"Thank you for your help, Prosecutor Marquez! Salamat talaga!"
Ngumiti ako sa mga kliyente kong maiyak-iyak na sa tuwa. Nakapanalo ako ng panibagong kaso. It was a long day but it since it was successful, I was immediately thrilled and all my exhaustion faded.
"You deserve justice," sambit ko sa kanila.
Mid-afternoon, I drove to the hospital for my check up. Tinanggal ko pa ang sling ko para hindi halata na isa lang ang kamay na ginagamit ko sa pag-drive. Baka mamaya sumulpot na naman iyong Mikolai na iyon at magkaroon pa ako ng fine, eh.
While walking in the halls of the hospital, I saw a kid who was a patient here base on the clothes she was wearing. I suddenly remembered Zoline. Nandito pa ba siya? Magaling na kaya siya? Instead of going straight to Doctor Valtierra's office, I read the signs hanging on the wall, finding the pedia ward.
"'To para sa 'yo, Ely." Pagkarating ko roon, naroon si Marco at nakikipag-usap sa isang bata. May inaabot siyang chocolate rito.
"Salamat, Doc!" The kid jumped, holding her cheeks in happiness.
"Huwag masyadong masaya. Sasakit na naman puso mo niyan." Marco held her arm to stop her from jumping too much.
Sumilip pa ako lalo para makita kung naroon pa ba si Zo. A curse came out of my mouth when I lost my balance while peeking inside. I accidentally pushed the door with my hand, almost tripping.
"Sorry," I apologized to no one in particular.
Marquenzo's gaze was drawn to me. Shock flashed across his eyes for a split second before fading, and he stood up from his squat stance. He ran his hand through his silky hair and adjusted his coat before walking over to a child.
"May hinahanap ka?" tanong niya.
"Wala naman, Doc!" nakangiting sagot ng bata. Natawa si Marco at humugot ng lollipop sa bulsa ng coat niya sabay abot sa bata. "Salamat po!" The boy ran while waving the lollipop in the air with his tongue out, making the others there jealous.
Marquenzo turned to me. "Ikaw iyong tinatanong ko. May hinahanap ka ba kaya ka nandito?" He gestured the ward with his hand.
"Yes, actually..." I cleared my throat because why the hell did my voice came out too soft?! "I'm just not sure if she's still here. I have no news of her for a long time."
"What's her name?" Marquenzo walked my way, stopping half a meter in front of me with his hands inside his coat pocket. I noticed he loves doing that. "Ano'ng pangalan para matanong natin sa nurse."
"Zoline. I don't know her last name."
Agad siya napatango. Of course he knew her. We both do.
He opened the door and paved the way, so despite my confusion, I went out first. Sabi niya itatanong namin sa nurse kaya bakit kami naglalakad palayo roon? May nurse naman doon sa loob.
"Wala na si Zo," Marquenzo dropped the news, making my heart sink. Malakas akong sumighap para makahagilap ng hangin kaya medyo napaigtad siya. "Wala na siya rito sa hospital," pagkaklaro niya.
I immediately returned the hard expression on my face, not wanting to lose my poise even though I was a little embarrassed! Bakit naman kasi ganoon siya maka-inform! Pabitin! We were at the hospital for Christ's sakes! Of course I'd think differently once he said those words!
"Why? Where is she?" I asked, curious.
"Adoption house. Gumaling na kasi siya kaya hindi na siya pwede rito."
I nodding, smiling a little. "Good to know she has healed already. She was such a kind and jolly kid," I said.
"Ba't mo siya kilala?" Marquenzo arched a brow at me, looking like he was challenging me. As a response, I just shrugged and kept my mouth shut as we walked down the halls in deafening silence.
Pagkalabas pa lang ng hospital, napaatras na ako dahil umuulan na naman. It was rain season. December na kasi bukas. It reminded me to take Kie shopping tomorrow so we can design the penthouse already. She would definitely love that!
