"ANO PO oras darating si Tita?"
Atticus sighed when he heard little Fleair asked him again that question. Hindi na bilang sa daliri ni Atticus kung ilang beses na siya nitong kinulit.
They went to the grocery store to buy ingredients. Fleair was craving for cookies and was bugging her Tita Khaila. Gusto raw nito ang cookies na palaging dinadala nito sa twing umuuwi ito sa bahay.
She's busy as of the moment and couldn't go to the café she's talking about. Kaya pinabili na lang siya nito ng mga ingredients na kailangan para makagawa sila ng cookies. He even bought some baking tools, na wala sa kusina nila sa bahay.
"Walang sinabi ang Tita mo, Fleair," sagot niya.
"I wanna see her! I want Tita!" tumaas ang boses nito at pinadyak ang paa sa sahig.
Atticus sighed. Umupo siya sa harapan nito at inayos ang magulo nitong buhok.
"Baby, what did I say? Tita is coming, hindi lang nagsabi kung anong oras. Hindi magugustuhan ng Tita Khaila mo ang nagdadabog." Mahinahon na sabi niya sa bata.
Fleair sometimes acts like a brat because she grew up with her grandmother. Lahat kasi ng gusto nito ay kaagad ibinibigay ng nanay niya.
Lumabi ang bata at inangkala ang mga braso nito sa leeg niya. "She won't see us anymore po kapag nagdabog pa ako?"
"It's not like that, Fleair. Hindi lang niya magugustuhan, pero hindi ibig sabihin noon ay hindi na siya babalik dito." Atticus explained carefully. "Don't do it anymore, okay? Kapag may gusto ka, you should ask nicely. Kapag hindi naibigay agad, you should learn how to wait patiently. Are we clear, Fleair?"
"But…"
"No buts, Fleair." Atticus placed his index fingers on her lips. "Are we clear?" ulit niya.
"Yes po," mahinang sagot nito.
"Let's tie your hair? I bought you an apron too. Isuot mo na?" Atticus smiled when Fleair eagerly nodded her head.
Kinarga niya ang bata at pinaupo sa lamesa para maayusan niya ito. He always had a ponytail in his shorts pocket, para kay Fleair. Kapag mainit at iritado na ito sa buhok niya.
He was tying her hair into a bun when Khaila arrived. Naka puting t-shirt lang ito at maong na shorts, naka tali rin ang buhok nito. Kaagad itong lumapit sa kanilang dalawa ni Fleair.
Khaila kissed Fleair's temple. "I'm sorry, may ginawa lang si Tita."
"It's fine. Mag o-order na lang ako ng pagkain natin for lunch. Is that okay?" Atticus asked her.
Gagamitin ng dalawa ang buong kusina nila. It's too small for three people, lalo na at mukhang may balak maging magulo ngayon ang batang kasama nila.
Atticus' breathing hitched when Khaila placed her hand on his waist, she was about to kiss him on his cheek but he avoided it. Instead, he cupped her face and gently pressed his lips against hers. A kiss on his cheek wasn't enough for him.
"Atticus!" angil nito sa kanya.
Narinig niya ang mahinang palakpak ni Fleair, nang lingunin naman niya ito, mabilis na tinakpan ng bata ang mga mata nito gamit ang mga kamay.
"Fleair?" tawag niya sa bata.
"Yes, Pa?"
"Keep covering your eyes, yeah? 'Wag mong aalisin hanggat hindi ko sinasabi." Utos niya sa bata.
Tumango ito sa kanya but Khaila wasn't convince. He quickly leaned down and claimed her lips, wala siyang pakialam kung ma-transfer man sa kanya ang lipstick stain.
"I love your lips," aniya at mahinang tumawa.
"To? Done na po ba? We're still going to bake right? Tita will teach me how to bake po, 'diba?"
"Yes, Fleair, tuturuan ka ni Tita." Khaila answered her and removed her hands that covered her eyes.
Tumaas ang kilay ni Atticus nang sumulyap sa kanya si Fleair. He was rubbing his bottom lip with his thumb. Bitin sa halikan nilang dalawa ni Khaila.
"Pa, doon ka po, please?"
"Bakit?" nagtataka na tanong niya.
"Baka halikan mo lang si Tita! Wala po kaming magagawa!"
Atticus rolled his eyes and obliged to Fleair's whim. Khaila wore the extra apron and started to teach Fleair. Natutuwa si Atticus dahil parang tuta na nakaabang lang si Fleair.
"Kanino ka natuto mag-bake?" Atticus asked Khaila.
"My grandma loves to bake. Sa kanya ako unang natuto, mas na-enhance lang noong nasa high school ako dahil kay Tita Rion." She answered as she sift the flour.
Atticus remained silent after that. Fleair was glaring at him as if telling him, it was their time together and he's out of the picture.
