"Mommy, I have a question."

I lifted my eyes to my child who's now finished drinking her milk. I closed my laptop and made her sit on my lap.

I wiped the leftover milk on her lips, "What is it, baby?"

"I have a Daddy, right?"

I stiffened. Nanigas ang buong katawan ko nang marinig 'yon galing sa anak ko. She's only five years old and this is her first time asking about her father.

I cleared my throat and played with her fingers, "Yes, baby. You'll not be born if you don't have a d-daddy."

"Then, he loves me?"

Sumakit ang puso ko nang masilayan ang pag-asa sa mata n'ya.

"Of course, Daddy loves you so much."

She clapped, "Yehey! So can we meet him, Mommy?"

"Y-yes, soon. I promise."

My daughter deserves to know her father. Ayoko man na makita ulit ang lalaking naging mundo ko, para nalang sa anak ko. Hindi ko ipagkakait na makilala n'ya ang ama n'ya... Kahit pa he's now happy with his family. Even if he's already married to someone close to my heart.

"Go to sleep, baby. I will finish my work first then I'll follow you in our room, okay?"

"Okay po, Mommy. Goodnight. Mahal po kita nang sobra."

I smiled and kiss her cheeks, "Goodnight, baby. I love you, anak."

Nang makaalis si Twilight ay binuksan ko ulit ang laptop ko. I thought I'm going to do my pending work but I found myself searching for his name on my Facebook account. I deleted my old account five years ago that's why I created a new one. My account is private and I only have a few friends, ang mga kaibigan at katrabaho ko lang ang pinili kong maging friends sa Facebook.

A small smile crept across my lips when his account is set in public. His display photo is a picture of him riding a horse while his cover photo is a bible verse. His timeline is so holy. Halos lahat ng status at post n'ya ay kung hindi bible verse, motivational quotes naman. Nang mag sawa na kakabasa sa kan'yang mga status ay pumunta ako sa photos. I am expecting that his Facebook photos will be filled with motivational quotes but a familiar woman is all over his account. I scrolled down with my hands trembling so badly. Mas lalong nanikip ang dibdib ko nang may nakitang larawan n'ya na naka damit pangkasal.

I stalked Shaira and saw their wedding ceremony. She's wearing a beautiful wedding gown. They look sweet in every picture. Nakayakap lang si Dawn sa kan'yang bewang sa mga larawan o minsan ay magkahawak kamay sila. May prenup pictures din sila. They wore different outfits in different locations but the best one is when Dawn's background is dark while Shaira's background is dazzling. Dawn's palm is resting on her waist while her arms are around his neck. Sa itaas ng kanilang ulo ay may kalahating buwan at araw, the two have collided. Na parang pinapahiwatig na si Shaira ang araw sa madilim na buwan ni Dawn.

I also saw a post of Shaira where she's flexing their tattoos. Mabilis na tumulo ang luha ko sa pamilyar na tattoo. The letter S wasn't removed however, there's an additional R in it.

I bitterly smiled as I caressed my tattoo. I didn't remove it despite how painful his memory was to me. Wala akong planong tanggalin iyon dahil katulad ng tattoo na ito, naging parte na si Dawn ng aking buhay na imposibleng makalimutan. Masakit pero may halaga.

I stalked him again kahit na sobrang tinutusok ang aking puso sa sakit. I can't help myself but be proud of what he is now. At least, he's genuinely happy.

I can finally say to myself that I made the right decision. Hindi man ako ang dahilan ng mga ngiti n'ya, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na masaya siya.

"I'm happy you found your new solace..." I whispered while scrolling on his Facebook account.

He found his new consolation in distress while I'm still stuck with our memories.

Sa buong limang taon ay hindi ako nahanap ng aking pamilya maliban kay Yves. I was surprised when I saw her sitting on the couch while talking to Twilight. Galing ako noon sa palengke dahil naubos ang stock namin ng patis na paboritong sawsawan ni Twilight kaya bumili ako. I was lucky that she didn't inform my parents about it. Ika n'ya ay nirerespeto n'ya ang decision ko.

