Kabanata 25
Kabanata 25
"C-CHANCE," I called his name like it was the first time saying it again.
I saw how the confusion and shock filled his eyes, mula sa akin ay unti-unting lumipat ang tingin niya kay Cookie na nasa bisig niya.
"Who..."
"Papa!" My eyes swelled when Cookie smiled brightly and it was the first time I'd ever seen that smile.
Between him and Sky, my Cookie was the one who often smiles pero sa lahat ng mga ngiting 'yon, ngayon ko lang nakitang ganito kaliwanag ang kanyang mga mata habang nakangiti.
"P-papa?" I heard his voice break and stared intently at his son.
"Papa ni Cookie!" Cookie said in his small, bubbly voice, mula kay Chance ay bumaling ang anak ko sa akin at tinuro ako. "Mama ni Cookie!" he cheered.
Chance licked his lower lip, nakita ko ang pangingilid ng mata niya habang nakatitig sa anak pabalik sa akin.
"I-is he..."
I found myself nodding abruptly, tears started falling down my cheek as I spoke.
"H-he's yours..." I sniffed and felt my heart ache when Chance's tears fell down his cheeks as he hugged the small kid.
"S-son..." he muttered.
It was as if it was me who saw my son for the first time, kung umiyak na si Chance ay napahagulgol na ako habang nakatingin sa dalawa.
"M-mama..." Napasinghap ako nang gustong humiwalay ni Cookie sa Papa niya nang makita akong umiiyak. "M-mama iyak..."
"I-I'm fine, Cookie." I sniffed, my shoulders shaking. Huminga ako ng malalim at kinurot ang aking daliri.
"No!" he exclaimed, inaabot ako.
Chance's hugging him, still, unmoving. I can see how his shoulders move while hugging the kid.
"No, Papa. No!" My eyes widened despite my tears when Cookie pulled his father's hair to let him go.
"W-why... ouch!" Suminghap na ako nang sabunutan niya ang Papa niya.
"No, Papa!" he exclaimed. "Mama cry! No!"
Napasulyap sa 'kin si Chance, bakas pa ang luha sa kanyang mga mata kaya kinagat ko ang labi at napasinghot.
"S-sorry..."
"Ma! Ma! Karga!" Cookie almost dragged his body to me kaya napausog si Chance. My hands were shaking but I managed to get Cookie from him.
The moment I got him, kaagad na yumakap sa leeg ko ang anak ko kaya mas napaiyak ako. It was as if all the emotions I've been hiding for a long time escaped. Maybe it was because it was so emotional to me.
Everything was.
"M-mama, no cry..." I heard my son sniffing. "Mama cry, Cookie cry!"
"O-oh, s-sorry, Mama is fine..." I muttered and touched his back to console him.
"No Mama cry!" Cookie exclaimed, as if he's mad. "Ouch here!" he even moved away and pointed his chest kaya mas napaiyak na ako.
"I-I love you," I said and smiled. "L-love na love ka ni Mama, hmm?"
Cookie hugged me again. Napasulyap ako kay Chance na nakatitig lang sa aming dalawa, may mga luha pa rin sa mga mata.
I saw him lift his arm to try and remove the tears on his cheek when he caught me looking.
"S-sorry, I was—" he chuckled a bit pero nawala kaagad, tumingala pa siya para subukang magpigil ng luha pero hindi magawa kaya mas nanlambot ako.
"I-I'm shaking..." I muttered. Nagkatitigan kami ni Chance nang hinanap niya ang tingin ko. Pareho kaming umiiyak na dalawa at nanginginig.
"T-tara nga rito," I called him and I saw how he took a hesitant step.
I can hear Cookie crying too at habang nakatingin sa mga mata ni Chance ay mas nasaktan ako. I lifted my hand, pulled his wrist until he's inches from us.
"C-can I..." Nanginig ang boses ni Chance kaya tumango-tango ako.
I felt how his warmth comforted me when he lifted his arms to embrace us. I felt his face on neck as he cried silently. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang panginginig ng katawan niya.
"P-papa cry?" biglang ani ni Cookie na kumurap-kurap at bumaling sa akin. "Ma, Papa cry?"
"Y-yes, baby. C-come on, hug Papa too." I whispered.
Cookie then hugged his father's neck and it was a sight to behold. Lumayo sa akin si Chance at muling bumaling sa anak na nakakapit sa kanya.
"Papa, no cry," his son mumbled. "Cookie ouch."
Chance smiled and chuckled despite his glassy eyes.
"H-how adorable..." he muttered, took Cookie from me and then cried again kaya napatawa na ako at marahang pinunasan ang mga luha sa mga mata.
I was really emotional until I felt gazes on us.
