The Ruins of Winter

Special Chapter 2

"Thank you, Mika. Merry Christmas!"

"Thank you rin po, ma'am. Ingat po kayo pauwi." I nodded and smiled  at her. Tahimik na lumabas ang assistant ko. I'm now alone at the cafe again. Tinignan ko pa ang ilang paperworks na kaya ko nang tapusin para bago sila dumating ay maayos na ang lahat.

Kanina pa sila nasa biyahe, pero dahil Christmas eve at maraming sasakyan sa daan, medyo traffic papunta dito sa cafe. As much as I want to rest for the day para sana diretso na lang kami sa venue, I can't dahil sa dami ng ginagawa dito. I can choose not to be hands on since maayos naman ang sistema ng manpower ng business over the years, pero hindi ako sanay na hindi ako involved.

Sarado na ang cafe dahil 9:00 pm na at gusto kong makauwi ang mga employee bago pumatak ang alas dose ng gabi. I'm checking the inventory thoroughly for tomorrow dahil may ilang deliver para sa mga suking customer.

"Mommy!"

Wearing the dress we bought last time, Sobel ran towards me in a rush and with a huge smile on her face. Ipinatong ko ang folder na hawak sa lamesa upang mabuhat siya. I am too preoccupied with work na hindi ko napansin na nandito na sila.

"Sobie, hello!" I carried her in my arms, "The dress looks beautiful on you!"

She showered kisses on my face. I giggled. Manang-mana. Between her and her brother, Sobel loves showering us kisses and hugs. That's her love language. Like her father.

"Mom, let's go!" From the door, my 7 year old stood with his arms crossed, para bang naiinip sa akin.

"Alright, wait a second," sabi ko, "Call Dad to carry the cake."

"I can do that!" Lois insisted. Agad akong umiling.

"Call Dad, please. Wag nang makulit so we can go na,"

Lois wants to impress me everyday. But I just can't risk it today. I did that cake for hours para sa ganap namin ngayong gabi.

Juan Luis finally went out of the car. My eyebrows furrowed at him. He chuckled before kissing my cheek, "Wow ha. Ayaw mo pang lumabas ng kotse."

"He told me he'll carry it." Natatawa niyang sabi bago lumingon kay Lois, "I guess better luck next time. I told you, I'm stronger than you."

"No!" My son exclaimed, "It's just big so mommy wants you to carry it!"

"Whatevery you say, buddy," JL laughed.

"Mom! Dad is mocking me since earlier! Hindi ko naman siya inaano! Like I'm behaving myself but he kept provoking me!" Ayan na nga. Lois' eyes started tearing up. Napipikon na. Ganyan naman sila palagi. Mag-iinisan tapos sa huli, kung hindi magagalit ang isa ay may iiyak naman, "He also told me he won't give me a Christmas gift!"

"JL!" Saway ko. Juan Luis carried the pastry to the car. Agad kong inalo si Lois, "Don't believe him. We have a gift for you, baby... pati sila Lola may regalo para sayo..."

JL returned with a smile on his face, "You're the one trying to be cool earlier and asked for a bet!"

"Sige, patulan mo pa!" Saway ko.

"I was joking!" Lois hugged my waist, "Ofcourse I can't carry a big box of cake! My hands are still small!"

Ibinaba ko si Sobie para aluin ang kuya niya. Isobel is more independent than Lois. Hindi madaling mainis dahil mana daw sa akin. Meanwhile, Lois took everything from his father—his face, his attitude. He is like JL's reflection. No one will ever doubt that he is his son.