X A N D E R
"Dad? Mommy would not be able to come later for my party?" Naiiyak na ito. I closed my eyes as I can feel the irratationa about the situation we had. Tama nga ang asawa ko, ANAK NAMIN ang mas maapektuhan sa kagagawan ko.
"Eh .. Hayee, let's be patient ha? I also don't know when will Mommy come back." She closed the gap between the two of us and hugged me.
"I'm sorry Daddy. It's just that, until now I find it hard to adjust knowing that it's the third time that mommy will not be here for my birthday." She said in her sobs. I nodded as if I understand her even the fact that I'm the reason why all of these happened.
I'm sorry anak. Hanggang ngayon ay di ko pa din napapatawad ang sarili ko. Hanggang ngayon ay pinagsisisihan ko pa din ang lahat. Piping usal ko habang hinahalikan ang ulo ng anak ko.
"Ehem! Hijo, pwedi ko na bang hiramin ang apo ko ng maayusan na siya?" I nodded as I handed my daughter to Mama Helen.
"I'll see you at the party My Angel."
Sinundan ko sila ng tingin hanggang sa mawala na sila sa paningin ko. It's already passed afternoon at 7pm ang start ng party.
Somehow, naiisip at umaasa na sana dadating siya. Na sana kahit di pa rin niya ako napapatawad ngayon ay handa akong maghintay basta't makasama ko lang siya. Sila ng anak ko.
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"And now, let's call on the Birthday celebrant: Hayeena Kathleen Hudgers to be escorted by her father, Xander Blaine Hudgers. Around of applause, please." Anunsyo ng MC ng event na si Isabel. Ang kaibigan ni Chelsie, siya na mismo nag prisinta para gawin iyon.
Umawit muna kami ng 'Happy Birthday' song and Isa instructed her to blow the candles.
"Okay! Now, may we know what is the wish of our lovely celebrant?" Isa asked her with glee. I look at Hayee as she heaved a deep sigh before she smiled bitterly.
"I've been wishing this wish twice already. And I always did it silently. Now if I'll do the alternate way, may be somehow it might happen." Napa-AWW naman ang mga bisita sa sinabi ng anak ko dahil umiiyak na ito. Di ko namalayan na umiiyak na pala ako.
"I .. I always wish that I .. I'll have my mommy beside me and Daddy as I celebrate my birthday just like the old times." I found myself, hugging her tightly as she clinged in me.
"You don't have to be sad My Angel ...
... because Mommy is already here."