Hiding His Daughter

CHAPTER 39

I decided to buy plane ticket as a birthday gift for my daughter.

I made decision, and that decision is to grant her wish. One month na lang birthday niya na kaya inagahan ko na ang pag kuha ng ticket.

"Are you sure with that decision of yours?" tanong ni Mama. "If you are not yet ready, don't force yourself the result might be a something trouble or a failure. Jaiena can wait to meet her father." sambit ni Mama.

I nodded. "Yes, Ma. I've been thinking about this too. She wants to meet her dad and want to go to the Philippines." sambit ko at bumuntong hininga.

"I understand, honey," Mama said softly, stroking my hair. "But I hope you're ready for whatever happens. Introducing your daughter to her father isn't easy, especially if there are unresolved issues between the two of you. Make sure you can handle any reaction from Jaiden, and the possible effect it will have on Jaiena."

Bumuntong hininga ako. "She's looking for her dad, Ma. I think this is the right time for her to meet Jaiden. This is also her birthday wish." saad ko.

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya. "Okay, whatever your decision is, I'll still support you." sambit niya. Nginitian ko siya.

"Salamat, Ma," I whispered, hugging her tightly.  "I know it's a big step, but I feel like it's time. Jaiena keeps asking about her father, and I can't keep putting it off forever. I just... I'm scared of his reaction." humigpit ang yakap niya.

Mama and Tita Andrea already planned everything for Jaiena's fourth birthday.

My phone rang, and seeing Easton's name flash across the screen, a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. He rarely called me.  When I answered, his voice was choked with sobs.

"Ate Eliana... si Mama... si Mama... nasa ospital!"

My heart plummeted. Mama? My mind raced.  "Easton? Anong nangyari? Ano'ng ospital?  Magsalita ka ng maayos!" I demanded, trying to keep my voice calm despite the panic rising within me.

Napalingon sa gawi ko si Mama at Papa pati na rin si Jaiena na nanonood ng tv.

"What's wrong?" Mama asked ngunit hindi ko siya magawang tignan at naka abang lang sa sasabihin ni Easton.

"Si... Ate, umuwi ka na... Si Mama kailangan operahan kasi..." hikbi niya.

"Easton! Ano nga nangyari kay Mama?! Hindi kita maintindihan, magsalita ka naman ng maayos!" nagsimula na akong humikbi lumapit naman sa akin si Mama upang pakalmahin ako.

Bigla na lang namatay ang tawag na maslalong nagpa kaba sa akin.

"What did Easton say?" tanong ni Papa.

"Kailangan kong umuwi ng Pilipinas..." tanging sagot ko.

Tumango si Papa. "Fix your things, I'll book a flight." tumango naman ako at tinungo ang kwarto ko saka kinuha ang maleta at naglagay ng gamit.

Kung ano ano na ang pumasok sa utak ko, baka kung anong nangyari na kay Mama.

Pati ang gamit ni Jaiena ay inilagay ko sa sarili niyang maleta.

Ilang oras bago ako natapos.

"I'll see you in the Philippines, okay? Have a safe flight," Tita Andrea said, her voice warm despite the underlying worry.

Nakita kami ni Tito Freddieric na papalabas ng bahay habang may dalang maleta sinabi ko sa kaniya kung bakit. Nag offer naman siya na sila na ang mag hahatid sa amin.

Niyakap ko silang dalawa. "Thank you po," tumango lang sila.

"Goodbye, Mommy La and Daddy La! I'll see you in the Philippines!" masayang paalam ni Jaiena at humalik sa Lolo at Lola niya.