"Ano ba." Marahang tinulak ni Marquenzo ang likod ko dahil natapakan ko ang kaliwang paa niya. Inirapan ko lang siya kaya ginaya niya ako, hindi nagpapatalo. "Hindi ba check up mo? Ba't ka lumabas?"
Napasapo agad ako sa ulo ko at tumalikod para makabalik sa loob ng hospital, hindi nagpapasalamat sa kaniya. While Doctor Valtierra was checking upon my arm, I was occupied. Bakit niya alam na check up ko? Do doctors share their patient's schedule? Isn't that private?
I went to the rooftop after my checkup. Sinalubong ako ng malamig na simoy ng hangin, ang buhok ko lumilipad palikod kaya dama ko ang lamig sa leeg ko. There were countable people, mostly nurses. Basa ang mga bench kaya nanatili lang akong nakatayo, nakatingin sa view.
The colorful lights on the streets and buildings were enticing. The rain will surely fall again in a few minutes because the sky is becoming darker.
I glanced side-way when I noticed a shadow. It was Marquenzo again. He was licking a popsicle. Halatang bago lang iyon dahil nakikita ko pa ang usok ng lamig, pero halos napangkalahatian na niya. Right. This rooftop was our spot. So it wasn't a shock to see him here during his free time.
"Kamusta check up?" Nagulat ako sa kaswal na pakikipag-usap niya sa 'kin.
"Good," tipid na sagot ko.
"Ba't ka binaril?" diretsong tanong niya.
My forehead slightly creased. Hindi ba 'to nanunuod ng news? Nasa news kaya iyong ambush. And he was friends with Cali. Was he that busy here sa hospital to not know anything about it?
I just gave him a shrug, not wanting to explain. A part of me was stunned with the fact that he was casually talking to me. Isn't he supposed to be angry? Have a bad blood against me? Despise me?
"May galit ba sa 'yo?" He threw a guess.
"Madami." I let out a small laugh, hugging myself. Totoo naman. Napatingin ako sa langit nang naramdamang may pumatak sa tubig sa kamay ko.
Marquenzo turned his back. "Umuulan ulit. Tara na," aya niya sa akin.
Takang-taka ako pero sumunod pa rin sa kaniya. He gave me a short nod when we parted ways in the hall. I just waited in the waiting shed for the rain to stop because I didn't want to rush and get wet. I parked the car quite far away.
"Ang tagal naman tumila ng ulan," I mumbled.
I watched the kids run on the streets, may iba pang nagbebenta ng sampaguita. Nakita kong tinataboy sila ng iilang police dahil hindi sila pwedeng magbenta. Naawa naman ako kaya tinawag ko ang isang bata. Basang-basa pa siyang lumapit sa akin.
"Magkano iyan? Bibilhin ko lahat," I told the boy with a smile plastered on my lips.
Luminag ang mga mata niya sa tuwa. "Talaga po?!" hindi-makapaniwalang tanong niya.
"Oo, para makauwi ka na. Silong ka muna. Umuulan. Baka magkasakit ka pa niyan," nag-aalalang sabi ko. Nakinig naman siya sa akin at nagsimulang bilangin ang sampaguita.
"Wala na?" Narinig ko ang boses ni Marquenzo sa tabi ko. Siya na naman?
"Wala na po! Bibilhin na po ni Ate lahat! Kung gusto n'yo po, mayroon sa kaibigan ko!"
Pasekreto kong sinulyapan si Marquenzo habang kumukuha ng pera sa bag ko. Ano'ng ginagawa nito rito? Gaano ba kahaba break time niya? Was he even on a break? May payong pa siyang dala, ah.
My attention was diverted when a police officer stood on my other side, wiping his wet arm. "My instinct's too strong. I knew I'd see you again." Mikolai smirked at me. 'To na naman si Englishero.
