Kabanata 23
Kabanata 23
"HERE, princess." Kuya gave me a bottled water pagkatapos naming maupo sa bench.
Nagpahinga lang kami saglit pagkatapos ng jogging kasama ang mga aso. Cho-choo was playing with the other dogs, napangiti ako at napasandal sa bench bago nilingon si Kuya.
"Thanks for checking on Cho-choo for the past week, Kuya. Iuuwi ko na ngayon."
Kuya nodded. He was staring at the dogs playing, licking his lip. Sinuklay niya ng bahagya ang buhok at nilingon ako, ang asul na mata kumislap nang ngumiti siya.
"How's life, princess?" aniya kaya napangiti ako at bumuntonghininga.
"Good, like usual," I said. "Blessing in disguise rin na kahit papaano may say tayo sa schedule. You know na dati ayokong pinapakialaman mo o ni Papa ang schedule ko but now that I have Cookie, pabor na sa akin. How about you? Ngayon lang tayo nakapag-usap ulit."
"As usual, nothing new," he said. "Thank you for looking after the kids when I'm gone, I hope they don't bother you much."
"Ano ka ba?" Natawa na ako. "Parang ibang tao makapagsalita!"
His lip twitched for a smile, inangat niya ang kamay para guluhin ang buhok ko.
"Sorry, I just felt bad for giving you more responsibility. I know Cookie's a small kid, mahirap alagaan, dadagdag pa ang kambal. I just felt bad that instead of me, looking after my kids, ikaw pa ang sumasalo sa akin." I noticed something in his eyes and even if he is hiding it, I can see through it.
"They are never a bother to me, Kuya. In fact, masaya nga akong nandoon ang kambal sa condo madalas, Cookie is happy with them. Palagi niyang kaharutan ang dalawa tapos tinuturaan siyang magbasa ni Sky."
I saw his eyes widen. "Really?" He was amused and proud.
"The twins are smart, Kuya. Hindi man masyadong gamay pa ni Sky ang magbasa ay pinipilit niya tapos mahuhuli ko silang tatlo minsan nanunuod ng mga kwentong pambata sa phone. It was Sky na palagi kong naririnig na mag-summarize sa kwento." I chuckled but then it faded when I noticed his smile faded.
"I don't think I'm a good father, Daru," he said, stopping me.
"What?" My forehead creased. "What are you saying? You are a good father, Kuya. The twins admired you so much. Si Sunny? She's always telling me how excited she is kapag uuwi ka na sa bahay."
"I'm a mess myself too, Darsh. I am trying to be a good Dad pero pakiramdam ko kulang na kulang ako sa mga bata. I felt like I am still not doing my best, parang kulang pa. Parang hindi pa ako sapat."
Hearing it from someone as amazing as him made my heart ache.
"What are you saying?" I gasped. "I am telling you, Kuya. You are a good father. I know everyone has issues pero we're doing our best to improve over time, right? If you have problems you can open up to me para mawala ang bigat. H'wag kang gagaya sa akin na tinatago ang problema, look at what happened, nagsabong kami ni Papa."
"I am doing my best to speak up but I find it difficult." He laughed a bit. "I'm afraid I'll say something bad and it might hurt someone. You know we got our attitude bad from Papa, look now. Parang kambal natin siya."
Sabay kaming natawa roon at napatango.
"Pero Papa is learning to control his emotions and mouth, Mama is there to help him with that. Kung kaya ni Papa, kaya rin natin s'yempre." I smiled at him. "Is this about Storm? Nasabi sa akin ng mga bat ana palaging wala ang asawa mo, they said that they heard you two arguing."
Natigilan si Kuya.
"The... kids heard it?" he asked and sadly, I nodded.
"Fuck!" he cursed and closed his eyes painfully. "I don't know. What a useless father am I..."
Lumapit ako kay Kuya at marahang hinila siya sa akin, ngumiti ako at tinapik ang balikat ko.
"Let me be a sister now, the big sister." I smiled. "Come on, Macky. Lean on Ate."
Biglang tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya. "You're silly..."
"I know how pressured you are, Kuya." I let him know I was listening. "Mahirap maging panganay dahil dapat malakas ka so now, I am giving you the chance to go weak on me, your younger sister. You can confide with me too, you know? I can be your Ate too."
He stared at me for a while kaya ngumisi ako at muling tinapik ang balikat ko. He smirked and then shook his head pero marahang ipinatong din ang ulo sa balikat ko.
"I'm doing my best to work this out with Storm, Daru," aniya kaya bumuntonghininga na ako. "It was so sudden, you know. I am still not ready to be a father but I know my responsibility, I won't run from it. I didn't plan to get married that fast but I have kids to look out for."
