April 10, 2021
Forbes, Makati City, Philippines
Bongbong
"Malapit na ang birthday mo, anak ko." I sighed with my eyes locked on the polaroid photo of my only princess, Anna, when she's a month old.
It's been more than fifteen years since we parted ways by giving her to another family who I trust. In those years, wala talaga makukumpleto yung araw ko na di ko siya iniisip.
And I know that this family will have the care and unconditional love they provided for my daughter — regardless of her surname. I didn't mean to abandon her. Ginawa ko yun para sa kaligtasan ng bata.
Ngunit, hanggang ngayon...
...di ko talaga masasabi kung tama lang ba na ipamigay ko na lang si Anna sa ibang pamilya? Just to have a normal childhood she deserves? Free from public judgment? Protecting from people who would blame my child sa mga kasalanan na wala naman siyang kinalaman dun?
⋯ flashback ⋯
"Sige misis. 1, 2, 3, push!"
"Ahhh!!" sigaw ni Liza na mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko. That's the spirit, honey!
"Very good. Now, another one. 1, 2, 3, push!" sabi ni doktora.
"Ahhh!!" hingal na hingal at pinapawisan pa 'tong asawa ko. "Ayoko na... s-sub na tayo, hon... p-parang awa mo naaa~" dagdag pa na parang iiyak na siya sa sobrang pagod.
"You're doing a great job, honey. Konti na lang, hmmm?" sabi ko, my eyes are still locked on my tired wife and gave her a kiss on her forehead as pampa-energizer.
"One more push. Malapit na makalabas si baby."
Liza took deep breaths as she gathered all of the strength she has while I squeezed her hand. "You can do this, love. Malapit na natin makita si baby." she nodded eagerly despite the exhaustion.
"1, 2, 3..."
"Ahhh!" Liza gave her all while pushing so hard. And at last, nabalot ang buong kwarto ang tunog ng pag-iyak ni baby girl.
Music to our ears. Thank you Liza for delivering our daughter safe. 😭
"Baby out! April 15, 2005, 3:27 am."
I couldn't help but to tear up as we finally saw our baby girl laying on my wife's chest. Lalo na bakas sa mukha ni Liza ang saya na 'di alintana sa kanya ang hirap at pagod sa kakapanganak. The best(in advance) wedding anniversary gift.
"H-hi, m-my pretty baby..." Liza uttered, tearfully; hugging our baby gently. "Y-yes, anak. Yes... it's Mommy here." she added, took Anna's tiny hand and kissed it repeatedly.
"You did it great, love. Thank you..." I sighed while caressing her hair, kissing her lips and forehead.
"Congratulations, Mr. Marcos. Parehas healthy si misis and baby. I-transfer muna namin ang bata for cleaning and further check-up." bati ni doktora sa akin.
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Where My Heart Lies Between
Fanfiction| revised version & under editing | Annaliese Thalia is known for being an active member in the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Growing up from the conservative, yet a big, happy, and a loving family of the Executive Minister; her life revolves around school, ch...
