Kabanata 27
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Kabanata 27
"REYNA, did you mark it?" Malaki ang ngisi ni Tito Thorn nang matupad ang kanyang pangarap, ayon kay Tita.
"Oo." Tita Zid laughed, inangat ang phone niya kaya dumungaw doon si Tito Thorn at ngumisi.
"Thanks, baby." He kissed Tita before joyfully walking away, napadaan pa siya kay Papa na nakabusangot na nakayakap kay Mama.
"You!" Papa kicked him but Tito Thorn moved away and smirked.
"Pasensya ka na, huh?" Tito Thorn even smiled at him kaya napasipa si Papa sa lapag, nakabusangot, may pasa pa ang pisngi.
Tito Zeij laughed, nag-apir pa sila ni Tito Thorn bago naghiwalay.
"Seryoso ba 'yan pangarap niya?" Tita Alyx laughed beside us kaya tumango si Tita Zid at ngumisi.
"Oo, kung hindi makasuntok sa mga manliligaw ng anak niya, pangarap niya makaganti ng suntok sa mga lalaking 'yan. Remembered when they punched him way back?"
Narinig ko ang tawa ni Mama at tumango sa tabi ko.
"Lalo na no'ng lumaki ang mga bata, mas naging pursigido 'yan sa pangarap niya. Wala ngang pumupuntang manliligaw ni Clyte sa bahay noon dahil sa Tatay niya." Tita Zidney smiled and showed us her phone.
Thornik's Life Goals/ Bucket List:
*Thornik's punching guide:
__1. Punch Clyte's suitor
__2. Punch Scira's suitor
__3. Punch Queen's suitor
__4. Punch Inigo
__5. Punch Zeijan
√ 6. Punch Dash
"Seryoso ba?" Tita Alyx laughed and Tita Zid nodded, smirking.
"Oo, pinagbigyan ko na at ginawan ng listahan at tanders na..." She even joked.
"Tumandang paurong naman ang mga 'yan, tanders pero isip bata," Tita Thallia commented.
"True, nagsimula 'yan no'ng gusto niyang suntukin mga umaaligid kay Clyte..." Tita laughed and we heard a cough.
Mabilis akong napalingon at nakita si Kuya Chiel na nabuga ang kape at napaubo, Kuya Zion tapped his back and asked.
"Okay ka lang?" Kuya laughed pero binatukan lang siya ni Kuya roon at bumaling muli sa papel na hawak niya.
"Dash... uto-uto!" I laughed when Tito Zeijan teased my father again kaya napabaling kami sa kanya.
"Fuck you," Papa growled.
"Luh, ang kapal muks talaga ng pangit na 'to. Sabihin mo, salamat, Zeijan-pogi!" Tito hissed back.
"I said it earlier, won't say it again. Anong pogi, pangit mo nga!" Papa said.
"Gago, sinubukan ko namang maging pangit kaso, wala, eh. Gwapo talaga." He smirked and showed us his pogi sign.
"Ano ba 'yan, Kuya!" Tita Zid hissed.
"Puta, kadiri!" Tito Iñigo threw a piece of crumpled paper pero ngumiwi lang si Tito at umiwas.
"Mga bitter lang kayo kasi ako ang pinaka rito sa pamilyang 'to. Pinaka-cute, pinakagwapo, pinakamabait, pinakamapagmahal—"
"Pinaka-abnoy kamo, Mister," Tita Alyx muttered and raised her hand at nang napanganga si Tito.
Umugong ang tawanan.
"Misis, 'di ba dapat magkakampi tayo—"
"Mas pogi kasi ako sa'yo, Dad," Kuya Zion trailed off kaya napanganga na lalo si Tito.
"Bakit napunta sa akin? Balik tayo sa uto-uto kong Dash-beybe." Tito Zeij grinned.
"Shut it," Papa said boredly and buried his face on Mama's neck.
"Hoy, tingin ka sa akin!" ani Tito Zeij kaya napabaling sa kanya ang Papa ko.
"Ganito reaksyon nina Mom at Dad sa langit nang malamang nagpauto si Dash Rakiel." Tito Zeij put both of his hands on his waist, namamaywang at bored ang mukha. He recreated that famous meme on internet at na-imagine ko kaya napatawa ako ng malakas.
My Papa frowned at him, humiwalay kay Mama at tumayo.
"I panicked, okay? Paano pala kung totoo, e 'di—"
"Bobo ka kasi, you could've asked us for help first. Pinahawak mo pa sa babae 'yong results—"
"Hindi talaga ikaw ang ampon, Zeijan. Si Dash ang ampon." Ngiwi ni Tito Iñigo doon na nakasandal sa may lamesa, his necktie's a mess, nakita kong nasa harapan niya si Tita Thallia na inaayos iyon.
"Kuya nga!" Papa grunted.
Mama shook her head kaya nakangiting lumapit ako sa kanya at yumakap.
"Ay, naks. Promoted na ako!" Ngisi ni Tito Zeij. "From orphan to real child! Sorry Dash-beybe, uto-uto ka kasi!" Tawanan na naman nila sa nakabusangot na si Papa.
"Saan si Cookie, 'nak?" ani Mama na binalingan ako at marahang inayos ang buhok ko.
Sumulyap muna ako kina Papa na busy sa pakikipag-away sa mga kapatid niya pabalik kay Mama. I slowly leaned in to whisper.
"Nasa Papa niya, Ma."
I saw her eyes twinkled and she smiled at me, magaan na ang ekspresyon. "Hmm, I forgot that. When can I meet that man, princess?"
"Soon, Mama," I reassured. "You know Papa's overreacting. I should take it slow first."
"Alright. Basta introduce him to us, okay? Para kilala namin kung sino ang Papa ng apo ko."
"Okay po, Mama. I love you." I kissed her cheek. "How are you feeling now? Are you okay? Are you still mad at Papa?"
She sighed and touched my hand hugging her.
"I'm relieved, of course. That woman in our house, I was bothered of her. Para akong nabunutan ng tinik nang malaman kong hindi siya anak ng Papa mo but still.. .the damage it left us couldn't get tampered and recovered that fast," aniya. "Your Papa's persistent to make it up to me kahit noong 'di pa natin alam ang totoo. I was so sad too and Dette might have felt it too, she's asking me, you know? Kung bakit sa ibang room daw natutulog ang Papa n'yo."
"I don't know why is she doing this to us, wala naman po akong maalalang masamang ginawa ko sa kanya. I treated her like a friend way back, Mama. So I don't get why..."
"They're investigating it, hmm?" she hummed. "And your Papa and I, we'll be okay again, maybe not now... maybe tomorrow? Or the next tomorrow? Like you told me, maybe there'll be one tomorrow that will make everything okay, right?"