Natigilan ako bigla at napatingin sa paligid, I saw a bunch of people watching us kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at napatakip ng bibig.
"Ayos lang kayo, Miss?" a concern citizen asked kaya natawa ako ng bahagya, nag-iinit ang pisngi nang matantong nagda-drama kami sa toy store.
"Y-yes..." I laughed awkwardly and glanced behind me and saw people watching too.
"A-ay, sorry, shooting po." I said and laughed. "Hi kayo sa camera." Turo ko kung saan man mapunta ang kamay.
"Ay? Talaga?" Nag-uunahan din silang kumaway sa tinuro ko kaya natawa ako at awkward na pinunasan ang luha.
"Abangan n'yo po sa sinehan, ah?" I said, embarrassed. Bumaling ako sa mag-ama ko na parang walang pakialam sa sinasabi ko at tahimik na nag-uusap.
Chance was carrying Cookie in his one arm, his other hand drying the tear from his fluffy cheeks. May binubulong si Chance rito kaya tumatango si Cookie.
I saw Cookie lifted his hand and tried touching his father's cheek to mimic him. It made my heart flutter.
Kumakaway pa rin sila sa kung saan tinuro ko kaya awkward akong tumawa, pagilid na lumapit ako kay Chance at inabot ang kamay niya.
"A-alis na tayo..." I said and slowly pulled him.
He stopped, nakita kong napabaling sa paligid at napamura.
"F-fuck, are they..."
"Oo," halos tabingi na ang labi ko para makabulong habang ngumingiti sa mga tao. "Tara na, bilis nakakahiya na."
Tumikhim si Chance, he took a glance around and intertwined our fingers.
"L-let's go..." He cleared his throat and smiled a bit at the crowd before pulling me away from there.
"Miss! Miss, anong title?!" Biglang may sumigaw kaya natigilan ako at lumingon sa kanila.
"Nang makita kang muli!" I exclaimed, didn't know where it came from. "Soon in cinemas nationwide!"
We can see the exit, akala ko'y makakalabas na kami nang mapaya pero biglang nakita ako no'ng guard na pinagtanungan ko.
"Ma'am, nakita n'yo na po pala!" he smiled brightly kaya natigilan ako at tumango.
"Well, yeah..." I chuckled awkwardly.
"Oh, Sir." He smiled at Chance who's carrying Cookie. "Hinahanap po ni Ma'am kanina si baby boy, sorry, akala ko po kasi ikaw ang Daddy niya kaya—"
"I'm the father," ani Chance kaya natahimik ang lalaki.
My heart pounded at that.
"Pero sabi po ni Ma'am kanina kasi—"
"Papa Cookie," ani Cookie bigla na nagpangiti sa lalaki. "Mama Cookie." He pointed me too kaya natawa na ako at tumango.
"He's the father," I said and smiled. "Sorry, Kuya, akala ko kasi ibang tao. Salamat nga pala."
"Ayos na ayos, Ma'am. Salamat!" Sumaludo pa ito.
The three of us left the toy store. Pagkalabas namin at napunta sa may gilid ay nagkatinginan kami ni Chance at 'di alam pero parang natural na sa 'ming bigla na lang magtawanan.
Napailing ako at bumaba ang tingin sa kamay kong hawak niya. I could feel the warmth of his rough palm and it made my heart flutter.
Napatikhim ako, mabilis na kinuha ang kamay ko at nakita kong sumulyap siya roon. I saw pain, if I am not mistaken, etched on his eyes kaya tumikhim ako.
I saw Cookie staring at me with his wide blue eyes, the only thing he inherited from me. may basa pa ang pisngi niya kaya mabilis kong kinuha ang panyo sa bag ko at inabot ang pisngi niya.
"My baby's been crying too?" I asked. He just stared at me.
I froze when I felt a finger on my cheek, napasulyap ako kay Chance na may pinupunasan din sa pisngi ko.
"You have tears," he said.
"Thanks," I whispered and cleared my throat. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa panyo na ipinampunas ko sa pisngi ni Cookie pabalik kay Chance na tahimik na nakamasid sa akin.
"C-can I..." I asked shyly, tinuro ko ang pisngi niya at nakita ko ang pag-angat ng labi niya bago tumango sa akin.
I carefully dried the tears on his cheek too. Meanwhile, Cookie is just watching us with his cute smile. Lumubog pa ang dimples niya roon. Sumulyap ako pabalik kay Chance na nakatingin lang sa akin habang ginagawa ko iyon.
Now that they're even closer, I couldn't help but see their similarities up close.
"Aww..." Cookie suddenly said, shocking the two of us. Sa pagsulyap namin ni Chance sa kanya ay nakahawak ang dalawang palad niya sa magkabilang pisngi at ngumingiti.
