin sa 'kin ang naglalaro sa iPad niyang si silas. "Why are you laughing mommy?"
"Nothing baby... im just reading some of the comments." tumango naman ito at bumalik na sa paglalaro. Masungit talaga 'yan kapag naglalaro sa iPad niya.
@ashwaleyhanash akin na lang baby mo ateee
Oh no... not gonna happen miss. Gawa ka po ng sa'yo.
@kendsnadeds ganda ng genes. wer na si daddy?
@sonyangchismosa daddy reveal naman momshie.
Para naman akong nanigas nang mabasa ko 'yon. Para tuloy akong nawalan ng ganang magbasa ng ibang comments. I-eexit ko na sana ang app nang may mag notif sa 'king comment. Hindi ko na sana ito papansinin nang aksidente ko itong mapindot kaya deretso ako sa comment ng taong 'yon.
@user27358 oh.. my babies looks cute. Gonna make it as my wallpaper. imy.
I don't know but my body shivers when I read the comment of this anonymous user. Out of curiosity.. I clicked his profile and stalk his account.
The user has no profile and has a 168 followers with only 1 following. And to feed my curiosity in my body. I clicked his following and shocked is visible on my face when I saw my username in it.
Oh.. maybe it's just a coincidence. Yeah maybe that's it. When im done convincing my self. I exit the account his following and notice that he only have one post on his wall.
I bit my lower lip before I tapped his/her post. It's a sunset captured in a.... beach?
@user27358 willing to wait. Even if it takes forever.
"Hey mommy! Why your face is so red? Are you okay?" napahawak naman ako sa mukha ko at naramdaman ko na mainit nga ito.
"A-ah n-nothing baby... I.. I just remembered so-someone." patagilid lang ako itong tiningnan.
Pinatay ko na ang cellphone ko at nagmamadaling kinuha ang laptop sa side table. Kwenenta ko sa kamay ko ang oras sa pilipinas ngayon.
"Baby... it's already one in the morning in Philippines. Should we call your dada tomorrow morning? Baka tulog na ang dada mo baby." binitawan naman nito ang iPad niya at umupo sa 'king tabi.
"Let's still try mommy. Maybe, he's still awake right?" sumang-ayon naman ako at binuksan na ang laptop at nagtungo sa skype.
"Oh.. your dada is online." excited naman itong tumingin sa laptop.
"I told you mommy." bungisngis nitong sabi. Siya na ang kumalikot sa laptop kaya hinayaan ko na lang siya.
He's just 4 years old but he thinks like a 10 years old and above. My baby's really advanced. Instead of reading a story books. He now prefers to read an educational book like highschool and college books.
I remember my face when he asked me to buy him a calculus book. Grabe... no'ng college ako 'yan yung nagpahirap sa 'kin. Halos umiiyak ako kapag binabasa ko 'yon pero siya parang wala lang...
Lahat ata namana niya sa ano niya... pati mukha kuhang-kuha. Shape lang ata ng mukha at lips ang nakuha niya sa'kin. Ang daya! Ako yung naghirap tapos ako yung ipagkaitan ng features.
"Hi dada! Wassup?" di makapaniwalang tumingin ako sakanya. Ang millennial naman ng anak ko.
"Sup bro! Nu gawa mo diyan liit?" silas pouted. I just watched them talking to each other.
Close talaga silang mag tito. Nasa Pilipinas ngayon si kuya kasama si Mira. Yep! They're together. And I heard that kuya already proposed to mira last last month.
Ang daming nangyari simula no'ng lumipat ako dito sa spain. Yung kwenento sa'kin dati ni mira na boyfriend niya. No'ng nagtanong ako kung paano ba mainlove.
Ang tinutukoy niya pala do'n ay isa sa mga kaibigan ni kalas. Yeah...I know. I was also shocked when I heard about it. And I can't believed that mira caught the stone heart of that guy. I remember his gazed. He doesn't talk too much... and I can't believed that they were together with my talkative conyo cousin.
But let's move on. My cousin already move on to that guy. And I feel so bad for him. I know he loves my cousin but my cousin is already pregnant and planning to get married with my dearest brother.
And I know that you're confused. Basically we know that thunder is also mira's cousin in our father's side. But no... we learned that mira was an adopted daughter of tita glenda and tito felix.
Yep! There's a lot of tea that just spilled. And knowing mira... she got angry when she heard about it but thankfully she accepted it and doesn't hold a grunge towards his foster parents.