"They say, life happens while you're busy making other plans," I told him.
"Indeed, it is." He chuckled. "I was living the prime of my life then suddenly, two little balls of sunshine came knocking on my door."
"But admit it, it's worth it," I breathed. "Cookie is worth it too, sa kabila ng hirap."
"The kids are worth it, Daru." He agreed. "They are, they changed everything in my life. They gave me a will to live and work harder."
Natahimik kami saglit hanggang sa nagtanong na ako.
"Ano bang nangyari kay Storm?" I asked. "Why is she like that? Even Mama is mad, Kuya. Nagagalit siyang pinapabayaan ang mga bata. You know how much she love the kids, right? And it hurts her seeing the two longing for their mother."
"I want to work this marriage out, hindi para sa akin pero para sa mga bata," he answered, his gaze distant. "Ayokong lumaki silang nakukulangan sa pagmamahal ng isang ina. You know, naisip ko nga, nakukuha nila ang atensyon ng isang Nanay sa 'yo."
"Oh, really?" I smiled brightly at that.
"Yeah." He chuckled. "They are telling me na binasahan mo raw sila ng story bago matulog. Sunny kept on telling me and showing me the new hairstyles you did to her hair."
"Well, Sunny is my human Barbie doll." I giggled. "I can't do that to my Cookie kaya siya at madalas kong talian ng buhok."
He chuckled with me.
"I wish they could experience that with their mother," he wished. "It's a mess, Daru. Hindi ko na rin alam paano, we fought because we can't take each other anymore. Storm, she lost her attention weeks after we got married. I don't know, I think naging maayos naman akong asawa pero siya ang may ayaw..."
Mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Alam ko namang nagpakasal lang ang dalawa para sa mga bata pero tama bang abandonahin mo ang mga anak mo?
I couldn't imagine doing it to my son.
"I understand your sentiments back when you were young, Daru."
"What?" I asked.
"That kind of love we can see from Mama and Papa." I heard the lonely tone in his voice. "I get you now because like you, I wish for it now too..."
I sighed, I leaned my head to my brother's head too and nodded.
"Someday, Kuya," I reassured. "I believe someday, we'll get the happy-ever-after we wish to have. Like those myths. Like Mama and Papa."
Tahimik kami ni Kuya pagkatapos, we are contented watching the dogs play and run after each other. Ngayon lang kami ni Kuya nakapag-usap ng ganito kalalim kaya masaya ako pero malungkot din habang pinapakinggan siya.
"There's a convenience store nearby," ani Kuya kaya natigilan ako.
"Hmm?"
"You want a popsicle?" he asked. "Twin pack?"
My smile widened. I immediately nodded.
"Yes, please!" I cheered.
"Alright, stay here. I'm gonna buy something for the kids, too."
When he left, I started calling the dogs. Natawa ako nang nangunguna si Pocholo sa pag-ikot sa akin kaya hinaplos ko ang balahibo nito.
"We'll go home na, Cho-choo, hmm?" I hummed. "You'll stay with Mama and Cookie na again."
I saw Kuya approaching wearing his white shirt and gray sweatpants, may hawak siyang plastic galing sa convenient store at lumapit sa akin.
"Here." He lifted the twin pink popsicles kaya natawa ako at mabilis na lumapit. Binuksan ni Kuya ang pack at ibinigay sa akin ang ice cream. "Hatiin mo na lang."
I nodded, mabilis na pinaghiwalay ang dalawang stick para tig-isa kami pero mali ang pagkahati ko. masyadong malaki ang isa at nadamay ang isang parte no'ng kabila kaya maliit na lang!
"Hala, sorry!" I gasped and glanced at Kuya. Ngumuso ako at kinuha ang maliit at ibinigay sa kanya ang malaki. "I'm just gonna take the smaller one."
"Nah." Nagitla ako nang kunin niya ang maliit sa kamay ko kaagad na isinubo.
"But—"
"Take the big one." He smiled and pinched my cheek. "It's fine with me." He showed me the small one kaya ngumisi ako at tumango.
"Thanks, Kuya!" I cheered, kumapit ako sa braso niya at tinawag na ang mga aso para makabalik na sa mansyon.
Pagkauwi namin ng Kuya ay naabutan namin ang mga bata na naglalaro sa malaking playpen ni Cookie sa bahay. I saw Sunny sitting inside, nakahiga sa hita niya si Cookie at si Sky ay nagpipilit na namang magbasa kahit na nauutal pa at natitigilan.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Kuya at ngumisi ako. "See? The kids are smart."
He smiled a bit and nodded, nang makita ako ni Cookie ay mabilis siyang bumalikwas at halos tumalon na.
