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Chapter SIX
The Parents
Previously in Chapter FIVE
“Maya, my house is just a minute from here.” he said with a grin.
“What? Are you serious? So, dito ka rin nakatira sa subdivision?” she was surprised to know.
“Yeah. You see that house up there? Richard pointed to the only house in the hilly part of the subdivision, just a few meters away from Maya’s street. “That’s my house.”
“So we live in the same subdivision? You live there? Ikaw yung may ari ng mansion na yan?” Maya asked with incredulous tone.
**********
Continuation…
Richard looked at her with puckered face. “You sound like you think I’m just joking around.” He held Maya’s arm and led her back to the car. “Come, samahan mo muna ako.”
“Uy, san tayo pupunta? Wait lang hindi pa ako nakaka pasok sa bahay, yung mangga oh.” Maya said while following his pace. They were already seated back in the car before Richard answered.
Richard has just made a maneuver because the street of Maya was a dead end, and was already heading up towards his street. “Samahan mo lang muna ako ihatid yung fruits sa bahay ko, it will take just a couple of minutes.”
“So kaya ka pala kilala ng mga guards kasi dito ka nga nakatira.” Maya thought out loud.
“Exactly. Dirediretso nga lang pagpasok, sinaluduhan pa ako. The car has a sticker, look.” Richard pointed to it.
“Accurate ka ha. Talagang a minute lang nga itong house mo from my place. Bago lang kayo dito? Dati kasi luma na yung paint, tapos after na re-paint, pansin ko na may nakatira na. So, ikaw na yun?” Maya asked while looking at the massive house.
“Hmmm…actually yung house medyo matagal na pero we moved here this year lang. Pina repaint lang before we moved in. Kailangan na kasi ng mas sariwang hangin. So, ang nakatiwangwang naman, yung condo unit ko sa Quezon City.” Richard stopped the car but Maya was quick to open the door for herself and stepped out of the vehicle.
“Wow, mas malaki at maganda pala siya pag malapitan.” Maya gave her observation while Richard took the plastic bag of fruits from the back seat.
Richard unlocked the gate with his key and grabbed Maya’s hand. “Let’s go inside. Watch your step medyo malaki yung gap ng mga path stones, baka mapatid ka.”
Richard let go of Maya’s hand. She was left standing on one of the big path stones on the vast grassy area between the gate and the house, while Richard moved up further towards the main door, skipping a few stones. “Wow, such a beauty to see.” Maya said as she looked up, in awe of the well-designed house in the middle of a beautiful garden.
Richard looked back at Maya and appreciated her beauty. “Yes, such a beauty to see.”
“Anak nandito ka na pala.” The old woman just outside the well-crafted two-door entrance said.
Richard abruptly looked behind. “Good evening po Manang. Uhm, Manang Fe, si Maya po, pamangkin po ni Angelo at kapit bahay natin. She lives in that house.” Richard pointed to Maya’s house. “Maya, si Manang Fe, she’s like my second mother, siya nag alaga sa akin since pagka-bata ko.”
Maya waved at the old woman. “Good evening po Manang Fe.”
Manang Fe was in full smiles at her. “Magandang gabi Maya. Pamangkin ka ni Angelo? Madalas sa amin si Angelo eh. Nito na lang paglipat namin dito, hindi pa nagpapakita.”
“Opo, nakababata pong kapatid ng Mama ko si Tito Angelo. At busy po siya lately, ikakasal na po kasi. Tapos active pa po sa Integrated Bar of the Philippines.” Maya explained.
Manang Fe was still smiling at her. “Ah, yung IBP ba yun? Samahan ng mga abogado?”
Richard joined the conversation. “Yes Manang Fe. Maya is also a lawyer. Fierce lawyer, I must say.”
Manang Fe was impressed. “Talaga Maya? Ang galing mo naman, ang batang abogada! Halika muna sa loob, mahamog na diyan sa labas. Umakyat ka dito at sa loob tayo magkwentuhan.”
“Ay, naku, salamat po pero inaantay na rin po kasi ako sa bahay eh.” Maya politely declined.
Richard panicked. “Oh I’m sorry, I almost forgot. Richard proceeded to the stairs but skipped a few then handed the plastic bag to Manang Fe. Manang, ihatid ko po muna si Maya sa kanila, heto po yung fruits, kumpleto po iyan.”