"Papa Cookie, Mama Cookie..." he said, medyo magulo pa ang pagkakasabi pero naintindihan naman namin kaya sabay kaming natawa ni Chance.
"What?" Chance asked.
"Papa Cookie, Mama Cookie!" he even explained, placing the palms from his cheek to his chest. "Baby Cookie."
Pinigil ko ang ngiti'y naiintindihan siya.
"That's a lot of Cookie, hmm?" Chance noticed, namumungay na naman ang mga mata.
"Hmm! Cookie family!" mahabang sabi ni Cookie, inangat pa ang kamay kaya sabay na kaming natawa sa kanya. "Cookie happy!"
He embraced Chance again who was looking at him longingly before hugging him back.
"I-I'm really am a father, huh?" he asked in disbelief, glancing at me with that soft brown eyes of his kaya tumango ako, nagiging emosyonal na naman.
"Y-you are," I said and smiled.
We decided to go to the restaurant I reserved today for the three of us. The two were inseparable, kanina pa nakakapit sa kanya si Cookie at ayaw bumitaw.
I saw people glancing at the two of them and smiling as we made our way to the resto. I felt the same. Natutuwa ako sa harutan ng dalawa roon. Chance would kiss his cheeks and neck and Cookie would end up giggling cutely.
"No! Tickles!" sermon pa ng anak sa tatay niya pero ngumisi lang si Chance sa kanya.
"No, Papa missed his baby Cookie so I wanna kiss..." He lifted his hand, kissing his underarm kaya mas tumawa si Cookie at nagwala sa braso niya.
"Careful, you two. Escalator," I reminded them kaya umayos ng tayo si Chance at bumaling sa akin.
"You first," he took my wrist, slowly assisting me to the escalator bago sila sumunod ni Cookie sa likuran ko.
Wala nang mas ikagaganda ang tanawin na magkasama silang dalawa. It was comforting and heartwarming. The prettiest art I have ever seen. Perfect.
Takot na takot ako noong makilala ni Chance si Cookie. Takot akong masaktan ako at ang anak ko kapag ayaw sa amin ng Papa niya but looking at Chance now? Smiling like he just won a lottery? An art contest? Parang sasabog sa saya ang puso ko.
They weren't supposed to meet like that, my plan is to let them meet each other here in this restaurant but it did not happen which I don't mind. I think... this was better.
Fate played with us again and they ended up seeing each other in a toy store.
My Cookie is a smart kid, he feels what other people around him feels and he understands it. I remembered letting him see Chance's photo for at least three times and he remembered him too well.
"Nahuli kita! Bang!" I heard Chance teased and Cookie froze then immediately lifted his two hands, as if he's surrendering.
Cute!
Humalakhak ako. Natawa ni Chance at mabilis na inangat ang katawan ni Cookie at hinalikan kaya tawa nang tawa ang anak ko.
"Hi, Ma'am. May I take your order?" ani ng waitress na pumasok sa private room.
"Uh, here." Tinuro ko ang gusto sa menu at saglit kaming nag-usap sa mga meals at drinks.
"Any additional, Ma'am?" she asked kaya napabaling ako sa dalawang naghaharutan. Hindi ko alam pero tuwang-tuwa akong panoorin sila.
"Ang cute naman po nila, Ma'am. Parang pinagbiyak na bunga," the waitress commented kaya napangiti ako at bumaling sa kanya.
"You think so?"
"Opo, bagay na bagay din kayo ni Sir, asawa mo po?" she asked kaya nanlaki ang mata ko. My heard pounded, sumulyap ako sa dalawa na parang may sariling mundo at pabalik sa waitress.
"Bagay ba kami?" I asked and she nodded without thinking twice.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Ah..." Nagpigil ako ng ngiti. "O-oo, ano, asawa ko," I said in a small voice, making sure no one could hear but us.
"What a cute family." She smiled at me and asked again. "Additional, Ma'am?"
"Oh! Uh..." Bumaling ako sa dalawa. "Boys, any additional orders?" I called the two kaya sabay silang napatingin sa akin. Kinabahan ako sa lalim ng tingin ni Lolo kaya bumaling ako kay Cookie.
"Any... additional orders? What would you like to eat?" I asked.
"Chicken—"
"Iken-manok!" Cookie exclaimed too, stopping the two of them.
Nanlaki ang mata ni Chance at bumaling sa bata.
"You like chicken-manok too?" Chance asked in amazement.
"Iken-manok!" Tango-tango ni Cookie at napatawa ako nang mag-apir ang dalawa nang maglahad ng kamay si Chance at muling nagharutan.
"I ordered Chicken na, right?" I asked. She nodded. "Ayos na 'yan, thanks, Miss."