Habang nag bi-bake ang dalawa, he was browsing on the internet and saw a picture of Khaila with a guy and a picture of her watching runway practice. Atticus read the article and thought if it's possible. Khaila going back to her past job.
People were curious if she's going back to the modelling industry as she was involved in a project with a famous actor and recently spotted her watching the runway. Her beauty was timeless and classic. It didn't fade, she matured.
Which made it more irresistible.
"I feel small and proud at the same time." He uttered under his breath while looking at Khaila and Fleair.
Napangiti siya nang makitang masaya si Fleair. Her laughs and cute giggles filled their house as Khaila kept on putting flour on her face.
Pinapanood niya lang ang dalawa hanggang sa matapos ang mga ito. Khaila helped Fleair to cut the cookies into the desired shape she likes.
"Pa! To! Come here, please?" Tumatalon si Fleair sa upuan nito habang tinatawag siya.
"Yes, yes, I'm coming. Don't jump, Fleair."
Mabilis siyang lumapit sa bata at inalalayan ito. Kinuha ni Fleair ang isang cookies na hugis puso at pinakita 'yon sa kanya.
"Look! It's a heart shape cookie, Pa! Taste it?" Hindi pa siya nakakasagot, naisubo na sa kanya ni Fleair ang cookie na hawak nito.
He carefully chewed the cookies and glance at Khaila. She was smiling brightly at him, habang nililigpit nito ang mga nagamit nila ni Fleair.
"Good job, Fleair!" Atticus raised her hand and offered a high five for Fleair. "Masarap," dagdag niya.
"Yes!" Fleair yelled.
He open his phone camera and took a picture of them. Fleair was holding her made cookies habang silang dalawa naman ni Khaila ay nakayakap sa bata.
Having Khaila around means spoiling little Fleair. Bukod sa lagi silang nakadikit sa isa't isa, lagi rin na may dalang laruan si Khaila kapag umuuwi ito sa kanila. She's too soft when it comes to Fleair. Atticus felt that her love for Fleair was not just because she's part of his life. Khaila loves her as individual. Khaila loves her because she's Fleair.
"Let's have a date tomorrow? Tayong tatlo."
HINDI MABURA ang ngiti sa mga labi niya habang inaayusan siya ni Gayle at Amanda. They're supposed to go to gym and workout but she asked them to cancelled it for the meantime because she has a date with Atti and Fleair.
Jane immediately ransacked her closet and chose an outfit for her. It was a simple pastel pink halter strap paired with her faded jeans and with two inch block heels. Gayle and Amanda, on the other hand, did her makeup and hair.
"You're gorgeous, Bebe! As usual." Gayle complimented her as she was finishing her makeup.
"Thanks!" Khaila chirped.
She did a simple no makeup look while Amanda curled her hair and tied the half into a bun. Nag-iwan ito ng ilang pirasong strand ng buhok niya sa gilid ng mga tenga niya.
"Ang sabi mo may kasama kayong bata? So, it's a family date then?" Jane asked. "Is that his kid?"
"No, it's his sister's baby." Agap niya.
"Ah, pamangkin…" Amanda trailed.
"So? Ganun na rin 'yon." Jane chuckled softly. "Enjoy your day, Aila!" anito at hinila na ang dalawa palabas sa kwarto niya.
Atticus wanted to pick her up, pero siya na mismo ang tumanggi. Hindi sila makakaalis kaagad kung papasok ang dalawa sa village nila. Knowing her Tito's, hinahanap din ng mga ito si Fleair.
Naglakad lang siya palabas sa gate, at doon na nag-abang ng masasakyan niya.
"Hop in, ma'am!"
Nagulat siya nang makita ang sasakyan ni Atticus sa harapan niya. Bumaba ang salamin sa back seat at dumungaw roon si Fleair.
"Tita! Dito ka na lang po sa tabi ko, please?" She bat her eyes cutely. Sino ba naman ang makakatanggi sa bata? Khaila smiled and open the back seat door, as soon as she slid herself inside, Fleair thrown herself at her.
"Are you excited?" tanong niya kay Fleair at kiniliti ito. Her giggles filled the car.
"Yes po! I wanna ride the space shuttle!"
"Fleair, we already talked about the space shuttle. Hindi ka pwede doon. You're going to ride the carousel and other rides for kids like you." Atticus explained.
"To, carousel is boring. I don't like it!" pagmamatigas nito.
"We're going to ride space shuttle kapag malaki ka na, okay?" aniya at hinagot ang likod nito.
Fleair crossed her arms against her chest and pouted her lips. Saka ito napipilitan na tumango sa kanya. It's funny how the little one listened to her, at sumasagot ito pabalik kapag kay Atticus. Hindi ito nauubusan ng dahilan kapag kay Atticus.
Nang makarating sila sa amusement park, Atticus look for a fast food chain so they can eat first. Fleair was looking outside while they're eating. Halata sa mukha nito na gusto na talagang maglibot.