Manang Fe nodded in agreement. “Sige, ako na bahala dito, tulog naman na ang lahat. Maya, sa susunod hindi pwede na hindi ka papasok ha. Kwentuhan tayo.”
Maya looked at Richard who was already heading down where she was. She looked back at Manang Fe. “Opo, sige po sa susunod na lang po ako papasok, promise.” Then Maya turned her back and headed outside the gate.
“Manang, makiki-kape po muna ako kanila Maya.” Richard informed Manang Fe to give her a hint not to wait up.
“Siya sige, kahit isang litro pang kape ang higupin mo kina Maya, malapit lang naman siya dito eh. Kaya bahala ka na sa pag uwi mo, may susi ka naman eh.” Manang Fe gamely answered, showing her approval.
On the way back towards Maya’s place, Richard gave Maya a reminder. “Maya, you have to mean what you said.”
“Huh? Ang alin?” Maya clarified.
“The one you said to Manang. Sabi mo kanina, sa susunod papasok ka, promise.” Richard repeated what he heard.
“Is that how I said it?” Maya played innocent.
“Yes! Kaya I expect na may susunod nga at papasok ka sa bahay. Don’t give her false hope, a-asa kasi yun sa sinabi mo.” Richard said and stopped the engine of the car. Maya immediately got out, with the plastic of ripe mangoes in her hand.
“Sure, yun lang naman pala eh. Dalawin ko siya minsan. She reminds me of my lola, I want to get to know her. Parang ang gaan ng loob ko sa kanya. Para madagdagan naman ang neighbor friends ko. She looks very motherly. Teka, nagsabi ka ba na magkakape ka pa dito? Baka mag-iintay sa iyo.” Maya turned the key and let Richard in.
“Don’t worry, she knows. Sabi nga niya kahit isang litrong kape pa higupin ko rito, okay lang kasi malapit ka lang pala sa bahay.” Richard watched Maya put the mangoes on the fruit plate display and turned the ceiling fan on.
“Richard, wait lang ha, dito ka muna sa sala, silipin ko lang muna yung anak ko, baka isang litrong kape nga ang mainom natin, mahaba habang kwentuhan yun.”
“Sure! I’ll wait here. Take your time. Sorry, na delay ka tuloy sa anak mo because I dragged you to my house.”
“Grabe ka naman sa choice of words. Kanina vigorously, now dragged. Drag talaga? We rode your car, hindi mo ako kinaladkad.”
“Silly! Sige na go to your child. Baka gising pa.” Richard said while looking at her intently with concern.
Moments later, Maya came back wearing house clothes. “Tulog na tulog na. I hope you don’t mind me changing into house clothes, mas comfortable kasi eh.”
“It’s okay, and I’m sorry, dapat hindi na kita sinama sa house kanina.” Richard said with desolate face.
“Don’t feel guilty. Kanina pa tulog. Kaninang kanina pa raw. Kasama niya si Doris. Dun muna siya natutulog sa room ng bata kasi pinapa-ayos ko yung room ni Doris. Anyway, halika.” Maya walked towards the kitchen to get the coffee beans and took out the grinder. “I like freshly ground coffee beans kasi. Uhm, dun tayo sa veranda ha. Wala naman ako mapagmamalaki na spectacular view tulad sa house mo, pero presko dun. I usually have coffee sa veranda kaya nandun na yung coffee maker ko. Do you want cookies or pastries with the coffee? ”
“Coffee will do. Still full from the party.” Richard immediately inhaled the aroma of the coffee beans. “Hmmm, that smells really nice.”
“Bango no? I combined the Christmas blend from Starbucks and French vanilla flavoured local barako. Do you want your coffee black? Ako kasi with cream and sugar.” Maya kept the conversation as she operated the coffee equipment with ease.
“Just like yours. So, what do you use? Powdered cream or liquid?” Richard asked in detail.
“Ah, ever since I discovered kung ano ginagamit ng isang 5-star hotel, yun na rin ang ginagamit ko. Would you believe, ginagamit nila local brand lang? Its evaporated liquid creamer. Sobrang sarap niya, naubos ko yung nasa small container that they give you sa hotel. And I kept asking for more, kasi pinapapak ko with sugar. Maya giggled while telling the story. “Hayun, eventually, sa kulit ko, nakakwentuhan ko yung mga waiter at sinabi sa akin anung brand yung ginagamit nila.” Richard listened to her, enjoying every movement of her mouth as she told the story animatedly.
