BINI SHOTS!

Birthday 2

"Toot, toot, toot, too—

The crappy sound of the digital alarm clock got silenced when a disturbed sleepy owner lazily got to press the button to stop the machine on making that awful sound just with her eyes closed and still laying down at the comfortable king-sized bed.

"Finally, peace and quiet."

All the person could hear now was the faint sound of the air conditioner and a sleeping sound machine which makes her drowse off back to dreamland until a sound of a crying baby invaded the whole room. Wala na siyang choice to begin with kundi bumangon siya ng mabilis to grab the crying baby from the crib. The child probably recognized the familiar warmth of the person na tumahan siya sa pagiiyak habang sumasayaw yung tao na kumarga sa kanya.

"Pambihira ka naman, Sevy. Natutulog pa dapat si mom eh kasi no work siya today. Sleep ulit tayo sa bed ko, ha?"

Hindi na niya hinintay ang bata magsalita obviously as she makes her way to the bed as both figures lay down comfortably. Hindi tumagal ay umiyak ulit yung bata and may ideya na yung ina kung ano ang kailangan gawin upang tumahimik ito. Right in cue, a knock was heard outside the door.

"Pasok lang."

The door automatically opened and woman at the age probably in her 50s was bringing baby stuffs which includes a milk bottle.

"Good morning, nak. Mukhang ginising ka ata kay Sevy ah."

"Oo nga eh, mahimbing pa sana tulog ko. Paabot ng gatas po, Manang."

Binigay agad ng nakakatanda ito sa ina na hawak ang bata who is still settled on the bed. As the mom tries to give the bottle, umiwas yung bata sa offer na milk bottle.

"Ay tigilan mo ako Marlon Calyves Vergara. Wala kang makukuhang dede sa akin, nasa ibang nanay mo kaya uminom ka na ng breakfast mo sa bottle na ito."

Tumatawa yung matanda sa nanay nagsesermon sa sarili niyang anak kaya that was the cue for her to help out the situation.

"Col anak, akin na yan si Sevy. Kapag wala kasi yung isang nanay niya, uminom siya ng gatas sa labas para madistract namin mag sight seeing. Kami na bahala kasama ang ibang yayas ha?"

"Thank you talaga, Manang. Hindi talaga ako marunong sa ganito, pasensya na po."

"Ano ka ba, ngayon ka lang may free day simula Sevy was born. Kaya nandito kami tumulong sayo kasi grabe yung sakripisyo na ginawa mo para sa pamilya na ito. Huwag ka mag guilty anak ha? Akin na yan si Sevy para maka relax ka na."

Pinasa agad ni Colet yung sanggol sa nakakatandang babae at nakita niya na hindi umiyak yung anak niya nang pinasa ito. Ikaw ba naman sumama araw araw sa nagbabantay sayo. Syempre memorize na ni Sevy mukha ni Manang, that's what Colet thought.

"Salamat talaga, Manang. Hindi ko talaga alam kung wala kayo. Mag CR lang siguro ako for a while then susunod ako sainyo para mag breakfast tayo ng sabay sabay kasama ang mga bata."

"Sige, mauuna na kami ni Sevy bumaba ha?"

Just as they were about to leave Colet, umikot ulit si Manang which made the latter wonder.

"Sevy, say happy birthday to mama!"

As Sevy heard that from Manang, bigla itong nakangiti at sumigaw ng masaya while looking at Colet and the mother could only adore on that beautiful sight of what her 1 year old son was showing her.

"Thank you and I love you my talino baby. Susunod ako sayo sa baba ha?"

Colet gave him a forehead kiss which made the baby giggle so hard. Colet thanked Manang ulit and made her way to the restroom while the other two left the room. Nag freshen up lang si Colet and stretched her arms facing the mirror to start her day.

"Happy birthday to me, let's start the day."

As she was satisfied on how she looks, she fixed the bed and other messes before leaving the room. Bumaba siya using the stairs and she could see her only daughter rushing on eating her breakfast.

"Mary Cai Vergara, why are you eating like there is no tomorrow?"

The 18 year old girl turned her head around and stopped eating breakfast as she makes her way to give a hug and kiss sa nanay niya.

"Happy birthday, mom! Ang tanda tanda mo na talaga eyyy!"