"I actually hoped for the opposite," I told him with full honesty as I give the money to the boy. Tinanggap ko ang sandamakmak na sampaguita inabot niya sa akin. It smelled nice so I hugged it by my chest so it won't fall. Kie would love these!
"What will you do with those sampaguitas?" Mikolai asked, amusement laced on his tone.
"Nothing. I just bought it because you've been shoving the kid when all he was trying to do was make a living. Hindi n'yo pinagbigyan. It's Christmas season. You have no heart."
Mikolai chuckled a bit. "We're just abiding the rules. You know that."
"You can tell him to go elsewhere nicely. You didn't have to scare him nor push him," pakikipaglaban ko.
"I did not push him. They did. Don't worry, I scolded them already." Mikolai gave me a sly smirk, pulling the side of my eye with his finger. "I can see your wrinkles forming. Smile now. Don't be so pressed about it."
Tinampal ko ang daliri niya bago siya binigyan nang sobrang peke na ngiti. "Okay na?"
"Are you busy tonight?" Iyon ang sinagot niya. Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Maybe you want to have dinner."
"Epal." Marquenzo suddenly coughed beside me. "Epal... ng ulan. Sobrang epal. Tagal mawala. Medyo nakakairita."
Sino'ng kausap nito?
"You have an umbrella, Doc," Mikolai stated in an obvious tone, pointing the umbrella.
"Sira." Marco gave him a polite smile. It looked so fake in my eyes, but I didn't comment on it.
Biglang may nagsalita sa parang radio ni Mikolai kaya naging seryoso kaagad siya. He then turned to me and said, "No to dinner? No problem. I'll just see you again sometime."
"I certainly hope not," I retaliated boredly, making him laugh as he run in the rain.
Napalingon ako kay Marquenzo noong bumuntong-hininga siya nang sobrang lalim, mukhang bored na mag-abang sa pagtila ng ulan. "Epal," bulong pa niya ulit.
Napako lang ang paningin ko sa kaniya, appreciating his side profile. Before he can even catch me staring, I averted my gaze back in front and distracted myself by watching the cars pass by.
"Kumain ka na?" biglang tanong niya.
"Not yet, Doctor," pormal kong sagot sa kaniya. Dumalugdog bigla kaya napatili ako sa gulat at napahawak sa bandang kaliwa ng dibdib ko. I immediately threw Marquenzo a glare when he chuckled lightly.
"Hindi kita pinagtatawan." Sumeryoso pa siya pero kitang-kita ang ngisi sa mukha niya.
"You just exposed yourself by saying that," I stated, rolling my eyes and brushing my hair off my shoulder. Pinanuod ko ang pagbagsak ng ulan. Umatras pa 'ko dahil lumakas iyon. Hindi yata 'to huhupa.
"Nagmamadali ka?" tanong ni Marquenzo sa akin.
I gave him a brief nod. "Yup. May pupuntahan ako," pagsabi ko ng totoo. Dadaan pa ako sa isang botique para kuhanin ang dress na pinatahi ko.
"Saan?"
"Diyan lang," naguguluhan kong sagot kasi bakit niya tinatanong?
"Saan iyon?" tanong niya ulit.
My brows knitted. "Just... somewhere," I answered in a dismissive tone but he didn't get he hint.
"Saan iyong somewhere?" He raised a brow.
Napasimangot ako sa tanong niya. "Why do you keep on asking?"
"Para maiwasan ko iyong lugar dahil palagi tayong nagkikita," he said sarcastically.
"As if I want to be in the same place as you." I clicked my tongue against my teeth, hiding my annoyance.
Tumawa siya nang mahina habang biinubuksan ang buttones ng panloob niya. "Wala. Nagtatanong lang naman," matinong sagot niya.
"Is it your break time?" It was my turn to ask, looking back in front of us and crossing my arms across my chest. It was really cold.
"Nope" he replied, popping the 'p.'
"Then why are you here outside?"
"Bawal ba? Sa pagkakaalam ko hindi naman sa 'yo itong waiting shed," pamimilosopo pa niya.