"Are you sure you want to go back home?"

Napalunok ako, "Kahit ayoko ay kailangan kong bumalik. My clients wanted me to work onsite now."

I am a freelancer. I'm working at home for the past few years but the company I'm working for suddenly ask me to work in their office. Hindi ako makapag hindi dahil mas mataas ang sahod na inalok sa akin. I'm a novel writer for a publishing company. I write to them and they will pay me for it.

"Atsaka, may itatayo kaming maliit na boutique ni Reni roon," I shrugged.

"Do you want me to tell Tatay about it?"

Now that she mentioned him, I longed for his embrace. I miss my father's words of wisdom. Siguro kung kasama ko siya ngayon, maraming matututunan ang anak ko sa kan'ya.

"Tatanggapin pa kaya nila ako?"

"i-I don't know, Ace. Hindi ko alam ang sagot dahil never n'yang nabanggit ang pangalan mo."

I nodded painfully. It's okay. I understand him. I left them with no words.

"But you know him, he will forgive you. Magtatampo lang iyon nang ilang araw pero yayakapin ka rin n'ya nang buong puso."

Reni and Jerly didn't come with me. Gustong manatili ni Jerly dito. Reni wants to come with me but I told him that Jerly and his son need him. I can handle myself. It's time to be my own.

"Mag goodbye ka na kay kuya mo," I said to Twilight.

Ngumuso lamang siya at umiling, "I'm not saying goodbye. This will not be the last time I'll see him."

Jerly's son nodded, "She's right po. We will visit you or you will visit us every weekend."

"Promise?" my daughter asked.

"Promise, princess."

Tumili si Reni, "Kung hindi kayo magpapakasal, mumultuhin ko talaga kayo!"

"Buhay na nagmumulto?"

He only smirked and rolled his eyes. Hindi ako nagpatalo at nag rolyo na rin sa kan'ya.

"Kayong dalawa, alagaan n'yo ang isa't Isa. I'm not here to stop you anymore."

"As if mangyayari 'yan," sagot ni Yves.

"I'll die first before doing that shit."

Sumimangot ako sa sagot ni Reni.

"Huwag kang sumimangot diyan! I still don't forgive you for forcing me to apologize for dead chicken!"

Jerly and I laughed in chorus. Jerly had a video of how he did it that's why until now, he still can't get over it. Paano ba naman, sa tuwing natatalo sa asaran si Jerly ay 'yon ang pangbawi n'ya.

"Siraulo. We will go na. Baka gabihin pa kami."

Reni hugged me, "Ingat ka, pokpok. Wala na ako roon para alagaan ka. Don't forget to call me, okay? We'll visit you if we have time. I love you."

Pinigilan kong maluha sa sinabi n'ya. Reni has been in my life. Siya ang isang taong nanatili sa tabi ko. He gave me hope every time I think of giving up. Kaya ngayon na malalayo ako sa kan'ya, ibang sakit ang naramdaman ko. Saying goodbye to a good friend isn't easy.

"Ikaw rin, alagaan mo ang sarili mo. Babalitaan kita kapag may guwapo akong katrabaho. I love you, pokpok. See you when I see you. "

Pagkatapos ng madramang pagpapaalam ko sa mga kaibigan ay umalis na kami. My heart feels heavy. Nasanay na ako na nakikita ang mga mukha at naririnig ang away nila kaya nakakapanibago na bukas ay tahimik na ang paligid ko. I didn't choose to live in our house. I bought a condominium near the company.

Dumiretso kami sa bahay bago pumuntang condo. Habang tinatanaw ang daan papuntang bahay ay hindi ko maiwasang magbaliktanaw sa nakaraan.

"How about you, Dawn? What's your plan for your future?" Yves asked.

Christian shared that his only plan is to be successful so he can afford to be Yves's husband.

"Ipakilala si Solace sa Panginoon bilang asawa ko."

My face heated with his answer. Mahinang tinulak ni Yves ang braso ko.

"I can't be a husband to other women aside from her. I can see my future in Solace. Kung hindi siya ay habang buhay nalang akong maghihintay sa kan'ya."