I slowly nodded and smiled, remembering how much impact Dra. Philie's words gave me.
"My trust to your father... it was intact but it got tainted because of recent problems and issues but we'll do our best to make it up and fix it, kahit mahirap sa umpisa. Maybe this is the challenge for us, anak. A life in marriage wasn't easy, it was never easy. Akala mo'y simula lang 'yan ng masayang buhay pero simula rin ng panibagong pagsubok at problema," she muttered. "But if you two are willing to work it out, if the couple remained strong for each other, it will be alright in time."
She glanced at Papa, napasulyap na rin ako roon at natawa nang makitang nagsasabunutan na sa gitna si Papa at Tito Zeijan habang nakatawa si Tito Iñigo at nagbi-video si Tita Zidney.
"I love your father, so much... and I always felt that he loves me too. He never failed showing it to me, 'nak. Simula noon hanggang ngayon. Kaya mahirap mang bumalik sa dati, we have to fix and trust each other more. For you all, our kids and of course, to ourselves, as a married couple."
What she said struck me, I realized na kapag may pamilya ng involved, hindi na lang sarili ang iisipin. We must think of our family first, in my case, Cookie before myself.
"And your Papa's attitude should improve too." Mama shook her head, chuckling. "I'll help him with it, paluin ko ulit walis-tambo kapag hindi umayos."
We both giggled.
Tito Zeij and Kuya Zion informed us about the guards. As of now, they still have no idea where Delilah came from. They checked her records too and there's no such people we knew named Maryan Vicente.
"I wonder how she got into the airline's HR with those fake documents," Papa muttered and sighed, nakasandal siya sa may gilid at nakahalukipkip.
"The thing is... baka may insider, Kuya?" ani Tita Zidney kaya natahimik kami.
"I'll check it," ani Papa. "Baka may nakalusot."
"Personally check it, Dash-beybe." Ngiwi ni Tito Zeijan. "Baka mamaya magpauto ka na naman. Uso humingi ng tulong, 'no?"
"Hindi maka-move on?" Papa grunted.
"Paano ako makakamove-on, eh, pinaiyak mo si Reah-tot?!" Tito Zeij groaned.
"That's my wife!" Papa glared at him.
"Alam ko! Inaagaw ko ba?! May Misis ako, oh!" Tito Zeij groaned.
"Ano, suntukan na lang, oh?" Papa glared at him.
"Sige, tara! Sa labas!" Tito Zeijan hissed at napailing na lang ako nang magsabong ang dalawa.
I was thinking of Cookie and Chance on our way home, sa bahay kami kakain ng hapunan at nagluto raw. Chance promised me he'll take care of our Cookie while I was gone and he's doing a great job on it kaya hindi ako nag-aalala sa anak ko kapag kasama siya.
"What are the plans for Delilah, Pa?" ani Kuya.
"We should know first where she really came from, her identity is a lie, as if she wasn't registered kaya mahirap alamin. For now, is it okay to you if she'll stay in the house until we knew who she really is?" Papa asked us, glancing at my mother. "Kaia-babe, what do you think? If you don't like, I could ask her to go to a place, maybe a condo unit where we can check on her from time to time?"
"We have guards around, right?" Mama asked. Papa nodded.
"Yes, we had doubled the security in the house."
"Let her stay, I'll help finding out where that woman came from," Mama said darkly, "Mabait ako pero ibang usapan kapag pamilya ko ang pinapakialaman."
It made me smile, nakita ko ang ngisi ni Papa roon at lumapit pa kay Mama.
"That's my babe, pa-kiss nga, mahal ko." He pouted his lip, akmang hahalikan si Mama pero hinawi nito ang mukha niya at bumusangot.
"Akala mo bati na tayo, Dash Rakiel?" Mama smirked at him. "Sa kabilang kwarto ka pa rin matutulog." She said kaya nagkatawanan kami ni Kuya at nagtinginan.
"Babe!" Papa whined pero umirap lang si Mama at umiling sa kanya.
"Palo na ng walis-tambo 'yan!" Kuya Marcus whistled kaya nanlaki ang mata ni Papa.
"That's a secret—"
"I knew it, Pa," I revealed. My father froze, nanlalaki ang matang nilingon niya ako kaya ngumisi ako sa kanya at unti-unti siyang namula sa kahihiyan.
We tried to remain formal and unsuspected when we got inside the house. Saktong dumating ang Yaya ng kambal kaya makakasama namin si Sunny, Sky at Dette sa dinner.
"Cookie na lang kulang, I missed the cute kid," Papa said and glanced at me kaya napangiti ako.
"He's home, Pa. Don't worry if I visit again, dadalhin ko na."
Naunang pumasok ang Mama at Kuya para hindi kami halata.
"I'm sorry, princess," Papa apologized again and brushed my hair affectionately. "I'm sorry for every pain your father brought. I hope you could forgive me."
I smiled at him gently.
"I forgive you, Pa. I hope you could forgive every bad thing I did too."
"Hindi ka pa humihingi ng sorry, napatawad na kita, anak," marahang sinabi niya. "I'll make it up to your Mama, I will do everything so we can fix this mess, okay? I promise to protect this family, our family."
"Please do, Papa," pakiusap ko. "Mama was so hurt and please, let's fix our attitude, okay? Hindi lang ikaw, pati na rin kami ni Kuya."
Sabay kaming nagkatawanan doon dahil magkakaugali lang naman kami.
"Yes," he agreed. "Our Mama Kaia deserves better, she deserves the best."
Pagkapasok pa lang namin ay napansin na namin ang ingay sa kusina. I got inside and saw Mama helping the house helps in fixing the table. Si Kuya ay abala sa pagkuha ng mga kutsara at ang mga bata ay nandoon na.
"Mama Daru! DaddyLo!" The twins exclaimed. They ran to us kaya kaagad kong sinalubong at hinalikan.
Papa took the twins and kissed them too. I saw Dette going down her chair. Hopping, she went closer to me kaya ngumisi ako.
"Hi, ganda." I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Hi, Ate Daru!" She giggled and ran towards Papa to kiss him.
Lumapit ako kina Mama, I looked around and saw na wala pang baso sa hapag kaya kumuha ako sa lagayan at inilagay sa hapag.
"Where's Delilah?" Papa asked when he's done fixing the kids on their seats.
"Ay, nasa guest room pa po," ani ng kasama namin sa bahay na binalingan pa ang kasama. "Tawagin mo na si Ma'am Delilah."
I saw one of the maids went up, nilapitan ko ang mga bata at nginitian.