I pressed my tongue against the inside of my cheek to avoid retaliation. Pretentious. I'll just pretend I'm not annoyed by his presence yet again. He always says something that sets me off! Napakabwisit!
"Why are you giving that to me?" I tilted my head to the side in confusion when he pressed the button of his umbrella and gave it to me.
"Gamitin mo na lang 'to," he said in calm tone.
Nalito ako bigla. "I thought... sira?"
"Akala mo lang iyon," walang pakialam na sabi niya. He gently took my hand. I immediately felt his warmth transfer to my palm. It faded when he made me hold the umbrella and let go of my hand. "Ingat ka."
As I watched him leave the hospital, I could hear my heart racing and my eyes blinking rapidly. My cheeks were heating up. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa handle ng payong. I inhaled a large and deep amount of air before walking away.
"Momma, you're home!" Sinalubong ako ni Kie ng yakap sa binti pagkalabas ko ng elevator.
Yumuko ako para dampian siya ng halik sa pisngi. "Hello, my love. How are you today? I missed you!"
"I'm fine, thank you," she answered like an automated machine. She gasped a little when she noticed what I was holding in my hand. "Flowers, Momma! It's so pretty!"
Kumuha ako ng isa at siniksik sa may tenga niya. Humagikgik naman siya, sinusubukan tingnan ang bulaklak sa tenga niya pero syempre hindi siya nagtagumpay dahil impossible iyon.
"What is this flower, Ma?" Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she observed the flowers. Kinuha pa niya ang kalahati noon sa akin.
"The flower is called sampaguita. Say it with me. Sam, pa, gui, ta," I emphasized each syllable so she can understand how to pronounce it.
"Sampa... guita," mahina niyang pag-pronounce. Natawa ako dahil sa accent niya. Hindi kasi 'to marunong magsalita ng Filipino kaya nakakapanibagong pakinggan na may sinabi siyang salita sa lenguwahe na iyon.
"Very good!" I tapped her head before holding her small hand and walking to the kitchen. Sinikap ko siyang buhatin para mapaupo siya sa baby chair niya bago ako pumunta sa refrigerator. I got my sparkling water and also one vanilla flavored milk for Kie. Paborito niya iyon.
I poked the straw before giving it to her. She accepted it and said, "Thank you, Momma!" With a warm smile on her face that was so contagious.
"You're welcome." I pinched her cheek.
I noticed she was playing with something on her hand. Kinuha ko iyon sa kaniya para tingnan nang maayos. The same poloraid.
"Aqeila, do you want to see your Dada?" It was an inadvertent question that really decided to slip out of my mouth. Pinanindigan ko na lang.
"You're not busy anymore?" Kie's eyes sparked with joy.
Right. I told her I have to finish all my works before talking to her Dad. I sometimes hate that she has an almost teenager mind in a baby's body.
"Momma's still busy, but I can talk to him," I told her in a soothing tone. Tinulak ko ang nakatakas na bangs niya sa pigtails dahil tumatama iyon sa mata niya at papikit-pikit na siya, mukhang naiirita.
"Really, Momma? You would do that for Kie?" Tinuro pa niya ang sarili niya, hindi pa rin naniniwala.
A soft laugh escaped my lips. "Of course. I'll do anything for you." Then I kissed her cheek.
After dinner ay trabaho na ang inatupag ko. Hindi ako nakatulog pero hindi naman na iyon bago. Kinabukasan, around hapon, nagpunta kami sa mall para makipagkita kay Sab. We were going to try a Korean coffee shop, and we will go Christmas shopping after.
"Ica? Kayo na ba iyan? Finally!" Sabrina beamed, waving her hand. Natatawang nagbeso ako sa kaniya.
"Ninang!" Kie climbed on her lap and took her hand para magmano.
"Hindi kita hahalikan dahil hindi naman kita anak. Pero kukurutin kita dahil napakacute mo!" Mabilis siyang pinanggigilan ni Sab sa paraan ng yakap at mahinang kurot.