"Aba bastos tong batang toh ah! Pigilan mo ako na isaktan toh yaya, sinasabi ko sayo."

"Ah boss, anak mo yan."

"Ay anak ko ba toh? Parang hindi eh."

"Si mom oh! Anyways, come have breakfast with me! Yaya Maimai made banana pancakes for us."

"Paano ako kakain eh parang inubos mo na ata lahat dahil ang takaw mo."

"Manang, si mom oh!"

"Hayaan mo na yang nanay mo, Mary. Minsan nga lang yan nandito sa bahay."

"Ay hala, nagtatampo si Manang oh. Kumain naman ako dito before work everyday ah."

"Well iba din kasi yung situation today, mom. You are here the whole day while all of us have our agendas to do sa labas."

"Ha? May lakad kayo?"

Just as Colet said that, a 21 year old man arrived at the dining area and hugged her mom who is settled on the center seat at the dining table. It's her eldest son pala.

"Happy birthday, mom! Isang eyy naman diyan oh, ganito ba eyyy."

"Yang eyy eyy niyo ay kakasama niyo yan sa Tita Sheena niyo. Bihis na bihis si Mark Coleson ah, sabi na ba eh na inuna mo pa ang date mo kesa sa birthday ng nanay mo sa buong buhay mo."

"Ay napindot si oa. Nagpaalam na kaya ako last week na bukas yung finals ng tournament namin sa badminton and today yung parang last training namin kay coach, actually the whole week nga eh."

"Oo nga noh. Mag ingat ka naman, pre. Lagi ka kasi natutumba kapag maglalaro, akala ko talaga na gusto mo lang humalik sa sahig eh may jowa ka naman."

"Manang, si mom oh!"

"Pinagtitripan ka lang ng nanay mo, Mark. Nandoon na si Kuya Patrick mo sa labas kasama sa mga gamit mo at nakalabas na yung kotse para ready to go na kayo ni Mary."

"Ihahatid mo si Mary saan?"

"Nagpaalam na rin kaya ako, mom. Dress rehearsals sa upcoming musical next week. Nalilimutan mo na ba yun, mom?"

"Sabi ko sayo uminom ka ng memo plus gold, mom. Effective naman siya eh."

"Siraulo kayo ah. Nahihiya na nga ako sa inyo na sa buong paguusap natin ay inubos niyo dalawa ang bagong batch ng pancakes ni yaya. Laging unli kain, mga tol? Lugi ata yung pera ko sa pagkain niyong dalawa palang."

"Manang oh!"

"Hay nako sa inyong tatlo! Buti pa itong si Sevy na tumatawa lang talaga. Colet, tigilan mo na ang pagtitrip ng mga anak mo. Malalate na ang mga yan."

"Aba hindi ko alam saan sila nagmana na mabibilis na mainitan ng ulo."

"Wow, coming from you pa talaga, mom! Kamusta naman sales sa latest movie mo, Anger? Mayaman na yan eh."

"Wala na kayong baon galing sakin."

"Okay lang, doon kami sa isang nanay na kumakampi sa amin always."

"Mark and Mary, lakad na. Maabutan kayo ng traffic and sabi niyo ayaw niyo ma late."

Sumunod yung dalawa sa kanilang yaya who has been with them since the day they were born and made their way to kiss their baby brother. Sunod naman ay nagpaalam na rin sila sa mom nila.

"Let's all have dinner later ba, kids?"

"Hindi ako sure if makakatapos ako agad sa training eh. Try ako humabol though."

"Same here, mom. Medyo strict na si coach sa rehearsals. Babawi kami ni ahia po, promise."

"Oks lang, ingat sa daan please. Mark Coleson, kasama mo ang prinsesa natin."

"Promise, mom! Magiingat po sa daan."

"Lumayas na nga kayo!"

"Before that, big group hug! Come here and join us, Sevy!"

Hindi na ready si Colet na yumakap na ang tatlong anak niya and she made sure she embraced everyone. Her two kids finally said their goodbye and left the house while Sevy, the yayas and Colet remained in the dining area to finish breakfast.

"Ang sweet niyo talaga na pamilya, boss. Clingy ang lahat ng anak mo."

"Nagmana ba naman sa isang nanay nila, ya Mai. Sayang lang na kung kelan may oras na ako ay may ginagawa na din sila and gets ko naman yun."

