Way Back Home

39

Meeting Rawl after so many years feels different. Aside from how he looks, I figure out that my feelings are gone.

I coughed and tried to remain in posture. Just like how I practiced this scenario in the mirror every time I think of him. And now, it finally happened. I am a bit nervous but apart from that, I feel calm and so fine. Except for the part that my daughter just said. I am stunned for sure.

I put a smile on my face and faced them fearlessly.

"Thanks." It was like my mind ordered my mouth to talk without letting me know. It came out naturally.
 
He showed me a small smile and it feels like I ran out of words.

I don't know for how long have been staring at them. My daughter is in the arms of her father after the years it has been stolen. And seeing her in his father's arms kinda feels different.
It warms and softens my heart.

Tamila and her family are like blessings in disguise. Aside from them, Lau also came. Minutes after, Namiel follows with their kids.

My children meets her cousins and played with them. Good thing, they all went well. Since they were just at the same age.

We, the adults, settle in the kitchen. The yayas kept their eyes on the kids as Tamila said we all need to talk. And we all agree with her.

They only asked about the kids and respects Rawl and my problems. I was silently thankful for that. Besides, I don't want to know about what happened between us. We might forget a single piece of information that makes them misunderstand the whole situation, which leads us to this situation.

Nang magkamustahan na kami ay may narinig kaming batang umiiyak galing sa labas. I know it was my daughter and was about to stand up to go to her when Rawl caught my attention. Due to his fast reflexes, he already stood up and was about to go her when he looks at me. Like he was waiting for my permission to go Ad. I simply give him a nod and he was already gone out of my sight.

I hear Lau snort. So I looked at her and saw her holding her laugh. I know what's running inside her mind and never bother asking her.

"Sus kayo talaga, parang mga teenagers!" She broke the silence for the nth time.

Sinapak siya ni Tam at biglang tumawa. At dahil kaming tatlo lang ang natira lumabas na ang tunay na kulay ng mga bunganga nila. It feels nostalgic.

"Kung makasapak ka ha, kala mo hindi buntis."

Agad nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig at agad napatingin kay Tamila. "For real?"

And knowing Tamila, instead of answering me seriously, she sang it with mockery.

"Gaga ka talaga."

I became busy for the next few days and barely sleep. Good thing, Rawl was always there to watch the kids. They kinda bonded together with their cousins. They had fun. I know.

And time would come and they would tell me that they wanted to live here instead of in the US. Kaya paunti-unti ko namang inaasikaso ang mga papeles namin kapag may oras ako. Good thing Danes' wife is so kind enough to help me without asking her.

Bukas na ang libing ni Auntie kaya naman ay mas naging busy ako sa araw na ito. I bought groceries for tomorrow's snacks and food. Goes to the cemetery to check her grave and the church to remind them. I know tomorrow would be so tiring and sad for us but we needed to stay strong and be happy as she would be free.

At kung masasaktan man ako at mangungulila sa kaniya, paano pa kaya si Uncle. One of the reasons why I wanted to live here for good. No matter how good and close to being successful there, I need to take care and be with him. And for the sake of my kids and their relationship with their father.