Whispers in the Midst of Chasms

27

As I waited outside Kaiden's school gate, I was shocked to see Keous talking to my son. My heart raced, and time seemed to freeze. Kaiden looked so happy as he chatted with him, while Keous eyes is full of pain and guilt. Watching them, I felt a mix of fear and anger.

When Keous noticed me, his eyes shifted—filled with pain and rage. "Dahlia," he said, his tone heavy with tension. "I just need to talk to you."

"What are you doing here, Keous?" tanong ko sakanya na may pagtataka at kaba "Why are you at Kaiden's school?"

"Can I give you a ride?" he asked, his voice calmer than I expected. "I can drive you back to the apartment. We need to talk."

There was no reason to refuse, and despite my fear, I followed him. Kaiden was beaming beside me. "Mom, can I ride with Superman?" Nakangiting tanong ni Kaiden saakin habang  nakatingin kay Keous. Napakalaki ng ngiti ni Kaiden sa kanyang labi at parang tinutuhog ang puso ko nito.

"Of course, buddy," Keous replied, his tone softening as he focused on Kaiden.

As we got into the car, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. With Kaiden sitting in the back, I wondered what would happen between me and Keous on the drive. The car was filled with unspoken words, emotions colliding in the air.

Despite the tension, the drive continued. The sunlight fought against the shadows of our past. I heard Kaiden's cheerful voice behind me, full of energy, sharing stories about his friends and how excited he was for upcoming activities.

Keous glanced at the rearview mirror, his face reflecting worry. "Dahlia," he said, his tone serious. "I just want to know what happened—between us."

"This isn't easy," I replied, my voice filled with anger and pain. "You have no idea how complicated everything is."

"Then let me in," he insisted, his eyes filled with determination. "I want to be there for you, but I can't do that if you keep pushing me away."

From the backseat, I heard Kaiden ask, "Mom, why do you look so serious?" His question made me smile, but inside, I was battling so many emotions.

When we arrived at the apartment, Keous stopped in front of the door. "Dahlia, please," he pleaded, his voice softening. "Let's talk about this."

 We stepped inside, the tension crackled in the air. Keous's eyes held pain, but at the same time, there was a glimmer of hope. But how could I shake off the fear that loomed within me? As we entered the apartment, the atmosphere shifted. Paige was sitting on the sofa, her eyes darting between me and Keous, instantly sensing the tension that hung thick in the air.

"Hey, Kaiden," she said brightly, masking her concern. "Want to go get some ice cream? I heard they have a new flavor at the shop down the street!"

"Yes!" Kaiden exclaimed, bouncing on his feet. "Can we, Mom?"

I nodded, still feeling the weight of everything. "Go ahead, have fun," I said, forcing a smile. I watched as Paige took Kaiden's hand, leading him out the door. As soon as the door clicked shut, the room felt quieter, and the tension between me and Keous grew heavier.

He turned to me, his expression fierce. "I did a DNA test using Kaiden's hair," he said, anger boiling beneath the surface. "Why did you keep that from me, Dahlia? Why did you deny me the chance to know him? To be a part of his life?"

I could feel my heart race. "Hindi mo alam ang pinagdaanan ko!" I shot back, my voice rising. "Your family caused me so much pain. I can't let history repeat itself. I don't want Kaiden to experience that kind of hurt!"