Guns and Roses (Caravello Nero)

Chapter 47

Inilibot ni Xavion ang paningin sa isa sa mga aisle ng baby store, kumunot ang noo niya habang pinopokus ang stensyon sa bawat shelves na madaraanan niya.

"Excuse me, miss," tawag niya sa isa sa mga saleslady na malapit sa kanya, "I'm looking for some baby essentials."

Agad namang lumapit ang babae sa kanya, "Yes, Sir?" nakangiting tanong nito.

Xavion wasted no time in listing off their requirements, his tone brisk and businesslike. "I'm looking for a crib, a stroller, diapers, bottles, and anything else you think we might need for newborns. For triplets."

Tumango na lamang ito, taking note of his requests. "Absolutely, sir. Let me show you some options," tugon nito saka siya iginiya papunta sa section mg mga cribs at bassinets.

Napalingon si Xavion sa babae at agad itong pinaulanan ng sunod-sunod ng tanong, ang atensyon ay nakatuon sa mga kung ano ang best para sa mga anak niya. "Are these cribs sturdy? Do they meet safety standards? And what about the mattresses—are they hypoallergenic?"

Ngumiti ng pilit ang babae at halos mapamura na sa kanyang isipan. Mukhang masusubok sa englishan ang utak niya ngayon ah. "Yes, sir, these cribs are all safety-certified, and the mattresses are made from hypoallergenic materials to ensure your babies sleep comfortably," paninigurado niya.

Tumango-tango siya bilang sang-ayon, seryoso pa rin ang mukha habang ini-evaluate ang bawat item. He was determined to choose only the best for their babies, sparing no expense to ensure their safety and comfort.

Matapos ang mabusising pagsusuri ng mga stroller ay sa wakas, mayroon na ring nakatampok sa kanyang citeria: sturdy construction, easy maneuverability, and ample storage space. Sinenyasan niya kaagad ito at sinabing lumipat na sila sa susunod na nasa listahan.

"Alright, let's talk diapers," saad niya, muling binalingan ang saleslady. "We'll need plenty of those."

Dinala na siya nito sa diaper aisle, where rows upon rows of various brands and sizes awaited them. Hindi siya nagsayang ng kahit isang segundo para suriin ang mga ito, kumunot ang noo niya habang pilit na iniintindi ang bawat pros at cons ng bawat isa.

"Do you have any recommendations for newborn diapers?"

"For newborns po, we usually recommend the extra-absorbent, hypoallergenic diapers. They're gentle on delicate skin and provide excellent leak protection," paliwanag nitohabang tinuturo ang mga nasa shelves.

Napatango-tango na lang si Xavion, carefully selecting several packs of the recommended diapers and adding them to their cart. Sa bawat items na nakalista, hindi niya maipaliwanag ang galak na nararamdaman, malapit na siya sa katotohanan ng pagiging ama.

Xavion continued to consult with the saleslady, seeking her advice on everything from baby bottles to clothing essentials. Ngunit naputol ang kanilang pag-uusap ng saleslady nang may pamilyar na boses siyang narinig sa mismong likuran niya lang din. He braced himself for the impending confrontation, his jaw set in a firm line.

"Well, well, well, look who it is..."

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya habang sinesenyasan ang saleslady na asikasuhin na ang mga pinamili niya, his eyes cold as he met her gaze.

"What are you doing here, Cera?" he asked tersely.

A smirk plastered on the woman's lips, iginagala ang paningin sa mga baby products na nasa shelves. "Siguro nasa instinct ko na rin na nagsasabing someone from the past needs help, seems like you're having a hard time choosing what's best for the little blessing you had back there," she remarked casually, her words laced with thinly veiled sarcasm.

Isinilid niya ang kanyang kamay sa bulsa at kaswal itong tinaasan ng kilay. "My personal liife is none of your concern." Akmang lalagpasan na niya ito.

Mas lalong lumawak ang ngisi sa labi ni Cera. "Oh, but it is, Xavion. After all, we were once engaged," she replied.

Nagpantig ang tenga niya sa sinabi nito. "That's ancient history,"

Cera tilted her head, studying him with a knowing look. "Is it, though? I couldn't help but notice you're still wearing the ring I gave you," she observed, nang-aasar ang boses.

Kumuyom ang kamao niya sa loob ng kanyang bulsa. "It's just a ring," he muttered.

"Is that what you tell yourself?"

"I don't owe you any explanations," mariin niyang sagot.

Lumapit ito sa kanya at naglakbay ang daliri nito sa kanyang dibdib, teasing him.

"Maybe not. But it's clear you're still not over me,"

"You couldn't be more wrong," umiigting ang pangang usal niya.

Nang makaalis na si Cera, Xavion let out a frustrated breath. He glanced around, the baby products suddenly feeling suffocating. Mabibigat ang mga hakbang na tinungo na niya ang counter. Pagdating niya roon ay nakaayos na ang mga ito at inaayos na para dalhin. Iniabot niya sa cashier ang card niya.

"Okay ka lang?" tanong ni Rose nang makabalik na siya sa sasakyan.

Tumango lang siya bilang tugon. "Yeah, just had a brief encounter with an old acquaintance,"

Rose frowned slightly, sensing that there was more to the story, pero hindi na siya nag-abala pa na magtanong.

"O-Okay..."

"We should head home," suhestiyon ni Xavion. "I'm sure you're tired. Anything in mind you want to eat?"

"Kahit ano,"

"Okay..."