"Mama!" he called happily. I laughed, lumapit ako sa playpen at inabot siya.
"Hi, Cookie ko."
"Mama, karga! Karga!" he raised his hand pero umiling lang ako at inabot ang kamay niya para halikan.
"Mama will carry you later, okay?" I said softly. "I just have to take a bath first because Mama is sweaty."
His blue eyes twinkled as he nodded at me and smiled. "Mama sweaty?"
"Yes, Cookie. Mama is sweaty. I'll be back, hmm? Play ka muna with Kuya Sky and Ate Sunny," I said, glancing at the kids na kausap ang nakaluhod na si Kuya sa gilid.
I saw him kiss Sunny's cheek and messed with Sky's hair, nakikipag-apir pa kaya inabot ko ang pisngi ni Cookie para halikan.
"I love you, Cookie ko."
"Wavyu, Mama!" His dimples are showing. "So... so much!"
I went inside my room in the mansion and took a bath first to clean myself, pagkatapos kong suklayin ang buhok ko ay naupo ako sa kama at tinignan ang site namin kung may schedule na ako this week pero wala pa.
I wanted to clear my schedule since malapit na ang second birthday ng Cookie ko, which will happen this week and I never want to miss it.
"Baka may copy na ng schedule si Papa." I realized and stood from the bed. I fixed my dress, dala-dala ang phone ko ay nagtungo ako sa opisina ni Papa sa bahay.
I knocked on the door. "Pa? Can I come in?" I asked but I heard no answer.
"Papa?" I knocked again but still none.
Hinawakan ko ang door knob at bahagyang inikot at bukas kaya nagsalita ako muli.
"Papasok po ako," I said, twisting the knob and pushed it pero sa gulat ko ay biglang lumitaw si Mama at lumabas ng opisina.
"Ma?" I asked, napaatras ako at mabilis niyang hinuli ang knob at mabilis na isinara ang pintuan sa likod niya.
"O-oh, Daru... uh, why?" She smiled a bit, pansin kong magulo ang buhok niya at mapula ang pisngi.
"Is Papa there?" I asked. She nodded, looking so embarrassed and I wondered why. "Kakausapin ko lang sana, tatanungin ko ang schedule ko this week—"
"H'wag!" she suddenly exclaimed kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Ma?" I asked. "Why—"
"Your Papa's uhm..." Her cheeks flushed more. "He's busy."
"Oh, I won't disturb him, hingin ko lang folder," I said, kinuha ang knob pero mabilis niya akong hinarang.
"M-maybe later?" She asked kaya kumurap-kurap ako.
"Why?" I asked. "I'm just gonna—"
"Baba na lang tayo, 'nak." Biglang hinuli ni Mama ang kamay ko at marahan akong hinila. "Folder ba? I can get it from your father later."
Doon na nanliit ang mata ko't napaisip.
Hmm, she's flushing. My Mama is never like this, she is always composed and calm. Seeing her now looking so giddy and shy makes it weird.
"A-anong gusto n'yong hapunan?" She asked, magulo pa talaga ang buhok.
I saw a lipstick stain beside her lips, medyo makalat iyon kaya nanlaki ang mata ko. habang hawak ako ni Mama at nagsasalita siya ay napatingin ako sa dress niya at nakitang gusot-gusot iyon at medyo nakatupi pa ang dulo.
"Ma, umamin ka nga..." I said and I saw her freeze, looking at me.
"H-huh?" She blinked.
I had an idea but I am not sure kaya ngumuso ako.
"You have a lipstick stain here." I pointed the side of her lips at napasinghap siya at mabilis na pinunasan iyon ng daliri niya.
"R-really?" she asked and I nodded, may naisip ako kaya kunwari'y tumingin ako sa leeg niya at nanlaki ang mata. "W-what is it? Darshana, why are you—"
"You have chikinini on your neck!" I exclaimed. She gasped.
"Shit, Dash Rakiel!" she groaned, mabilis na hinawakan ang leeg pero natigilan nang bigla akong humagalpak ng tawa.
"Issa prank, Ma!" I exclaimed and laughed.
Natigilan siya.
"You brat..." She gasped, mas namula pa ang mukha kaya bumungisngis ako at nagtaas ng kilay.
"Ikaw, Ma, ah? May session kayo ni Papa? Baka may kasunod na niyan si Dette? Sa opisina pa talaga—"
"Darshana Sandejas!" she exclaimed, blushing kaya napatili ako at mabilis na tumakbo palayo. "Come back here! Daru!" she gasped kaya tumili pa ako pababa ng hagdan.
I saw Cookie na pinapanuod akong pababa, he even stood and clapped his hand.
