|Glaiza|
"Wow! We're riding another plane?!" Caedy exclaimed. Her little brown eyes widen in obvious excitement and delight as I told her that after our plane touch down, we're transferring to another to get to the ranch.
Magkakaharap kaming apat sa loob ng private jet na maghahatid sa'min pabalik ng Pilipinas. Though Rhian's mom was also with us, the old woman was still asleep in the other side of the plane.
May ilang oras pa bago namin marating ang destinasyon namin at gising na din ang kambal kaya nagkwentuhan na lang kami.
Caedy asked alot of things about the ranch and his grandfather while Caiden remain silent. He's always like that when I'm around, cold and distant. Mas lalo pa nga yata itong naging tahimik simula ng malaman nitong nakakulong si Jayson. Yes, he didn't say a word but I can feel he's blaming me for what happened to his Daddy Jays.
Rhian and I both agreed not to tell him the real reason why Jayson was now behind bars. He's too young to understand anyway. And I know I should focus on other things rather than minding Jayson and he's attachment to my son.
So, in those three weeks that I get to spend with him in Cornwall I tried my best to be more closer to him. But getting his attention was the hardest. Caiden was unlike any other kids for he's not easily persuaded. He's not resisting but he's not grasping either. Caiden was definitely the opposite of Caedy when it comes to so many things. While the latter was sweet and speaks her mind, the former was aloof and silent.
Alam kong hindi ko makukuha si Caiden sa mga materyal na bagay though I really wanted to give him the world. He's my son and if only I can erase Jayson in his memory and exchange it with mine, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Hinihiling ko na lang na sana pagdating namin sa Pilipinas ay unti-unti nang magbago ang pakikitungo nya sa'kin at maging bukas na sya sa ideyang kami talaga ang pamilya.
Maybe sooner ... I hope ...
"Yes honey, we're riding another plane. A chopper." I respond to my daughter.
"Chopper?" Caedy frown.
"It's also a plane, sweetie. Just a smaller version." Rhian explained.
"And Mimi also owned it?" Caedy asked curiously.
"Ask your Mimi." Rhian smiled and glance at me.
Caedy turned her head on me. "Mimi ...?"
I smiled and nod.
"Really?! Wow!" Again, she exclaimed in amazement. Pagkatapos ay mabilis itong bumaling sa kapatid na katabi nito at tahimik lang na nakikinig sa usapan.
"Did you heard it Caiden, I told you Mimi's super rich! She own a plane and a chopper and even a ranch!" Hindi masukat ang kasiyahan na nasa mukha nito.
Para namang hindi interesado si Caiden na bahagya nang nagkibit balikat pagkatapos ay ibinaling na ang ulo sa bintanang salamin ng eroplano.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Rhian sa naging reaksyon ni Caiden. Nagpapaunawa ang tinging ibinigay nya sa'kin habang bahagya naman akong tumango para iparating na naiintindihan ko.
"Caiden, honey, are you alright?" Rhian gently asked Caiden.
He just silently nod, didn't even bother to glance at his mother.
Again, Rhian gave me a glance and silently mouthed an apology.
Muli ay tumango lang ako bilang tugon.
Alam kong naninimbang din sya sa mga nangyayari. Eventhough she also wanted for Caiden to fully accept me and she did tried her best to make things easier for me, I'm very much aware that she can't force things on our son. That's not how it goes and I fully understand that.
I know more than anything I should gain Caiden's trust first.
And that's what I'm about to get. I vowed to myself.
***
|Rhian|
Glaiza and I both agreed to went straight to the ranch after our plane land in Manila.
I've talked to her old man weeks ago through video phone and told him everything including Glaiza and I getting back together. I even asked for his forgiveness and he's too generous for he instantly accept me again with open arms, told me that he's happy that we finally get to our senses. He even showed his deep interest to meet the twins in flesh and when I told him that we're going back to the Philippines in no time, his face suddenly lit up. He's ecstatic and he didn't hide it from me.
Although I'm excited for my kids to spend time with my Dad too, I decided to drop by to the ranch first before going to my parents house.