"Hello, Mama Daru! I miss you po!" Sunny cheered kaya ngumiti ako.
"I miss you too, pretty Sunny." I glanced at the quiet Sky beside her. "Hi, Sky. Can you give Mama Daru a kiss?"
He slowly nodded. He smiled shyly and kissed my cheek.
"Love you po, Mama Daru," maliit niyang sabi kaya mas napangiti ako at ginulo ang buhok niya.
"I love you too, Sky, Sunny."
Naupo na ako pagkatapos silang asikasuhin.
Delilah entered the kitchen, I saw her frowning to the house helps pero nang makita ang Papa ko ay lumiwanag ang mata niya.
"Papa!" she cheered happily, running towards my father. Nakita kong nagulat si Papa nang yakapin siya nito.
My brow raised. I tried not to make a face. I caught Mama roll her eyes, mukhang maldita kaya lihim akong napangiti.
Papa cleared his throat and pulled away, pointing some chair.
"Sit, Delilah." Papa said seriously as he walked towards Mama's direction. Naupo siya sa may tabi ni Mama sa may kabisera.
Delilah sat beside me, kumunot ang noo ko roon at pasimpleng tumikhim.
"Hello, Mama. Nandito rin pala kayo." Delilah smiled sweetly to my mother who only nodded.
Mama, huh? That's my mother!
Halos magwala na ako at kumunot ang noo pero nahuli ni Kuya Macky ang mga mata ko at umiling kaya kinalma ko ang sarili.
"Why not? This is my house," Mama said timidly.
"Oh, I didn't mean it like that." She smiled. "I'm just... akala ko magkagalit pa kayo ni Papa ko."
Papa ko?! The acidity?!
Mama didn't answer her, nakita ko ang sulyap sa akin ni Delilah kaya bahagya ko siyang nilingon.
"Yes?" I asked coldly.
She smirked at me, her menacing eyes were irritating. "Have you seen my boyfriend?" She asked in a low voice only the two of us could hear.
"What?" I asked and she just raised her brow.
"Chance. I asked him to play with you again. Is he doing a great job? I heard he's been seeing you until now. 'Di ba, may anak kayo? I asked him to steal the boy from you."
I was pissed, alright. Gusto ko na siyang dambahin sa sinasabi niya sa akin but I know how cunning this woman is. Kung noon ay naloko niya ako, not now.
I know Chance too well, he won't do it to me. He won't take Cookie from me.
"Well, we're doing just fine, Miss Vicente." I smirked at her, taunting. Her eyes turned slits.
"It's Delilah Sandejas, Darshana," she scoffed, irritated kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko at nagsalita.
"Oh, Sandejas, hmm? Isn't it Sardinas?" I smiled wickedly when she frowned at me.
"W-what the hell—"
"Princess, let's eat." Papa's voice echoed kaya umayos na ako ng upo at bumaling kay Papa. He has that look on his eyes telling me to calm down so we won't get busted kaya nakagat ko ang labi ko.
"Sorry..." I mouthed.
I can feel Delilah's glare beside me, narinig ko ang pagdabog na kuha niya ng kutsara at bumaling sa mga house help sa likod.
"Get me a plate, pronto!" she hissed.
My forehead creased at that.
The heck?
"Ma'am, mayro'n na po—"
"Ayaw ko nito, I want a plate like that!" She pointed to mine.
"Ay, sorry, Ma'am pero sakto lang po ang ganyang plato para sa kanila—"
"I said get me one, bobo ka ba?" She hissed and it made me irritated. I opened my mouth to speak pero naunahan na ako.
"No, you get your own plate if you'd like, young lady." Mama's strict voice stopped everyone. She glanced at the maid and nodded. "You should go and eat dinner with the others. Kami na rito. Thank you, we can handle this."
"Salamat po, Ma'am Reah."
But Delilah was unstoppable.
"No, I said get me that plate—"
"You're a Sandejas, huh?" Mama stopped her again. Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo ni Delilah doon.
"Yes," Delilah answered, quite proudly and boastfully. "What kind of question is that? Papa is my father, nagpapakuha lang naman ako ng plato, ah? Bakit kayo ganyan sa akin—"
"Oh, it's because I never raised a rude person inside this house, Miss Vicente," Mama retorted, slowly taking the glass of water and sipping on it.
Papa was eating quietly, nagtatago ng ngisi niya.
"I was not rude, I was just asking—"
"We never raised our voices in front of foods, Miss," Mama pointed out. "And we get our own things here, everyone helps kapag kaya. May kamay ka, may paa. Why don't you go get the damn plate if you can, right?"
An angry Kaia Sandejas is scary but the cursing one is scarier...
She's rarely that irritated yet composed kaya nakakatakot talaga at nakilala ko si Mama bilang isang napakabait na tao. She's kind, soft-hearted, calm and a loving mother to us.
"Why are you like that to me?" Padarag na ibinagsak ni Delilah ang kutsara niya. "Naging maayos naman ako rito, ah?! Dapat nga mahiya ka, ang pamilya mo! Mas nauna ang Mama ko kaysa sa 'yo! Kung nagpakilala siya kaagad sa Papa ko, e 'di sana kami ang pamilya niya at hindi kayo—"
"Well, I'd never trade this family for someone else's, Delilah." Papa decided to speak, slowly lifting his cold, dark eyes to her. "And you're in my house, this is my family. Respect everyone in this household and we will respect you. Most of all, never raise your voice at my wife."
"You should be helping me here, Papa!" She hissed, nakita kong naluluha na pero I know better.
P'wede na siyang award-an sa sobrang galing niya umarte.
"I never help rude people in this household, I discipline," Papa pointed out sharply. "And you, if you want to be a part of this family, abide to the rules and never disrespect anyone, kahit ang mga maids pa 'yan. One more screaming in front of the food and saying things like that to my wife, I'd never think twice but to kick you out of here."
Delilah gasped, nakita ko ang padarag niyang pagtayo sa upuan niya at sinipa ito, muntik pa akong tamaan pero mabilis akong nakalayo.
"I hate you!" she exclaimed and stomped her feet. "I hate all of you!" She then walked out.
When she left, we all stopped then we chuckled in chorus. Kuya Macky glanced at the silent and blinking kids.
"Hey, twins, Dette. That's bad, okay? Don't be like her," Kuya said and three kids nodded in unison.
Nag-taxi na lang ako papunta sa bahay ni Chance. Kuya and Papa offered to take me home pero tumanggi ako, ni hindi ko pa sinasabi sa kanila ang tungkol sa kay Cookie at Chance kaya 'di na ako nagpahatid.
The guard immediately recognized me when I got there. "Hi, Ma'am. Good evening po."
