Tyrone immediately ran to me when the coordinator signaled for a break. He was smiling from ear to ear.
“You were very good,” I said as my baby boy hugged me tight. I held him at arm’s length to wipe of the sweat all over his body.
“You really need to change. Basang basa ka na,” I said. “Nasan na ba yung bag mo?”
“I think you’re looking for this,” I saw Thomas holding Ty’s green Ben Ten bag.
I was momentarily stunned. “Thanks,” I said as I reached out for the bag.
“What do you need? I’ll get it.” He presented. I wanted to protest but told myself to stay cool.
“The white shirt, it’s in the first zipper,” I said. Thomas followed and opened the bag. He took out the white shirt and handed it to me.
“Come Babe, let’s get you changed,” I guided Ty to the nearest bench. I helped my son out of his soaked shirt and slipped in the new one. Thomas just followed us while holding Ty’s bag.
I looked at Thomas and signaled the bag but he just smiled at me. Urgh. “The powder.” He took it out for me and I applied some on Tyrone.
“He’s your son. He’s got your cheeks,” Thomas commented. I just smiled. Good observation. Yan kasi ang laging sinasabi.
“Where’s his father?” he asked straight to the point.
“Gone.” I answered timidly.
“Babe, can I go to Tita Kim?” Tyrone looked at me after I’m done with him. I nodded and my son immediately went off.
“He’s your Babe,” Thomas figured. He has this good-surprise face/smile.
“Yeah.”
“How old is he?” he asked like he already knows the answer. Keep your head on, Ara. I told myself.
“Three.”
“I don’t think so.” Thomas answered with finality.
“Think what you want to think, Thomas,” I said. “I met his father when I was away. He was an officemate but we didn’t work out. He’s still supporting Tyrone even when his back in China.”
“Tyrone’s father is a Chinese?” Thomas asked. Suddenly, he looked like his 1000-piece puzzle was scrambled and he’s struggling to put it back together again.
“Half Chinese, half Filipino.”
“Is that true, Ara?” Thomas asked almost forcefully.
“I am not the liar here Thomas.” I said straight to his face. I can’t believe I did that!
“Ara I have never lied…”
“You have never?” I scoffed. I took a deep breath and smiled. “We’ve agreed to put this on the past and just let it go.”
“Ara, if we could just talk openly,” Thomas starts to look pleading.
“Please Thomas…”
“Coach!” Thomas and I turned to Cienne. She was looking at the door. When we all turned to where she was looking, my face broke into a smile.
Coach Ramil, my tatay is here! We all ran to his direction.
“Bakit po kayo nandito? Exempted kami sa practice diba?” Kim said.
Oh by the way, Carol, Mika and Kim are still playing under Coach Ramil in the club leagues. Cienne exchanged volleyball with motherhood and she has no complains about it. Some of our teammates from La Salle are still with our legendary coach.