Kie giggled, scrunching her nose. "Chocolate?"
"Aqeila!" natatawang saway ko kaagad.
"Buti na lang mahal kita kahit hinuhuthutan mo lang ako." Nag-drama si Sab. Tumawa ulit si Kie. "Tumawa ka pa hindi mo naman naintindihan iyon dahil Filipino." Tunog nang-aasar pa siya at sinundot ang pisngi ni Kie.
"Tuturuan ko rin iyan," sambit ko at naupo. I called a waiter for a baby chair. Si Sab na ang nagbuhat sa kaniya para maupo roon. Kie showed gratitude to her before playing with her small plushie that she brought with her.
I wasn't familiar with Korean desserts, so I ordered based on the pictures on the menu. The softree looked delicious so I decided to order it, along with some ice cream rolls. Sab ordered a mango bingsu, whatever that is. Sinalihan ko rin ng cake pops for Kie kasi naalala kong nasabi niyang gusto niya iyon tikman when we were watching some new recipes on Youtube.
"Nga pala, nadaanan ko ex mo kanina sa may Jo Malone. Nagsho-shopping mag-isa," balita ni Sab sa akin pagkaalis ng waiter.
My brows snapped together with obvious confusion. "So? Ano naman kung nag-shopping siya?"
"Wala naman. Jo Malone. Sosyal. Baka may pagbibigyan. Jowa kaya? Feel mo?" She was smirking at me maliciously.
"Wala akong paki sa ganap niya, Sab." Totoo naman. The only reason why I couldn't completely disregard Marquenzo was the fact that we have a kid, and I needed to tell him about it.
"Okay. Sabi mo iyan. Hindi pa naman masarap kumain ng sariling salita," pang-aasar niya bago sumulyap kay Kie. "Nagtatanong ba 'to?"
"Sometimes." I licked my lower lip, getting a little stressed out. I really hate this topic. "Hindi ko alam paano sabihin sa tatay niyan, eh. Paano ba?" Napabuga ako ng hangin.
Tinapik-tapik ni Sab ang chin niya, nag-iisip. "Ah! 'Di ba pasko na? Sabihin mo, may regalo ako sa 'yo. Sobrang priceless, hindi ito nabibili, at hindi mo ito inaasahan. Anak!" pagbibiro niya. "Eh, 'di tapos! Easy lang naman!"
I groaned and itched my nose. "Sab, seryoso ako! Ano ba namang suggestion iyan! That's so absurd! I can't just drop it like that!"
Nag-suggest pa siya roon ng corny Christmas banats to say but I honestly do not get the reference so I pushed her face to shut her up.
Kie was just quite beside me, eating a chocolate cake pop covered in sprinkles. Pinagbubunot pa niya ang sprinkles bago dinidilaan. I think she was figuring out the flavor.
After, we went to some stores to check for clothes. We entered different toy shops since Kie wanted a Sofia the First doll. Hindi kami nakahanap ng maganda pero hindi naman siya nagreklamo.
"It's okay! Next time!" Hindi siya mukhang disappointed, or nagtatampo man lang.
Humanap din kami ng christmas tree. When I made Kie choose the color, she chose white.
"Taray! White Christmas!" Sab laughed. "Napakasosyal. Parang 'di ako belong! Hindi na lang ako pupunta!"
"Gaga, invited ka kaya pupunta ka." Tinawanan ko siya. "Bring your jowa. Magdadala rin si Dustin tsaka Paige, eh."
Nakita ko ang gulat sa mata niya. She was about to say something but my daughter tugged my hand.
"Momma, this one is cute!" Pinakita sa akin ni Kie ang isang pack ng gold na bells. I immediately knew she found it cute kasi may glitters.
"Wow! You have such a nice taste!" I complimented her. Tumalon naman siya sa tuwa.