Nang maiwan na kaming tatlo ay pinagmasdan ko ang dalawa, parang nanunuod ng napakagandang palabas sa sine.
Chance teased Cookie, nagtutusukan sila pero sa huli ay mukhang nairita ang bulilit dahil hinuli ni Cookie ang braso niya at biglang kinagat.
Chance groaned and Cookie only laughed, lumubog pa ang dimples kaya mas naging magkamukha ang dalawa.
"He... got your dimples," I shared, stopping the both of them. Nilingon ako ng mag-ama at nagkatinginan na naman silang dalawa.
"He got your eyes," Chance commented and touched his cheek again pero hinuli lang ni Cookie ang kamay ng ama at kinagat na naman.
This time Chance didn't even got hurt.
"The only thing he got from me,"
"Nah," Chance said, inayos ng upo si Cookie sa hita niya at bumaling sa akin. "He got your sweetness too. He's bubbly, always smiling... like you."
Nagkatitigan kami, walang gustong maunang mag-iwas. Nangungusap ang mga mapungay na mata niya at nagbalik na naman ang mga kalandian cells ko kaya kinalma ko ang sarili, nag-iwas at uminom.
"So... bakit ka nga pala nasa toy store?" I asked instead for him not to notice I was greatly affected of his presence.
I checked him out wearing a white dress shirt hugging his toned body nicely. He paired it with a gray trousers and brown leather shoes.
He looked so good.
"You said we'll meet and I remembered the kids you brought, Sunny and Sky?" aniya, marahang sumusulyap kay Cookie na pinaglalaruan na ang relo niya. "I thought I could buy them some toys so I went inside and saw this little kid."
He smiled and softly pinched his cheek.
"I saw him crawling, muntik nang matamaan no'ng batang tumatakbo so I took him and asked around for the parents. Then I was shocked he called me Papa when he saw my face." I could still hear the surprise and awe in his voice. "Naisip ko, normal lang siguro ang gano'n since he's still a kid and maybe any man he's seeing will be his Papa but..."
Natahimik siya at muling nagbalik ang nangyari kanina.
"Thank you for taking him," I thanked him. "Natakot ako't baka nawala siya at tumakbo kung saan. Sa resto sana kayo magkikita at dumaan muna akong store. Ibinaba ko dahil gustong maglaro saglit, when I looked at him again, he's gone so I panicked."
He nodded, staring at his son again.
"So... Cookie?" he asked curiously.
"That's only his nickname,"
"Cookie. Me," ani Cookie na tiningala ang Papa niya. "Name ni Cookie, Cookie!" pautal-utal pa bago niya mabuo ang salita kaya napangiti si Chance at hinalikan ang noo niya.
"What's your full name, kiddo?" he asked and touched his chin.
"C-Cole Kie!" he said. "Cole Kie!"
I chuckled, napatingin sa akin ang mag-ama ko kaya umiling ako.
"I'm so sorry, that's so rude of me. I should've introduced you two to each other." I cleared my throat. "Uh, Chance, I want you to meet, Cole Kiesian. Ang apo mo."
Chance's smile froze and immediately glared at me. Napahagalpak ako at tinitigan ako ng mag-ama na parang tinubuan ng kung ano sa ulo sa lakas ng tawa ko.
"Darshana..." Chance called.
"A-ay, sorry, mali ba?" I was still catching my breath.
"You brat..." Inabot ako ni Chance at inusog ang upuan ko palapit sa kanya, natatawa na.
"Hindi, joke lang." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood and it is effective. Nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi ni Chance roon.
"You always find a way to tease me, huh?" he tilted his head.
"Serious na." I cleared my throat. "This is Cole Kiesian, your son. Cole, come on, look at Papa."
Cookie's wide blue eyes shifted to Chance and smiled brightly.
"Cookie, your Papa's name is Chance, you know that right?" Cookie nodded, inabot niya ang mukha ni Chance at hinaplos ang pisngi, I saw Chance smiled at him pero nawala nang sinampal siya bigla ni Cookie.
Nahulog ang panga ko.
"A-aww..." Chance frowned with a smile. Cookie giggled.
"Sowi... Cookie love Papa!"
"May pagkasadista pala itong anak natin, ano?" Chance smirked at Cookie.
Anak natin...
I cleared my throat to stop myself from smiling.
"Well, yeah. He loves to bite people, occasionally," I said and reached for Cookie's face. Inayos ko ang buhok niya at sinuklay ng daliri ko.
"Cookie, I want you to officially meet him," I said and took Chance's hand, nagtataka siya. Ngumuso ako. "Come on."
He then let me hold his hand na inilalapit ko kay Cookie. "Anak, hold Papa's hand." I said and he did.