“I assume that you are a coffee drinker, you give so much effort making it.” Richard said after getting down from one of the kitchen stools to follow Maya who was heading towards the veranda.
“Ito lang naman ang luho ko, coffee. Natural uppers ko sha, physically and otherwise. Amoy pa lang, gising na gising na dugo ko.” Maya motioned Richard to take a seat while she continued to talk. After pouring water in her Bar Italia espresso/cappuccino maker, Maya switched it on.
“Did you know that coffee can make you cheerful and happier? It can help ward off depression. They said that just by being exposed to the aroma of the coffee can help relieve stress! Galing no?” Maya dominated the conversation. She was steaming the liquid creamer for frothing while waiting for the coffee to brew.
“I find you a cheerful person, siguro sobrang coffee drinker ka. Eh bakit ako, coffee addict pero you find me suplado.” Richard asked.
“Eh ang suplado naman talaga kasi ng dating mo eh. Malay ko ba na you can be friendly naman pala.” Maya said while pouring the froth on top of the brewed coffee.
“Glad to know that you find me friendly now. Did you know that coffee can strengthen your brain function and energy? So it improves energy level, moods, reaction time and brain function in general.” Richard gave his share on coffee information.
“Yes, I have read about it too. Sana your mood will improve at mawala ang pagka pikon mo, at mag function well ang brains mo pag natikman mo yang coffee ko.” Maya sat down beside Richard and brought her cup up to smell the coffee.
Richard looked at his cup with astonishment. “Wow! What a creation, may design pa talaga yung froth ha? Do you have sugar?”
Maya took a slurp and savoured the coffee. “Taste it first. If kulang then you ask for sugar. Nilagyan ko na yan kanina.”
Richard obliged. “Hmmm, this is really good. Pwedeng ilaban sa high end coffee shops. Mukhang mapapadalas akong maki-kape dito ah. Okay lang ba?”
“Sure! Basta alam ni Tito Angelo at nandito ako, kasi hindi alam ni Doris gawin yan.” Maya answered without thinking.
“I don’t think that’s even necessary. I wouldn’t have any problems with Angelo. Matutuwa pa yun”. Richard declared confidently. “Sino nga si Doris?” Richard asked with raised brows.
“Yung super angel ko. Yaya ng anak ko.” Maya clarified.
Richard cleared his throat. “Maya? I hope you don’t mind me asking, uhm…kayo lang tatlo ng yaya at anak mo dito?” Richard boldy asked.
Maya was really getting comfortable with their conversation, observing that having a child was no big deal to Richard and that he seemed to be very much aware that the father of her child is not around. “Yes, may weekly na pumupunta for laundry and plantsa. Malaki naman na yung bata, kaya pag nasa school, nakaka trabaho naman si Doris dito.”
Richard went further. “And you can fully trust her with your child? Do you know her that well? Paano pag nasa work ka?”
Maya saw the concern and worry in Richard’s furrowed face. “Atty. Lim, masyado ka ata maraming child abuse case na hina-handle kaya you have those concerns. Yes, matagal ko na kilala si Doris. Kasama na namin siya kina Mama. I grew up with her, she started sa amin teens pa lang sha. She’s already part of my family kaya I can trust her with my child.”
Richard’s face turned smooth and normal. “You’re lucky may parang Manang Fe ka rin pala.”
Maya laughed. “Si Manang Fe ba matandang dalaga? Kasi si Doris mukhang duon ang punta eh.”
Richard answered immediately. “Yes she is! Pero hindi ko kasalanan. It was her choice not to have a family of her own.”
“Ang defensive mo naman.” Maya said laughing then she stood up. “Wait lang ha, may kukunin lang ako, nagutom ako eh.”
“Sure, I am enjoying this, I am not going anywhere.” Richard said coyly.
Minutes later, Maya came back with a tray. “Tagal ko ba?” She asked right away as she put it down on the table.
“Hmm, I already finished my coffee at malamig na yung kape mo …. and akala ko nakatulog ka na sa taas. Matagal na ba yun?” was Richard’s answer.
