Early in the morning, Callum sent me a message telling me that he’s going here again. Gusto ko mang sabihan siyang h’wag na, narinig ko na agad ang pagwawala ni Hestia at hinahanap ang Daddy niya. Napahinga ako ng malalim bago ni-reply-an si Callum.

To: Callum
Alright, you can go here now.

Natulala ako ng ilang sandali habang iniisip ang mga nangyari. Everything seems so surreal now. Parang ang bilis ng lahat ng nangyari. Parang . . . hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na sa isang iglap at hindi inaasahang pangyayari ay nagkita ang mag-ama. I really want to make it a secret but I think fate is really has its own way for our lives. It has a plan for us.

I shook my head, inaalis sa isipan ang gano’ng bagay. I shouldn’t be affected that Callum is with us now. Because in fact, he’s just here because of the thought of his responsibilities to his daughter. I shouldn’t think too much that will drive me to falling in love to him so hard for the third time. I should render my heart ang mind.

After minutes of just being preoccupied and just staring at the ceiling, I decided to finally go to the bathroom to take a shower. May trabaho rin pala akong dapat asikasuhin. Kagabi ay sunod-sunod na tawag ng sekretarya ko ang tumapos sa gabi ko, telling me about the meetings and clients I missed the whole day. Pina-reschedule ko ang mga ‘yon at paniguradong magiging abala ako ngayong araw.

While putting a light make up on my face, someone knocked on my door.

“Madame, narito ho si sir Callum sa baba. Hinahanap po kayo,” anang kasambahay na bahagyang nagpagulat sa akin kahit na inaasahan ko naman ang pagdating niya ngayong araw.

“Pakisabi na nag-aayos pa ako. Baba rin ako after a minute.”

She responded and heard her footsteps away from the doorway.

I heave a deep sigh before finally giving up on pushing Callum away from my daughter’s life. Ngayon pa lang ay sukong-suko na ako. Paano pa kapag napatunayan niya talagang anak niya si Hestia. I know he already pull some strings about it. At alam kong naiinis siya sa akin dahil pinilit ko pang itago sa kaniya kahit kita naman na ang ebidensya. Kahit na ipagpilitan kong hindi siya ang ama . . . gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan upang mapatunayan ‘yon.

When I went downstairs I immediately heard my daughter squirms from the leaving room. I can’t even smile because I am bothered. That Callum might leave after he gaves hope to my daughter. He can find any way to escape from this responsibility sooner or later. Madadamay lang ang anak ko.

“How old are you again?” Callum asked in a sweet and soft voice to my daughter.

“I’m thlee!” Hestia giggled when she answered.

“When will you turn four, then?” asked Callum again.

“On . . . hmm . . . Aplil?” I smiled when she answered unsure.

“April, I’ll take note on that. What do you want for a Christmas gift?” Napayuko ako dahil alam ko na ang isasagot ng anak ko.

“Mommy and Daddy . . .” Hestia answered in a soft voice. My eyes watered and smiled sadly.

For years, she didn’t asked for his father. But every Christmas she asked for a complete family. Just like when she was two years old.

“I want my family,”

Hindi ko na napigilan at tuluyan na akong bumaba. Nang narinig nila ang yabag ko ay pareho silang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin. My daughter smiled at me sweetly while Callum stared at me with unreadable expression. Hanggang sa makababa ako nang tuluyan ay gano’n ang tingin niya sa akin.

“Molning, mommy!” Hestia ran towards me and hugged my waist.

“Good morning, baby.” Agad akong bumaling kay Nica. “Kumain na ba siya ng agahan? Sorry, I overslept.”

“Opo, pero pagkatapos pong kumain ay nag-iiyak na kasi uh . . . hinahanap po niya ang . . . daddy niya.” alanganing sagot ni Nica sa akin.

Tumango ako sabay baling kay Callum na nakatayo na rin at mukhang inaabangan ang pagtingin ko sa kaniya.

“Kailangan kong pumasok sa trabaho. Kung wala ka nang dapat gawin dito, p’wede ka nang umalis.” I said harshly.

Ramdam ko ang tinging kuryoso ni Hestia sa amin. She doesn’t even understand what we’re talking about. Agad na umiling si Callum sa akin.

“I’m free the whole day. Sasamahan ko ang anak natin dito,” mariin akong pumikit.

Samu’t saring isipin agad ang pumasok sa isipan ko. At lahat ng ‘yon ay masasama at pang-aakusa.

“I still can’t trust you yet with my daughter, Callum. Kaya kung p’wede, umalis ka na. May magbabantay naman sa anak ko—”

“Anak natin.” pagtatama niya sa sinabi ko.

“H’wag mong ipagpilitan ang gusto mo dahil hindi ‘yon mangyayari.” Pagmamatigas ko.