"Totoo ba 'yan?"

"Of course, Yves..." he then stared at me, "I'll marry Solace. This isn't just a promise, it's my assurance that I won't marry another woman but her."

I woke up from reality when Twilight wiped my tears and kiss my eyes. I didn't notice that I was crying.

"Mahal po kita nang sobra, Mommy."

Tipid akong ngumiti sa anak ko. I combed her hair using my fingers. My daughter got my beauty. The only thing she got from her father is his height and hair. However, when you look at her closely and longer, you can see Dawn's girl version.

"We're home, Ace and Twilight..."

Hindi ako makagalaw sa inuupuan ko. Kinailangan pa akong hillahin ng anak ko para gumalaw at bumama sa sasakyan.

"Is this our new home, Mommy? This is so big!"

Nagkaroon ng expansion ang bahay. There are already four carport and each window is made of sliding glass. Ang dating bakuran ay napalitan ng pool area. There's still a mini garden which makes the house relaxing because it was well-furnished. Nang makapasok kami sa loob ay ganoon lamang ang gulat ko sa matinding pagbabago. Ibang iba ito noong umalis ako. The living room is spacious and has a high ceilings. Napadako ang mata ko sa isang cabinet na puno ng larawan.

"Is this you when you are younger, Mommy? Look at you! You're so beautiful," awang na wika ni Twilight.

"Your mother is beautiful when she's younger, baby. Siya ang pinakamaganda sa amin."

I smiled while roaming my eyes on the frame. But one frame got my attention.

It's a family picture without me. Nycka is sitting between Tatay and Mama while Yves is standing behind Mama. Her hands are resting on Mama's shoulder. They were all smiles and happy in the picture.

"Tatay said he'll wait for you to stand behind him and hug his shoulder that's why none of us hold him... because he was waiting for her princess."

Hindi ko inalis ang mga mata ko sa larawan kahit ramdam ko ang titig ni Yves sa akin.

"Naghintay siya nang matagal sa pagbabalik mo, Ace. He'll be the happiest."

"I miss him..." I finally admitted.

"Kahit hindi mo sabihin, ramdam ko. And we all miss you, too. We miss seeing your face in the house... I guess, welcome home?"

"Mommy~"

"Ate Yves is that you?!"

Mabilis akong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses. My youngest sister is alluringly standing at the door. She looks like a real angel in her clothes. Ang ganda ganda n'ya. Her beauty screams innocence. She got an angel-like beauty. Ang kinis at puti ng kutis n'ya.

"Why didn't you tell us you're going home, ate?"

"Edi hindi na surprise?" Yves chucked.

"Kainis ka, ate!"

She ran and embrace Yves. Huli n'ya nang napagtanto na nandito ako sa tabi n'ya. Her innocent eyes widened as soon as she recognized who I am.

"Ate Ace! You're here!

Umiiyak siyang niyakap ako. I returned her hug and cried silently.

"I missed you! Bakit ang tagal mo? Sobrang na miss ka namin, ate."

"I'm sorry..."

"I miss you so much," her voice cracked.

"Nycka, please help your mother~"

Natigil ang pagsasalita ni Tatay nang madatnan ang kaganapan sa sala. Kinakabahan akong bumitaw sa yakap ng kapatid. Shock was evident in his face. I got nervous and hurt when he looked away. Yumuko ako at mahinang napahikbi. Yves was wrong when she said Tatay won't get mad at me. Kitang kita ko ngayon kung paano n'ya akong gustong umalis sa bahay.

"Anak..."

Isang salita na nagpa iyak sa akin nang lubusan. I ran towards my father and hug him. I cried in his chest.

"I-I'm sorry, Tatay."

I felt him shaking his head. Hinagod n'ya ang likod ko at hinalikan ako sa ulo ko.

"What took you so long? Hinintay ka nang matagal ni Tatay."

Mas lalo akong humagulhol sa narinig. Basang basa ang pisngi ko sa luha. I can't stop crying.