Somehow, I owe everything to Glaiza's grandfather. I've never felt so complete until now and it's all because of him. He's really the mind behind all of these. If not for him and his manipulations I wouldn't have Glaiza and my twins right now and I wouldn't know such happiness exists. I'm just returning the favor after all.
It's halfway past three in the afternoon when we finally reached De Castro Ranch.
It's still the same old ranch, the same old villa, and the same old people. It's as if six years hadn't past.
Pagbaba namin ng chopper ay agad kaming sinalubong ng katiwala ng Rancho. I know him for he is Gabby's father. Nadagdagan ang edad nito pero wala namang masyadong nabago sa itsura nito kahit na nga ba anim na taon na ng huli ko itong makita.
"Kumusta po?" Magalang kong bati matapos nitong kunin ang mga maleta namin sa loob ng chopper at iabot sa iba pang mga tauhan na sumalubong din kasunod nito.
Glaiza was still talking to the pilot, giving instructions before it went back to Manila.
"Mabuti naman po Ma'am Rhian. Kanina pa hinihintay ni Don Gerardo ang pagdating nyo." Nakangiting sagot nito pagkatapos ay bumaba ang tingin kina Caiden at Caedy. "Ito na po ba yung kambal? Aba'y kaygagandang bata. Mana sa inyo Ma'am." He utter the last words in a whisper, just enough for me to hear.
"Hwag nyo hong ipaparinig kay Glaiza yan." I chuckled.
Bago pa muling makasagot ang katiwala ng rancho ay nakalapit na si Glaiza sa'min.
"Anong hwag ipaparinig sa'kin?" Glaiza asked, frowning while her hand snaking on my waist.
"Nothing hubby ... nothing that would interest you." I quickly respond then gave the old rancher a wink. "Come on, let's not keep your grandfather waiting."
I know she's not convinced but she nodded anyway.
Magkahawak kamay kaming naglakad patungo sa villa habang sa magkabila naming kamay ay nakakapit ang kambal, sa kanya si Caedy at sa akin naman si Caiden.
Ilang hakbang pa bago namin tuluyang marating ang kinaroroonan ng villa ay lumabas mula sa malaking pinto nito ang panginoon ng Rancho De Castro. Tulak-tulak ng nurse nito ang wheelchair kung saan ito nakaupo.
Don Gerardo De Castro looked so much older than he was six years ago. Malaki na ang inihulog ng katawan nito, marahil dahil sa iniindang karamdaman. Gone was his authoritative look that Glaiza inherited from him.
Tatlong hakbang mula sa kinaroroonan ng matanda ay huminto ako at nangingilid ang luhang sinuyod ng tingin ang hapis nitong anyo.
"Hello old man." I greeted him, flashing a wide smile and trying to hold back my tears at the same time.
The old De Castro patriarch managed to smile then spread his arms.
Mabilis akong bumitiw kay Glaiza at Caiden. In just a split seconds I was able to crossed the distance between me and the man that teached me a lot of things about life. Mahigpit kong niyakap ang taong naging dahilan kung bakit naging posible ang mga bagay na noon ay inakala kong imposible. Things that I never knew existed ... things that didn't matter before but means the world to me now.
"Alam kong darating ang araw na ito, na babalik ka sa tunay mong tahanan ... sa tunay mong minamahal. Ngunit ano ang dahilan at natagalan ka?" Lolo Gerardo asked, barely a whisper.
Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagkawala ng mga luhang kanina pa gustong bumagsak.
God, why does his question hurts alot?
"I'm sorry Lolo ... I'm so sorry." I respond in a broken voice.
My tears kept pouring as he held me in his arms and gently caress my back.
"Welcome home, hija. Mi casa y su casa." He murmured.
In between tears, a smiled formed on my lips as I heard him spoke Spanish. The very same words that he told me the first time Glaiza brought me in this villa. It's like a déjà vu, it feels like one.
Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap sa matandang De Castro at patingkayad na naupo sa harap nito.
"Thank you. Thank you for still accepting me despite everything." I was holding his hand and gently looking at him.