Umiling siya, “I’ll find ways.” Pagpupumilit niya. “Sasamahan ko siya rito maghapon. Don’t worry, I won’t get her away from you. Gusto ko lang . . . makasama ang anak ko. I’ll spend this whole day with her. Hindi kami aalis ng bahay niyo para mapanatag ka. You can ask your guards to look after me if I will do funny things here. I promise, I won’t do anything you don’t like. I just want to be with her.” Bumaba ang tingin niya kay Hestia na nakatingin lang din sa amin.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at pilit na ikinukunot ang noo para hindi niya makitang nahabag ako sa mga salita niya. Huminga ako nang malalim bago ibinalik ang tingin sa kaniya.

“Fine. Kapag may ginawa kang masama sa anak ko, o sa kahit ano rito, hindi ako magdadalawang isip na ipakulong ka o ipabaril ka sa mga guards dito. Don’t break this little trust I have right now, Callum. Because I’m telling you know, I’m far from the Hailey you knew years ago. I am no vulnerable now. Kaya na kitang pantayan sa kapangyarihan at yaman mo. Remember, I am a Reifenstuel.” sambit ko sa isang mariing boses.

Nakita ko ang pagbabago ng ekspresyon niya at ang pagdaan ng emosyon sa mga mata niya. I just can’t figure it out clearly. He grimaced, then took a step forward before leaning in to whisper on my ear.

“I’ll take care of our daughter, don’t worry. I won’t break your trust again.” Then he kissed my cheek tenderly.

“Mommy, kiss?” I face heated profusely. I sighed heavily and look at my daughter. “Kiss me, Mommy!” I kneeled to level her face then I planted a soft kiss in her cheel and forehead.

“Behave here, okay? You can call me anytime if you want something.” I said softly as I stare at her cute face.

“Alight, mommy.”

I stood up and look straight at Callum’s eyes. I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes when I look at him with indifference.

“No monkey business, Callum. I swear to God, I will never forgive you if something bad happen to my daughter.” He nodded attentively and gave me a smile.

Umalis na ako ro’n at habang nasa biyahe ay iniisip ang anak kong kasama ang ama niya ngayon sa mansyon. Wala naman na akong magagawa dahil iiyak lang ang anak ko kakahanap sa daddy niya. Napabuntong hininga ako at nag-focus na lang sa pagmamaneho ng sasakyan.

At kahit nasa opisina na ako ay sila pa rin ang iniisip ko. Even though Nica’s informing me about their whereabouts, I still can’t help but think about my daughter.

I know she’s happy. I just hope Callum won’t tear her hearts apart after her happiness. I can’t afford to see my daughter being neglected by his father.

Nang maghapon ay tumawag si Callum sa akin na agad ko namang sinagot.

“Hello,” I answered in a hoarse voice.

“Hey, uhm . . . I’ll just ask, what do you want for dinner?” he asked making me frown. Hesitation is visible in his voice.

“Kahit anong iluto ng housemaid, ayos na sa akin ‘yon.” sagot ko.

“Uhm, I’ll cook . . . our dinner.” Mariin akong napapikit bago kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi.

“Kahit ano, ayos na sa akin kahit anong lutuin mo.” sagot ko ulit sa isang mababa at mahinang boses. Tila nawalan ng lakas.

“Alright, see you later.”

Hindi na ako sumagot hanggang sa ibaba niya ang tawag. Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib, dinadama ang lakas ng tibok no’n. What the hell am I feeling again? Please, heart stop torturing me.

Tumunog ang intercom na konektado sa sekretarya ko, kaya agad ko iyong sinagot.

“Yes, Ysha?”

“Ms. Villamoneva sent an appointment, madame. Should I accept it?” she said in her usual voice.

“Sent me the detail first, please.”

“Right away, madame.”

Nawala siya sa kabilang linya kaya agad akong tumingin sa laptop para tingnan ang ise-send niyang email. After reading the mail, I gave her a go signal to accept the client. Mamayang gabi agad ang gusto nitong pagkikita na wala namang problema sa akin, dahil na rin malaking kliyente ito. Ms. Villamoneva is also a known business woman, and this is the second time she negotiate with me. But this time, she’ll buy new condominium from us.

After settling everything, I decided to go out of work. Nag-text ako kay Callum na hindi ako makakain ng hapunan sa bahay kasama sila kaya naman dumiretso na ako sa isang restaurant para roon na kumain at hintayin si Ms. Villamoneva. I was waiting for my order when my phone beeped for a message, and it is from Callum. But before I press his message to read, my phone rang for a call, this time it is from Ms. Villamoneva. I immediately answered the call.

“Hello,” I answered in my normal business-like tone.

“Good evening, Ms. Reifenstuel! I’m sorry for the short notice, but can we meet in Revel, please. It’s just in BGC.” Napakagat ako sa pang-ibabang labi. “I consider you as a friend since I met you, so please join me here.”