"Run, Mama!" he cheered. "Fast!"
And I did, I can hear Mama calling me but I kept on running, laughing hard. Nang maabot ko ang sofa ay halos tumalon na si Cookie kaya binuhat ko siya at tumakbo.
"Habol tayo ni Mama kaia!" I screamed. Cookie screamed too while hugging my nape.
"Mga batang ito!" Mama gasped. Nakarating na kami sa garden kakatakbo habang sigaw nang sigaw at tuwang-tuwa si Cookie.
I am running out of breath, pagod na tumigil ako at napaharap kay Mama na naabutan na kami at hinihingal din, hawak na ang balakang.
"Ang mga batang 'to..." Mama gasped and walked towards me. "Darshana—"
"Cookie, save Mama!" I gasped, niyayakap pa si Cookie na biglang itinaas ang kamay niya na parang handa na makipagsuntukan.
"No! Mama Kaia! No! No!" He shook his head.
"Baby..." Mama laughed. "Kurutin ko lang singit niyang Mama mo."
"Cookie!" I exclaimed in horror. "Save Mama Daru!"
"Super Cookie!" ani Cookie na tinaas lalo ang braso niya. "Pwotect Mama Daru at all cosh! No hurt Mama!" palaban niyang sabi.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Mama, nakita kong dumating si Papa at si Kuya Macky na natatawa roon.
"What is it, Cookie?" ani Papa Dash na natatawa pa.
"No hurt Mama!" he said, hindi pa rin binababa ang kamay. "Cookie punch! Ya!" sinuntok niya ang kamay sa ere kaya sabay-sabay kaming natawa at mahigpit na niyakap ko si Cookie at humalik sa pisngi niya.
"That's my boy." I giggled.
Of course, ang nalaman ko ay sikretong malupit namin ni Mama. She's glaring at me during our dinner dahil sige lang ang ngisi ko sa kanya at susulyap kay Papa. She's blushing, sinisipa pa ako sa ilalim ng lamesa kaya ilang beses na akong halos mabulunan para lang hindi matawa.
The next day I was busy again at work, iniwan ko si Cookie at Cho-choo sa bahay kasama ang Yaya nila habang nasa trabaho ako.
For our second flight today, we did our usual safety measures. We checked the seatbelts, everything and when Ma'am Sally announced na papasok na ang mga pasahero in five minutes ay nagpahinga muna kaming tatlo nina Imee.
Naupo muna ako sa seat at inayos ang buhok ko, I opened my front cam to check my appearance but I ended up taking selfies. Noong nakapili na ako ng isa sa sampu kong pictures ay kaagad na ini-story ko 'yon.
My phone beeped for a message kaya kaagad ko iyong pinindot.
From: Chase Lejez
Hi, Daru! Got a free time later? You're not answering my messages :(
I sighed, I got busy nitong nakaraan at wala ako sa mood kaya nag-reply ako ngayon.
To: Chase Lejez
Hi, Chase! Sorry for not replying, I was a bit busy.
From: Chase Lejez
Are you free? Can I ask you out for dinner later?
I thought of my Cookie, kailangan kong umuwi ng maaga at mas mahalaga ang anak ko kaya mabilis akong nagreply.
To: Chase Lejez
Sorry, Chase. I have to go home early for my son. Maybe next time :)
From: Chase Lejez
I understand, I hope you could really give me time. Paano ka papayag na ligawan kita kung hindi mo ako makikilala? I really like you, Daru. I'll treat you better. Promise.
Natawa na ako roon at napailing. A notification popped, hindi ko na na-reply-an si Chase nang makitang may nagsend sa akin ng message sa Instagram, probably a reply I got from my selfie na ini-story ko.
I clicked on it.
AnonymousCutie_69: very nc dear..
I burst out laughing, nakita ko kung paano natigilan sina Imee at Ceejay sa biglaang tawa ko.
"Why, Darsh?" Ceejay asked pero napailing-iling lang ako at kinagat ang labi ko.
"Don't mind me." I laughed. "It's nothing."
Nawi-weirduhan man ang dalawa ay napatango-tango na lang. I pouted and accepted the reply.
Darshana.Sandejas: You made my day. Thank you for making me laugh😊
Na-seen kaagad pagka-send ko, parang natigilan pa ito pero mayamaya'y nagta-type na.
AnonymousCutie_69: welcum dear.. 😍😍
Nag-heart react ako sa message niya at tumayo para maghanda na sa paparating na pasahero nang mag-vibrate ang phone ko.
AnonymousCutie_69: wer r u dear?
Darshana.Sandejas: I'm on a flight. Thank you again, Sir.