"Ano bang sinasabi mo hija? Ang villang ito ay mananatiling bukas anumang oras para sa'yo. Matagal mang panahon ang lumipas ngunit hindi iyon nangangahulugang nawala na ang lugar mo sa ranchong ito. You will always and forever be the lady of this villa, you and my granddaughter. Kaya umaasa akong hindi mo na kailanman iiwan pa ang lugar mo sa bahay na ito." Mahina ngunit punung-puno ng conviction ang tono ng matanda.
"I promise ... I promise, Lolo. Never again. Never in this lifetime."
Nakangiting tumango si Lolo Gerardo pagkatapos ay bumaling ang tingin sa tatlong taong nakamasid lang mula sa likod ko.
"Sila na ba ang mga apo ko?" Lolo Gerardo asked afterwards.
I quickly wiped my tears with my hands and turned to my kids.
Bago pa ko makasagot ay naunahan na ko ni Glaiza.
"Yes Lolo, they're your great grandchildren ... Caiden and Caedy. Kids, say hello to your Gramps and give him a big hug." Glaiza said proudly.
"Hi Gramps!" Halos sabay pang bati ng dalawa sa matanda. Si Caedy ay mabilis na lumapit at yumakap sa ipinakilalang Lolo ngunit hindi si Caiden na nanatili lang sa kinatatayuan nito.
"Caiden, honey, come on, give Lolo Gerardo a hug." Marahan kong utos kay Caiden at saka pa lang ito sumunod. He's still hesitant when he embrace the old man and I'm just glad I raised my kids to be obedient and respectful. Atleast, that part I know I didn't fail as a mother.
Magiliw na tinanggap ng matanda sa mga bisig nito ang kambal. He's teary eyed but Glaiza and I both know it was all because of so much happiness.
"Are you really our Gramps?" Caedy asked after a long moment.
"Yes, I am." Lolo Gerardo replied.
"How come you looked so old? And why are you sitting on that chair? Don't you know how to walk?" Caedy asked innocently, in her usual British accent.
Oh my, Caedy strikes again!
"Caedy!" I snap. Then gave her a warning look.
To my surprised, Lolo Gerardo laughed out loud.
I glance at Glaiza and she just smiled at me.
"This young lady is so much like you Rhian, witty and adorable and ofcourse equally beautiful." Lolo Gerardo remarked then turned to Caiden who's still distant and just silently staring at his old man. He took Caiden's hand and gently squeezed it. "While this young man, reminds me of my little Glaiza. Distant, cold, and mysterious. But that didn't make me love her less." Nabasag ang tinig ng matanda sa huling pangungusap.
I held Glaiza's hands and glance at her.
"Lolo, nagdadrama ka na naman. Sige kayo, baka maiyak pa ko nyan." Glaiza joke around but despite her trying to lighten things up, I know she's moved by her grandfather's words. The single tear that she secretly wiped is a huge evidence.
Muling humalakhak ang matanda at kakatwang nagkaroon ito ng panibagong sigla.
"Tayo na sa loob at alam kong pagod kayo. Nakahanda na ang dati nyong silid at pati na din ang magiging silid ng mga apo ko." Muling sambit ng matanda.
Magkakasabay na kaming pumasok sa loob ng villa na napansin kong wala din naman halos ipinagbago. Sinalubong kami ng mga dating kasambahay kasama na si Nanay Ising, ang mayordoma ng villa at nanay ni Gabby. Hindi na ko nagtaka na wala si Gabby sa villa. Pahapyaw na nabanggit sa'kin ni Glaiza na sa Manila na namamalagi si Gabby simula ng tumuntong ito sa kolehiyo. We didn't talked much about Gabby but Glaiza cleared everything to me. She even confessed about Gabby's attraction to her and the things that the woman did because the latter was obviously blinded by its so-called love. And I understand her.
I took the liberty to understand not because I was forced to do it or for any other reason. I chose to understand mainly because it's Glaiza who told me everything and I chose to trust her word this time around. Without counting her mistakes, without questioning her, and without any doubt. I just put my trust on her. That's all.
We ate a lavished dinner together at the villa's huge and grandiose dining table. Hindi pa din matapus-tapos ang pagtatanong at pagkukwento ni Caedy kay Don Gerardo habang si Caiden naman ay nakapagtatakang panaka-naka na ding sumasali sa usapan.