Ang akala ko ay ipagtatabuyan n'ya ako. I'm expecting him to slap and disown me but like a prodigal son's story, he didn't walk away from me. He welcomed me wholeheartedly. Tinanggap n'ya ako nang buong puso.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry for leaving you."

"Naiintindihan ko. Ang importante ay nandito ka na. You're finally home."

"A-anak..."

I felt someone hugging me from behind. Sa mga haplos palang ay alam ko na kung sino iyon.

"M-mama."

I cried in their arms. Para akong bata na nawala nang dekada dahil sa higpit ng yakap nila at sa malakas na iyak namin. Our cries filled the room. Ang pawis namin ay nag halo na dahil hindi kami mahiwalay sa yakap.

I longed for their hugs. Ang yakap ng aking ama at Ina ang pinaka masarap sa lahat ng yakap. My parents' hugs comforted me in a way that nobody can do.

"I'm sorry, anak. H-Hindi namin agad nalaman. I'm sorry for judging and hurting you. Patawarin mo ako, anak."

"Leigh told us everything that has happened," pumiyok si Tatay.

Paulit ulit na hinalikan ni mama ang aking pisngi.

"Hindi ako naging mabuting Ina sa 'yo. I didn't know that you were struggling to live. Ina mo ako pero ako ang unang humusga sa 'yo. Naging malupit ako sa 'yo at hindi man lang napansin ang mga sugat sa puso mo. Patawarin mo si mama, anak."

I can hear that my siblings are also crying with us.

"You suffered a lot, you suffered alone. Sana ay ako nalang ang nakaramdam ng lahat ng sakit na naramdaman mo noon. Sana ay hindi iyon nangyari sa 'yo. Kung hindi lang ako naging pabayang ina ay sana hindi naging madilim ang pagkabata mo."

I shook my head. Masakit na marinig iyon galing sa aking Ina. I will never wish for them to experience what I had experienced. Alam ko kung gaano kahirap ang manatiling matatag sa harapan ng maraming tao kahit na sa loob loob ko ay gusto ko ng bumitaw.

Kahit ako na ang magdanas, huwag lang sila.

"A-Ano pa ang masakit sa 'yo? Gagamutin ni Tatay..."

Tatay caressed my wrist and kiss it. Ramdam ko ang panginginig ng mga labi n'ya.

"I-I'm sorry for what happened to you. Kasalanan namin ang lahat... Patawin mo si Tatay."

"It's not your fault."

They kept on saying sorry but I told them that they don't have to. What done is done. I don't want to remember those memories anymore. At isa pa, wala silang kasalanan. Oo nga't nasaktan nila ako pero napatawad ko na sila kahit hindi pa sila humihingi ng tawad.

"M-Mommy? Why does my mommy crying?"

I almost forgot that I'm with my daughter. Naramdaman ko nalang siya na sumingit sa amin at pilit kaming pinaghihiwalay. Niyakap n'ya ang bewang ko nang matagumpay n'ya kaming napaghiwalay. She tried to reach for my face that's why I kneeled and carried her.

"Don't cry po, Mommy," she wiped my tears even if she was also tearing up, "Don't be sad po. Twilight is also sad."

"I'm not sad, baby. Mommy is happy," I explained.

Suminghot siya at siniksik ang mukha sa aking leeg. She silently cried. Nagtatakang tumingin ang tatlo sa akin. Rinig ko pa ang mahinang tawa ni Yves.

I sighed. I think today is the perfect time to introduce my daughter to my family.

"This is my daughter, Twilight Rain Ramuro."

Their mouth creates an O shape. I laughed softly at their reactions. Pati si Nycka ay hindi maipinta ang reaction.

Mahabang paliwanag pa ang ginawa ko bago kami nagkaliwanagan. Everything is now clear. Nalaman nila na si Dawn ang ama ng anak ko at hindi ako pinaniwalaan. Tatay was furious at him because of that. Ang sabi ko nalang ay hayaan na dahil napalaki ko naman ang anak ko nang maayos. Sinabihan na rin nila ako na sa bahay na matulog at ipagpabukas nalang ang paglipat sa condo which I agree with because it's already dark outside and I'm exhausted from what happened.