“Ay, matagal nga. Pina init ko pa kasi uli, malamig pa kasi yung loob. Then nag toast pa ako ng garlic bread.” Maya put a slice of lasagna on her plate. “Teka tikman ko muna baka malamig pa rin yung gitna.”
“Hmmm, tamang tama lang yung init nya. Baka gutom ka rin. Hindi kasi ako naka kain kanina ng maayos kaka entertain ng ibang guest sa party ni Tito Angelo.” Maya asked then put another mouthful of lasagna.
Richard automatically got a paper napkin on the tray and wiped Maya’s chin that was smudged with red sauce. “There, may red sauce kanina eh.”
Maya shivered with the touch of Richard’s fingers on her skin. Not expecting such gesture, Maya was forced to swallow the food down her throat. “Hmm, thank you. Messy siya kainin eh. Lagyan kita sa plate ha? Luto ko yan.” Maya just put some on the other plate without waiting for Richard’s answer. “Sabayan mo na ako, di ba sabi mo, may gusto ka pa ikwento?”
“Sige nga, nagutom na rin ata ako.” Richard put some in his mouth. After a while, Richard stared at Maya who was busy getting more lasagna from the pyrex dish. “Maya?” he called her attention.
“Hmmm?” Maya asked while chewing her food.
“You should also be in the food business. Did you really make this?” Richard asked before taking another fork full of lasagna.
“I used to have a made to order food business actually. Limited lang naman sa lasagna, chicken pastel, pata tim, mga ganyan, may kare-kare, callos, yung mga pwede i-freeze then reheat. Yung ibang orders for parties. Best sellers ko yung paella, roast beef, kare-kare and a few Korean and Chinese dishes. May desserts rin like mga cheesecake, super soft ensaymada, cream puff tower, mga ganun and give aways like mga cookies. Nung hindi na kinaya ng time management ko during law school, I stopped.”
Richard lifted the chin of Maya and wiped the sides of her mouth this time. Then, he looked at her in the eyes. “You know, you continuously amaze me.”
Maya shivered again. “Continuously amaze you?” she asked as if asking for a more elaborate statement.
Richard stared at her for the nth time. “Sabi ko nga, I have seen you around and mahabang kwentuhan yun.”
Maya raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I thought you wanted to tell me something pa, yan ba yun? Simulan mo na, dami pang lasagna oh, at wala pang isang litro na kape ang na consume natin. Marami pang time. At! 1 minute drive lang ang bahay mo from here.”
“Ah yun ba, iba naman yun. They’re more of information, just wanna let you know, ganun.”
Maya was intrigued. “Ano ‘to, para lang tayong nasa korte, manifestation, for your information and guidance, ganun?”
Richard pursed his lips, revealing his dimple. “Yes, parang ganun na nga. Manifestation your honor, for your information and guidance. Perfect way to put it. Since this night has been full of confessions for me, lubosin ko na para wala ng matira pa.”
“Go ahead Atty. Lim, I’ll be listening. You have the floor.”
“Why do I suddenly feel nervous with that statement?” Richard said with creased forehead.
“Atty. Lim, para ka namang hindi pa nakasabak sa korte. Ako lang ito, why would you feel nervous? Eh, pwede mo namang hindi ituloy, if you don’t feel comfortable with it.”
“No, I want to do this. I keep on bumping into you so often in Court, even if you’re not aware of it. And I am definite, we’ll be seeing each other very often. Other than being neighbors, we have Angelo as our common link, lalo pa ngayon na active tayo sa IBP. So I think it’s just right to come clean, I mean, to let you know about some events in the past.” Richard became serious.
“Noted Atty. Lim!” Maya playfully replied.
“Okay! Remember the time when your daughter had a field trip and you waited sa school with her because a little girl did not want you to go?” Richard watched her facial expression.
FLASHBACK
It was late in the afternoon and the school parking area was full of vehicles. Students are seen disembarking from the bus positioned at the drop off fronting the lobby of the school. Passengers of the other tourist buses are also seen eagerly waiting for their turn. Maya chose to park along a small road near the canteen because she planned on checking the school bookstore for some school supplies. She walked fast to make sure she reaches the drop off in time for the turn of bus #3, where her daughter was.