"Pa— To? Can I have that one po?" Fleair asked. Pointing the soft medium size bear.
Atticus bought it without blinking. Sa buong hapon, ginawa lang nila ang gusto ng bata. They played random games, sumakay sila sa mga ride na mag-e-enjoy si Fleair at the same time ay hindi delikado para sa bata. Ang huli nilang sinakyan bago magpasya na mag dinner sila ay Ferris wheel.
Atticus reserved a table at a fine dining restaurant and Khaila was busy with Fleair when a familiar woman appeared and ruined their mood.
"Iba na pala ang trip mo ngayon?" The woman taunted her. "Ang maging ina sa anak ng iba?"
"We're here to have a peaceful dinner. Please, don't ruin it. And I don't know what you're talking about." Matigas na sabi niya.
Noon pa man ay palagi na siyang pinag-iinitan ng babae. Lagi silang nag-aaway dahil sa ugali na rin nito. Khaila noticed how Atticus mood changed too. He looks livid. Salubong na salubong ang kilay nito at matalim ang tingin na ipinukol sa babae, marahas din ang bawat hininga nito.
"Okay ka lang?" tanong niya at hinawakan ang kamay nito. Atticus flinched.
"Long time no see, Atticus. Is that my daughter? Oh… I mean, your daughter?" Veronica asked Atticus.
Her jaw almost dropped. Pilit niyang hinagip ang mga mata ni Atticus. She's confused. Fleair was his deceased sister's daughter.
"You didn't tell her?" Tumawa ito at humarap sa kanya. "I am his greatest nightmare, Miller. And that kid beside you was the fruit of his dream."
Tumingin siya kay Atticus. He was gritting his teeth as he looked at Veronica. He was livid.
"Shut the fuck up." Atticus hissed.
Fleair looked at her confused. Inayos ni Khaila ang sarili at pilit na ngumiti sa bata.
"Please, leave. You're spoiling our dinner, Veron," aniya. The woman smirked smugly at her before she left with her date for tonight. An old man. A married man.
Nang dumating ang pagkain nila, inasikaso niya agad ang bata. Halos hindi na galawin ni Khaila ang sarili niyang pagkain.
"Baby, aren't you going to eat?" Atticus asked. He tried to hold her hand, pero agad niya 'yon na iniwas. "Baby… Let me explain."
"Mamaya tayo mag-usap, Atticus. Huwag sa harap ng bata."
Tumango ito sa kanya. She wasn't able to finish her own food, kahit anong pilit sa kanya ni Atticus.
Khaila remained silent. Hanggang sa makauwi sila sa bahay nina Atticus. She wanted to go home, pero hindi sumunod sa kanya si Atticus. He insisted to talk tonight.
"Bukas na lang… Please?" Nakapikit na pakiusap niya sa lalaki.
Atticus cupped her face. "We'll talk now. Hear me out, please?"
Pilit niyang tinatanggal ang kamay ni Atticus sa mukha niya. She's mad and she's not thinking straight. Ayaw niyang magsalita but Atticus kept on pushing her button.
"Nag sinungaling ka sa akin?" nanghihina na tanong niya sa lalaki. "Anak mo ba si Fleair?"
Tumango si Atticus. She lost her shit. Umangat ang kamay niya at malakas na sinampal ang lalaki. His face turned on the other side because of it. Khaila doesn't care if he had a relationship with Veron.
"Bakit mo tinago?" tumaas ang boses niya. "Bakit hindi mo agad sinabi sa akin? My God! Atticus!" she burst out.
Her heart was aching for the innocent kid. Khaila believed his lie that she didn't notice how hard it was for Fleair to call him 'Tito' in front of her when it was supposed to be 'Papa' all along! Her heart was aching as she imagined Fleair thinking that her father might not love her for not telling her their real relationship.
Khaila was sensitive when it comes to this topic. Tinanggi rin siya ng totoo niyang tatay. Hindi niya masikmura ang ganun. And now, Atticus… The man whom he adored so much did that to his own daughter.
"Natatakot ako…" Atticus scoffed. "Alam ko na hindi 'yon sapat na dahilan para sayo. But that was the truth, Khaila. I'm afraid you'll left me… us, kapag nalaman mo na sa akin talaga si Fleair noong una pa lang. Sasabihin ko naman e…"
"Atticus… ang babaw naman ng tingin mo sa akin!" doon na tumulo ang mga luha na pilit niyang pinipigilan huwag kumawala. "Let's talk after I calmed down. Huwag ngayong galit ako, Atticus."
She left him to cool down. But after that night, the man left the country with his mother and daughter. Nag resigned ito sa school nila. The explanation she needed, dapat pala ay hindi na siya umalis para nakuha niya 'yon kahit papaano.
They didn't had a proper break up. Nabalitaan pa niya na sumunod si Veron sa lalaki.
"Fuck you, Atticus Aleir Klein." Khaila whispered.
☕