Glaiza was as usual extra sweet and attentive to all my needs, kulang na lang ay subuan ako ng pagkain para hindi na ko mapagod pa. Sometimes I wonder if all these was real ... her being always on my side, pampering me with her love and affection. I just hope she will never get tired of me. Well, she had no choice but to put up with me because I'm staying in her life until her very last breath ... nope, I think that's too short. Guess I'm staying until her next lifetime.
Oh my god, I'm head over heals in-love with my wife!
I giggled at my own thoughts and tried to concentrate on my food while listening to my kids and their old man's exchanged of conversations. I'm glad they get along easily. And it warms my heart that the twins brought so much joy to Glaiza's grandfather.
After dinner, I went upstairs together with the kids. Naiwan si Glaiza sa ibaba dahil inihatid pa nito sa kwarto ang matanda. I helped my twins cleaned up and changed their clothes into pajamas then tucked them to bed. We're all tired from our trip and sleep is badly needed right now.
Caiden and Caedy's room is just next to ours. It's an adjacent room that was especially made so that we can have an easy access to them. It's Glaiza's idea because she seems always paranoid when it comes to our children's safety. Kung pwede lang na bantayan nya ang mga ito 24/7 ay malamang na ginawa na nito. She's a hands-on mom, I witnessed that firsthand when we were in Cornwall and she's good at it.
After making sure that the twins are both comfortable on their beds, I kissed them goodnight. Pero bago pa ko tuluyang makahakbang palabas ay humirit pa si Caedy ng isang fairytale story na sinegundahan naman ni Caiden. Pinagbigyan ko dahil nakita kong pareho pa silang hyper at mukhang wala pa talagang balak matulog.
I was in the middle of reading one of their fairy tale book when I glance at Caiden and saw him already yawning, nang sumulyap ako kay Caedy ay napapapikit na din ito.
"And they live happily ever after." I said and immediately closed the book.
"Mama!" Both of them cried in protest.
And when I thought they're both sleepy. Now they're both wide awake.
Nice! Just nice! My mind taunted.
"What? It's eight, time to bed already." Bahagya ko pang itinaas ang wristwatch ko para iemphasize ang oras.
"But Mimi said we can stay awake until nine." Caedy pouted.
"And you haven't finished the story yet. You go straight to the ending, that's cheating." Caiden seconded.
"Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakasandal sa headboard ng kama.
"Hey, young lady, don't give me that face. I'm not buying it, I'm not your Mimi." I said to Caedy putting some authority in my voice. Then I turned to Caiden. "And you big guy, it's not cheating because I planned to continue where I left off tomorrow. But for now, be kind and just do what I say."
I stood up from the bed.
"But Mama!" They said in chorus.
"No buts." I snap.
"What's happening here?" I didn't bother to turned my head around for I know it was Glaiza who entered the room.
"Mimi!" Caedy's face lit up upon seeing Glaiza's presence. Napansin kong bahagya ding nagningning ang mga mata ni Caiden at nawala ang pagkakakunot ng noo nito.
I arched one brows.
I know they think of their Mimi Glaiza as their salvation.
"Caedy, go back to bed." I said in my most serious tone when I saw Caedy get up.
"But Mama, it's not even nine o'clock and we're not sleepy yet." Malakas na ulit ang loob nitong mangatwiran dahil alam nitong may kakampi na ito maliban kay Caiden.
"Oh, okay. And what happened to our eight o'clock rule?"
"Long gone." Caiden respond nonchalantly.
Pareho nang nakaupo ang mga ito sa kama while I was trying to hold my temper. This is all Glaiza's fault, she bend all my rules for god's sake!
"Wifey --"
"Seriously, Glaiza don't talk to me right now." I said in irritation.
"What--? What did I do?" She wondered.
I rolled my eyes ceilingward.
"Ewan ko sa'yo. Patulugin mo yang mga anak mo, manang-mana sa'yo." Pagkasabi nun ay tuluyan na kong lumabas ng kwarto, nagpupuyos pa din ang kalooban sa inis.
***
A/N:
Tomorrow night pa sana 'to but I can't sleep yet kaya napaupdate ng wala sa oras.
Goodmornyt beautiful people and thank you for the sweet messages. Luv yah!