"Natawagan mo na ba si Maloi, nak?"

"Hayaan mo na, Manang. Kung ayaw niya makipagusap ay okay lang sa akin."

"Ganyan ka pala kapag miss mo yung tao, boss? Naging oa? May work trip lang po asawa niyo ho, hindi po kayo hiwalay."

"Si yaya Mai naman eh! Epal mo naman sa kadramahan ko."

"Sinasabi ko sayo, Col. Ikaw yung pumayag na pumunta si Maloi niyan na timing sa birthday mo pa."

"Akala ko kasi ibang date yun, Manang. Ang sabi sa akin ay next week ganun eh hindi ko namalayan sa mismong birthday ko pa. Well it doe s not matter naman, masaya ako na she is finally back sa passion niya after a long break because of this cutie pie."

Colet says that habang nag baby talk sa bunsong anak niya which made the latter giggled loudly. Natigilan ito when she her smart watch alerted a text message which made her smile instantly. 

"Mukhang may nagmessage na, Manang. Sarap ng ngiti ni boss eh."

"Tama ka diyan, Mai. Col, tawagan mo muna yan. Liligoan muna namin itong baby na ito."

"Dabest po kayo! Balik lang ako pagkatapos. Thanks for breakfast, ya Mai!"

Colet stood up from her seat and made way sa taas papunta sa bedroom niya. The moment she saw her phone, there were a flood of birthday greetings and notifications but she remained focus on one specific message that made her smile kanina pa.

Wifey
Call me ;)

She immediately tapped the contact's calling number on Facetime at hindi nagtagal ay sinagot agad ito ng pinakamamahal niya, Maloi. Colet's wife wering her pajamas while laying down at her bed.

"Happy birthday to my poganda wifey."

"Thank you to the most beautiful lady."

"May bias ka talaga!"

"Aba syempre naman noh! Kakabihis mo lang ba, mahal?"

"Timing na when my phone rang, kakalabas ko lang from my skin care routine. Ginawa mo ba yung sayo last night? I will know if you are lying ha!"

"Ginawa ko nga, ayaw talaga maniwala."

"I miss you."

"Ayan naglalambing na siya, hindi mo naman ako mamimiss if you did not leave."

"Aba, ikaw pa yung tinatanong ko kung okay lang and may pa speech ka pa na you will always support my passion and dreams kineme. Ano yun, may change of character?"

"Birthday ko today eh!"

"Nagmamaktol ang maangas daw."

"How was the event, asawa ko?"

"They loved it, Col. They loved my works and many investments have been made."

"Sabi sayo eh, galing mo talaga!"

"Pwede na ba mag day off yung CEO asawa ko with the money I am making?"

"As much as I would want some rest ay dapat para sayo yun. Your job is not to stress yourself to earn for our family, trabaho ko yun. The money you earned ay dapat sayo lang yan and my money is yours as well ad for the family. All I want is to give everything my family need and want while you guys are healthy and in one piece."

"Your family would like some time of yours as well. I know you do make time pero yung bunso mo ay hindi mo pa nakabonding ng matagal. Ang timing din noh na pagdating ni Sevy ay biglang nadami yung clients and investors sa company noh?"

"May swerte si Sevy sa atin talaga, nadiscover yung artworks mo on the same month he was born. Nadagdagan naman yung mga lucky charms ko oh."

"Ewan ko sayo. I miss my Sevy boo."

"I miss you too, uwi ka na po."

"You missed me because maaga ka nagising dahil kay Sevy and ikaw yung nag-aalaga."

"That is one reason but you do know that I actually miss your body."

"Napaka talaga, Vergara!"

"Kaya I was really looking forward pa naman for my birthday se--

"Colet Vergara!"

"Just kidding, mahal. Kahit yan talaga crinave ko, I just really missed having my wife next to me here."

"I know pero onti nalang ay uuwi din naman ako. You got any plans for today?"

"You plan our family agendas, what should I do today po?"

"Well, you decide on that. You got the whole day and bukas ay work ka na ulit."

"Is it fine nasa bahay lang ako mag chill?"

"On second thought, there is something you can do."

"Ano po yan?"

"You will see. My birthday gift is coming any time soon pala. Can you ligo muna and the time it arrives ay saktong fresh ka?"

"Mahal, what are you planning?"

