Hiding His Daughter

CHAPTER 47

Like what Jaiden promised, we had small ceremony for Mama and Papa to ask for their blessings.

Sinindihan ko ang kandila na nasa puntod ni Mama ganon din ang ginawa ni Jaiden sa kandila na nasa puntod ni Papa at Easton.

Easton Blake Romanova
Eliza Xiare Romanova
Arnel Jr. Romanova

"Mommy," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the gentle rustling of leaves. "Why can't I see them anymore? Why can't I talk to them like before?"

I knelt beside her, pulling her close. The rough texture of the stone felt cold against my cheek. "They're in a better place now, love," I said, my voice catching slightly. "A place where there's no more sadness or pain."

Jaiena frowned, her brow furrowed in concentration. "But... I miss them. I miss Tito's silly jokes and Mama's warm hugs." A single tear traced a path down her cheek.

I gently wiped away her tear. "I miss them too, baby girl. But even though we can't see them or hear their voices, their love is still with us. It's in our hearts, in our memories, in everything we do." I pointed to the flickering candles. "See? These lights are like their love – they might seem small, but they bring warmth and light to our hearts."

Jaiden nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the flames. A small smile played on her lips. "So, they're watching over us?"

"Yes," I affirmed, squeezing her hand. "They're always watching over us, guiding us, and loving us." I paused, then added softly, "And we can always talk to them in our hearts. Tell them what you miss, what you remember, what you love about them. They can hear you."

Nanahimik kaming dalawa ni Jaiena ng tumikhim si Jaiden.

"Mama Eliza, Papa Arnel," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I know... I know I should have done this sooner, while you were still here. I was... I was young and foolish, and I didn't understand the importance of asking for your guidance and blessings."

Sinundan ko si Jaiena ng tingin tinungo niya ang mga bato hindi naman kalayuan dito sa puntod nila Mama kaya hinayaan ko lang siya.

He paused, his eyes welling up. "But now, I do. I understand how much you both loved Eliana, and how much you cared for her well-being. I'm... I'm asking for your blessing now, for your guidance. Help me be the best partner and a father I can be for them. Help me protect them, cherish them, and make them happy."

He took another deep breath and stand up, trying to compose himself. "I know I've made mistakes. I haven't always been the best person, but I'm trying to change. I'm trying to be worthy of her love, worthy of your trust. Please... watch over us. Guide us. Give us strength and wisdom."

Napangiti ako sa kaniyang mga sinasabi. Our broke up hurt but look at us now, we still ended up together and getting married.

Tumayo ako sa tabi niya. "Kapag para sa inyo ang tadhana, gagawa at gagawa ang tadhana upang mapagtagpo ulit ang landas niyo." He looked into my eyes, his expression softening. "I think our paths were always meant to cross again, no matter the obstacles."

"Mommy! Daddy!" she exclaimed, running toward us with her arms wide open.

I knelt down para nag pantay kami at mayakap ko siya. "You should not run, love." saad ko at pinunasan ng panyo ang noo niya.

Inilahad niya ang kamay at may ipinakita siya sa aking stick. "What's that for?" tanong ko.

She showed me five sticks. "It's our family stick." she said as she gigle.

Nangunot ang noo ko. "Five? We are three, who's that two?" lumapit na rin sa amin si Jaiden.

She carefully arranged the sticks, pointing to each one. "The biggest one is Daddy," she declared, "the medium one is you, Mommy, and the smallest is me! And these two..." she gestured to the two tiniest sticks, "...are my baby sister and baby brother!"