It feels like one baggage had been removed from my heart. I felt relief and relax. Ang problema ko nalang ngayon ay kung paano ko ipapakilala si Twilight kay Dawn. Twilight is excited to meet her father. Ayokong sirain ang saya sa mukha n'ya dahil lang masasaktan ako kapag nakita ko ang ama n'ya so I made a promise to myself that this week, they will meet.

"Mom ..." Twilight pouted at me.

Tatay's forehead creased with the sudden action of my daughter.

"I'm sorry, baby. I think they don't have your favorite..."

Mas lalo siyang ngumuso. We're currently eating our breakfast. Ang ulam namin ay spam, sausage, at scrambled eggs. Nakasanayan ni Twilight na kapag ganito ang ulam ay sinasawsaw n'ya sa patis.

"What is it, apo?" Mama asked.

"Patis po, Lola."

"Patis is your favorite?" si Tatay naman, nakakunot ang noo.

"Opo, Lolo. I always dip eggs in patis po."

Tatay slowly nodded, "We will buy later, okay? Wala munang patis for today."

Hindi naman na nagpumilit ang anak ko at kumain na.

"You hate patis but your daughter loves it. Hmm .."

"Her father loves it, Tay," paliwanag ko.

"Daddy?! Where's daddy?"

Muntik ng mabulunan si Twilight dahil sa biglaang pagsalita n'ya. I immediately handed her a glass of water.

"What did I say to you? Don't eat while your mouth is full."

She ignored what I said, "Are we going to meet Daddy today, Mommy?"

I gulped and looked away. My family waited for my answer but I couldn't find a right word.

"I-It's okay... I understand." Twilight's voice cracked.

"We'll meet your father, apo. But not today, okay?" si Tatay.

"Really po, Lolo? You're not trying to make me feel better?"

"Of course not, you will meet your Daddy one of these days. I promise."

Tatay assured and smiled at her. Sa akin naman siya tumingin at sumeryoso ang mukha n'ya, para bang tinatansya ang reaction ko sa sinabi n'ya. Tumango nalang ako sa kan'ya para ipaalam na 'yon naman talaga ang balak kong gawin.

"Thank you, Ma. Tatawag nalang po ako kapag susunduin ko na ang anak ko."

Today is the first day of my onsite work that's why I have to leave Twilight at my parents' house. Every Monday, Tuesday, at Thursday lang naman ang onsite work ko at ang iba ay work from home na.

"Mommy will go to work, baby. Do not be hard on Lola, okay? I love you."

She kissed me on my lips, "Take care and God bless po sa work, Mommy. Mahal po kita nang sobra!"

Ngumiti ako at hinalikan siya ng huling beses bago umalis. I am not nervous on my first day because I am confident that my workmates are kind and I can easily bond with them. I have worked with some of them during my work from home setup that's why I'm a bit excited to finally meet them in person.

Matunog ang silhouette ko habang papasok sa elevator. I'm wearing a black tube top and a skirt with a blazer hanging in my arms. My long ash brown hair is in a high ponytail which highlights my high cheeks.

"Bago ba 'yan? Ang sexy at ang ganda!"

"Nababakla ako sa ganda n'ya, beh!"

"Ang alam ko ay straight ako, ah? Bakit parang tumitibok ang pekpek ko?!"

Umiling nalang ako sa mga narinig. Ilang taon na rin noong huli akong nakarinig ng exaggerated compliments. Although, kahit naman noong nasa Iloilo pa ako ay marami ang pumupuri sa ganda ko pero hindi ganito kalala. I cannot blame them. Hindi halata sa katawan ko na may limang taong gulang na anak na ako. My boobs and hips got bigger and my waist went thinner. Mas bumagay din sa akin ang mahaba kong buhok.

"Good morning!" bati ko na nagpatahimik sa magiging kasamahan ko sa trabaho.

They were in awe while eyeing me from head to toe. Literal na hindi sila nakagalaw.