Students from bus #2 were still going down from the bus so Maya walked further on the path way to get a view of bus #3. Her daughter saw her and immediately waved at her with a wide grin. Maya waved back and motioned that she will be at the center of the drop off.
Bus #3 finally moved to the center and one by one, little girls and boys disembarked from the vehicle with the assistance of the teachers and other school personnel.
“Mommy!” the little girl ran to Maya and hugged her.
“Sunshine!” Maya genuflected and hugged her daughter. “Kamusta? Did you have fun?” Maya asked while checking on the child’s back. “Hindi ka ba nabasa ng pawis?”
“It was fun mommy! Nag-play rin po kami kaya pinawisan po ako. Pinalagyan ko po kay teacher ng lampin yung back ko. Mommy she also put some powder!” the little girl informed her mother.
“Ha? Hindi ka pwede sa powder, may allergy ka baka matrigger. San kumuha ng powder?” Maya worriedly asked.
“Don’t worry mommy, I told her so and she said, kaunti lang para lang ma-absorb yung pawis agad. She put some on my back very slowly kaya wala naman po ako na sniff.” the little girl assured Maya.
“Ahh, okay. Halika muna sa bookstore, it might still be open, we need to get you more PE t-shirt and other supplies.” Maya took the bag and held Sunshine’s hand. “Iwan na muna natin yung bag mo dito sa lobby para wala akong bitbit. I still want to read the bulletin boards here for announcements pero unahin muna natin ang bookstore baka magsara.”
Fortunately for Maya, the bookstore was still open. She bought PE t-shirts for Sunshine because she seems to have outgrown the ones at home. She also got supplies like the required paper which can only be bought in the school bookstore.
“Mommy na-wiwiwi po ako.” Sunshine informed her mother who was already paying for her purchases.
“Sige anak, wait lang. Dun na lang tayo sa gym mas malapit dito. Hold on.” Maya quickly put the money handed to her by the cashier inside her bag. She grabbed Sunshine’s hand and proceeded to the gym area. “Uy, parang bukas pa yung canteen oh. Let’s go there after you make wiwi, baka we can have some snack pa and buy food for dinner, para hindi na ako magluluto.”
More than half hour has passed when Maya and Sunshine came back for the bulletin boards. The area was clear of students and fetchers, except for a few little girls sitting on the floor. “Sunshine, upo ka muna sa tabi ng bag mo. I’ll just read some of the announcements sa bulletin board.”
“Hala, maiiwan ka ng mag-isa dito. Kawawa ka naman. Parating na daw ang mommy ko, ikaw wala ka pa ring sundo.” said one of the little girls.
“Hoy Hannah, huwag ka nang manakot diyan! Ang lapit lang kaya ng bahay ni Abby. Baka wala pa lang makuhang tricycle yung yaya nya.” said the other one.
“Eh totoo naman Bea eh. Yaya na nga lang na naman ang susundo, wala pa hanggang ngayon. Baka nakalimutan na siya ni yaya. Hindi na siya masusundo. Bakit ka kasi walang mommy? Kawawa ka naman. Siguro ayaw sa iyo, o baka ampon ka lang.” Hannah forced her opinion.
“Eh ikaw ba may mommy? Siguro bad yung mommy mo, kasi bad yang ugali mo eh.” Sunshine joined the conversation.
Bea looked at the direction of Sunshine and agreed with what she said. “Oo nga, bad ka Hannah. Hindi nice yung mga sinabi mo. Abby, huwag mo na lang siya pansinin.”
Hannah glared at Sunshine and Bea. “Eh bakit ka ba sumisingit sa usapan? Hindi ka naman namin kakilala. At bakit mo naman siya kinakampihan Bea, kaklase mo ba siya?”
Bea smiled at Sunshine. “Eh di kakaibiganin ko. Hi! Ako si Bea, ano pangalan mo? Grade 1 ka rin ba?”
Sunshine smiled back. “I’m Sunshine. Kinder pa lang ako eh. Siya ano pangalan nya?”
Bea stood up and sat beside Sunshine. “Siya si Abby, isa siya sa mga best friends ko. Sayang wala na si Cheska, may brother yun sa Kinder eh. Abby! Siya si Sunshine, new friend natin.”