I really feel bad for mira's ex boyfriend. I saw how much he adores my cousin but my cousin chose my brother over him.
And yep! My cousin cheated on him... with my brother ofcourse. I didn't tolerated them but what can I do? I didn't know the whole story so how can I judge them so easily?
In the first place... I know that there's something's going on with my cousin and brother. The way they look at each other even when they are annoying each other. There's spark in their eyes.
I didn't know that, that simple glaze will make them together. Look at them now. Happy and contended with their soon to be baby. I just wish that mira's ex will find the right girl for him.
I want him to be happy... he deserve it.
"Hey mommy. Dada's talking to you." I blinked my eyes and faced him.
"Sorry baby... mommy's space out. Anyway, I'll talk to your dada na." he nodded and give me the laptop.
"Hi kuya! How are you? So when's the wedding hm?" I playfully asked habang tinataas-baba ang aking kilay.
"Im good and im not gonna tell you."
"Boo! What a bummer." he laughed like a mad man.
"Arte mo. Bawal ka pa dito bata. Kaya di ka makakaattend ng kasal namin ni mira my darling chupachups."
"What in the world kuya? Anong klaseng call sign 'yan? Ang bantot ha..." umirap naman ito sa'kin.
"Arte mo talaga. Nasa'n na yung kamukha kong bata? Lapit mo dito kasi nakakasuya na mukha mo inday."
"Aba't!" nanghahamon naman akong tiningnan nito.
"Di mo 'ko mababatukan diyan bata. Buti nga.." nang aasar na sabi nito at tumawa ng malakas. Ngumisi naman ako sa kanya.
"Hindi nga... pero meron gagawa no'n para sa 'kin." kumunot naman ang noo nito kaya mas lalo akong napangisi.
"At sino naman--- aray potangina!" bulyaw ni kuya nang batukan siya ni mira. Sinamaan naman ng tingin ni mira si kuya kaya napapeace sign ito kaya mas lalo akong napahalakhak.
"Sorry na mira honey my love so sweet." umakto naman akong nasusuka habang si mira naman ay muli na naman binatukan si kuya.
"What are you doing mommy?" napatigil naman ako at alanganing ngumiti kay silas.
"Sorry 'bout that baby. But your tita mira is here. Say hi to her baby and to her baby in her tummy." he beamed at me and nodded.
Humarap ito sa laptop kaya umusog ako para bigyan siya ng espasyo. "Hi tita mira.. hi to your baby in your tummy too." he cutely said while waving his hands.
Natigil naman ang dalawa sa pagrarambulan. Tinulak ni mira si kuya at ito na ang umupo sa dating inupuan ni kuya. Nakita ko ang busangot na mukha ni kuya pagkatapos niyang tumayo mula sa pagkakahulong sa upuan. Tumawa naman ako ng malakas kaya dumila si kuya.
Magkaka anak na siya pero hanggang ngayon para parin siyang bata.
"Hello baby silas." ngiting sabi ni mira at hinaplos ang maliit niyang tiyan. "Sabi ni baby hello rin daw sa'yo kuya silas." humagikhik naman ito.
"What does she looks like tita?" excited na tanong nito.
"I still don't know baby eh... and we also don't know if it's a she or a he. We'll know it if my tummy turns into a balloon." hagikhik na sabi nito.
"Oh.. im excited to see your baby tita. I hope it's a she." tumingin naman ng makahulugan sa 'kin si mira kaya inirapan ko ito.
"You want a she baby silas? Do you want to have a baby sister?" makahulugan nitong sabi.
"Yes tita... my classmate has a baby sister and I saw him how he takes care of her. I also want to take care of my baby sister." he innocently said while focusing on the screen.
"Aw.. that's so sweet of you baby. You should ask your mom if she can give you a baby sister." ngisi nitong sabi.
Nako... sinisimulan na naman ako ng buntis na 'to.
"Can I ask her tita?" inosenting tanong nito. Tumango naman si mira at malademonyong tumingin sa 'kin.
Tumingin naman sa 'kin si silas at inosente akong tiningnan. "Mommy... can I have a baby sister right now?" rinig ko namang humalakhak si mira.
Napalunok naman ako. "A-ahm... I can't answer that baby. Maybe soon? But aren't you happy that it's just the two of us?" he pouted.
"Im happy mommy. I'll wait when the right time comes. I'll wait to have a baby sister mommy."