"Alright, that's your grandpa. Bless to Lolo," I said seriously and nag-bless nga si Cookie kay Chance.
"Lolo! Bless!" Cookie cheered.
"What the..." binalingan kaagad ako ni Chance pero seryoso lang ako no'ng una, lalaki na ata ang butas ng ilong kakapigil ng tawa hanggang sa sumabog na't humahalakhak na naman ako.
"Sandali nga..." he drawled. Marahang pinaupo niya si Cookie sa high chair kaya napaayos ako ng upo at namilog ang mata.
"J-joke!" I exclaimed. "Cookie, it's not Lolo, it's Papa Chance. Papa Lolo Chance—" I tried evading but it was too late, mabilis na nahila ni Chance ang upuan ko at walang pagdadalawang-isip na sinundot ang tagiliran ko.
"O-oh my God!" I screeched.
"You keep on teasing me as a senior but disregarding the fact that I'm in the priority lane and not those other men—"
"Joke nga lang!" I exclaimed, rinig na rinig ko ang tawa ni Cookie habang naghaharutan kaming dalawa ng tatay niyang senior. "Ayoko na, joke lang—" I attempted to stand to get away from him pero mabilis niya akong nahila.
I gasped when I fell on his lap, kaagad na pumalibot ang braso niya sa tiyan ko at sinundot ang tagiliran ko. I squealed.
"Chance Salcedo! Isa!" I warned.
"Dalawa, tatlo, apat..." Chance continued in my ear when the door opened.
Nakita ko ang gulat sa waiter nang makita kami ni Chance. I froze too, realizing I was seated on his lap and he was hugging me on the waist.
"S-sorry, Ma'am, Sir—babalik na lang po—"
"N-no!" Mabilis akong gumalaw para umalis pero nahatak ako ni Chance pabalik sa hita niya.
"It's okay, lagay mo na," Chance said coolly. Awkwardly, the man made his way to the table to place our food.
Pilit akong umaalis sa hita ng huli pero hindi talaga papatalo.
"Enjoy... your foods, Ma'am, Sir." The waiter smiled awkwardly and left us.
Natahimik kami nang mawala na siya. I was suddenly hyperaware of everything. His touch, his breath, the pace of his breathing...
"Love you," he whispered as he stole a kiss on my cheek before letting me go.
I was so stunned I almost twisted my angle kung 'di niya lang ako inalalayan. I grimaced and glared at him.
"You gago," I spat weakly, sinuntok ko ang pa hita niya kaya nag-inarteng dumaing pa ang gago.
Bonding with my two boys made me so happy I think my heart would explode. Kaninang umaga, pinagdadasal kong sana'y maging maayos ang lahat. Na maging masaya si Cookie ngayon sa kaarawan niya at maayos ang maging pagkikita nila ng Papa niya.
I only wished for this day to go smoothly but we happened to have the best.
"Ma, Choco Nom-nom," ani Cookie.
Nagkatinginan ni Chance.
"What's that?" he asked.
"It's a chocolate drink," I explained and pointed to the supermarket. "Can you two wait here? I'm just gonna get some for him—"
"No, let me," ani Chance. "O kaya sasamahan ka na lang namin—"
"Pa! Dinosaur, rawr!" Cookie made a cute sound as he pointed to the store nearby with stuffed dinosaurs inside.
"You like dinosaurs?" Chance asked his son. Cookie nodded. Binalingan ako ni Chance kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.
"Go, it's okay." I smiled. "Buy him one, para gift mo sa birthday niya."
His mouth parted.
"W-what? I-it's his—"
"Cookie, tell Papa how old are you today." I smiled and Cookie glanced at Chance and saw him his two little fingers.
"Two!" he said. "Two si Cookie!"
I saw Chance mouthed a curse and glanced at me in disbelief.
"Doll, why didn't you tell me? I should've prepared something, bought something—"
"He wanted you as his birthday gift, Chance," I mumbled, seeing the way his gaze softened. "Now, you're here. He wouldn't wish for more."
Chance's gaze fell back to his son again smiling innocently at him, as if he knew and understood we were talking about him and he was so proud of it.
They deserved some private time together.
"Go, punta na kayo. I will follow, bili lang akong Choco Nom-nom."
"Yehey! Choco Nom-nom! Papa and dinosaur! Cookie happy!"
I giggled and pinched his cheek.
"Ang cute mo, anak," I praised. Binalingan ko si Chance nang mapansin kong nakatingin siya.
"How about me?" ani Chance na kumurap-kurap pa sa akin para ata magpa-cute kaya tumaas lang ang sulok ng labi ko at pinisil ang ilong niya.
"Pangit mo, Lo." I snorted.