"Good evening po, 'yong dalawa?"
"Nasa studio po ni Sir, kanina pa po kayo inaantay," aniya kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.
"Oh, Kuya. Hapunan. Kain muna kayo," I said and gave him the paper bag with the foods from the house, pabaon ni Mama.
"Maraming salamat, Ma'am!" he said happily. "Nagbigay na rin si Sir ng hapunan pero kakain ulit kami."
I chuckled and nodded. "Sige po, una na ako."
I got inside Chance's house and realized it was quiet, I smiled and looked around. Walang nagbago sa bahay niya, it's the same, same painting and furnitures.
Same everything...
I kinda missed it here, medyo madalas akong nandito dahil kay Cookie na ayaw mahiwalay sa Papa niya. We've been sleeping inside his room and siya, na may-ari mismo ng bahay ay nandoon sa guest room niya kapag nandito kami.
Inilapag ko ang gamit ko sa sofa. I went upstairs to his familiar studio and knocked on the door.
"Chance? Cookie?" I called and seconds later, the door opened.
My eyes widened when I saw Chance's face. It was filled with color, lalo na sa pisngi niya na may bakat na maliit na kamay, ang puting shirt niya ay punong-puno rin ng kulay at magulo ang buhok.
My mouth parted.
"Chance? What happened—"
"Ma! Mama Cookie!" Bumaba ang tingin ko mula kay Chance sa may likod niya at halos mawalan ng balanse nang makita ang anak kong kagaya ni Chance ay punong-puno rin ng kulay ang katawan.
"Oh my God?" I gasped when my little Cookie ran excitedly.
"Ma! Color ako with Pa!" he exclaimed cheerfully, may hawak pang paint brush. Tatakbo na siya sa akin at kukunin ko na sana nang hulihin siya ni Chance at kargahin.
"Gotchu, kiddo." Chance chuckled. "H'wag ka muna kay Mama at baka madumihan siya."
"Oh! Ow...kie! Cookie kay Papa!" He struggled to keep the words straight.
Napakurap ako at umayos ng tayo, pinagmasdan ko ang mag-ama kong madungis at natawa.
"Nangyari sa inyo?" I asked, amused for the mess.
"Paint!" Cookie exclaimed. "Cookie paint!"
"Oh, really?" I asked in amusement, napabaling ako kay Chance na nakangisi rin, madungis kagaya ng anak niya.
"Well, he told me he wants to color. Nag-drawing ako, binigyan siya ng krayola kaso ayaw niya so I taught him how to paint, but well... you can see the result." He smirked at me.
I chuckled, inangat ko ang panyong hawak ko bago punasan ang kulay sa pisngi ng Cookie ko.
"Is the paint safe, Chance?" I asked him. "Baka nakain ni liit, alam mo naman 'to at madalas ngumuya ng kahit ano."
"I made an edible paint, don't worry." Chance smiled while looking at me cleaning Cookie's face. "Come in, doll," anyaya niya kaya binaba ko ang kamay ko sa pisngi ng anak ko at sumunod sa kanila.
When I got inside, I realized it was my first time coming here again. It felt surreal and nostalgic, kitang-kita ko ang mga art pieces niya na nakasabit. Some are new and some are old.
I saw papers on the floor kasama ang mga paintings na ginamit ng dalawa at hindi na ako nagulat na makalat iyon.
"Baba!" Cookie chirped kaya ibinaba siya ni Chance. He ran towards the papers and began coloring again kaya napanguso ako, natutuwa sa nakikita.
He was pretty familiar with the place and comfortable.
"Thank you for taking care of him, Chance," I called his attention kaya napasulyap siya sa akin.
His dimples appeared. "No worries, thank you for trusting me with our son too. He's a sunshine, makulit man ay nakakatuwa."
"Welcome," I said, napasulyap ako sa pisngi niya na puro pintura kaya marahan akong lumapit. I raised my handkerchief and tried removing the paint.
He tensed up but relaxed after a moment, his gaze soft and pleased.
"How was the meeting?" he asked, lowering his head more so I could reach his cheek more.
"Good," I said. "Lilah's... Lilah's not my sister."
Mas nagliwanag ang tingin niya at lumaki ang ngiti. I saw him wiped his palm in his jeans to reach for my hair to brush it.
"I knew it, I'm glad it ended up well." He sighed lightly. "Kumain ka na ba? You want me to cook something for you or—"
"Mama! Mama, paint ni Cookie!" Napahiwalay kaming dalawa sa isa't-isa nang dumaan sa gitna namin si Cookie.
Dumukwang ako kay Cookie at ngumiti.
"Yes, baby Cookie?" I asked. He lifted a slightly crumpled paper and showed it to me.
"Ma, ganda?" he asked and I took it, wala iyong direksyon, iba't-ibang kulay na magulo at may mga bakas pa ng kamay niya kaya napangisi na ako.
"Ang ganda..." I blurted, amazed. "Aww, baby, you are so great. You want to be like Papa? You want to paint too?"
"Yes!" Cookie cheered. "Cookie want color! Cookie want Papa!"
"Then, you'll be an artist too if you grow up, if you like..." Dumukwang din si Chance sa gilid at binalingan ang anak.
"Cookie art!" he said.
"Yes, you can." Chance smiled. "You can be whatever you like when you grow up, right, Mama Daru?"
Cookie's bright blue eyes waited for my confirmation. I nodded and smiled.
"Of course, baby. Anything you like."
"Yey!" Cookie exclaimed, sabay kaming natawa nang bigla siyang kumendeng sa harapan namin ng Papa niya. "Cookie happy! Cookie dance!"
"Wow, Cookie dance? Galing naman ng anak ko, si Papa kaya, kaya?" I glanced at Chance who only smirked at me and stood.
"Huh, ako pa ba, doll? I can dance too, you know?" Chance winked and stood, nasa tapat ko ang mag-ama at nakita kong ginaya ni Chance ang walang direksyon na dance steps ni Cookie.
"Come on, son. Let's show Mama Daru our Cookie dance!" Chance said and the two placed their hands on their waist and made a small wave before moving their hands in and out and wiggled again.
"Oh my God!" I burst out laughing. "Nice! Very nice, dear!" I exclaimed to tease and Chance smirked at me.
"Para sa 'yo lang, dear." He gave me an arrogant look and moved his waist more kaya nag-init na ang mukha ko.
Nag-shower ang dalawa ng sabay, Chance told me I could roam around or check the studio while they were gone kaya naiwan ako roon. I checked his paintings, old and new, and realized how much his crafts improved.
Maganda na iyon noon pero mas may igaganda pa pala ngayon.