I kissed his head and murmured a thank you.
"Aw.. ang sweet niyo namang mag- ina. Can't wait na lumabas na ang baby ko." natawa naman ako. Ako rin, hindi na ako makapaghintay na makita ang pamangkin ko.
"Tabi na nga buntis. Ako naman kakausap sa kamukha ko." singit ni kuya at maingat na binuhat si mira.
"Goodnight mira. Matulog kana ah... hindi maganda sa buntis ang nagpupuyat." sabi ko.
Nagthumb up naman ito at humiga na sa kama nila. Humarap naman na sa 'min si kuya at inayos ang buhok.
"Ang gwapo ko talaga..." napaubo naman ako.
"Ang kapal talaga." mahina kong bulong.
"May sinasabi ka rafflesia?" mataray akong umiling. Inirapan naman ako nito bago binalik ang tingin kay silas at ngumiti.
"Buti na lang talaga nagmana ka sa 'kin pamangkin. Look... we're both good looking, right?" napakamot naman sa ulo si silas.
"B-but you're that good looking tito. Does it mean that im also not because you said that we're both look alike?" natawa naman ako sa sinabi ni silas.
"Ampota... pasalamat ka paborito kitang bata kundi..."
"Kuya.. wag ka magmura sa harap ng bata." inirapan lang ako nito.
"Mommy.. what's ampota?" nanlaki naman ang mata ko. Natawa naman ng malakas si kuya kaya sinamaan ko ito ng tingin.
"Tamo kuya. Tinuturuan mo pang maging palamura ang bata eh." hindi ako nito inintindi at panay pa rin ang tawa.
Binalingan ko ang inosenteng mukha ng anak ko at hinawakan sa mukha.
"Don't say that baby, okay? It's a bad word and it's not nice to hear from a baby like you." mahinahon kong sabi.
Ngumuso naman ito at mahinang tumango. "Okay mommy... I won't say it again. Sorry..." he murmured.
Lumambot naman ang tingin ko sakanya. Ang bait talaga ng baby ko. Im so thankful because God gave me a son like him.
"Hep! Tama na ang dramang 'yan. Pa'no ibababa ko na 'tong tawag ha. Tatabihan ko na ang aking sweety pie." umakto naman akong nasusuka.
"Corny mo kuya. Tsaka punta kami ni baby silas sa wedding niyo ha." Agad naman itong umiling.
"Nope...nope and nope. Not gonna happen rafflesia. Bawal ka pa dito. Maglalive na lang ako para makita mo kaming kinakasal." ngumuso naman ako.
5 years na rin kami dito ah. Don't tell me hanggang ngayon galit pa rin siya. Hindi naman siguro kami magkikita kasi malaki rin naman ang maynila.
"Pero kuya... that event just happened once in a life time. Sige na please... gusto ko rin bisitahin sila mama. Miss na miss ko na sila." mahina kong sabi.
"The question is... are you ready to face him?" seryoso nitong sabi.
Napalunok naman ako. Ready na nga ba ako? Kaya ko na ba siyang harapin after 5 years of not seeing each other?
"I...I-i dont know kuya..." I heard him sighed.
"See... what if you two meet in a road? You can't deny the possibilities rafflesia. What if he discover that he has a child from you? What do you think he will do? Maybe he'll get baby silas from you..." nanginig naman ako nang sabihin niya 'yon.
Napatingin ako sa naglalarong si silas at natatakot na tumingin kay kuya. "H-hindi ko kayang mawala sa 'kin si silas kuya... ang anak ko na lang ang meron ako. Mababaliw ako kapag nawala siya sa 'kin kuya." nanginginig kong saad.
"Hey relax okay? I will not let that jerk to get baby silas. Magkakamatayan muna kami bago niya makuha ang pamangkin ko." walang emosyon nitong sabi.
Tumango naman ako habang pinapakalma ang sarili ko. "P-pero kuya gusto kong makapunta sa kasal mo." mahina kong bulong. Napabuntong hininga naman ito at napahilot sa noo.
"H-hindi naman kami magtatagal do'n. Pagkatapos ng kasal niyo uuwi na agad kami ni baby silas. Sige na kuya..." seryoso lang ako nitong tiningnan.
"Hindi kami aalis sa bahay hanggat hindi pa kasal niyo para makasigurado tayo na hindi kami makikita ni..."
