"You should be thankful to your parents. Kung 'di dahil sa kanila, hindi matutuloy ang art workshop natin."
"That's right, you're a lucky child, Akemi. You have hard working and successful parents."
How could they said it like that? My professors know nothing about us. Akala nila kung ano ang nakikita nila ay iyon na 'yon.
They think l'm a lucky child because l have successful parents, we're financially stable, we have a big house and I could buy all the things l want...but it's not like that.
I'm not happy.
Money can't buy my happiness. I seek for a parent's love. Ever since l was born, l am always left behind...May malaki nga kaming bahay pero bilang ko lang ang mga araw na umuuwi ang mga magulang ko roon.
Once in a week. That's equal to four times in a month. They just pay people to watch over me. It's not only Nanay Fe, I was in middle school when l noticed someone who kept following me when l go out and go home.
I was so scared that l went to enrolled in taekwondo academy for my own safety. Then l knew they did that on purpose. They don't know how it affects me to the point that l couldn't slept at night thinking about it.
"Mommy, my feet hurts." I saw a little boy holding his mother's hand who's obviously pregnant. I could say 'cause she has baby bump.
"Sorry baby, mommy can't carry you right now. Let's just wait for daddy, okay?" The woman at her 30s look so stunning. Kahit buntis siya at may anak na ang ganda niya pa ring tignan.
Sana all.
The kid nodded then he hugged his mother. "I understand mommy, l won't hurt you and baby sister." He's so adorable and sweet, he definitely look like a foreign kid...now l wonder if he's real.
I closed my eyes and tried to erase them in my mind but when l opened my eyes they're still there, watching the scenery of sunset. I smiled.
They're real!
I don't know why l'm here alone in the park, watching other family bondings. Kailan ko kaya mararanasan ang mga nakikita ko ngayon? Everytime l had dinner with my parents, it felt so empty. Minsan ko na nga lang sila makasama tungkol sa negosyo pa rin ang pinag-uusapan nila. Nakakawalang gana.
The woman and her son noticed me staring at them. I was stunned when she smiled at me. She's so gorgeous!
Lumapit siya sa akin kasama ang anak niya, nahihiya ako kasi minsan lang may lumalapit sa akin.
"Hi, would you mind if we sit beside you?" she asked.
"No. Not at all." Kinarga ko ang batang lalaki paupo sa tabi ko, medyo mataas kasi ang bench kaya nahihirapan siyang umupo.
"Thank you ate pretty." The kid kissed me on cheek. I can't help but to smile and pinched his cheeks.
"How old are you baby boy?"
"I'm four years old and l love eating chocolates, l always watch peppa pig but l don't want to be a pig. I know how to write my name but mommy said it's so hard to read it. I know how to read but daddy said l only read when l'm bored, he was right afcourse but sometimes l read because l just want to, so he misunderstood me in some way. That's all. How about you?" He answered.
I chuckled, he's kinda talkative and jolly. He talks a lot when l only asked about his age.
I don't talk a lot to others but l want to be fair with this little boy. "I'm your ate Akemi Isabella Okada, 19 years old, l love eating noodles. I always watch interesting movies on netflix. I know how to write and read also... It's nice to meet you"
The woman joined us and she introduced herself and her son too. "I'm Rysha Aila Harris and this is my son Rhyz Daniel Harris, it's nice to meet you Akemi."
Rhyz. The kid's name is Rhyz.
So close to his name.
The kid pulled the hem of my dress. "My mommy named me Rhyz because my uncle's name is Rhys. He is mommy's younger brother."
I was shocked and my hands were trembling. Nagkataon lang ba na magkapangalan sila? Bakit parang iba ang pakiramdam ko rito.
The woman shook her head. "My brother love kids so when l gave birth to my son, l named him after his uncle." Then she laughed as if she remembered something funny. "But unfortunately, my husband mistook the spelling on birth certificate, instead of Rhys it become Rhyz."
I want to ask more about her brother but her husband just arrived and they have to go home. They bid their goodbyes, the kid kissed me on cheek for the last time. I hope we'll meet again soon.
Pagkauwi ko sa bahay, magbibihis na sana ako nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko.
Nagmessage si Rhys! Teka—bakit ba ako natataranta?
Kalma, Akemi. Napaghahalataan ka na.
MESSENGER
Rhys Archiever Enriquez Thursday, 5:50 PM
Rhys:
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Ang ganda mo
Sobra.
Akemi:
Oh my god! That's me!
Saan mo nakuha 'yan?
Are you stalking me? Don't tell me nasa park ka rin kanina
Rhys:
My sister said she just met a pretty girl today and she took picture of her and she showed it to me.
I didn't expect it was you.
What a small world we have. What do you think, love?
—————
A/N:
Pa'no ba yan Rhys, naunahan ka pa ng pamangkin mo. Buti pa siya naka kiss😝
