Dazzle

Chapter 22

D A Z Z L E

Chapter Twenty Two

Wyatt

“Wyatt, I decided that I will meet my mother.” Cameron said. Sinundo ko silang dalawa ni Umiko sa school at sa bahay na niya muna kami dumeretso. Kaming dalawa ay nasa kusina habang ang anak ko ay nasa may living room at abala sa pagkukulay ng coloring book niya.

I looked at her and saw the determination in her eyes.

Ibinaba ko ang iniinom kong kape sa lamesa at huminga ng malalim.

“Okay, when do you plan to meet her?” Tanong ko sa kanya.

“I want to do it soon. Ayaw ko ng maghintay at mag isip.” Sabi niya, her hands turned into fists.

“Okay. I-schedule natin ngayong weekend, gusto mo?”

“Yes. Let’s do it.” She said. I know she’s trying to be brave and it’s damn admirable.

I smiled and opened my arms.

“Come here.” Tawag ko sa kanya.

I hugged her and kissed her temple.

“No matter what, I am here.”

“I know. Thank you.” She said while still buried in my chest.

-

I feel like Cameron is scared of what’s going to happen this weekend. She’s not her usual self. Magiliw pa rin siya sa mga narito sa bayan at maging sa school pero nakikita ko na nag w-worry pa rin siya.

I’ve been trying to cheer her up in my own way. We’ve been hanging out almost everyday. Pagkatapos ko sa trabaho ay pinupuntahan ko na kaagad siya. Kasama na rin naman niya si Umiko sa bahay niya. I know Silas, Stella and the rest of the town is doing the same. Sa tuwing darating kasi ako sa bahay ni Cameron ay naroon na rin sila.

I don’t know if the town is still talking about us, but at this point I don’t even care. Pero sa palagay ko naman ay hindi, because they all seems to be sincerely and genuinely worried for Cameron. We’re all trying our best to make Cameron feel well loved and welcomed, that even her mother abandoned her, we’re all here for her.

Well, perks of being in a small town, maalaga rin ang mga tao rito lalo na sina Marcy.

“Miko, go and kiss teashel.” I told my toddler who is busy playing with Mr. Octopus and her new dolphin friend.

“Why?” She asked. Mukhang tinatamad pang tumayo ang maliit na tao.

“Teacher Cameron is sad. She needs us.”

“Why Teashel sad?”

“Because she’s worried about her m –, because she’s worried about something.” Agap ko. Muntikan ko ng masabi na tungkol sa mother ni Cameron. Baka mamaya ay paulanan ako ng anak ko ng mga tanong tungkol sa biological mother niya ay wala naman akong isasagot.

“’Kay.”

Tumayo ang anak ko at lumapit sa teacher niya at pinanuod ko siyang humawak sa laylayan ni Cameron at manghaba ang nguso.

Cameron smiled and knelt down beside Umiko. Hinayaan niyang halikan siya sa pisngi ni Umiko.

“Teashel, ale you sad? Daddy said you’le sad.” Narinig kong tanong ng anak ko at tumingin sa akin si Cameron.

“A little bit but not anymore since you are here.”

“I’ll kiss you again, teashel.” My daughter said and kissed Cameron again. More soundly this time and with a giggle.