I cleaned the room where they paint, natawa ako nang makita ang bakat ng mukha ni Chance sa isang bondpaper at alam ko kaagad na pakana ito ng anak namin. He may have colored his father's face and pushed it in the paper or he pushed the paper on his face.
I took and kept it, tinapon ko ang mga basura at saglit na nagwalis pero natigilan nang makita ang isang kwarto sa gilid. My forehead creased.
May kwarto pa pala rito sa loob? Hindi ko 'to nakita dati, ah?
I stopped, naglakad ako palapit at binuksan iyon. It was a small room but it has paintings inside too! I pushed the door and entered the room, kaagad kong nakita ang magandang display noong nasa exhibit ako ni Chance.
The mother and the child.
Lumapit ako at nakita ang tag na nakalagay doon biglang pangalan ng painting.
Allison
Allison is the name? Then, I remembered his Mom's name is Allison, meaning this is inspired by her.
His love for his mother still warms my heart. Naalala ko ang Mama na mahal na mahal din namin. I know Chance is a good son to his mother. I can feel it.
Inikot ko ang paningin. I swallowed hard when I saw my nude painting displayed in the side, it was not fully furnished. Maayos ang pagkakalagay at may frame na. Inikot ko pa ang tingin at nanlaki ang mata nang makita ang isang bagong painting.
Mukhang hindi pa tapos dahil wala pang kulay ang kalahati but I know exactly who are those. It was me and Cookie. I was sitting there, smiling and Cookie's on my lap with his hand up in the air, lifting the small cookie on his finger.
Halo-halong emosyon ang naramdaman ko at nakita ang sariling lumalapit doon para mas titigan ang painting ng malapitan.
"Chance..." I whispered his name, in awe.
Matapos kong titigan ang mga painting ay sumulyap ako sa kabilang side. In there, I noticed a porcelain face statue, mukha lang iyon at hanggang sa may balikat lang noong hinulma. It was placed in a stand at nangunot ang noo ko nang napansing pamilyar ang itsura.
I walked towards it and realized it is a woman, kulay puti lang pero ang ganda sa aking paningin. Her hair is on her back and her lips were curved in a small, sweet smile. There's even a very small colorless mole at the side of her lip.
It was like those face sculptures I was seeing in museums. Like those Greek Goddess counterparts.
Napansin ko ang pamilyar na kwintas na nakasabit sa sculpture at natigilan ako nang matantong iyon ang kwintas na ibinigay sa akin ni Chance.
Why is it here? I've thrown it, right?
My heart pounded, I stared at the label below the sculpture and saw its name.
Mi Amore
My mouth parted and closed again. I chewed my lip, my heart rebelling again against my chest. I observed the statue more and it came to me it was familiar because it... looked like me.
Is this me?
I left the studio with a lot of questions in mind, nag-shower ako sa ibaba bago nagtungo sa kwarto kung saan kami madalas na natutulog ni Cookie at nahuli ang dalawa na naghaharutan.
I saw Chance on the bed with Cookie near his neck. Nakita kong pinapalo ni Cookie ng unan ang mukha ng Tatay niya kaya napatawa na ako at lumapit sa kanila.
"Huli ka!" I exclaimed when I got Cookie.
My son screamed when I got him, napahiga ako sa kama at nadaganan si Chance na tumawa at mabilis na hinuli ang baywang ko. He rolled me on the bed and placed his hand on his head so he could watch the both of us play.
Cookie is wearing his yellow terno with his yellow pajama. He looked so cute kaya naaliw ako't nanggigil. Inangat ko siya para halikan ang tiyan niya.
"Mama! Tickles!" he exclaimed. I giggled.
"Oh, isn't my Cookie cute?" I kissed him again. He squealed.
"P-pa! Pa, help!" He called out and I screamed in shock when Chance caught my waist and tickled me too.
Nabitawan ko si Cookie na tumatawa habang nakaupo sa kama bago pinalo si Chance na ngumisi lang sa akin.
"May kiniliti 'to si Mama, eh. Marami," Chance teased. I screamed and slapped his arm. It amused him.
Inabot ko siya at hinila ang buhok pero tumawa lang siya, I even tried tickling him pero isang beses lang siyang napaigtad at mayamaya'y wala na namang pakialam sa ginagawa ko.
"A-ayaw na!" I exclaimed. Mabilis akong umupo pero muli akong nahila ni Chance kaya napahiga ako sa braso niya.
There was still a ghost smile on my lips when our gazes clashed and realized our faces are only inches apart from each other.
I saw how his brown eyes glistened when he met my blue ones.
From my eyes, I saw how his gaze lowered on my lips. Napalunok din ako at napatitig sa kanya.
"Kiss! Kiss!" Cookie exclaimed, stopping the both of us.
Nagsirko ang puso ko, napasulyap ako kay Cookie na pumalakpak pa sa harapan naming dalawa. He was beaming, his dimples showing. His blue eyes glistened while looking at us kaya natigilan ako.
Napasulyap ako kay Chance na nakatitig sa akin.
"Will we disappoint the little kiddo?" Chance asked lightly, as if those simple words didn't make me sway.
I pouted, glancing at Cookie smiling widely at us.
"Mama! Papa Cookie! Kiss!" he chirped and made a kissing sound. "Mwuah! Mwuah!"
My heart pounded, napasulyap akong muli kay Chance na nakatitig sa akin. I glanced at his red lips and felt like the inner bitch, Darupokpok was begging me to get out.
Na humayo... at magpakarami.
"U-uh... of course not." I chuckled awkwardly, looking at Cookie. "G-gusto ni Cookie na mag-kiss si Papa at Mama kaya okay..."
Chance hid a smile, ngumuso ako, marahang isinasara ang mga mata. I felt him move, ang braso niyang hinihigaan ko ay gumalaw din. He placed his hand on my head and moved his face closer.
I felt his breath touching my nose. I closed my eyes tightly, my hand fisting in nervousness.
It was my first kiss again... after years.
I was waiting for his kiss on my lips but to my shock, I felt his lips on my forehead. Nagtagal iyon doon at kaagad kong naramdaman ang unti-unting pagkalma ng puso ko.
"I love you, Darshana," he mumbled lowly, his voice soft.
Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw the love in his gentle gaze. Nangungusap iyon.
"Cookie kilig!" We both stopped with Cookie's voice. Napasulyap kami sa kanya at nangiti nang makitang hawak niya ang magkabilang pisngi.
"Where did you learn that, baby?" I asked. He giggled.
Napatawa na kami ni Chance nang dambahin kaming dalawa ng anak at yakapin ang batok naming dalawa ng magkabilang braso niya.
