Down The Line

Chapter 26

B

"Daddy! You going to work?"

"Yes, Princess. You'll see me in Showtime later."

"Really? Will Tita Mom be there?" (A.N.: Credits to PaoAshBoo for coming up with this monicker. I told you I was going to use it. 😊)

"I'm sorry, baby. Who?"

"Tita Mom! Tita Sarah!"

"Ahahaha So that's what you call Sarah now, huh?"

"Yes, Daddy! Do you like it?"

"Oo nga, Bambs. Do you like it?"

I look over to my wife. I didn't realize she was there, listening to our conversation.

"Yes. In fact, I do."

"So, is that what your Tita Sarah wants you to call her?"

"No, mom. I just made it up. Do you think she'd mind if I call her 'Tita Mom', Dad?"

"Well, Bambs? Do you think she'll mind?"

"No, Princess. I don't think she would. I think she'll even like it. You are going to make her giggle... A lot!"

"Really? Yey!"

"Baby, play muna in your room. Daddy and I have something to talk about."

"Ok, mom."

"Hindi ko na ata mapapayagan ito, Bamboo."

"What?"

"For your daughter to call that woman 'Mom'."

"She said 'Tita Mom' not 'Mom'."

"Wag kang pilosopo, Bamboo."

"Why do you always take things seriously?"

"Because this is a serious matter!"

"Why? Because Isabella is calling Sarah 'Tita Mom'?"

"No. It's because THAT woman is taking my place!"

"That woman has a name."

"I don't care! You have to stay away from her or else!"

"Or else what, M?"

"Isa and Lucius."

"Don't you dare involve my kids, M. I swear to God. Have the decency to leave my children out of this."

And I saw her cry...

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just that I love you so much."

"How can you love someone like me? I am no good for you. I told you over and over I can't make you happy. You'll always be miserable with me."

"I know."

"Then why won't you let go?"

"I probably just love the idea of being married to you, of being with you."

"You're staying for the wrong reasons, M. We'll both be happier when we're free."

"But we're not free."

"We can be. You just won't allow it."

"Because I don't want to! I promise I won't involve our kids into this. I love them, too. More than you can imagine."