AnonymousCutie_69: k, no problem dear. Very nc pics, very byotipul.
I put my phone inside my pocket, smiling and on a good mood. Pumunta ako sa unahan ng mga kasama ko at bumati sa mga pumasok sa eroplano.
My eyes widened and my jaw almost dropped at the sight of a familiar man striding towards the aircraft's entrance. Narinig ko kaagad ang iritan ng mga katabi ko. Kinurot pa ako ni Ceejay sa likod kaya suminghap ako.
Wearing a white shirt underneath his black coat and pants, Lolo Chance looked dashing. On his hand is a black traveling bag, he's wearing his shades too, and white sneakers.
"Girl, parang tadhana atang palagi siyang nasasabay sa flight!" bulong-bulong ni Ceejay sa akin habang papaakyat si Chance.
"Pangit naman ng tadhana," I whispered back, gulping, calming myself from hyperventilating now that he was here again.
"Ma'am, 'yan 'yong gwapo," ani Ceejay sa senior F.A. na natawa at mahinang nagsalita.
"Oh, si ser..." pinalambing pa niya ang boses at tinusok ang tagiliran ko kaya nanlaki ang mata ko sa kanila.
"Ma'am!" I hissed quietly at tinawanan lang ako ng mga loka-loka.
Naka-shades man ay alam ko kung nasaan ang tingin ni gago. I kept on greeting those passengers na papasok pa lang at nang sumulyap kay Chance ay nakataas na ang labi sa ngiti. Lumubog pa ang dimples niya kaya nagpapaypay si Imee sa gilid ko at natatawa.
"Girl, mukhang bet ka, kausapin mo na..." she whispered.
"Oo nga, Daru," Ceejay said. "Kung ako 'yan, todo na 'to!" She even mimicked an artist's voice kaya tawanan sila habang napapailing lang ako.
"No way, I'm not attracted to old guys, 'no," I snorted.
Chance removed his shades when he reached us, his brown eyes met mine and I saw how his face lit up.
"Welcome to Sandejas Air, Sir." Narinig ko pang bati ng mga kasama ko.
"Thank you," Chance said and glanced at me. "Good morning, Daru."
Sumabog ang init sa mukha ko.
"G-good morning daw!" Siko sa akin ng mga kasama kaya ngumisi ako ng hilaw at tumango.
"Good morning, Lo—" I smirked when I saw Chance's mouth parted. "I mean, Sir. Enjoy the flight."
His brow shot up and nodded, staring at me from head to toe.
"I definitely will." He winked. "Thanks, dear." He said and turned his back.
Wait, did I hear it somewhere?
"Nice one, Miss Beauty Queen." Narinig ko ang tawanan ng mga katabi ko, nang-aasar na naman. Pabirong pinalo pa ng mga loka-loka ang puwet ko kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"What... ayoko nga!" I hissed quietly, pinagpapalo rin sila kaya nagkatawanan kami.
The flight started with the girls teasing me. Noong safety demo ay nakamasid si Chance at nanunuod kaya hindi ko alam ang gagawin at nablangko na naman.
Will I frown or smile? At saka bakit nandito iyan sa flight ko? Is it a coincidence of sinadya niya?
"What would you like to order, Sir?" I asked.
His lip twitched, glancing at my cart, and spoke. "How about your sandwich?"
"Hindi ka pa nagsasawa sa sandwich ko?" I asked coldly.
"Never, doll." He smirked at narinig ko ang ubo ni Imee sa tabi ko. I stopped, nilingon siya at nagtatakang nagtanong.
"Why?"
"Anong sandwich mo?" she asked, hiding a smile kaya suminghap ako at mabilis na inangat ang sandwich sa cart.
"Here," I told her. "Ikaw, Imee ang halay mo..."
"What?" bumungisngis siya. "I didn't say anything about it!"
Ngumuso ako at bumaling kay Chance at inabutan siya ng sandwich. "How about drinks?"
"I want that anti-rheumatic tea you offered last time," he said at bigla akong napatawa.
"Are you sure? Lo?" pabulong ko pang sabi at nakipagtagisan siya ng tingin sa akin.
"Come here," he said and confused, I moved my head a bit, nasa aisle side siya kaya madali lang akong nakalapit sa kanya.
"Oh?" I asked.
"I want to keep up to you, doll." His breath touched my ear and it made me shiver. "Need to keep up my stamina, it's such a shame if I'll suddenly groan in back pain while you know... inside you."
My jaw dropped.
Santisima! Mahabagin!
"G-gago ka!" I whispered and smacked his leg. Bigla siyang tumawa roon, nag-iinit ang pisngi ko nang umayos ako ng tayo at pasimple siyang sinipa sa upuan niya.