"Papa Cookie! Mama Cookie and... baby Cookie!" He spread his arms. "Happy! Kiss ako!" He chirped. Nagkatinginan kami ni Chance at sabay na inangat ang katawan at hinalikan si Cookie sa magkabilang pisngi.
"I need to snap this," ani Chance kaya natawa ako at tumango, I saw him moved his hand to get his phone to get a selfie pero napangiwi ako sa hawak niya sa camera.
"Ano ba 'yan, Tito Chance!" I exclaimed and he stopped, glancing at me with his confused, innocent eyes.
"What?" he asked.
"Pati selfie mo pang-Tito." I took the phone from him. "Kulang na lang ipakita mong may double chin tayo."
He laughed and winked at me. "At least, hindi na Lolo?"
"Daming rason, oh." I shook my head and lifted the camera where the three of us can be seen. "Okay, kiss baby Cookie and smile!"
We both pressed our lips again on Cookie's cheek, magkabilaan kami kaya nag-squeeze ang chubby cheeks ng anak namin at lumitaw ang pag-nguso ng maliit na labi.
It was so cute and adorable. We were all chuckling at the outcome.
I accidentally pressed the back button kaya lumitaw ang home screen niya at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang mukha namin ni Cookie.
It was our selfie! I remembered when we took a selfie on his phone last time. He used that as his wallpaper?
"My new lockscreen," ani Chance na kinuha sa akin ang phone at kinalikot.
I hid the flattery and surprise. I was pleased to know about it and I didn't know why but it satisfied me.
"Miss yow, Mama. Story?" he requested. Ngumuso ako at hinalikan ang pisngi niyang hinalikan ng Papa niya at niyakap ang baby ko.
"Okay, story time?" I asked.
"Stowy time! Story time, Mama Daru!" he exclaimed and glanced at his father and smacked his face. Nagulat si Chance, nahulog ang phone na hawak niya sa mukha niya kaya natawa ako at natahimik nang bumusangot si Chance sa akin.
I bit my lip to control my laughter. Cookie giggled and reached for his nose.
"Papa, sowi... Cookie kiss!" Cookie said, he even crawled and kissed his nose kaya napangiti na ako.
"Okay, Papa is fine, Cookie." Chance smiled and then glanced at me. "What's the story, Mama Daru?" he asked, even raising his brow to let me know he looked forward to it like Cookie.
Inayos ko muna ang unan ng Cookie ko.
"Blankets," I said and Chance sat and fixed the blankets we had before turning the lights off, leaving us with the lampshade. Cookie glanced at me after kaya ngumiti ako at hinaplos ang buhok niya.
"Someone knows about Pgymalion and Galatea?" I asked.
The two boys shook their heads at me.
"Mama Daru, ano po 'yon?" biglang sabi ni Chance sa maliit na boses kaya bumusangot ako. Humagalpak siya ng tawa, I lifted my feet and kicked him pero ngumisi lang siya at yumakap kay Cookie.
"Cookie! Save Papa!" he exclaimed and Cookie showed me his fighting sign.
"Ya! Cookie save Papa! No away!" he exclaimed protectively.
"Akala ko ba si Mama ang ipo-protect?" I teased playfully. Cookie blinked at me, as if he realized he was protecting another and suddenly got out of his father's embrace.
"Sowi! Mama pwotect!" he exclaimed and hugged me. "Mama pwotect at alllll cosh!" he cheered kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Chance na naaaliw.
"Good boy, Cookie," Chance agreed and touched his hair. "Protect our Mama at all cost."
I couldn't hide the happiness it gave me. Tumikhim ako at nag-iba kaagad ng topic.
"So, shall I begin?" I asked and the two boys nodded. Cookie rested his head on Chance's arm before looking at me.
I noticed their resemblance, making my heart jump.
"Pgymalion is a great Greek sculptor from Cyprus. He dislikes women a lot, he thinks they're just a waste of time. Pgymalion is an artist, who vowed and told himself never to like a woman again and completely avoided them but soon, he created a statue named Galatea."
I watched their interested faces.
"Galatea is a beautiful statue of a woman made out of ivory, 'di ba, Pygmalion didn't like women in general so he did the statue with love and perfection. He was so inspired to finish her and it was the most beautiful statue had had ever created and seen. After that, he fell deeply in love with it, and the man who professed his disdain for women fell. How funny right?"
Chance smiled and nodded.
"He offered the statue gifts, jewels, and anything fancy he thinks a woman would like. Ironically, how tragic it is for a man who vowed never to fall in love with women fell. Nga lang, sa babaeng hindi totoo at hindi siya kayang mahalin pabalik."
I saw Cookie yawning kaya napangiti na ako, he's sleepy now. Good.
"But... the kind of love Pygmalion has for his statue, Galatea, would never go unnoticed by the Goddess of Love's eyes, Aphrodite. Pygmalion went to the temple and sacrificed a bull and Aphrodite gave him a sign by shooting up the flames three times," I said and glanced back at Cookie, realizing he was already asleep.
"Oh, my Cookie is sleepingm" I muttered and kissed his forehead, inayos ko ang kumot niya at napabaling kay Chance na nakatitig sa akin.
"What did happen to the statue?"
"Aww, Lolo Chance is fond of Greek Myths now, hmm?" I smirked. His lips curved.
"Bakit Lolo na naman? Akala ko ba Tito na?" he asked kaya ngumisi ako at inabot din ang buhok niya para guluhin.
"Oo na, Tito," I continued. "Tapos, ayon nga. Nagtataka si Pygmalion kaya bumalik siya sa kanila, iniisip ano 'yong ibig sabihin no'ng sign but when he saw Galatea in his studio, all his thoughts vanished. He ran to her, hugging her, realizing she felt so warm. He kissed her and her lips felt so real, he checked her veins and realized blood is flowing inside them..."
"Wow, so meaning..."
"Yep, Galatea is indeed alive. Aphrodite made it happen, realizing how he fell in love with her. The two get wed, offering Aphrodite's temple from time to time gifts. Aphrodite was so glad and pleased by the two that she gave them her blessings and a child," I said and glanced at my son back at him.
"And they lived happily ever after," I ended it.
The ending made me feel happy. I noticed Chance's satisfied smile, processing the story.
"I can somehow relate to Pygmalion, you know?" he opened up, stopping me.
"Hmm?"
"He's... an artist, like me," aniya at inabot ang pisngi ko. "Like him, I fell in love with my art. The subject of my art, you. My only difference is that, I wasn't so sure if the Goddess of Love would grant me my wish."
My stomach twisted but not in a bad way.
"W-what wish?"
"I wished for her to come true too, so I could have her... again," he breathed, his gaze never straying away from me.
