UNCUNNING

Chapter 11

At Madeline's Room

"Ate pinatawag niyo daw po ako," Tanong ni Yve sa kapatid.

"Yeah, we need to talk about ypur daughter," Sagot ni Made sa nakababatang kapatid at umupo naman sa sofa si Yve.

"You have to be careful, Chole should not know that you are here in the Philippines, avoid going out if it is not important, at higit sa lahat wala akung malaman-laman na nag uusap o nagkikita kayo ni Chole because you know what will happen Yve, I will sent you and your daughter back to State, are we clear?" Made said.

In response, Yve could only give a nod, wala siyang magawa kung hindi ang sumunod.

"And also ikaw na ang maghanap ng school ng anak mo," Dagdag ni Made sa kapatid.

"Yes, ate," maikling sagot ni Yve.

Meanwhile

Chole was overjoyed when she received the invitation to visit the school where she had donated supplies. She had always loved working with children and had always dreamed of having kids of her own. Unfortunately, her partner had left her without any indication of when he might return. Chole had been longing for her for years, but she had heard nothing from her since she left. She missed her terribly, but she was also excited about the opportunity to visit the school and spend time with the children there.

Time Skip

Yve was busy filling out paperwork to enroll her daughter in one of the best schools in town when a familiar face appeared on her front porch.

"Yve," the person called out.

Yve looked up from her work and saw her friend Gian standing there. It had been a year since they had last seen each other, and Yve was happy to see her.

"Gian," Yve said, standing up to hug her friend.

"It's been a year, Yve. Where have you been? I've missed you," Gian said, hugging Yve back.

"I've missed you too," Yve replied.

Gian noticed a slight bitter expression on Yve's face. "You know, Chole will be happy if she knew that you came back," Gian said.

Yve's expression softened. "No, please, Gian, don't tell her that we came back. This is not being selfish, I'm just trying to protect her, so please, no."

For a moment, Gian couldn't say anything. She knew Chole was her friend, but she also trusted Yve, and she believed that this was not the right moment for Chole and Yve to meet.

The conversation went well until both of them took separate ways. Yve went straight home, just like her sister told her.

At home, Yve was about to go at her room when a voice stopped her from taking a step.

"Is everything alright, Ve?" Made asked her sister

"Yes, ate, na enroll kona po si Eve, and she can start na this Monday," Yve responded.

"Good, akala ko mahihirapan siyang makapasok, She's three pero may utak na pang ten years old, Eve is smart, hindi mauuto agad- agad, sana mag patuloy yun, kasi may kilala akung katulad niya matalino subalit nagpaka-tanga sa huli," Madiing ani ni Made sa kapatid.

Hindi na sumagot si Yve at dahan- dahan ng umakyat papunta sa kanilang kwarto, pagpasok niya nakita nito ang anak ng nagbabasa ng libro, habang nanunuod ng tv.

"Mommy," tawag ni Eve sa mommy niya, hindi ito agad na pansin ni Yve dahil nakatulala lamang ito. Kaya naman lumapit si Eve at yinakap ang kanyang nanay.

"Mommy, are you okay? Are you exhausted ba," tanong ni Eve kay Yve dahilan para mahimas-masan si Yve.

"Umh, yes, baby, mommy is fine, I think I just need a little bit of rest," Sagot ni Yve sa anak.