"Walang masamang balak. I have to sleep na rin kasi pagod ako the whole day and malapit na midnight here. Call me later?"

"I will. I love you, asawa ko. Sleep well kahit wala ako sa tabi mo."

"That is quite hard actually but I got to try to have some rest. I love you too."

Maloi ended the call and Colet made her way to the restroom to comply Maloi's order na dapat maliligo na siya. She also had to do her skin care routine which Maloi specifically instructed her to everyday and night ever since sinimulan din niya ito. After changing into some fresh clothes, may kumakatok sa pintuan niya and was surprised to see Manang holding Sevy who is still on a bathrobe that just finished taking a bath as well with Colet.

"Ay ang fresh at gwapo ng Sevy na yan. Bakit hindi mo ito binihisan, Manang? Baka makasakit pa yan kung wala pa itong damit."

Manang didn't say a word as she passed the infant to Colet and got a phone from her pocket para ipakita sa boss niya. Colet was confused just until a video of her wife started to speak.

"Hello, birthday girl! This is your agenda for today, be Sevy's yaya for a day! Kahit hindi ko kita mukha mo ngayon, itikom mo iyang bibig mo. You got the whole day free and Manang has not taken a day off for months so it's perfect timing!"

Natapos agad yung video and just as Colet was about to voice out, another video played.

"Col, bawal reklamo and this is your chance to make bawi kay Sevy. Spend the day with him, yaya Mai will still be with you sa bahay but she won't help you that much kasi she got other errands to do as well. You should know how to take care of our son like how you did before sa dalawang anak mo. Don't even think of asking help sa other maids and drivers natin, they have their own tasks to do as well. Matagal ka na hindi nag-alaga ng sanggol but I know my CEO wife can do anything! See you soon, wifey."

Kahit alam ni Colet gusto niya magsalita before that video played, napatikom nalang siya sa bibig pagtapos magsalita ni Maloi.

"Oh pano ba yan, nak. I will leave early para makabalik rin ako agad after sa whole day bond niyo ni Sevy. Ingatan mo ang bunsong anak mo, Colet."

"Ano ka ba, Manang. Kayang kaya ko toh."

"Tingnan lang natin saan aabot kayabangan mo. It's been a decade since you did baby things. Goodbye, mga anak!"

Right after Manang gave Sevy a forehead kiss in which Colet is now carrying him, left the room to enjoy her day off. Meanwhile, Colet is now staring at her youngest child.

"It's just you and me, mister. What do you do with Manang while mom is working?"

Sevy could only stare at her mother until he made hachoo sound.

"Oh right, clothes pala. Baka magkakasakit ka pa, to your room then!"

Colet carried her son as they left her bedroom and proceeds to enter her son's room that screams the dinosaur theme since that is Sevy's favorite animal. Colet rarely entered this room ever since she got busy of CEO things, but she was confident that taking of her son alone just for a day is a piece of cake.

"Okay, Sevy. First, we do have to put a diaper on you cause that is where you poop or pee. Where could your diapers be hiding huh?"

Colet placed the baby on the crib for her to search the diapers. It took minutes of opening cabinets, ducking on the floor and scrambling things but no diaper is still at her sight.

"Nasaan na ba kasi yun? Last time ay nasa ilalim lang yun ng crib always ah. Sevy, do you—oh."

Nagulat nalang si Colet when she saw the infant holding a diaper on his hands, she traced on how Sevy got to see the diaper first than her and it turns out na nakalagay pala ang mga ito sa isang box hanging by the crib.

"Alam na alam mo pala saan na nilagay diapers mo ah. Can you wear it by yourself ba, baby boy?"

Hindi nagegets ni Sevy mga pinagsasabi ni Colet as he tilted his face wondering what his mom said that made Colet laughed hard.

"Joke lang, Sev. Ito na oh, lalagay na ng diaper sa boss baby."

Colet managed to place Sevy's diaper and she noticed a plastic placed on Sevy's crib has her name written on it in which she killed her curiosity by checking out the paper that has a few writings.

'Inutusan ko si Manang to put this before she left. That is what Sevy will be wearing today and it also includes your outfit today. May cctv kung hindi mo susuotin, sinasabi ko sayo, Colet Vergara.'

Colet already has a hunch what she about to face as she removed the plastic to see two matchy onesies of a cute dinosaur character.