I cleared my throat, "Good morning, again. I'm Laura Solace, one of the novel writers."

"Ikaw 'yung partner ko sa collaboration last month?! Gago, ang ganda mo pala!"

I chucked and nodded. If I'm not mistaken, she's Ms. Niña. She's using the pen name La Niña.

"You're a scammer!" ani ng isang babae na hindi ako pamilyar.

"Scammer? What do you mean?" I asked, creasing my forehead.

"You said you have a daughter. That's impossible! Look at you, you're damn sexy."

Everyone agreed that made me laugh.

"It's possible. My vital statistic is 34, 24, 36 and I have a five-year-old daughter."

Lahat sila ay tumili at nilapitan ako.

*Bestie na tayo para mahawaan ako sa kagandahan mo!"

"What's your secret? You look so young and ready to mingle, huh!"

"Palamas sa dibdib mo beh para malaman ko ang pinagkaiba natin."

Tumatawa lang ako sa mga hirit nila nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan.

"What's going on here?"

Everyone went silent. Mabilis silang bumalik sa kan'ya kan'yang upuan.

"Good morning, s-sir."

He's the head of our department. Siya ang pumipili kung sino ang magsusulat sa isang story. I've known him already because I attended online meetings with him a lot of times. Minsan ay kahit hindi naman kailangan, gusto n'ya pa ring mag meeting kami.

"Good morning, Ms. Laura. It's nice to finally see you," he smirked and handed his hand.

Ngumiti ako at tinanggap ang kamay n'ya, "It's nice to meet you as well, sir."

"Follow me in my office."

Mabilis akong gumalaw at sumunod sa kan'ya. Nakaramdam ako nang kaonting ilang nang suyurin n'ya ang katawan ko.

He cleared his throat and pointed to the chair in front of him.

"Please, have a seat."

He informed me of the rules and regulations of the company. Mind you, he informed me detail by detail. Every word yata ay pinaliwanag n'ya sa akin kung ano ang kahulugan. Kulang nalang na pati ang articles the, a, at an ay ipaliwanag n'ya pa sa akin!

"Do you understand everything?"

"Yes, sir," obviously.

He raised his brows and twisted his lips. Malagkit ang mata n'yang nakatitig sa akin.

"How old are you again?"

"I'm 23 years old, sir. I have a daughter."

Amusement was written on his face. He smirked and looked down at my exposed cleavage.

"I think you're looking at something forbidden, sir," matalim ko siyang tinitigan.

Humalakhak siya at binuksan ang una at pangalawang botones ng kan'yang polo. My eyes stayed on his hairy chest.

"I think you're looking at something forbidden, Miss."

Lumunok ako at napaiwas ng tingin. Damn him! Calm down, Ace. You can't be ruthless on your first day. This is your boss. Calm the fuck down.

Sa tuwing lumalabas si Sir sa kan'yang office ay napapayuko ako para umiwas sa mga titig n'ya. He knows I'm avoiding him because I can see in my peripheral vision that he's smirking while looking at me.

He's so unprofessional for a boss!

Sa wakas ay natapos ang trabaho ko. Lumabas ako nang hindi hinihintay ang mga kasamahan. Bago umuwi ay pumunta muna ako sa malapit na mall upang ibili ng pasalubong ang anak ko. I promise her to buy her a new dress today. I went to the kid's section and roamed around.

"Excuse me, Miss. Where are the dresses for a five-year-old?" I asked.

"On the left side, Ma'am. Near the baby clothes section."

I thanked her and walked in the direction she said. My eyes twinkled upon seeing the dresses. If I could just buy all of these for Twilight, I'll gladly will. Everything is so eye-catching! I'm sure these dresses suit well my daughter. I just decided to buy the yellow and pink cute dresses. Bumili na rin ako ng ternong pangtali at headbands sa damit.

"We're not sure yet if our baby is he or she."

"Let's just buy everything, love. You know I'm excited to see our baby."

"Ang kulit talaga! Kumpleto na ang gamit ni baby sa bahay. You even bought two cribs! Sayang ang isa, hindi magagamit."