Nagulat siya sa ginawa kong pagpisil sa ilong niya at miski ako kaya para bawiin ay ngumisi ako bago bitawan siya at nagtatatakbong parang tanga papunta sa supermarket.
Before we finished having our lunch, Chance requested if we could go visit his house tonight for dinner. Hindi naman ako nakatanggi dahil nakontrata na niya si Cookie at sinabihang marami siyang pagkain sa bahay nila. He even told him na may mga laruan siya roon at lulutuan ulit ng chicken-manok ang anak kaya hindi na ako naka-hindi.
It's okay with me, though, seeing my son happy on his birthday just by meeting his father makes me happy too. A lot happier. Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa kasiyahan ni Cole.
Also, Chance deserved to meet his son. They deserved to spend time with each other...
I took a small basket to take what I want. Kumuha ako ng ilang mga cookies ng anak ko at inumin niya. I even took some gummy bears for him.
Habang naglalakad ay may biglang bumangga sa likod ko. Nawalan ako ng balanse at natumba ako sa lapag at nabitawan ang cart.
I frowned, mabilis na lumingon at nakita ang babaeng palayo sa akin.
What the hell? She didn't even apologize!
"Hey, are you okay?" May naglahad ng kamay sa harapan ko kaya mabilis ko iyong tinanggap.
"Salamat," sabi ko pagkatapos pagpagan ang dress ko at nag-angat ng tingin.
"Daru?"
"Chase?" I called, surprised to see him here. "Ikaw pala 'yan."
"I saw you... okay ka lang? Are you hurt?" He touched my shoulder kaya bahagya akong napaatras at ngumiti na lang.
"I'm fine, thanks," I said, inabot ko ang cart sa lapag at binalingan siya. "Nag-go-grocery ka?"
"Yes." Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay niya na walang hawak na cart at napatikhim siya. "Uh, ito lang ang bibilhin ko." He showed me a pack of cookies he got just beside me.
"Gano'n ba?" I smiled. "Sige, Chase, salamat ulit. Magbabayad na pala ako, my son is waiting for me."
Tumango ako at akmang tatalikod na ay mabilis siyang napunta sa tabi ko at sinabayan ako.
"I'm done too," he informed. "Sabay na tayo?"
"Alright, sige." Ngiti ko at nagpauna na sa counter. Nagbayad na ako at kaagad siyang sumunod sa akin maglakad pagkatapos.
"Where's your son? I wanna meet him," ani Chase kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"He's with Chance," I said. "Nandito lang 'yon, eh. Sandali."
"Chance?" The smile in his face faded. Naalala ko na naman tuloy iyong concern niya.
I tried to control my expression. He was just concerned.
"Yes, why?"
"Nothing... I just..." His forehead creased. "I was worried, are you sure Cookie is safe with him?"
Nangunot din ang noo ko roon, 'di na napigilan.
"What do you mean?"
"It's not that I'm questioning you, I was just worried about your son. Baka mapahamak kay Chance—"
"Mama!" I heard my son's voice, nakita kong papalapit na sila ni Chance na parehong may suot na sumbrero sa ulo na may tainga pa ng rabbit. Chance is holding paper bags with Cookie in his other arm, nakita ko ang pagkawala ng ngiti niya nang makita ang nasa tabi ko.
"Thanks for the concern, Chase, but as you can see. He's perfectly fine," I said and walked closer to my kid.
Sumunod din si Chase sa akin, kaagad na nagpabuhat ang anak ko sa akin kaya ngumiti ako't sinalo siya.
"Mama, rabbit!" Pinindot ni Cookie ang kung ano sa sumbrero niya kaya umakyat ang taingang isa.
"Aww, that's so cute!"
"Hi, little boy." Chase called Cookie's attention, sumulyap ang anak ko sa kanya. Walang reaksyon.
"Uh, Chase, this is Cookie, my son," I introduced. "Cookie, this is Tito Chase. Say hi."
I was waiting for Cookie to say hi but to my shock, he hugged me, hiding his face in my neck, and whispered.
"Ayaw mumu..." he said.
I gasped loudly at tinitigan ang rekasyon ni Chase. Mukhang 'di naman niya narinig kaya awkward akong tumawa.
"He's shy, eh," palusot ko na lang at biglang nahiya sa sinabi ng anak. "Sorry, Chase. Wala ata sa mood."
"Uh, sure..." he smiled but his eyes were clashing with Chance.
Chance looked silly with the bunny hat like Cookie's but he was damn good despite it, anyway. Nakita kong nagtatagisan ng tingin ang dalawa kaya tumikhim ako.
"U-uh, Chase meet Chance," I said instead. "Chance, si Chase."
Nakakabulol naman ang mga pangalan ng mga 'to!
