Her Fearless Ways

Chapter 44

Things didn't magically turn the way I assumed it would. I had to process a lot of papers from Roshan's school documents and the like. It took another month for us to have a scheduled flight. Kaya gano'n na lang ang pagkainip ni Malko sa paghihintay sa amin.

"Do I look like you or Mommy?" Roshan asked him.

Malko acted as if he was thinking. "Hmm... what do you think?"

Nilingon ako ni Roshan. "We have the same eyes. But I'm as handsome as you."

It wasn't the first time they talked on video call. Palihim na pala silang nag-uusap na mag-ama kahit noong nasa Pilipinas pa ako. They were sneaky. Hindi ko iyon namalayan, kahit si Tita Diane ay hindi nabantayan si Roshan. Mag-ama nga.

"We'll see. How many days again before we see each other?" Malko asked him.

"Sixteen days," Roshan answered proudly. "I'm smart with numbers, Daddy."

"Wow! You got that from me," he laughed. "Now, can I talk to our beautiful mommy?"

Roshan immediately obliged and handed me the phone. "My handsome daddy wants to talk to my pretty mommy."

"Thanks, baby," I took the phone from him and looked at Malko from the screen. "Oh?"

His brows touched before laughing. "Am I speaking to Alfreda?"

"Maybe," I sighed. "Mainit ang ulo ko. Sabi ni Roshan kayo ang magkamukha. Sinabihan ka pang gwapo."

"Well, am I not?" he grinned.

"Feel na feel mo naman?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Don't worry. Our next baby will be a girl, and she will resemble every part of you."

"How sure are you?" I mocked him.

He leaned forward to the screen to whisper. "We'll try every position possible to make her."

"Ang bastos mo!"

Truthfully, I think I like that idea. There was much to love with Malko's plans and ideas for our future. He knew we would both look forward to those days and say, 'I told you so.'

His laughter died. "But seriously, can I talk to Alfreda?"

"She's just here. Speak for yourself," I answered and put the phone down to continue typing on my laptop.

"Siru was right," he said that immediately stopped me. "There was a foul play. But don't worry. We will handle it for you."

As expected as it may be, Henry Aguila had something to do with the incident. Siru and Juno took care of everything, it was nice to know they made up already. They used the fire incident on my establishment as one of the supporting pieces of evidence from all the other cases filed against Aguila. The case was closed as fast as the days that we made it back to the Philippines. The former governor is now behind bars.

"Daddy!" Roshan screamed as soon as he eyed his father.

Malko looked overwhelmed upon seeing his son running towards him. He was statued. It was a good thing he started moving before Roshan could get to him and welcomed him with a tight hug. I, being emotional, watched their first interaction while bawling my eyes with tears. When I looked closer, Malko was shedding a tear too. That only made a way for my tears to stream uncontrollably.

The man I have always loved reached his hand for me. "Don't just stand there, babe."

As much as I wanted to give them this father and son moment, I realized that I am a part of this family too. The enthusiastic feeling of having our first hug as a family created numerous optimistic ideas for me. Suddenly, I can imagine myself scolding Malko whenever he stays up too late studying his clients' cases. I was able to see him teach Roshan how to ride a bike or teach him his assignments. I can even imagine myself having our second child.