"Said who? We'll use the other one after a year, love. Advance lang ako."

"Dawn! We're in a mall!"

"I love you, love..."

Napatigil ako sa aking kinatatayuan. It's been 5 years since I last heard their voice that's why when I heard someone talking about baby stuff, I didn't think of them. I failed to recognize his voice. It just hits me when she mentioned his name. I confirmed that it was them when I saw them walking on my side. Mabilis akong tumalikod sa kanila at sa kasamaang palad ay tumigil sila sa gilid ko.

"Do you want me to carry you? Baka mapagod ka."

"I'm fine, love. Don't worry. I'll tell you if I'm tired."

He sighed and I heard a kiss sound.

"You know that I love you. Mas lalo kitang minahal dahil sa anak natin. I promise you I'll take good care of the two of you. I'll promise to provide everything you need. I'll be a good father to our child. Hinding hindi ko kayo pababayaan. Mahal na mahal ko kayo."

"You're already the best father to the whole universe, Mr. Damon Wneo. I love you, too. Mahal na mahal ka namin ng anak mo."

"Kaya baby, huwag mong pahirapan ang Mommy natin, okay? Gagawa pa kami ng kapatid mo."

"Silly! Let's go, love. Ate Jassy might be waiting for us."

Tuluyan akong naupo sa sahig nang marinig ang yabag nila papalayo sa akin. I covered my face with my palms so I could cry silently.

I'm jealous of Shaira. Selos na selos ako at nasasaktan nang lubusan. Sa mga panahong kailangan ko siya ay iniwan n'ya ako at pinili n'yang makasama ang babae. Nararanasan ni Shaira ngayon ang mga dapat ay naranasan ko noon. He should've taken care of me, too. Dapat ay kasama ko rin siyang mamili ng mga gamit ni Twilight noon. He could've supported me even for a bare minimum. Dapat ay tulad ni Shaira, kasama ko rin siya habang sumasakit ang tiyan ko. Dapat ang kamay n'ya ang hawak ko noong nilalabas ko ang anak namin.

"Miss? What's wrong?"

Nanghihina kong nilingon ang lalaki. His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Ace!"

Inalalayan n'ya akong makatayo. I wiped my tears and felt ashamed because he saw me in this situation.

"James..." I fix myself and smiled at him, "It's been a long time."

"You surprised the hell out of me... Teka, okay ka lang ba? What happened? Why were you crying earlier?"

"Don't mind me..." I shrugged, "Ikaw? Kumusta ka?"

He heavily sighed, "Honestly, I'm not well," mahina n'yang saad, "I was looking for him for five years."

He held my hands and pleadingly look at me.

"I'm begging you, Ace. Please tell me where I can find him."

I bit my lips and sighed, "I don't think I have the right to tell you his location."

"Nagmamakaawa ako, Ace. Just let me see him. I will not mess with him. Naiintindihan ko naman na ayaw n'yang makita ako pero Ace, ako gusto ko siyang makita."

Umiwas ako ng tingin upang hindi makaramdam ng awa sa kan'ya. I know I can easily give In if I'll see how helpless he is.

"Gulong gulo ako, Ace. He left me with lots of questions. Okay naman kami noon, nagkabalikan nga kami. I don't know what I did wrong. I just woke up one day that he wanted to break up with me. Hindi ako pumayag dahil alam kong mahal n'ya ako. It's because of his sickness! Pero isang araw, tuluyan siyang nawala."

I sighed and handed him my phone, "Type your number in my contacts. I will try to convince him to meet you  I'll do my best, James, but if he doesn't want to, I'm sorry... Sa kan'ya ako makikinig."

Nang makauwi ako ay sobrang saya ni Twilight. Sinukat n'ya agad ang damit na binili ko at sobrang bagay sa kan'ya! She even asked if I could wash her clothes tonight so she could wear them tomorrow for our dinner date. I promise her we'll have a dinner date tomorrow. Ilang buwan na rin kasi noong huli naming kain sa mamahaling restaurant.