"Oh, ano raw drinks ni Sir?" ani Imee at nang nakita kong may kung anong tinging malisyosong binibigay si Tandang Salcedo ay ngumiwi ako sa kanya at binalingan si Imee.
"May cobra ba riyan? Bigyan mon ang matuka ng ahas!" I hissed at napanganga sa akin si Imee habang si Chance ay pasimpleng tumatawa lang doon sa gilid.
Our flight from Davao back to Manila was quick yet tiring, medyo maraming mga senior citizen ngayon kaya marami ring kaming inasikaso. Some were asking assistance for with the baggage when we reached Manila and we helped them.
"Let me," nagitla ako nang may kumuha ng ibang bag na dala ko at nakita si Chance.
"Oh, bakit nandito ka?" I asked.
"I will help you—"
"You should fall in line and wait for assistance," I asked and pointed to the line for seniors, kumunot ang noo niya at binalingan ako.
"I don't get it..." he said, looking so confused kaya nagsalita ako ulit.
"You should fall in line for the senior citizen lane, may mga wheel chair kami para sa inyo," I said and even flashed a small smile.
He glared at me. I winked.
"Darshana..." he said in a warning tone kaya tumalon na ang puso ko at nangingising nanguna na sa paglabas ng eroplano habang nakasunod siya.
"Do I look old to you?" he asked when he reached me kaya nilingon ko siya.
Nothing really changed, his aura just matured but his face and body... still the same. His whiskers, it's the eight o'clock shadow, making him look hotter.
Unti-unting nagta-transform ang inner dinosaur self ko at bago pa siya mag-rawr ay tumango ako.
"Yes, Lo. Bless po?" I took his hand to tease him about the bless pero napasinghap lang ako nang pagsaklupin niya ang kamay namin at walang hirap akong hinila palapit sa kanya.
My eyes widened when I slammed on his chest, our faces were only inches apart from each other.
"Let me ask you again, baby doll..." his voice sounded so hoarse na malapit nang mag-twerk ang dinosaur self ko. "Does your baby boy look old to you, hmm?"
I felt his caress on my waist. My breath quickened.
"Hey, doll. Look at me." I lifted my gaze and met his brown, seducing eyes.
"H-huh?" I asked.
"How about you call me Daddy?" he said darkly kaya tumango ako.
"O-okay, Daddy..." I mimicked, bewitched.
His lip suddenly twitched. "Got ya..."
My eyes widened, natigil ang pagpo-pole dancing ng inner dinosaur ko at mabilis na natauhan.
"H-hoy, what... mangkukulam ka ba?!" I hissed. "H-how could you let me say that?!"
He looked so amused.
"Maybe I'm irresistible?" Tumaas ang kila niya. "My Mom said my dimples are my charm." Ngumiti siya kaya lumubog ang dimples niya.
"Ayoko sa matandang hukluban!" I scoffed, my cheek flushing. "Gusto ko sa mas bata, Salcedo."
Umirap ako at naglakad paalis. Natatawang sumunod sa akin si Chance at nilagay din ang ibang bagaheng hawak niya sa pinaglagyan ko para sa mga senior.
"But I can do mukbang better, Darsh." The brute even whispered kaya nilingon ko na siya at hinampas ang dibdib pero natigilan.
"Ay..." I mused and stared at him. "You work out a lot, huh?" Pinindot ko pa ang dibdib niya.
"Of course, hindi ako papatalo sa mga mas bata," aniya kaya umirap ako sa kanya at inayos ang hand bag ko.
Damn, ang rupok-rupok mong Daru ka?
"Lumayas ka na nga, why are you always following me around?" I snorted, kumaway ako sa nando'n sa counter at nginuso ang mga bagahe ng matatanda.
Sumaludo ito sa akin at nag-thumbs-up. "Noted, ganda!"
"Thanks, Phil!" I winked and laughed.
"Ilang taon na 'yan?" ani Chance na nasa tabi ko na parang tuko at hindi umaalis.
"Why do you ask? Crush mo... Chanel?" I teased at ngumiwi siya sa akin.
"Do I look gay to you?" he asked, slowly pulling me closer to him. Napatingin ako sa gilid at natantong muntik na pala akong matamaan ng cart trolley.
"Tinanong mo kasi ako sinong mas maganda, ikaw o ang umaga?" I laughed and moved away from him, pumunta sa may gilid ng opisina para mag-time out. "Line ko 'yon, eh. Gaya-gaya ka."
Just answer me, ilang taon na 'yan?" he asked kaya nangunot ang noo ko.
"Phil? Dunno, maybe younger than you?" Ngumisi ako, "Lolo ka na, eh."
