Barangay Series #3 : Calius Dashkov

Kabanata 11

Calius Dashkov

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"Maaga alis mo bukas? Saan ka naman pupunta? Sayang, magm-mall pa sana tayo kasama sina uncle mo."

I simply glanced at Evan while my mother is talking. Bukas na bukas ang pagbyahe ko papunta sa Mindanao. Hindi siya sasama dahil marami siyang gagawin. No worries 'cause Diego is there.

"Baka may tatagpuing girlfriend 'yan," biro ni Uncle Astro. "Aba, binata na, e. Malay ninyo may kalong distance at isusurprise."

I didn't gave them any reaction and continued eating my dinner. I have no interest with women nor men. I was focused about my work and Amanda for a long time. Kahit ngayon nga ay hindi na ako makapaghintay mayakap ang bata.

I'm excited, I admit it. I'm not just excited because I'll finally gonna see her after years but I am excited because I can finally give everything I worked hard to her. Lahat ng katas ng pinagparuan ko ay ibubuhos ko sa kaniya.

Sabik na akong maalagaan ang bata.

Maalagaan bilang tunay kong anak.

"Mhm . . ." napaisip si ama. "I don't think so. His priorities are his studies and the company, right? Calius?"

I nodded.

Uncle Timothy chuckled, "mana kay Nicko. Tahimik."

My mother sweetly chuckled and nod her head, "oo nga, napansin ko rin. Ganiyan din si kuya noon, 'di ba? Walang balak magkaroon ng girlfriend. Talagang pag aaral at pagtatrabaho lang!"

After I finished eating, I automatically walked on my way to my room. Naroon ang mga maleta at nga kahon ng aking gamit. Malaki ang kuwartong ito kumpara noon dahil dati, kahati ko si Evan sa kuwarto.

When we were kids, I always wanted to be beside him.

Pagod akong naupo sa kama at napahilamos sa mukha. This day is so tiring. Parang kahapon lamang ay inutusan ko si Evan na pumunta sa ampunan upang offeran ito ng pera para sa bata.

Ramdam ko ang pananakit ng batok ko. I caressed it using my palm and groaned.

Napatitig ako sa binata at tinanaw ang madilim na paligid doon.

I wonder what's my daughter is doing tonight.

Kumain na ba siya? Anong kinain niya? Nabusog ba siya? Hindi ba siya umiiyak?

Wala bang nananakit sa kaniya?

Talagang pinanghawakan ng puso at isipan ko na ituring ang bata bilang aking anak.

Maybe because I know how Carmela died, I know when she died, I know how much she wanted to be taken care of by our father.

I still remember that . . . Father Silas is her favorite.

Nilingon ko ang salamin ang tinitigan ang sarili.

I got all his features. I got how his eyes and nose shaped.

Maybe I can be Amanda's favorite. I looked like him and she looked like her.

Pilit kong inaalis sa isipan ko na si Amanda at Carmela ay hindi iisa ngunit hindi ko maitatangging gusto kong alagaan ang bata dahil naniniwala akong siya si Carmela.

My grandmother sold her immortality to enchantrás that is why I'm hoping.

Matagal na iyong nangyari ngunit ngayon lamang lumitaw ang batang kamukha ni Carmela. Hindi naman ito imposible dahil makapangyarihan ang mga enchantrá.

Kayang kaya nilang buhayin ang isang namayapa na kahit isang libong dekada na itong patay.

I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. I should start cleaning my room first. After that, I need to contact my mens to prepare everything.