I wore a fitted long sleeve inserted in high-waisted pants. I also wore my eyeglasses because it's already dark and I still have to drive safely since I'm with my daughter. Ang suot naman ni Twilight ay ang kulay yellow na dress.

"The food here is delicious, Mommy!"

I smiled at her reaction. I'm happy that she's enjoying her food. Ganito siguro kapag naging ina na, kahit malungkot ay magiging masaya kapag nakikita ang ngiti sa labi ng anak.

"Next time po, let's bring Ninong Dada here! I miss them," ngumuso siya.

"Of course, baby. We'll bring them here. Hmm... Do you want me to call them?"

"Yehey! Let's video call them po."

I dialed Jerly's number and she immediately answered it.

"Miss mo na ako, 'no?"

"Gaga, miss na kayo ng anak ko."

"Ay, wrong timing. Tulog na bebe boy ko."

"Baby..." I called Twilight who was now busy eating her slice cake, "Your Tina Ninang's son is sleeping na."

Malungkot siyang tumango, "It's fine po. I called him kanina naman. He said he'll sleep early so he could dream of me."

My mouth fell open. Narinig ko namang tumawa ang nasa kanilang linya.

"Pakisabihan 'yang anak mo, kung ano ano ang sinasabi sa anak ko."

"Panaginip lang naman, walang wet dreams na sinabi!"

"Jerly!" I glared even though she can't see me.

"Virgin, teh?" she chuckled, "Anyway, just in case na makita mo si James, tell him to visit your friend. Kahapon ay nalasing siya! He said he misses his ex. Sigurado naman akong si James ang tinutukoy n'ya."

Napaawang ang bibig ko, "Really? Sure sure! I actually saw him already and he's asking for Reni's location."

I texted James where he could find Reni even if Jerly and I are still on call. Hindi ko mapigilan ang excitement para sa kanila. He immediately replied to me and thanked me for telling him.

"Si Twilight naman ang kausapin ko! Sawang sawa na ako sa boses mo."

Binigay ko ang cellphone ko kay Twilight. Kumain nalang ako ng pagkain ko habang kinakausap n'ya ang dalawa.

While she was busy talking to them, my eyes roamed around to look for the rest room but my eyes stopped to a familiar back. Nakatalikod si Dawn sa amin habang kumakain. He stood up at inalalayan si Shaira na makaupo sa harapan n'ya. Natataranta akong tumingin sa anak ko. She's clueless that his father is just behind her.

"I love you both po! Kiss ko po kayo, mwa..."

I closed my eyes and calm myself down. I was panicking so much. Kinakabahan ako na baka magkita silang dalawa ngayong gabi. I want them to meet, okay? But not today! I haven't prepared myself and Twilight!

"Mommy?"

Nagising ang diwa ko nang marinig ang boses ng anak.

"Y-yes, baby?"

"I said I need to pee po."

"I-I don't think there's a restroom here."

"Ayun po, Mommy..." she pointed to the door near Dawn and Shaira's table, "Let's go, Mommy!"

Tumakbo siya papunta roon at ako naman ay natataranta siyang sinundan. Niyuko ko ang ulo nang dumaan sa kanila. I heaved a sigh of relief when they didn't notice me. Nang makapasok sa loob ay mabilis kong sinarado ang pinto. I almost had a heart attack!

Kakabalik ko palang pero agad kong makikita ang dalawa. Una ay sa sa mall, then next is here. The worse part is I'm with my daughter!

"I'm done po, Mommy."

I slowly opened the door to check if they were busy eating their food so they won't notice me later pero ganoon na lamang ang gulat ko ng ibang tao na ang nakita ko. Namamalikmata lang ba ako kanina? Imposible! I saw them! They might have already finished their food. Mabuti nga. Kagaya nila ay napagdesisyunan na rin namin na umuwi. Naunang lumabas si Twilight dahil nag bigay pa ako ng tip sa mabait na waiter na nag serve sa amin.

"Where are your parents, huh? Dapat ay hindi ka nila pinababayaan! Look what you did to my wife! Paano kung nasaktan ang baby namin? Hindi nag-iingat!"