"Brandon, Chase, and Phil... sino pang karibal ko, Darshana?" he enumerated. I glared at him.
"Are you serious?!" I exclaimed, hindi makapaniwala sa sinasabi niya. "Phil is my friend, Brandon was my crush way back and well, Chase is a friend—"
"I'm older than all of them, right?" he asked kaya nagtatakang tumango ako.
"Uh, yes?"
His lips lifted for a small smile, binasa niya ang labi niya at tumango-tango. "Good to hear that, then..."
What a weird senior...
"You... are not pissed?" I asked, nagtataka pa at nagkibit-balikat siya bago marahang hapitin ang baywang ko palapit sa kanya. "W-what are you doing?"
"They should know where they stand from now on, Daru," he said in a low voice.
"Huh? Teka, I don't get it. You should be pissed because they're younger than you and I don't like old guys..." Sinadya kong nang-aasar na pasadahan siya ng tingin. "Like yourself so..."
"I will court you, Darshana," he announced and it made my heart flutter pero binalewala ko iyon at tumawa lang.
"Sorry, Lo, pero may pila..." I said, pissing him off but to my shock, he smiled at me.
"I know, senior, right?" He smirked and stole a kiss on my cheek. "Priority lane, baby."
Nahulog ang panga ko, kumislap ang mata niya kaya napatili ako at pinalo ang kamay niya paalis sa baywang ko at nagpakita ng cross sign sa harapan niya.
"Lord, ilayo mo sa akin ang masamang adhikain ni Lolo—"
"Huh, this grandpa could still make you scream—"
"Wala! Wala akong naririnig!" I hissed and ran away like an idiot from him.
Natatawang pinagmasdan niya ako nang lingunin ko siya, nakalabas na ako sa exit at nakita kong pasunod na sana siya pero may matandang lumapit at nagpatulong sa paglagay ng bagahe sa trolley kaya naiwan siya saglit.
While doing all that, my head was still hazy and thinking about his announcement.
He'll court me?
It made me smile but it vanished afterwards when I realized something. The bitter taste spread in my mouth.
I'm done giving chances. I am so tired of hurting over and over again.
Hindi ako nakapagpaalam kay Chance kaya inantay ko siya sa labas, tinutulungan niya pa rin ang matanda kaya inilibot ko ang tingin sa parking at nangunot ang noon ang makitang naroon si Papa... or is it him?
Medyo malayo pero ang built at uniporme, parang si Papa nga.
My forehead creased, balak ko sanang lumapit para kumpirmahing si Papa nga pero may lumapit na babae sa puwesto niya. I saw her saying something to him and he nodded, may sinabi rin pabalik, mukhang seryoso.
The woman shifted her body as she walked towards the shotgun seat at para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang makita kung sino iyon.
Delilah...
I saw how she went inside and the man... my father went into the driver's seat and I was just staring at it until it vanished from my sight.
What the fuck?
My heart was hammering violently against my ribcage. Napalingon ako kay Chance na kausap pa ang matandang mukhang nagpapasalamat sa kanya at muling bumalik sa akin ang mga nangyari noon.
Confused and hurt, I left him inside, nag-taxi na lang ako pauwi dahil sa pagkakatulala. I even texted my mother with my shaking hands.
To: Mama
Hi, Ma! Good afternoon! Si Papa?
After a few moments, I received a message from her.
From: Mama
He has a flight, anak. Why? You want to say something to him?
To: Mama
Until what time po ang flight?
From: Mama
I believe it's until eight, why?
Napasulyap sa orasan at parang humapdi ang dibdib ko nang makita ang oras.
It's six P.M.
To: Mama
Nothing, Ma. I love you. Pauwi na ako.
I tilted my head. Maybe namamalikmata lang ako?
It's not my father. Why would he be there, right? Bakit niya kasama ang babaeng 'yon?
It's impossible. He won't be with her. Never.
I tried lighting up my mood when I got home and saw the kids in my condo, nandito ulit ang kambal, kalaro si Cookie. The three played while I was cooking dinner for everyone.
Muntik pa nga masunog kung hindi lang ako sabihan ni Alex sa sobrang pagkalutang ko na sa mga bagay-bagay na naiisip.
We rested, nasa guest room ang kambal na sinamahan ni Alex at katabi ko si Cookie sa kwarto. Sa dami ng naiisip ay nakatulugan ko na rin habang yakap siya pero nagising ako ng alas-dose ng gabi sa iyak ni Cookie at nang hawakan ko siya ay natanto kong nilalagnat siya.
"C-Cookie..." I gasped and immediately prepared his things to rush him to the hospital.