"Chase Lejez, Mr. Salcedo." I saw Chase's cold smile as he offered his hand to him. "Darshana's suitor."
Nawindang ako roon pero mas nagulantang ako sa sagot ni Chance.
"Chance Salcedo, Mr. Lejez. Cookie's father and a suitor too," he drawled. "Priority lane."
Fuck?
"Oh! Team Papa Cookie!" Biglang umalis sa leeg ko si Cookie at tinaas ang kamay kaya eskandalosang naubo ako nang nabulunan ng laway.
Sabay na napabaling sa 'kin ang dalawa.
"Are you—"
"Doll..."
"I-I'm okay!" I cleared my throat, inayos ko si Cookie sa braso ko at inabot kay Chance ang plastic na hawak ko, natatawa pa.
"P-palabiro talaga 'to..." I laughed, hinampas ko ang balikat ni Chance at tumango kay Chase. "U-uh, una na kami." I smiled and pushed the smirking senior citizen.
"Sure," ani Chase, ang seryosong tingin ay na kay Chance pa rin.
"Bye," I said and pushed Chance na naglakad na rin pero biglang tumigil kaya nagtaka ako. He glanced back at Chase.
"Pasensya ka na, ah? Godbless." Chance smirked at Chase kaya napanganga na ako.
"What the hell..." Kinurot ko ang tagiliran ni Chance na umigtad pero mayabang pa rin ang ngiti. He took Cookie off my arm.
I was so embarrassed, pinalo-palo ko si Chance pagkarating namin sa parking pero tawa lang siya nang tawa. Even Cookie na hindi kami naiintindihan ay nakikitawa rin.
"Para kang crazy," I scoffed while glaring at him.
"Why? Gano'n naman talaga, right? I was just polite so I said, pasensya ka na, ah? God bless." He smirked. "Ayaw ko ro'n sa lalaking 'yon, Darshana."
"At bakit hindi?" I raised my brow.
"Nakikipag-unahan sa nakakagwapo," aniya.
Gracious! This man, really!
"Hunghang, baka sa nakakatanda?"
"That's the same, doll." He smirked and opened his car. "Ako pa rin priority sa lane. Age or looks."
"Santisima!" Nahilot ko ang sentido ko, natatawang kumindat naman sa akin si Chance at umiling.
"How about you son? That man or Papa?" he asked his son.
"Papa!" ani Cookie na very supportive sa kalakohan ng tatay niya.
"You should've said hi to Tito Chase, baby." Lambing ko kay Cookie. "That's rude na hindi ka nag-wave." Pero ang anak ko'y nagsuplado lang at nag-nguso.
"Ayaw! Ayaw ko, pangit!" Cookie said kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.
Narinig ko ang halakhak ni Chance at nilingon ako. "See? Team Papa ang Cookie ko. Apir nga, anak!"
Nag-apir pa ang dalawa kaya napailing na lang ako.
Sa likod ako uupo para may kasama si Cookie. I reached for him first to strap him in the car seat at nang makuha siya'y kinuha ko ang tiyansang 'yon para kurutin si Chance.
He laughed. I rolled my eyes and strapped my son safely.
"What? Cookie just loves his Papa so much—"
"Tinuruan mo 'yan, ano?!" I frowned pero kaagad na nawala nang mabilis niyang hinuli ang baywang ko.
I squealed when he pulled me closer to his body, my heart racing with the proximity. His gaze was soft as he looked at me.
"I'd fight for you, Daru." Natigilan na ako sa sinseridad ng boses niya.
"I-I'm not—"
"I was a tough kid when I was young, sabi ni Mama," he started while staring at me. "My mother got hurt when my father found out about me but... I won't be like him. Not again."
My stomach twisted, my heart thumping painfully against my ribcage, hearing the pain in his voice.
He caressed my waist and then pulled me carefully to his body. Our chests collided and he pressed his forehead against mine.
"I'll fight for you, Darshana. You and Cookie. You're my family and I'd never... I'd never throw it away." In his voice, I heard his reassurance, his promise.
Dumantay ang halik niya sa pisngi ko at nahuli ko ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi niya.
Was he teasing me?
I scoffed and pushed him weakly. His chuckles echoed, winking at me.
"I'll court you, dear," he informed. "Priority lane."
"What?" My brows furrowed. "What did you call me?"
"Very nice pics, dear." He suddenly smirked at me. "Very byotipul. Oh, and add the emoji with heart eyes."
Nahulog na ang panga ko.
"What the hell?!" I exclaimed pero humagalpak siya ng tawa, bago ko pa man maabot ay nagtatakbo na papasok ng kotse.
"Pasensya ka na, dear, ah? God bless!" he exclaimed kaya napatili ako at napasipa.
