The Politician's Biggest Mistake (Flame Series #1)

40

"M-Miss Cortez?!"

"Hi, Teacher. Good afternoon."

"What's with the sudden visitation, Mommy?"

Apollo's teacher immediately grabbed a seat for me. I smiled, but it's not coming from my heart. I just smiled 'cause I have and I need to.

She called me "Mommy". She knows, huh?

I sat on the chair she gave me. She smiled from ear-to-ear which I wish I could also do.

"Gusto ko lang sanang ipaalam si Apollo, Teacher," I started. "We're planning to live in America for good."

Hindi na 'ko nagpaligoy-ligoy pa at agad na sinabi ang balak. Her eyes widen in amusement and confusion.

"Mommy, seriously po, Apollo is one of our school's pride. Sa edad niya po, he's smart enough at kung tutuusin, papasa na siya ng grade two," she stated. "Ano po ba'ng rason ng biglaang pag-alis ninyo, Mommy?"

"Personal reasons po, Teacher," I answered then forced a smile.

The teacher smiled sadly before nodding. She looks like she's having a problem with letting Apollo go. Ano ba ang problema nito?

We talked for minutes about Apollo's behavior and academics. I am proud of my son lalo nang sabihin ng teacher niya na magkakaroon ng mataas na karangalan ang bata kung 'di lang aalis. Well, what's to expect? He's my son... May dugong Acoza rin.

Cortez and Acoza's blood is running inside Apollo's veins. What a lucky kid, indeed.

"So, thank you, Teacher," I said then stood up, clapping my hands a bit.

"Thank you, Mommy!" the teacher said. "Ingat po kayo. Malayo at maraming mararating 'yang si Apollo. Kamukhang-kamukha po ninyo."

Sinungaling. Kamukha ni Ian 'yan, paano ko naging kamukha?

Gusto kong sabihin iyon, but I managed myself. No, mapapahiya siya. Isa pa, that sounds so rude kung sasabihin ko. I'm here to ask for a favor.

But you already received the favor. Why don't you spill those harsh words, Jasmin?

Gusto kong sampalin ang sarili sa naiisip. I am being rude, again!

"I'm leaving now," I announced. "Again, thank you for the time, Teacher."

The teacher just nodded and that's when I had the cue to leave the room. My heart is beating in a crazy way when I left the building.

Nang sumakay ako sa kotse ay naabutan ko si Apollo na nakapikit sa passenger seat. Natawa ako ng kaunti dahil halata namang inaantok siya. Antukin talaga!

Kinuha ko ang isang throw pillow sa backseat at inilagay ito sa bandang pisngi ni Apollo. I smiled after fixing him then bowed my head a bit to give him a kiss on his forehead.

"I'm sorry if I can't tell you who your father is, okay?" I whispered. "Mama is scared. I'm coward. I'm so sorry, Apollo."

After that, I fixed my seatbelt and drove our way home. Nang makauwi ay agad akong bumaba ng sasakyan at 'di na ginising pa si Apollo. Binuksan ko ang passenger seat at kinuha siya roon. Binuhat ko siya papasok sa bahay.

"Welcome ba— ay, tulog?"

Naputol ang sigaw ni Eman nang makita si Apollo na buhat ko. I slowly nodded before laying Apollo down on the sofa. Nang bibitawan ko na siya ay mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa 'kin.

"Hala ka. Ayaw magpa-alis, Ems," naiiyak na ani ko. "Ang bigat niya. Nangangalay na 'ko. Look at me, I look like a frog na nakayuko. Omg, please, help me!"