Kissing the fire

Kabanata 48

Regrets

"Pass auf die kinder auf, Sierra,"

I nodded and hugged Tante as she was sobbing. She said that I take care with the kids since we're leaving Germany for the moment.

"We'll be here on the second week of January, tante," I faced her and she was all red from her sobs, "We'll be here before you know it,"

The kids went to Tante's direction and embraced her. This is the first time that we'll spend the holidays without them...and the first time that we'll be out of the country.

"Ready?"

I faced zone and gave him a smile.

"Ready,"

Ria bit her lips then her nails. This was the first time she's riding an airplane and I understand she looks terrified. Rex on the other hand was quiet, as usual observing his surroundings. 

"Mutter, y-you're not going anywhere, aren't you?" I nodded and caressed her hair.

"Sleep, schnukiputzi and I won't leave your side," I looked at zone at the other side of our seat and he's looking at us.

Zone rented a private plane for us to be comfortable and feel safe. It was unnecessary but he insisted.

I was beside the windows and Ria is beside me while Zone and Rex are seated with each other. I noticed they are getting along and that's good. I looked at how Ria held my hand tightly while closing her eyes. I let her head rest on my shoulder and fixed my seat for us to be comfortable while trying to sleep.

Ilang oras na lang ay nasa Pilipinas na kami. Zone told me not to be worried because the Bedonia's are laying low now.

I tried hard to forget what I've felt and experienced after leaving the Philippines 7 years ago but here I am stepping again at the land that I was born and feeling the air that brushed against my skin...

"Are you okay?" I glanced at Zone and I nodded at him.

"Ria, please behave..." I said after I saw her raising a mini vase from Zone's table.

We just arrived at his condo. I remembered it's his unit where he brought his ex-girlfriend.

Iloilo city is still the same but it improved a lot. It brought back so many memories, both happy and sad.

"Is this you, mutter?" I glanced at what Ria held and it's a picture frame with my photo inside. It was a selfie of mine at the Igbulawan Farm we went years ago.

Zone cleared his throat.

"Ria, don't touch things that aren't yours," I said and glanced at zone. Hindi man lang niya kinuha ang frame kay Ria at hinayaan lamang niyang silayan ito ng bata. May picture pala niya ako rito? Nakalimutan niya lang yata tanggalin.

"Mutter..." I smiled at my son when he came closer to me, "Are you and Vater back again?"

My mouth swung open. Napatingin din sa amin si Zone na abala sa kusina.

I gulped.

He's just 7 years old but he really observed and knew how to handle words coming in and out from his mouth like an adult.

"T-That's..." I stuttered. Ria came closer and sat beside me to hear my response.

"Ria and Rex..." Umupo si Zone sa tabi ko habang tinutupi ang long sleeves niya pataas, "It's a matter that you're mom and I would talk about soon enough..." He gently held Rex' shoulders and gave him a smile.

Soon enough?

"Would you want us to get back together?" I looked at him but Zone was directly gazing at our son.