Sa kabila ng kadiliman ay kitang-kita ko ang pamumungay at liwanag sa kanyang mga mata habang nakatingin sa akin.
Once again, I saw the desperation, the longing, the regret...
"But I'd do my best to please the Gods so I could have her again, I'd sacrifice. Kagaya ng sabi mo, handa akong lumuhod sa Quiapo ng isang milyong beses. I would offer everything I have so they could have mercy and give me my only wish, to make her real. To make you real."
I didn't know what to say, nakipagtitigan lang ako sa kanya sa dilim at mayamaya'y kumuha ng lakas ng loob para magsalita.
"C-can we talk? Over a glass of wine?" I offered.
He nodded.
"I'm gonna get some first," he said and kissed Cookie's forehead, marahang lumapit siya at hinalikan din ang sentido ko bago lumabas ng kwarto.
I sighed and collected myself. Inayos ko muna ang anak ko at hinalikan bago lumabas sa terrace habang nag-aantay sa kanya.
I fixed my robe and watched the bright, night sky. Nang may magbukas ng glass door ay nakita ko si Chance na may hawak na dalawang wineglass. I used it as an opportunity to check him out.
He's wearing a white shirt and pajamas, magulo pa ang buhok kaya mas kumalabog ang puso ko.
Walang kupas talaga ang senior na 'yan...
He gave one to me kaya napangiti na ako. "Salamat."
He went beside me, may kaunting distansya sa pagitan namin pero damang-dama ko ang presensya niya. We both watched the city lights nearby. I closed my eyes when I felt the cool wind touching my face.
"Maybe nagsasawa ka na but again, I wanted to apologize what I did last time, Daru," he started lowly, binalingan ko ang wine para sumimsim at nakinig. "I was wrong. I was so wrong, sa pagpayag pa lang kay Lilah kahit na hindi ko naman gagawin, mali na ako. She was my friend before and she changed a lot. I offered her help but she didn't want to.
"You said she threatened you she'll kill herself, right?"
"Hmm." He nodded. "Pagkatapos no'n, kinausap ko pa siya pero wala... she was so blinded with anger, she's saying that it was your family who caused that. Hindi naman niya sinasabi sa akin kung ano, maybe, she's thinking I might tell you her plans so she didn't."
"My family's doing their best to fix this and help us." I informed him, looking at him. "Thank you for the help, I heard you talked to Kuya Chiel?"
"I did,"
"Did you tell them... about us?" I suddenly asked and he shook his head at me.
"No, ayokong pangunahan ka. You are still mad at me and I respect your decision of not letting me in your life again," He sipped on his wine, nakita ko ang pagkislap ng mata niya. "I know how much I've hurt you, alam kong sobra kitang nasaktan and I am willing, I am so willing to beg you in my knees. For forgiveness."
Bigla akong natawa nang may sumagi sa utak. Nagtaka siya. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.
"Tama nga 'yong makamandag kong sumpa noon, someday, you'll beg for me," yabang ko.
His eyes lit up. He blushed and nodded, brushing his hair.
"Oo, itaga ko pa sa dimples ko," he recalled, the memory so fresh like it only happened yesterday. "But, if it's you I'll beg with, I will have no regrets. Everything I do... when it's with or for you, I know it's always worth it."
My heart pounded, mula sa kanya ay muli akong bumaling sa harap at tinanong sa kanya ang matagal nang iniisip.
"Why... why did you not get mad when I hid Cookie from you?" I asked curiously.
Hindi siya nakasagot agad pero hinaplos niya ang wine glass.
"Sa lahat ng pasakit na ibinigay ko sa 'yo noon, may karapatan pa ba akong magalit sa pagtago mo sa kanya?" he asked. "Of course, I did not like it na tinago mo siya sa akin pero naiintindihan ko ang nararamdaman mo. I know what kind of pain I caused you, how I scarred your heart and missed my chances... I knew how much pain you felt."
Nangilid na ang luha ko kaya sumimsim na lang ako ng wine.
"Gago nga lang talaga ako, I was so confident of the chances you'd give me that I ended up missing it. I ended up losing everything. One mistake and the chance I worked so hard to gain disappeared. One chance I got with you yet... I never protected it, I wasted it."
I lowered my wine glass, napahawak ako sa daliri ko at mayamaya'y pinisil na iyon para mabawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman.
"And how dare me despise my father before when I ended up just like him?" He lamented, stopping me.
Nang bumaling ako sa kanya'y nakita ko na ang mga luha sa mga mata niya.
"I-I know how much it hurt my mother when my father pushed her away," he told me. "Si Papa... nabuntis niya ang Mama noong bata pa sila pero hindi alam ni Dad. They met again and fell in love but when he found out about me, being his son, he was so mad. He's mad that he said hurtful things to my mother and heard it. I hated it.
"I-I hated my father for doing it to my mother. Ang Mama ko ang nagpakahirap noon para sa amin, p-para may mapakain lang sa akin. They made up and they're good now and I forgave him a long time ago pero siguro, trauma noong pagkabata ko, tumatak sa akin iyon. I promised myself I would treat my future wife, the mother of my children right. I will love her in everything I could, I'd never hurt her. K-kapag may anak kami, aalagaan ko siyang mabuti kapag nabuntis siya. Na... I will give every craving she wanted, t-that I'd hold her hand if she'll give birth because I know how hard it was. Alam ko kung paanong hirap 'yon, I-I saw my mother, nakita ko paano siya umiyak and I don't want my wife or the woman I will love suffer like she did."
I didn't know it was this heavy and hard for him. 'Di ko na napigilan ang pagiging emosyonal.
"P-pero mali na naman ako, w-wala akong nagawang kahit isa roon," he whispered painfully and stared at me. "In the end, I-I ended up just like him. Hurting the woman I love the most. Mag-ama nga kami."
"C-Chance..." I called, panicking but I was too late, I saw how he lowered his head, slowly kneeling in front of me. "W-why are you kneeling again..."
"I-I'm sorry..." he said and my heart fell when his voice broke. "I-I'm so sorry for being an asshole, s-sorry for hurting you. I should've been there for your cravings, I should've been there when you gave birth to Cookie. I should have been there to h-hold your hand when it's hard." He sobbed and I couldn't help but sob with him. "S-sana nando'n ako, d-dapat nandoo'n ako."
"C-Chance..." my voice broke when he slowly hugged my waist, burying his face on my stomach.
"M-mahal na mahal ko kayo ni C-Cookie." His voice cracked. "I found another purpose in this life and it was to love and protect the both of you. P-please... please give me a chance to make it up to you. K-kahit p-paulit-ulit, alam kong hindi ko deserve pero sana... I hope you could give me a chance again."