Hanggang ngayon ay hirap pa rin akong banggitin ang pangalan niya. Pakiramdam ko wala akong karapatan dahil tinago ko ang anak niya na karapatan niya rin malaman at makasama.
"Pagiisipan ko muna." tipid na sagot nito.
Napayes naman ako kaya pati si baby ay napatingin sa 'kin. Nginitian ko lang ito at sinabing bumalik sa ginagawa niya.
"Wag ka munang mag saya. Hindi pa 'ko pumapayag. Ang sabi ko lang pag iisipan ko muna." masungit nitong saad.
"Pareho naman 'yon eh. Eventually, you'll let us go to your wedding. Ayaw mo pang deretsohin."
"Eh kung bawiin ko kaya ang sinabi ko?" taas kilay nitong sabi. Ngumiti naman ako at nag peace sign.
"Sabi ko nga tatahimik na 'ko eh." inirapan naman ako nito.
"Asan na si silas?" tinawag ko naman ito kaya agad itong lumapit.
"Im here dada."
"I'll be saying goodbye now, baby silas. Be a good boy to your mommy, okay?" tumango naman ito.
"Yes dada... I'll be a good boy to mommy."
"That's good. Goodnight silas. See you soon hm."
"Goodnight dada..."
"Goodnight din babygirl. Time to sleep.. byee." kumaway pa ito bago binaba ang tawag.
Sinara ko na ang laptop at nilagay sa side table. Inayos ko na ang kama namin at nilingon ang laglalaro pa ring si silas.
"Baby.. lika na. Sleep na tayo?" he turned off his iPad and looked at me.
"Okay mommy." inayos ko ang higaan niya at pinahiga na siya. Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit at hinalikan sa ulo.
Hindi ko hahayaan na makuha ka niya sa 'kin anak. Hindi ko kakayanin na mawala ka sa 'kin. Kaya hangga't maaari ay iiiwas kita sa papa mo kahit ang hirap para sa 'kin.
"Mommy..."
"Yes baby?" mahina kong bulong habang sinusuklay ang buhok niya gamit ang kamay ko.
"Can I ask something."
"Sure what is it baby?"
"Where's d-daddy? Do I have a daddy?"
Para naman akong pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa nang marinig ko 'yon. Ito na nga ba ang kinakatakot ko. Ang magtanong ang anak ko tungkol sa papa niya.
Natatakot ako dahil nagsisimula na siyang maging curious sa papa niya at hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag sakanya ang lahat.
"W-why did you asked that baby?" nanginhinig kong tanong. Nagkibit balikat naman ito at yumakap sa 'kin.
"I got curious mommy. I saw my classmate with an older guy. So I was curious to them and I asked if who's that guy because I saw him for the first time."
"And then the older guy said that he's the daddy of my classmate. And then my classmate asked me if where's my daddy. And I can't answer her question because I don't have an idea about my daddy."
Jusko. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko.
"A-ah.. ofcourse you have a daddy, baby. You won't be born in this world if you don't have one, right?" tumango naman ito.
"I know mommy. I read that in a book." ang hirap naman magkaroon ng matalino at advance na anak. Sobrang curious nila sa lahat.
"A-and.. your d-daddy is not here because..." napatingin naman ito sa 'kin at hinintay ang sagot ko.
Ang hirap...
"He-- he is busy baby. He has a lot of works kaya hindi siya makapunta dito. Yeah.. that's the reason baby."
"Is he that busy that he can't visit me even just a day?" napalunok naman ako.
"L-let's not talk about him baby.. let's sleep na lang kasi may school ka pa tomorrow, diba?"
Nakita ko ang pagdaan ng lungkot sa mata nito kaya kumirot ang dibdib ko. Ayoko sa lahat ang nakikitang nasasaktan ang anak ko pero wala akong magawa dahil ang hirap lang ng sitwasyon.
"Okay mommy... goodnight.." he whispered and kiss me on the cheek.
I smiled at him at kiss his forehead. "Goodnight baby. Sweet dreams.."
"You too mommy." napangiti naman ako at niyakap siya.
Im sorry baby. Im sorry if I have to lie. Im sorry if we can't talk about your father. Im sorry if you can't meet him in person. Im sorry for everything baby.
I just can't lose you.
I can't.
I love you baby...
I love you both..
You and your... father.
I will love you until my last breathe.
Is there a chance... that our family will be together?
Mabibigyan ba kita ng kompletong pamilya, anak?
I hope so....
I really hope so...