Secret Series #4 Dandelions (On-Hold)

CHAPTER 16

I've been watching on my daughter. She's asleep on the bed. She's wearing her favorite red dress, a knitted bracelet and a ponytail. Likewise, she's the mirror of myself, an image of my innocence. Tanda ko pa kung paano ako inalagaan ng mga magulang ko noon, kung paano nila ako minahal at pinahalagahan. They weren't perfect, at maging ako rin. But my kids don't deserve every pain that I may be caused to them. My kids are very part of me. Everything.

"Tatayo ka lang ba rito?" Hindi ko inalis ang tingin kay Lisa.

"I'm sorry," I answered. "It's my mistake that she was marked by a high fever."

"Fever is normal. At lahat tayo ay dadanas sa ganitong kalagayan. Don't feel sorry, Ash. It's not your fault. It's natural."

"Lin?" Sandali pa at binalingan ko siya.

"Have you been tried dealing with a fraud?"

"In my life, yes. Why?"

"How is it possible that someone could hide something?"

"Perhaps, for security."

"Sure?"

"It depends upon the circumstances."

"How far you go with them?"

"S.G," she smiled a little and tilted her head. "Not to far."

"Do you know them all?"

"Yes, and I know that you did the same."

"Do I need to know something? Far from them?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

"Why are you asking me now about the gang? Is there relevant to know?"

"Spruce."

She said nothing. Kumawala siya ng hininga. Hindi na rin ako kumibo at ibinalik na rin ang tingin kay Lisa. Tatlong minuto ang nakalipas nang dumating si Rain kasama ang matalik nitong kaibigan——Ford Nadela. Lumapit si Rain sa akin para ako'y halikan sa pisngi.

"How is she?" he asked.

"She's fine," Lindsay concluded.

"Good to know." Rain nodded. Tumango naman ako.

"Do you want something to drink?"

"No, hon. We're good." Nodding, my eyes went to Ford. No questions, no words.

"I will get some water."

"Ako na ang kukuha," mabilis na tugon ni Ford.

"No, it's fine."

"Yes, Ford," Rain answered. "Please."

Nakaalis na si Ford nang basagin ni Lindsay ang sandaling katahimikan.

"Rain, aalis muna ako. And don't worry, I will be right back."

"Do your things, Lin. Ako na ang bahala kay Lisa. Thank you."

"See you around."

Nakabalik na si Ford sa silid nang makalabas sa pintuan ang pinsang babae ni Rain. Inabot nito sa akin ang isang basong tubig.

"Salamat," tanging sambit ko at tinanggap ito.

"How's the class?" He sat on the couch next to Lisa's bed. He had solemn eyes.