Dazzle

Chapter 14

D A Z Z L E

Chapter Fourteen

Wyatt

I sighed as Cameron's car disappear from view. I messed up. She looked like as if I hurt her, I kind of did but I did not mean that. I want her, and of course I like her. She's nothing but nice, sweet, and beautiful. She's perfect. But I've been here in this town for years and I know that no matter how kind they may be, they will talk, and talk, and talk about Cameron and I. I don't want her to experience that kind of attention, it might tear her apart. Then there's her job. Mrs. Yu and the board will not approve of it, it might cause her her job.

"Daddy, let's go to Aunt Stella. I need a new pencil." Said Umiko behind me. Tugging my shirt.

"Pencil? Marami ka pang pencil, 'nak."

"Please, daddy." She said with her pouty lips and puppy eyes. I sighed and resigned.

"Fine. We'll get you a new pencil."

-

Sa bakery na kami naunang pumasok ni Umiko dahil naroon si Stella. She's having coffee with Silas and Landry.

"Hi, Miko. Are you feeling better?" Tanong ni Stella rito at kinalong ang anak ko. Kumuha naman ako ng tray upang ibili ng tinapay ang anak kong malapit na ring maging tinapay sa sobrang hilig sa milk bread at cheese bread.

"I'm bettel now, Aunt Stella. Teashel Cams is going to be my mommy. Daddy kissed Teashel Cams, I'm so happy! Teashel is going to be my mommy!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at muntikan ko nang mabitiwan ang hawak kong tray.

Rinig ko rin ang pagsinghap ni Marcy na nasa counter. Si Stella man ay napasinghap din. Mabilis akong lumingon kung nasaan ang anak ko. Si Silas ay nabitin sa ere ang pag inom ng kape, ang ibang tao sa bakery ay nakatutok ang mga mata kay Umiko na hindi pa rin tumitigil sa pag k-kwento.

"Daddy also hugged Teashel Cams. My wish came true, Aunt Stella. I tossed a coin in the ocean and made a wish. I wished for Teashel to be my Mommy. Daddy kissed teashel! I want Teashel Cams to be my mommy, she's so beautiful. Daddy kissed Teashel Cams!"

"Oh, shit." I cursed.

Binitiwan ko na ang tray at kinuha si Umiko kay Stella at lumabas kaming mag ama.

"Anak, why did you say that? Did you see me kissing Teacher Cameron?" I asked habang nasa gilid kami ng kalsada. Mula sa kinagatayuan namin ay natatanaw ang bahay ni Cameron kung saan nakatutok ngayon ang mga mata ng anak ko.

"Yes daddy. I thought I was dleaming, but I pinched my cheek and I'm awake. I'm so happy when I saw you kissing Teashel. Is she going to be my mommy now? Please, Daddy. I want teashel to be my mommy." Saad niya at pinagdikit pa ang dalawang palad. Puppy eyes and pouty lips combination are showing again.

"Love, that's not that easy." I told her as I sighed. I kissed her temple and found myself walking towards Cameron's house. Since my daughter blurted something like that inside the bakery with our friends and other townspeople, Cameron must know.

"Please, daddy?"

I sighed again. Damn, this is a mess.

-

Cameron's eyes were puffy and she's been sniffling when she opened the door for us.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked, then I reached for her but she flinched.

"Teashel, why awe you clying?"

"Oh, no dear. I'm not crying." She said and smiled to my daughter, clearly avoiding my gaze.