Naglibot-libot pa kami. Napagod na siya sa paglalakad kaya nilagay namin siya sa trolley. Nakaluhod siya habang tumuturo ng mga nakakita niyang bago sa paningin niya.
"Stay with your Tita Sab muna, Kie. I have to go somewhere," paalam ko sa kaniya.
"Where, Ma?" curious na tanong niya, inaabot ang kamay ko.
Ngumiti ako sa kaniya. "To the restroom lang, anak."
"Where is that?"
"I don't know. I will still find for it."
"Is it near?" she asked again.
Hindi ko napigilan matawa. Ang daming tanong! Jusko! Anak nga 'to ni Marco!
"I don't know, love. Momma will be fast, okay? You can pick some more decorations for our tree."
Nagmadali ako sa pahahanap ng C.R dahil pakiramdam ko sasabog na ang pantog ko. The first restroom I found had a long line. I had to go on the different floor level to consume less time.
"Sab- Oh my gosh!" Napatakip ako sa bibig ko nang nakitang kausap niya si Marco! Oh my gosh! Si Kie! Baka makilala niya! Memorize pa naman noon ang mukha ng tatay niya!
I calmed down when I saw her asleep on Sab's shoulder, the trolley just parked on the side. Paano na lang kung hindi natulog si Kie?! Baka nagka-reunion na roon!
Pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko habang hinihintay silang matapos mag-usap. Ang haba ng usapan nila! Gusto ko sumingit pero kabang-kaba ako to the point na feeling ko hindi ako makasalita nang maayos kaya hindi ako lumapit.
May sinabi si Sab, na nagpangisi kay Marco habang umiiling. Ang habang kwentuhan naman niyan!
"Ouch naman!" natatawang reklamo ni Sab noong hinila ko ang buhok niya pagkaalis ni Marco. "Wala raw jowa, sis. Single."
My jaw dropped. "And that was your priority?! To ask his status? Oh my gosh ka, Sabrina!"
Bahagya siyang natawa at hinampas ako. "Tulog naman na si Kie noong lumapit siya kaya hindi ako nag-panic. Hindi naman kita papangunahan! Tinago ko pa nga mukha, eh! Promise!"
Minasahe ko ang dibdib ko dahil abot langit pa rin iyong pagtibok ng puso ko. Pakiramdam kong makakalabas na iyon.
Andre arrived. May date pala sila ni Sab. Tinulungan muna nila ako maglagay ng mga binili ko sa trunk ng car bago kami naghiwalay. Suddenly, I felt the dryness of my throat and I wanted a refreshment, so I walked towards the nearest shop I saw para hindi na ako lumayo. Buhat ko pa naman si Kie.
Natigilan ako nang nahagip si Marco. There he was, sitting at the end table while quietly sipping on his latte. Nakapangalumbaba pa siya at malayo ang tingin.
"Artista iyan, 'di ba? Balita ko nabaril iyan. Nasa news."
"Oo, sa kaso yata. Hindi ko alam na may anak na pala iyan. Gandang-ganda ako diyan, eh."
Bulungan ng dalawang lalake ang umalingaw sa tenga ko habang nakalinya ako. Hindi ko sila nilingon. Hindi ba nila alam na naririnig ko sila? We were literally just two steps away from each other!
"Ganda nga, eh. Sexy. Sayang lang dahil segunda mano! Instant tatay pa makatuluyan niyan! Hassle!" Nagtawanan sila.
My hands immediately halted from caressing Kie's back. Napakurap-kurap ako roon habang dinadama ang paghigpit ng dibdib ko.
"Kung wala kayong masabing tama, tumahimik na lang kayo. Pwede?"
"Sino ka? Bakit ka nakikinig sa usapan namin?" Nahimagan ko ng galit ang tono noong isa.
Umismid si Marco. "Hindi ko naman kasi alam na sekreto pala usapan n'yo. Lalakas kaya ng boses. Tanga n'yo naman." He sounded apoplectic.