"Mga trip talaga ng mommy mo! Bahala na, dito naman tayo sa bahay, Sev."

She made sure that Sevy wore the onesie properly and kahit labag sa loob niya ay sinuot niya rin yung sa kanya which made Sevy laugh nonstop.

"Grabe ka naman, Sevy. Oo na, funny na si mom. Watch tayo TV sa living room."

She carried the infant out of the crib but as she was about to step out the room ay tinuro ni Sevy ang play area niya which Colet understood in an obvious manner na gusto maglaro ang anak niya sa mga laruan niya.

"Oh sige, dito nalang muna tayo. Let's play some dinosaurs!"

Naglaro lang sila sa mga laruan, crawling and even did a little walking since Sevy is still an infant who just learned how to walk hanggang sa napagod yung bata that made him sit on the floor.

"Pagod na ikaw, baby boy?"

Sevy crawled somewhere near the bookshelf and got a small book that was placed in the floor. Inaabot niyo ito sa nanay niya and the mother happily placed the kid on her lap and started reading the book. Nang matapos bumasa si Colet, napansin niya na nakatulog na si Sevy kaya nilagay niya ito si crib. Unfortunately when he was placed to lay down, Sevy cried so hard that made her carry the infant ulit and sway her body to calm him down but it was no use since he was now yelling his cries. When the door was opened, she was relieved to see yaya Mai which she could ask for help.

"Boss, tanghalian na kanina pa. Kumain na ba si Sevy?"

"Hala, malapit na pala mag 2pm. Naglaro lang kami after ko siya binihisan eh."

"Boss, dapat siya uminom ng gatas at exactly 12 sana para iwas grumpy mode kaya may schedule nakalagay sa wall anong dapat routine ni Sevy."

Colet was confused about the routine that yaya mentioned until it was pointed neaby the baby closet that made Colet open her mouth na hindi niya ito nakita kanina.

"Can you get his milk, ya?"

"Gusto ko po tumulong sana pero inuutusan ako ni madam to fetch her package sa mall, boss. Kunin mo lang sa freezer then ilagay sa milk bottle sa kusina po. Kailangan na po ako umalis, hinanap na ni madam yun and dami din na mga bilihin dapat."

Before Colet could speak ay nakalabas na si yaya while Sevy was still crying so loud. She just followed what yaya said as she is on her way to the kitchen carrying the infant. She placed the boy on the handmade chair made for babies and searched for the milk.

"Hala bakit nakafreeze yung gatas? Paano na iinumin ni Sevy ito. Aish, bahala na basta tatahimik na ang batang ito."

She opened a bag of frozen milk and took a small spoon to scoop a portion just as it was like an ice cream. Nilagay niya ito sa bibig ng anak niya which made Sevy stop crying but his face was transformed into a curious look on what he was tasting. Colet continued feeding the baby which calmed him down knowing that he already took lunch.

"Ang interesting naman ni Sevy. I don't remembering feeding sila Mark and Mary something like this when they were still babies. Mga 3 years old na ata sila nakatikim ng ice cream eh."

She helped herself on having some lunch but immediately stopped when she saw the baby drowsing himself to sleep. Ayaw niya mahirapan ang bata matulog kaya she carried him towards the living room and made him lay down on a bed made especially for Sevy when he takes his afternoon naps. Colet saw her guitar nearby kaya kinuha niya ito and started playing some chords that was producing a lullaby melody. Hindi niya napansin na nakatulog na ang bata as she continued strumming the guitar but is now singing some soothing songs that eventually she drowse herself to sleep as well. Nagising lang si Colet when she smelled a foul smell. Nakita niya si Sevy doing a pooping position habang tumatawa.

"Sevy, ang baho naman oh!"

Sevy walked around the living room trying to escpae her mom in which Colet managed to quickly carry him but kept a distance because of the stinky smell. Bumalik sila sa room si Sevy to get his diaper changed and Colet swore to God on how nasty changing diapers is especially if it a number two.

"Timing mo naman mag poop kapag wala mga masters sa pag-aalaga sayo noh? Swerte ka lang talaga anak kita, Sev."