Abby looked at them and smiled. “Hello Sunshine. Naghihintay ka rin ng sundo mo?”
Sunshine pointed at Maya who was standing before the bulletin board but was listening to their conversation. “Hayun si mommy, may binabasa lang. Sino ba ang susundo sa iyo?”
Abby shrugged her shoulders. “Sabi ni Daddy he will pick me up. Pero wala pa siya. Hindi naman din pa dumadating si Ate Lea.”
Bea saw an approaching car and yelled right away. “Nandiyan na sundo ko!” She stood up abruptly and gathered her things. “Paano Abby, I’ll go home na. Sunshine anong section mo? Kami ni Abby 1-12, pati yang si Hannah.”
“K-11 naman ako. Pwede ko ba kayo tawagin na Ate? Hindi ba mas matanda kayo sa akin, kaya dapat ate tawag ko sa inyo?” Sunshine asked shyly.
Bea cheerfully answered. “Sure! Gusto ko yan. Ako kasi ang bunso sa amin eh, wala tumatawag na ate sa akin.”
Sunshine was happy and clapped her hands. “Yehey! May new friends ako. Abby pwede rin kita tawagin na ate?”
“Ate? Hindi naman kayo magkapatid. Eh wala ngang mommy yan eh, makiki ate ka pa.” Hannah butt in.
“Hoy Hannah ang yabang mo! Ikaw nga walang daddy eh. Kasi lagi nandun sa mga anak nya sa ibang mommy na ayaw patawag ng ate sa iyo!” Bea blurted out.
“That’s not true! Isusumbong kita sa mommy ko!” Hannah said defensively.
“Anong not true! Yan ang sinabi ng yaya mo sa yaya ko!” Bea insisted.
Shocked with what she heard, Maya immediately meddled to take control. “Mga bata, hindi kayo dapat nag uusap ng ganyan. Pag nalaman yan ng school authorities malalagot kayo sa deportment. Baka ipatawag pa ang parents nyo. Sunshine halika na.”
“Mommy, new friends ko po, si Ate Bea at Ate Abby. Grade 1 po sila.” Sunshine informed her mother.
“Hello Bea, Hello Abby! Nandiyan na mga sundo nyo? Uuwi na kami ni Sunshine eh.” Maya knelt to talk to the girls.
“Sorry po, kasi yang si Hannah eh, sama sa kaibigan ko. Babay na po ako Mommy of Sunshine! Hayan na po yung car namin oh.” Bea said.
“Mommy of Sunshine? Tita Maya na lang Bea!” Maya laughed and tapped the little girl’s chin.
“Okay po Tita Maya. Babay na po. Babay Sunshine, babay Abby!” Bea waved them goodbye. “Babay na rin Hannah. Maging nice ka na ha, at Abby, lumaban ka naman kasi.” Bea then rushed to her fetcher.
Immediately thereafter, Hannah excitedly announced the arrival of her mother. “Nandiyan na si mommy ko! Mommy! Mommy!” Hannah waved at the car while jumping.
A blue car stopped at the center of the drop off and a lady called out from the window. “Hoy Hannah! Halika na! Sakay na sa kotse! Bilis! At bakit ang dumi ng uniform mo? ”
Maya and the two girls just watched Hannah approach the car with a sad face and helped herself in putting her things at the back seat. “Bilisan mo na Hannah! May pupuntahan pa ako eh. Alanganin naman kasi ang balik nyo! Dapat hindi na lang kita pinasama sa field trip eh.” Hannah didn’t say a word until she finally went inside the car.
Maya shook her head feeling sorry for Hannah. “Abby, nakita mo yun? Hindi porke may mommy ang isang bata, better na yung life nya. Gusto mo ba ng ganung mommy?” Abby shook her head. “Don’t mind what Hannah says. Now you know how her mommy is, hindi ka dapat mainggit. Kung wala kang mommy, don’t be sad, I’m sure marami ang love ka. Okay?” Abby nodded and looked at her meaningfully. Then Abby started crying.
“Oh, why are you crying?” Maya worriedly asked.
“Natatakot po ako mag intay dito mag-isa eh. Wala na pong ibang bata dito. Abby answered honestly.
“Bakit ka matatakot, nandiyan naman ang guard eh. I’m sure parating na rin ang sundo mo.” Maya tried to pacify Abby.