Nagulat ako noong bigla na lang ako nahatak paalis doon. Nagpaubaya lang din ako because truth be told, ang pangit ng pakiramdam ko at mukhang tinubuan na ng ugat ang paa ko roon.
I couldn't process what the man called me. Segunda mano. Is that how people view me? Second hand? Sayang? Damaged woman because I have a kid? And... hassle?
"Okay ka lang?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Marco.
"Small thing." Pinilit kong ngumiti pero hindi ko kaya kaya tinuon ko ang mga mata sa tapat.
Nang medyo nakabalik na sa ulirat, doon ko lang na-realize na kasama ko siya! Marco's walking me to my car while I had our daughter in my arms!
But why did he snatch me away? I guess he felt pity when he heard the comments of the people earlier. Napangiti ako nang mapait. Tama. Iyon.
I wonder... does he think of me that way, too?
"Huy."
"Puking-!" Napaigtad ako noong biglang hinawakan ni Marco ang balikat ko.
"Bibig mo naman!" Amusement played in his eyes.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. "Nakakagulat ka naman kasi."
"Tulala ka naman kasi," he returned. Tinulak niya ako nang kaunti. Hindi ako handa kaya muntikan na akong matumba. "Tangina!" Nanlaki ang mata niya sabay pulupot kaagad ng braso sa baywang ko dahil hindi niya mahawakan ang braso ko.
"Bibig mo naman!" I mocked. Sinamaan ko pa siya ng tingin, hinihingal nang kaunti sa bigla. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa braso niya. We were too close. Naiipit na si Kie sa gitna pero tulog pa rin siya.
Marco casually removed his arm and arranged the strap of my sling as if nothing happened. Hindi ko siya mahampas sa inis sa pagtulak niya sa akin kaya sinikap kong sipain ang tuhod niya. Sumimsim siya sa straw niya habang iniiwasan ang sipa ko, tumatawa pa.
"Hindi iyon totoo, ah." His mood shifted to serious, biting the tip of his straw. "Iyong mga sinasabi nila, walang katotohanan iyon. Sana alam mo."
Napakurap-kurap ako habang iniiwas ang tingin sa kaniya. When it comes from his mouth, I feel like I'll instantly believe him.
"Ang tahimik mo naman bigla." Marco scratched the tip of his nose, observing my face.
"Kapag nagsasalita ako, ang daming dada. Kapag nananahimik naman, may problema ka rin doon." Inirapan ko siya, umaaktong naiirita.
I heard him chuckle a little, but immediately stopped. "Anak mo pala siya. Akala ko anak ni Sab..."
"Oo..." Anak natin.
Iniwas ko ang mukha ni Kie noong napansin kong sinisilip niya iyon. I went a little further. He noticed that so he gave me a ridiculous look.
"Ba't ka lumayo? Dito ka nga." He gentle pulled my shoulder so I can be back on the pathway.
"Stop peeking," I told him firmly but deep inside, I was panicking. Oh my gosh!
"Hindi ko naman aagawin mukha ng anak mo," sarkastikong sabi niya at natawa kalaunan.
Umirap na lang ako at inayos si Kie dahil nangangalay na ang braso ko. I noticed that our pace was slow because honestly, my car was really near.
"Kailangan mo tulong magbuhat? Pwede kitang tulungan," Marco offered. Umalis siya saglit para itapon ang cup niya sa basurahan. "So? You need my help?"
Napatitig ako sa kaniya. "Ba't mo ba ako tinutulungan?" Nadulas na ang tanong sa bibig ko bago pa ako nakapag-isip.
He shrugged. "Matulungin lang ako," sagot niya. Hindi-makapaniwalang umismid ako. "Kokontra ka pa talaga, ah? Ilang beses na kaya kitang tinulungan."
"You just happened to be in the same place as I am all the time." I wonder why. "I never asked for your help."
"Kaya nga. Matulungin nga ako," pakikipaglaban niya.