I covered my mouth and sobbed, mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin habang nakaluhod sa harapan ko.
"I-I'm sorry, please, h'wag n'yo ako iwan..." he pleaded. "P-parang-awa n'yo na, 'di ko na kakayanin na wala kayo. I-I know your love is gone but I wanted to try again. I-I'm sorry, d-don't leave me."
I sniffed, nanginginig na ang balikat ko. I dried my tears with my fingers and watched him trembling like me.
"K-kahit pahirapan mo ako, a-ayos lang. B-basta h'wag n'yo ako iwan. I love you, Darshana. Mahal na mahal kita, please..."
I bit my lower lip, raised my head, and glanced at the sky. I saw the stars escaping the dark skies. Giving light to the darkness.
Everything will be fine tomorrow...
I closed my eyes before staring again at him. I could feel the wetness from his tears wetting my clothes as he buried his face in my stomach.
"P-please... please," he chanted like a desperate prayer.
I remembered Cookie. I remembered everything we had way back. How he took care of me, how he loved me.
I slowly pushed him, I saw how his hands fell on the side, still kneeling in front of me. I caught a glimpse of his unstoppable tears and slowly, I knelt down, pinapantayan ang kanyang tingin.
"D-Daru..." he called. I smiled and slowly dried the tears on his cheek. He looked so down and sad.
"A-are you still my b-baby boy?" I asked. His tears glistened.
"Y-yeah, m-maybe a bit older?" pagpatol niya kaya napatawa na ako sa kabila ng luha at tumango.
"I-I was hurt, Chance. Noon hanggang ngayon, n-nasasaktan pa rin ako pero hindi lang naman tayo ang nasa relasyon na 'to, right? W-we are not the same kids anymore... well, kahit naman senior ka pa rin naman dati pa."
His face crumpled, giving me a sharp glare. I smiled.
"But yeah, we have Cookie now. We have that precious kid now who needed us more that anyone, that wonderful kid, ayaw kong mawala ang ngiti sa labi niya kapag nakikita tayo." I smiled.
I saw how hope filled his eyes. "A-are you giving me a chance?"
"I won't," I said. "We won't be having another chance we might miss again. We will start anew, we'll start in a clean state. You know some recycles couldn't be used again and again, right?"
"B-bakit biglang naging basura tayo?" he asked kaya bigla kaming nagkatawanan, mukha tuloy kaming baliw.
"B-baliw..." I sniffed. "I mean, dapat bago na. No use in recycling chances again, it might end up in the trash, right? Hindi 'yan buffet, hindi unli."
He stopped, kumunot ang noo niya at nagtaka kaya pinitik ko na ang noo niya.
"Alam mo, Lolo, ang slow mo," I snapped. His lips protruded but he smiled, kissing my forehead.
"Sorry, matanda na ata talaga. I love you, Daru," biro pa niya't unti-unti akong niyakap.
Slowly, with my shaking hand, I hugged him back. I buried my face on his neck and sighed.
"P-pero 'di pa tayo, ah?" I asked. "Para muna kay Cookie kaya ceasefire tayo, you still have to court me a-and earn my trust. G-galingan mo manuyo at marami akong manliligaw."
"Hindi ka na marupok kay baby boy?" he asked, sniffing.
"Hindi gago," I scoffed. "Hashtag changed person na ako."
"Nah, kahit madami naman ang manliligaw mo mas may panama ako. Not just looks, doll. Senior, nasa priority," he boasted. I smacked his back. He groaned.
"P-papahirapan kitang tungaw ka," I hissed. "Akala mo, ah? Sisiguraduhin kong tatamaan ka ng arthritis."
"Sige, gagawin ko 'yong luhod sa Quiapo na request mo. With video," he whispered kaya napabungisngis ako.
He wrapped me in his arms, tight, kissing my hair. Napapikit naman ako at napangiti. I felt the cold air touching my face and I heard a noise kaya natigilan ako.
I opened my eyes, widening upon seeing the sleepy Cookie. Bukas ang isang mata niya habang sinisiksik ang katawan sa maliit na siwang ng glass door kung nasaan kami.
"Chance..." I called and tapped his back.
"Hmm? payakap lang, doll." He kissed and sniffed my hair again pero halos kurutin ko na siya.
"Chance Salcedo, ang anak mo!" I exclaimed. That stopped him. Humiwalay siya sa akin, he dried his tears and turned to Cookie who's been sniffing now.
"C-Cookie?"
"M-mama... Papa..." he cried kaya sabay kaming napatayo.
Chance caught and carried Cookie na kinukusot pa ang mata, may luha sa pisngi niya na inabot ni Chance at pinunasan.
"What's the matter, lil kiddo?" Chance asked. Cookie opened his wide sleepy eyes and pointed the room.
"M-monster bed... Monsters under bed," he snapped. We both stopped. "Cookie eat ng monster! Rawr!"
"Oh, it's just a dream, baby," I cooed and dried my tears. Cookie must have seen it kaya nagpabalik-balik ang tingin niya sa akin at sa Papa niya.
"Why cry? Mama? Papa?" he asked kaya nagkatingin kami ni Chance.
"A-ah, uhm... we cried because our baby cried, right, Mama?" Balik sa akin ni Chance na suminghot-singhot para ipakitang umiiyak siya.
"Cookie is crying. Papa is crying, too," Chance said, napasulyap sa akin si Cookie kaya suminghot din ako.
"Don't cry na, Cookie, hmm? M-mama is crying too..." Nagpunas pa ako ng luha. Natahimik si Cookie na pinunasan ng braso ang pisngi niya.
"Cookie stop cry, Mama and Papa stop, too?" halos putol-putol niyang sabi kaya tumango kami ni Chance.
Cookie sniffed, collecting himself to calm down before showing us his fighting sign.
"Cookie no cry! Cooking brave!" he cheered despite his red cheeks from crying.
"That's good, baby." Chance smiled. "Don't cry, okay? Talo natin 'yang monster under the bed kasi we're monsters too! Na may power!"
"Cookie... monster?" Cole asked his Papa Chance nodded.
"Yes, Cookie monster and Papa monster! Kakalabanin natin ang monster sa ilalim ng bed! Eat natin 'yan!"
It made me smile when Cookie's face brightened.
"Cookie monster!" he exclaimed and glanced at me excitedly. "Mama! Cookie is monster! Eat Mama! Rawr!"
"Papa is a monster too! At kakainin ko si Mama Daru!" I saw the malicious grin on his lips when he said that kaya unti-unti kong niyakap ang sarili. "Rawr!" he said again kaya napatili na ako habang tumatakbo papasok sa kwarto at hinahabol ng mag-ama ko.
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