My Ex-Boyfriend. [BOOK 1&2] COMPLETED

[19]

CLOUD

NAKAUPO ako sa tapat ni Jake. I took him to an ice cream parlor he loves to go. Nakatitig lang ako sakanya habang kumakain siya. He's already three years old and I didn't even had the chance to see him as he grew up. I never had the chance to carry him the moment he went out of Christa's womb. The son I love the most and my son who I tried to save by not letting him know who I really am. But I'm the father I know he'll never be proud of.

"Cloud.." Napalingon ako at nakita ko si Lara at Gian na papalapit sa amin. Jake immediately stood up and ran to Gian and gave him a hug. Lara just looked at me and I just gave her an assuring smile.

"Daddy, Tito Cloud treated me ice cream!" Gian also looked at me before looking back to Jake. Lumuhod ito sa harap ni Jake bago pa man ito magsalita.

"Jake, I'm going to tell you something very important okay? But no matter what you hear, always remember that I will always be here for you, okay?" Hinagod ni Gian ang ulo ni Jake at tumingin sa akin. He smiled at me. "Let's just say that you have two fathers.."

"Two fathers? You mean you're not my only father? But how did that happen?"

"I'm your father and also is Tito Cloud. But the difference is, you were born because of Tito Cloud. Tito Cloud is your real daddy." Jake looked at me but he hid behind Gian when I tried approaching him. Gian held Jake and look at him in the eye. "Tito Cloud--- I mean, your Papa was away because he was protecting you. Because he loves you so much and he sacrificed being with you so that you can be safe and happy. Jake, he is your true father and he is here to make it up to you. So can you give him a chance?"

I walked towards them and held Jake's hand. I looked at him and my eyes started to water. "Jake.. You remember me right? I'm the man who always takes you to the amusement park whenever you're feeling sad. I'm sorry, anak. I'm sorry if Papa was too weak to fight for you. Papa was too weak to be with you. There's a lot of things you can't understand right now. There's a lot of things I can't tell you yet but I know and I hope that one day, you'll understand why I did it.. Anak, mahal na mahal kita. Hindi ka pa man pinapanganak sobrang mahal na mahal na kita. And if I'm going to have a chance to be with you, I will do my very best to be a good father to you. Kaya nak, sana bigyan mo ng chance si Papa.. I won't promise you anything but I will assure you that no matter what happens, I will protect you from anything or anyone who tries to hurt you."

Jake looked at me at pinunasan ang luhang bumabagsak sa mata ko. "Don't cry na po.. I didn't understand half of what you said but I just want you to smile. Don't cry."

I looked at Jake and smiled. I hugged him tightly. "Awwch! My little body is going to break!"

Bumitaw naman ako at natawa. Jake was pouting at me and I smiled at him. "Sorry, Jake. I just wanted to hug you."

"I will hug you." Jake said and hugged me. Tears started falling down my eyes again when I felt how warm his hug is. Lara and Gian smiled at me as if assuring me that everything will be alright.

LARA

I'm driving the car back to the hospital. Gian was just silently staring outside the car window while listening to music.

The silence was starting to make me anxious. Napahigpit lang ang hawak ko sa manibela.

"I always loved Jake as my own child. He was the mere reason why I stayed with Christa. He was also the reason..." His voice went down. "..I decided to leave you. Knowing Christa, I was scared of losing another child.. I was scared she might get rid of the baby once I don't choose her.. I know, I was a stupid excuse for a guy. I was too weak that Christa wrapped me around her finger. I was helpless, Vannie. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko noong mga panahong yun. I just want all of us to be happy but God, how could she do that? Paano niya nagawang paikutin tayo sa kamay niya? Paano niya nagawang magsinungaling para lang mapasakanya ako? I knew karma would come to me eventually and it really did. It hit me like a truck. Ngayon, I have nothing else.. and I'm dying."