Mrs. Araneta

Chapter XVIII: Heritage 🏛

IRENE's POV:

"Some siblings don't get to hold hands, play games or make happy memories together. Instead they share their love between heaven and earth."

Empty cradle.
Stocks of diapers.
Unused feeding bottles.

The hardest thing I have to convey to the world was, inspite of my shortcomings, of my imperfections, I am still worthy of a child. I lost two even before I got the chance to hold them. And I lost one again even before I got the chance to just hear him speak, take his first step or ride on his first bike.

I couldn't protect him anymore. I couldn't take away his pain any longer. And the only way left was for me to hand him over, hand him back to the angels.

Some say.. grieving takes time. But no. Grieving takes forever. For it only takes one song, one smell, one sound or one moment and you are once again back to that period of time when your life stops. As for me? It doesn't have to be that much. Just say his name and I am transported back again to the feeling of happiness and joy and longing and suffering all at the same time.

Alfie. My Alfie.

***
I am back to California to deal with the unfinished business I left behind. I wanted to delay my return but it can't be this way. If I am to stay in the Philippines for Clea, I have to make sure that I ironed out everything here as soon as I can.

Speaking of Clea, she had a very difficult time sending me off to the airport. I have to explain to her over and over that I have to get her Kuya Alfie back home with me. Hindi naman pwede na maiwan ko dito sa US si Alfonso. Bonget already helped me in preparing the mausoleum for Alfie. He will stay with Dad just like how they used to be in Hawaii.

When we were able to bring Dad's remains to the Philippines, I asked Mom to leave Alfie para may kasama ako. I guess it's time now na dalawa na kami na umuwi.

Clea should be ready by now to go to school.I am calling her every morning and before her bedtime. I miss my daughter so much! I'll stay here for maybe three days more until okay na lahat sa music school. Then I can come home to Clea.

I am a bit anxious as I dialed the number in Forbes because of Greggy. I am trying to reach out since the day he found out about Alfie and Patrick.

But it is falling on a deaf ear, always.

'Hello?' Ohh. It's Nanay Yolly.
"Nay, good morning po. Si Clea?"
'Ayy anak! Nako eto, kausapin mo nga! Umiiyak na naman. Kagabi iyak rin ng iyak hinahanap ka.'

Ohhh God! Konting tiis na lang anak. Pauwi naman na si Mommy at si Kuya. I can hear Clea's sniffles and it is breaking my heart. I can also hear Greggy's voice vaguely, asking Clea to calm down.

'Why?'
"Clea.. baby? Bakit ka umiiyak? Pauwi na si Mommy, anak."
'Just stay there! Kay Kuya Alfie at kay Dada Pat.'
"Clea.. nooo, diba iuuwi lang ni Mommy si Kuya? Babalikan naman kita, anak."
'I begged you Mommy. Iniwan mo pa rin ako! Hindi mo naman ako love! Si Kuya lang!'

"Anak.. love kayo ni Mommy parehas diba? Pabalik na ako Clea. Please don't get mad na kay Mommy ha? Mabilis na lang to, baby."

I can only pray for Clea to understand the situation. She's going to turn five January next year. She's still so young to really take everything in. And I am restless knowing that my daughter is not okay.

'No Mommy! Nooo!!!! Sabi mo diba! You promised me ehh! Sabi mo hindi mo ako iiwanan! I was crying sa airport, umalis ka pa rin! Ayaw ko na sayo, Mommy!'
"Clea.. clea, listen to me, please? Clea naman.. baby? Stop crying na, uuwi na si Mommy."

Clea started wailing and the next thing I knew, Greggy is shouting at me from the other end.

'Stop making my daughter this unhappy! Ano ba, Irene! Dumating ka lang sa buhay ni Clea palagi ng umiiyak yung bata! And don't you dare use the card na ikaw yung nanay! May nanay ba na sinungaling sa anak nya? Stop hurting her with your lies! Maybe this is the reason why you can't bear and have a child na hindi namamatay! Kase irresponsible ka!'