I bit my lower lip while laughing. Nagbuhat talaga ng sariling bangko! Tinitigan niya ako sa mata, sinisisid ang nararamdaman ko, nagpakalunod, hanggang sa umiwas ng tingin para hindi tuluyang mawala.
"Okay. You can carry her," pagpayag ko.
Tumigil ako. He slowly got Kie from me, making sure he won't hit my arm. Hindi man lang napansin ni Kie na iba na ang may buhat sa kaniya. Tulog-mantika kasi, mana sa tatay. Ang daming namana sa tatay.
"Ang dali naman makidnap nito. Hindi man lang gumalaw." Marco chuckled a little, pulling the hem of Kie's dress down because her diaper was peeking. "Ang gaan. Hindi 'to naggu-gulay, 'no?"
"Sometimes."
"Pakainin mo para healthy," suggest pa niya.
As an excuse to look away, I rolled my eyes. I couldn't even look a him for a long time. He was carrying his daughter without him knowing she was his daughter.
Ba't naman kasi ang hirap sabihin sa kaniya? Hindi ko alam kung paano ba ibabagsak ang katotohanan. Natatakot ako na ipagtabuyan lang niya ang anak namin. Hindi ko maatim iyon.
"Ang cute ng medyas. Powerpuff girls." When I returned my gaze to him, he had a familiar smirk on his face, and I knew he was teasing me.
"Alam mo, ang dami mong komento," I told him in a small voice. I felt a lump in my throat.
Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Madami ba iyon?"
"Momma," Kie mumbled sleepily.
Pareho kaming natigilan ni Marco. I went near and tapped Kie's back gently, getting nervous. "Love, go back to sleep..." Please lang! Huwag ka munang gumising! Mamaya na sa kotse! Oh my gosh!
She hummed. Nakita kong natigilan si Marco noong sumiksik si Kie sa may leeg niya, ang isang kamay ay nakapagpahinga sa may balikat. She was hugging him.
"You can give her to me now. My arm's feeling better already." Kukunin ko sana si Kie pero umiling siya.
"Okay lang. Sanay naman akong mayakap ng bata." He then caressed her hair out of her face, finally getting a better view of her. "Ang pula ng pisngi," he commented in a soft tone, poking Kie's cheek.
"Don't poke her cheek. Madumi kamay mo," wala sa loob kong sabi sabay tampal ng daliri niya.
"Kamay ko pa madumi. Ayos ka," sarkastikong sabi niya bago umirap. "Pero hindi man lang siya umimik. Seryoso, ang dali nito makidnap." Ano ba'ng pinaglalaban nito? Kanina pa siya diyan sa kidnap, eh!
"Walang kikidnap diyan. Ano ba." Sinimangutan ko siya.
Marco just smirked before looking back at Kie. Titig na titig siya sa anak niya. I even saw a hint of smile on his lips, but it slowly faded as his eyes started to glistened a little.
"Kotse mo na 'to, 'di ba?" He abruptly became solemn and came to a halt in front of my car.
Nagulat ako. Kitang-kita ko ang pagkinang ng mga mata niya. He swallowed while waiting for my answer. Pumikit siya saglit at pagmulat noon, wala na siyang emosyon.
"Yes, this is my car." Halos bulong na iyon.
Binuksan ko ang backseat. Inayos ko muna ang sobrang daming unan doon bago niya nilapag si Aqeila. I covered her with a blanket so she'd feel some warmth and think that someone is still carrying her.
"Thank you for the help, Doctor." I had the urge to be formal as if earlier we weren't casual. It was like a wall was set between us again. The carefree moment earlier... it was just a glimpse.
Nakatayo lang siya sa tapat ko, seryosong nakadungaw sa akin. He pursed his lips like he didn't know what to tell me. His piercing eyes were strong for a moment before he looked away.
"Alaagaan mo nang mabuti. Ingat sa..." He hadn't even finished speaking when he suddenly walked away, leaving me clueless.