SELENE [BOOK 2]

CHAPTER 32

“Lucas,” Nico called Lucas. Bahagya akong sumilip sa pintuan.

Nakita kong nakaluhod si Nico sa harapan ni Lucas na nakaupo sa sofa.

Nakayuko si Lucas at hindi makatingin kay Nico.

I can feel Steve and Krissia's presence behind me, listening too.

“Look, son. Don't say that... Your mom will be hurt if she hears you saying that,” Nico said and let out a heavy sigh. “It's not your mom's fault why she didn't tell you the truth. It's... It's because of me, son. I hurt your mom before, and she just wanted what's the best for you and to protect you.” 

Dahil sa sinabi ni Nico ay napaangat ang ulo ni Lucas at nagtatakang tiningnan ito. Namumula ang ilong nito kakaiyak. “Protect me? Why? Why did you hurt mommy? She's very kind!”

“It's a long story, Lucas. That I'm sure you'll hate me once you know. I wasn't a good husband to your mom before.” Nico said while staring at Lucas.

“Tell me then!” Matapang na sabi ni Lucas.

“It's better if your mom will explain it to you, little boy.” Nico said.

“But I already have daddy Steve...” Lucas whispered and played with his fingers. “You can't be my daddy. Isa lang po dapat ang daddy ko! You're just my friend!”  Nagsimula na namang maiyak si Lucas, kaya naman ay pumasok na ako. 

Napatingin silang dalawa sa pagpasok ko. Tumayo sa pagkakaluhod si Nico at nakapamulsang nakatitig sa akin. Lumampas ang titig niya sa likod ko kung nasaan sila Steve at Krissia na nakasunod sa akin.

“Lucas,” I called my son's name. Hindi ito lumapit at umiling-iling.

“You didn't tell me! Tell me, Mom! It's not true, right? I already have daddy Steve!” Lucas asked as he glanced at Nico, who I caught staring at Lucas.

Pain flashed through in his eyes, but it disappeared as soon as our eyes met. His jaw clenched tightly, repeatedly.

“I'm not your biological dad, Lucas. I'm sorry.” It was Steve, who is now beside me, who answered Lucas.

Nagtubig ang mga mata ni Lucas sa narinig.

“You're...” Lucas shook his head. “No! You're my daddy Steve! You're my dad! He's not my dad!”

“Lucas,” malumanay na tawag ko sa anak na umiiyak.

Nang ipinanganak ko si Lucas hanggang sa naglakad at natuto itong magsalita si Steve ang nandiyan kaya noong tinawag niya ng daddy si Steve ay hindi ko na sinaway.

Hanggang sa nagkaisip at lumaki siya si Steve and iniisip niyang ama talaga niya.

Ayaw ko namang maramdaman ni Lucas dati na may kulang sa kaniya kaya hinayaan ko na lang na tawagin niyang daddy si Steve at okay lang naman kay Steve iyon.

Nagulat kaming lahat ng kinuha ni Lucas ang flower vase at tinapon iyon sa harapan ni Nico. Nabasag iyon at tumama ang basag na parte sa kamay ni Nico kaya dumugo iyon. Napaatras ako.

I gasped. Hindi ako nakagalaw sa nasaksihan.

“Lucas!” Agad namang gumalaw si Krissia at sinaway si Lucas. Hinawakan niya ito sa balikat at pinapatahan.

I looked at Nico. Nakakuyom ang kamay nitong duguan. Still he doesn't look mad. Instead, he looks in pain as he looks at his son, who can't look directly into his eyes. 

Matagal na rin simula ng huling kita namin. A lot of things change including his face na kung dati ay parang dark ang aura ngayon ay hindi na. Parang mas magaan na at palaging mukhang malungkot.