“Okay, uhm, I’ll be right there, Ms. Villamoneva.” I heard her groan.

“Just Rhoana, please.” she pleaded.

I chuckled, “alright, Rhoana. Just wait me there, okay.”

“Alright! Thank you so much!”

Hindi naman nagtagal ang paghihintay ko sa pagkain kaya naman kumain muna ako kahit kaunti bago pumunta sa bar na sinasabi ni Ms. Villamoneva — I mean, Rhoana. Napabuntong hininga ako nang makarating roon kasabay ng pagtunog ng cellphone ko para sa isa na namang tawag. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang si Callum ‘yon.

“Hello,” bungad ko habang lumabas sa parking lot.

“Where are you? You didn’t reply to my text.” Tila nauubusan ang pasensyang sambit niya.

“Uh, sorry, I was just got busy with my dinner—”

“Kumain ka pa sa labas kung p’wede namang dito kasama namin. I can drive you to your meeting anytime you want.”

Kumunot ang noo ko sa tinuran niya.

“I’m sorry, kung diyan pa ako kakain, male-late ako sa meeting place namin ni Ms. Villamoneva.” I said in a hesitant tone.

Umingay nang makalapit ako sa entrance.

“What the fuck? Where are you, Hailey Avery?” he asked, growling.

“Nasa Revel,” walang pakialam kong sagot habang tumitingin sa loob.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang bigla niyang patayin ang tawag. Ibinalik ko na lang ang cellphone ko sa bag at tuluyan nang pumasok sa loob para hanapin si Ms. Villamoneva.

“Hailey!” I frowned when I saw her alone in a U-shaped couch.

Lihim akong umiling bago naglakad palapit doon. Nang makaupo ay binigyan niya ako ng drink. It’s a cognac.

“You’re drinking with me, right?” she smiled sweetly at me.

Tumango ako bago kinuha ang shot at uminom. Back in America, I used to drink, but alone. I can’t socialize with anyone there since I don’t want to be known there. I usually spend an hour or two in an exclusive bar if I’m stressed out or whenever Ate Kiana and her husband visits me in America, we used to drink.

“I’m sorry if I drag you here,”

“It’s fine. I also think I need to unwind through this even just a bit.” I replied looking around the bar. The crowd were already wild as the DJ give them vibes they want.

Rhoana started a conversation with me about the condominium she wants to buy from my company. Binigyan ko rin siya ng mga impormasyon tungkol doon, hanggang sa makapagdesisyo na rin siya.

“You can visit our condominium tomorrow, anytime you want.” I said as I put the folder back to my bag.

“Maybe the day after tomorrow? I will have hungover tomorrow for sure.” she utter as she drink one more shots of liquor she ordered.

“Do you have a problem?” I asked carefully.

Wala akong maraming kaibigan, bilang lamang ‘yon at hindi ako gano’n ka-showy sa kanila tungkol sa akin pero marunong naman akong makiramdam sa kanila kapag may problema sila.

She shook her head before looking at me with sad eyes. “You know . . . I was desperate for attention of this certain man before. Because I love him. I was like that for years. Then came to realized that . . . I don’t stand a chance to be loved by him. Because . . . he’s in love with someone. That’s why my father decided to keep me away from him. And then now . . . this guy is always bugging me, kung kailang naka-moved on na ako sa kaniya. Kung kailang tinanggap ko nang wala kaming pag-asa. I don’t know what’s with him. Ginugulo niya ang isipan ko. Tang inang rason niya.”

Nakatitig lang ako sa kaniya habang patuloy siya sa pagsasabi ng mga ‘yon.

“Para kasing nanggagago na ang isang ‘yon. I know he’s already engaged, at ayaw ko namang makasira ng relasyon dahil sa ginagawa niya. That’s why I’m here. Trying to escape from him. At kaya rin bibili ako ng condo sa ‘yo dahil kailangan kong malayo sa kaniya.” she winked at me.

“You deserve someone better than him. Don’t let him invade your personal space and mess your mind.”

She smiled, “that’s what I am doing now. Pagod na kasi ako. Hindi ko na . . . gustong magmakaawa sa atensyon ng iba.”

She continue to drink hard liquor. I did the same, but slowly. Ayaw ko rin namang magpakalasing. Yes, I also need to drink because of what’s happening in my life right now but I should still be responsible because of my daughter.

I was about to drink another shot when a man’s hand stopped me from doing so. I immediately look at who is it and stilled. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kung sino ang pumigil sa kamay ko sa pag-inom.

“What the — Callum! Why are you here?” I asked nervously. I shouldn’t be nervous but I did when I saw how cold his eyes are.

“I should be the one asking you that. Why are you here? I was waiting for you but here you are, drinking in a night club!” he growled.

Napapikit ako nang mariin dahil hindi makayanan ang titig niya sa akin. I’m doom!