Ginising ko si Alex at sinabi ang lagay ni Cookie, we had no choice but to wake the twins up dahil wala silang kasama rito.
"I-I'm sorry for waking you up, twins," I said, my voice trembling while carrying Cookie who's been crying. "C-Cookie is sick so we have to take him to the hospital..."
"It's okay po, Mama." Sky in his sleepy eyes even smiled. "Ako na po mag-bring ng gamit ni Cookie." Kinuha niya ang bag na hawak ko.
We rushed Cookie in the nearest hospital, I am so scared for him dahil ngayon lang siya nagkalagnat simula noong pinanganak ko siya. He's also still a baby kaya takot na takot ako habang inaantay ang diagnosis ng pediatrician na nag-check sa anak ko.
"What's his name? Cookie?" ani ng doktor sa akin kaya tumango ako ng bahagya.
"Y-yes," I answered. "I-is he okay, Dra.? It's his first time to catch a fever so I am worried."
"Yes, he is." The relief I felt was too much when I heard her say it. "It's just a simple fever, nangyayari talaga sa mga bata."
"T-thank, God!" I gasped, hinilamos pa ang mukha. "S-sorry, Dra., if I panicked. I-I'm just worried for him..."
"It's good, Miss." She smiled at me. "It's good na dinala mo siya kahit simpleng lagnat lang, we never know what a fever indicates so, you did the right thing." Marahang hinawakan niya ang braso nang nakatulog ng si Cookie sa higaan.
He's sleeping soundly! Thank, God!
"What a cute and strong kid." She chuckled. "His dimples reminded me of someone."
"He... got it from his father." I smiled and she nodded at me, offering her hand. Her soft eyes smiled too.
"I'm Philomena," she introduced. "But that's a mouthful so, you can call me Philie."
"Darshana, Dra. Philie." I smiled at her. "Just call me Daru, nice meeting you, Dra." I accepted her hand for a handshake.
"Anyway, Daru, here is the prescription para kay Cookie. You can buy it in the pharmacy outside."
May narinig kaming katok sa loob ng clinic kaya natigilan kami.
"Babe?" I heard a man's voice outside. "Can I go inside? I'm just gonna check some folders."
Nilingon ako ni Dra. Philie at ngumiti. "That's my boyfriend, a doctor here too, OB-Gyne. Is it okay kung papasok siya? May kukunin lang."
"Oh, sure!" I said and nodded. "It's okay."
She smiled and thanked me before speaking. "It's okay. Pasok ka."
The door opened. A familiar man entered the room, kaagad siyang tumango nang makita ako.
"Sorry for the trouble," he said but then stopped when he saw my entire face at nanlaki rin ang mata ko at kinabahan nang matanto kung sino iyon.
"Angelo, this is Darshana," ani Dra. Philie roon. "The handsome kid's her son, Cookie."
Angelo... I met him before!
Napatayo ako, nakipagtitigan sa malamig na mata ni Angelo na bakas din ang gulat sa akin.
"Daru, this is Angelo, boyfriend ko. Sorry sa abala, hmm? He's just gonna take some folders." Dra. Philie smiled. "Look at her baby, handsome, right? His dimple reminded me of Chance, your best friend."
My heart thumped when Angelo shifted his gaze on the bed and saw Cookie, nabakas ko ang kung anong emosyon sa mga mata niya roon.
Mas nag-eskandalo ang puso ko sa kaba.
"Yeah, he looks just like Chance..." He mumbled, glancing at me. I noticed the certainty in his eyes as he nodded. "Excuse me, Miss. Sorry sa abala, I'm just gonna take these..." Kinuha niya ang folder sa gilid ng lamesa.
"I'll go, thank you." He glanced at the lady doctor and to me before turning his back, hesitating at first. Nakita kong napasulyap pa siya kay Cookie muli bago tuluyang lumabas.
"Sorry for that," ani Philie. "Cookie can stay here for the night and the kids—"
"C-can I go to the pharmacy now?" I asked and she immediately nodded at me.
"Sure,"
"T-thanks." I bit my lip and glanced at the twins first before I rushed outside. Parang lalabas na ang puso ko at inilibot ang tingin at nang makita si Angelo ay mabilis akong tumakbo palapit.
"A-Angelo!" I called and ran, nakita kong natigilan siya kaya mabilis akong nakarating sa harapan niya.
"Miss Sandejas," he called when he saw me. His gaze was cold and I was trying my best not to show him how scared I was.
"S-sorry..." I sighed. "B-but what you saw, c-can you keep it a secret first—"
"Daru?" I was stunned when I heard that voice, sabay kaming natigilan ni Angelo at parang titigil na ang puso ko nang makita ko kung sino 'yon.
"Chance..." I called.
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