Sevy did not understand one word at all but keeps on laughing on Colet's face. Hearing Sevy's giggles turned Colet's disgusting face into a sweet soft hearted face. She is slowly realizing that spending time with her little one whether eating, playing or even changing his diaper can already reward a smile on Sevy's face. When Sevy is all cleaned up, Colet carried her son and look at him into his eyes.

"Sorry if walang time si mom sayo ha? Mahal na mahal kita, Sevy. Don't forget my face ha,I promise I will make more time for you from now on."

"He knows that you love him, silly."

Nabigla si Colet sa boses narinig niya kaya she looked behind her to see the person she has been missing is already home. Sevy saw his mommy's face and immediately shouted some happy noises.

"You're home. Akala ko b—

Hindi man natapos yung sinabi ni Colet as her wife pecked her in the lips and swiftly snatched Sevy from her arms and had their own little moment.

"How is mommy's bunso? Were you being a good boy while mommy was away, huh?"

Nabigla si Maloi and Sevy when another figure was hugging them from behind.

"I am glad you are home, my love."

"Happy birthday, asawa ko. I could not control the feeling na I am not with you on your special day. I missed you and our kids."

"You were right, I needed this alone time with our shoti."

"It's not about who is right, love. I am just so happy you two are spending some time to each other but seriously? Sevy had lunch at 2pm and had frozen milk?! What were you thinking, Nicolette?"

"Mali ba yun, mahal?"

"Infants are not yet allowed to consume cold products. Jusko, the moment I saw from the CCTV ay binilisan ko yung driver natin na makauwi. Mabuti nalang talaga walang nangyari masama sa anak natin."

"Ay ang baho ng tae niyan eh."

"Deserve mo naman maamoy yan. You two look so cute sa onesie niyo na yan. Picture nga kayo para mapost ko mamaya."

"Mahaaal, pwede iba nalang po?"

"I have pasalubong if you both have a picture session here with your matchy outfits."

"Eh ano pa hinihintay natin, akin na yan si Sevy boo natin."

Maloi giggle on how Colet instantly got Sevy from Maloi and baby talked the kid na they should pose great pictures for mommy. After taking a bunch of formal and wacky poses ay pinapasok ang mga dala ni Maloi na pasalubong para sa pamilya niya. They set aside Mary and Mark's pasalubong since they are not yet around. Meanwhile, Sevy got a new dinosaur toy to play with in which the baby immediately gave her mommy a big kiss on the face.

"Where is mine po?"

Maloi gave Colet a simple red paper bag which made the latter confused. She opened it to see a red lingerie and red long ribbons. Maloi was confused bakit hindi na nakagalaw yung asawa niya and got tensed that maybe the gift was a bit too much.

"Mahal, do yo—

"Yaya Mai, punta ka dito bilis! May pupuntahan kami ni Maloi!"

"Huh, saan tayo pupunta?"

"Mahal, I am so sorry what will be happening but bumaba ka na when yaya gets here to take care of our son. I'll get the car because I need to have my birthday gift."

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro ay nakalabas na si Colet while yaya Mai finally approached sa isang amo niya.

"Nagmamadali po kayo ma'am?"

"Yung boss mo oo pero pagbibigyan ko na since birthday niya, deserve niya naman. Ikaw na bahala kay Sevy ha? Manang will be home in a while then chat lang if nakarating na ang mga bata or need niyo."

"Sige po, kami na ang bahala ni Manang sa mga bata. Enjoy po kayo hehe."

Maloi could only laugh on yaya Mai's remark and turned her attention to Sevy.

"Samahan ko muna mom mo para sa birthday gift niya ha? Is that okay lang, Sevy? We will play when I go back home, hmm?"

After saying those word ay she gave a quick kiss sa sanggol and left the room. She was still from the airport tired from her flight but she does not mind because she wants to be there physically for her wife on her birthday. Just as she opened the gate, Maloi was enjoying the sight of her wife who immediately grabbed her arms and safely let her ride on the passenger seat of their car.

"Where are we going ba, love? Nagmamadali ka ata ha."

"Nearest hotel, need to have my birthday gift immediately and privately."

Happy birthday indeed, Colet.

Note:
A friend wrote this when she read the first part of this one shot. She sent it to me on Colet's birthday in hopes that it could be posted on that date. Unfortunately, this account got locked and luckily just got retrieved just today. Hope you could enjoy her work and wait patiently (if you still can) for the other stories in this account.

:):)