"Jejemaster ka!" I groaned.
Siya ang salarin! Ang jejemon sa Instagram ko!
Nakapasok na si Chance sa sasakyan kaya natatawa akong umikot para sana umikot patabi kay Cookie pero natigilan nang magtaasan ang balahibo sa batok ko.
I stiffened, looking around to see if there's anyone watching because I thought there is one.
Wala akong nakita kaya nagkibit-balikat na lang ako't hinayaan na lang iyon.
Naiiling na pumasok ako sa backseat at naabutan ang anak kong nakaseatbelt, inaabot pa ang paa niya kaya natawa ako.
We reached Chance's house in no time and like before, it still looks the same. Nagkatuwaan ang mag-ama sa paglalaro at pagkain ng chicken na niluto. I was enjoying bonding with the two when I received a text from my father.
From: Papa
Princess, can you come to the mansion tonight? It's important.
My forehead creased, kaagad na naalala ko ang nakita ko noong nakaraan kaya naiipikit ko ang mata at napailing.
Stop being paranoid, Daru.
To: Papa
Okay po.
From: Papa
Thank you, princess. I love you.
I felt a pinch in my heart. Hindi na nakasagot. Habang nag-aantay ay kinakabahan ako. I know Chance noticed my silence and he asked me about it pero sinabi kong may urgent lang sa bahay.
Pumayag siya when I asked him to check on our son first, he even offered to drive me home pero sinabi kong kaya ko na at pinaalaga na lang sa kanya ang anak.
Thankfully, Cookie loved staying with him kaya 'di na kami nahirapan. Chance booked a cab for me, talking to driver and asking to drive safety before letting me leave.
Habang nasa biyahe ay kinakabahan ako. I kept on thinking what will happen tonight, worst case scenario na no'ng nakarating na ako sa bahay ay natatakot pa akong lumabas.
It was very rare to have meetings like this.
The maid immediately came to me when I got inside, sinamahan pa ako sa opisina ni Papa kaya nawe-weirdu-han ako. I got inside and saw my Mom sitting on the couch, si Kuya ay nakaupo rin at si Papa ay nakasandal sa table niya.
"Hello?" I greeted, confused.
Kuya glanced at me and smiled, si Mama ay tumayo rin para batiin ako.
"Hi, Daru." She kissed my cheek kaya niyakap ko siya bago kay Kuya. I glanced at my father and noticed him staring seriously at me kaya kinakabahan na naman ako.
Mukhang malalim ang iniisip niya. It reminded me back when we fought and it was making me feel uneasy. Naalala ko pa 'yong nakita ko.
"Pa, why?" I asked carefully.
He sighed heavily, as if he was carrying something too big to handle. I saw something in his eyes too. He looked anxious and confused as he offered me his arm.
"Hug your old man, princess." He offered his hand.
I nodded and hugged him, ramdam ko ang higpit ng yakap ni Papa sa akin bago hagkan ang noo ko.
"Where's Cookie, Daru?"
"Uh... nasa Yaya niya," I said instead because I don't want to add more to this heavy atmosphere.
Tumabi ako kay Mama sa sofa pagkatapos, I hugged her waist.
"Anong mayro'n, Ma?" I asked.
My Mama is beautiful, regal, and angelic. As always. Parang Ate ko lang talaga, oh.
"I don't know." She smiled. "Your father's being weird. Ayaw naman sabihin."
I nodded.
"What's the matter, Pa? Kumpleto na tayo," I heard Kuya said but Papa shook his head, may kung ano talaga sa mata niya.
Para siyang lutang din at takot... or is it me? He looked anxious to me!
We heard a knock, mayamaya'y sumilip ang isang house help at nagsalita.
"Sir Dash, nandito na po,"
My heart hammered wildly inside my chest, in a terrifying way. I saw Mama's creased forehead, seryoso na rin. Si Papa ay napapikit pa at suminghap bago tumango.
"Let her in," he said and the door opened more.
I saw someone enter the office and I froze on the spot when I saw who it was.
"G-good evening po." I saw Delilah's shy and angelic smile as she made her way inside.
What the actual fuck?
Anger fueled inside me and burst. Kuya Macky glanced at me and I fisted my hand.
Nakita ko ang pagtaas ng kilay ng Mama roon at si Lilah ay unti-unting tumabi sa puwesto ni Papa.
"What's the matter here, Dash Rakiel?" Mama's strict and serious voice echoed.
Papa sighed, I saw him close his eyes tightly again as he brushed his hair frustratedly and spoke.
"I-I'm sorry..." Papa sighed. "This is..." His jaw clenched. He glanced at me.
"T-this is Delilah Vicente... my daughter," he announced brokenly and it was as if I got slapped across my face.
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