“Pero hindi po lady guard. I’m scared. Pwede po ba mamaya na po kayo umalis ni Sunshine?” Abby politely requested. “Kung may mommy siguro ako, baka nandito rin yun kagaya nyo.”
Maya felt sorry for Abby. In her mind, maybe one of these days, Sunshine would be feeling the same for not having a father around. “Sige Abby, sasamahan ka na lang namin muna ni Sunshine.”
“Thank you po, you’re so kind. Sarap siguro ang may mommy. Pero ayaw ko po yung mommy like Hannah’s mommy.” Abby said.
“Abby nagugutom ka ba? Do you want to eat?” Maya asked.
“Thank you po Tita Maya, busog pa po ako eh. Dami ko pong baon. Hindi ko pa nga po naubos eh.” Abby answered.
“Sige, dito muna kayong dalawa ha. May kakausapin lang ako sandali.” Maya stood up and proceeded to the information and talked to the male guard. She asked if there’s somebody she can talk to so they can call up the parent or guardian of Abby to let them know that the girl is still in school and should be picked up.
Maya went back to the girls after about 10 minutes. She assured Abby that anytime now, somebody will come to get her. “Abby, nakausap na ng school authorities yung Daddy mo, on the way naman na pala, naipit lang sa traffic. Pero pupunta na raw dito si Ate Sabel mo.”
“Talaga po? Uhm…pwede po ba antayin muna po niyo si Ate Sabel?” Abby said with a hopeful face.
“Of course. Hindi naman kita basta basta iiwan dito, lalo na friends na kayo ni Sunshine.” Maya smiled at her and her daughter. “Happy ka anak, may new friend ka?”
“Opo mommy, dalawa pa sila! Sabi ni Ate Abby, papakilala rin nila ako kay Cheska kasi may brother siya sa Kinder.” Sunshine sounded so excited.
About 15 minutes later, a tricycle stopped and a woman came rushing. “Abby! Naku Abby! Kanina ka pa nag aantay? Naku, hindi naman kasi sinabi ni Sir eh. Si Ate Lea mo, lumabas, kaya ako na ang pinapunta dito. Parating na si Daddy mo.”
Abby was glad to see Ate Sabel. “It’s okay Ate Sabel. Hindi naman po ako iniwan nila Sunshine at Tita Maya. Sinamahan nila ako mag-wait for my sundo. But now that you’re here, makaka uwi na rin sila. Thank you po Tita Maya and Sunshine. Parating naman na po pala si Daddy eh.”
Sabel approached Maya. “Ma’am, salamat po ha. Pasensya na at nahuli na kayo sa pag uwi dahil sa alaga namin. Excommunication kasi eh. Hindi nagka intindihan sa bahay.”
Maya chuckled. “Hello Sabel, miscommunication ba ang ibig mo sabihin?”
Sabel scratched her head. “Yun na nga po, miscommunication po. Parating na rin po si Sir.”
Maya looked at Abby and Sunshine playing hand game. “Abby! Uwi na kami ni Sunshine ha. Okay ka na with your Ate Sabel?”
Sabel noticed a vehicle approaching from the school gate. “Hayan na po si Sir!”
Abby and Maya looked at the direction of the gate. A white Toyota Land Cruiser was approaching. Abby hugged Sunshine “I’m happy naging friend kita.” She rushed to Maya and hugged her. Maya bent to hug her back. “Thank you po Tita Maya! You’re an angel.” Then Abby kissed her on the cheek and rushed to Sabel. “Babay po, see you Sunshine!”
Maya gathered their things. “Bye Abby! Sige Sabel.” Then Maya walked towards her car with Sunshine in tow.
PRESENT
“I was the cause of the delay. Color coding kasi ako and it was close to 3:00 p.m. so pinilit ko makarating sa condo ko sa Eastwood so I can change vehicles. Kaya lang, pag dating sa Ortigas extension, sobrang traffic because of road works. Then there was miscommunication sa house. Dapat nauna ang yaya sa school before dumating ang tourist bus from the field trip, even assuming that I was on time.” Richard explained, conscious of Maya’s facial expression.
“So that little girl… si Abby, she is your daughter? Ikaw yung Daddy niya?” Maya asked in a high tone.