Beneath The Surface

Chapter 6: Getting to Know You Better

For the last 3 weeks, Nat and Aika had been meeting each other at least once a week for their morning runs. Nat would always be waiting by the Robredo's condo gate for Aika in the morning and sending her back after their run. Aika would also make a point to introduce Nat to the shops along their running route. The traditional bakery was now their favourite spot to get a coffee on their way back to Aika's home...although the coffee tasted slightly different on days they didn't meet.

"Hey, want to join me at the gym the day after tomorrow?" Aika and Nat had just got their coffee for the morning.

"Thursday? Sure! I don't have anything on until the afternoon. Where's it at?" Nat held the door open for Aika and an elderly lady coming in.

"It's at the nearby mall!" Nat's eyes widened.

"That's where Jamie's kindergarten is at!" Aika smiles at the sound of Jamie's name.

"It's been a while since I've seen Jamie..." Nat would send Aika pictures of Jamie (at Jamie's request) but the last time Aika saw Jamie was about a month ago.

"I could bring her along in the morning so you can say hi before we drop her off and head to the gym!" Nat was sure that Jamie would be excited to see Aika.

"Sounds great! I'll see you on Thursday then?" They had arrived at the condo gates.

"How about I pick you up and we can head there together? Unless you're driving too?" Nat didn't want to have his hopes too high.

"I'll be grateful for the ride. I'll tell the security guard so you can enter on Thursday morning." Nat unknowingly let out a tiny but audible cheer, making Aika giggle.

~

"Daddy! What time are we meeting tita Aika tomorrow?" Jamie was excitedly packing her backpack for school tomorrow.

"We'll see her early in the morning...Are you that excited?" Nat chuckled at Jamie, who was doing a little dance.

"I AM! It's not fair that you are the only one getting to see her while I don't!" Jamie gave Nat a pout as he lifted her into bed. 

"Well, the earlier you go to sleep, the faster morning will come and you get to see her!" Nat bopped Jamie on the nose. 

"Good night Daddy!" Jamie couldn't wait for tomorrow to come as she forced herself to sleep. Nat let out a resigned laugh at Jamie's antics. He was excited too. Hoping it wasn't too late, Nat texted Aika...

Look who's so excited for tomorrow that she slept 30 minutes early?

Aww she's adorable...

She's been singing about it the whole night!

Tell Jamie that I can't wait too!

She's asleep but I'm sure she is too! See you tomorrow:)

Good night:)

~

"DADDY WAKE UP!" Nat jolted awake at Jamie's screams. He tapped on his phone screen and saw that it was almost 7am. 

"DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! QUICK!" Jamie yanked Nat out of bed and pulled him into the bathroom with her. Jamie grabbed her toothbrush and brushed her teeth furiously, toppling her water cup in the process. 

"Calm down, princess. We're very much on time..." Nat assured Jamie as he dressed her for the day. After being rushed every step of the way, Nat and Jamie were out of the house in 20 mins. They were supposed to be at Aika's condo at 7.30am.