The Story of Us | ViceRylle

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I took a sip from my water bottle when I felt my mouth dry. I cleared my throat before speaking to the mic.

"We became friends that day." I began. "He was still not convinced that I was his son. My mom didn't like having him around at first, but she gave up after she found out about me sneaking out early in the morning to play basketball with him."

One of the ladies in the audience raised up her hand. "I'm actually planning to answer questions later, but okay. What's your question?"

"Earlier, you mentioned that this was a story of how your mom and your dad met again. Would you mind sharing the backstory of their first meeting?"

"Good question. I'm actually about to tell you that story now. It's quite a funny story actually."

--

Vice and Tristan's laughs echoed across the hallway. Vice told a joke to the little boy and until now, he couldn't stop laughing. The kid's laugh was contagious. Tawang tawa ang bata sakanya kaya pati siya ay natatawa na rin.

They both stopped walking when they saw a woman from a far. She had her arms crossed and eyebrows knitted together. Yup, it was Karylle.

"Lagot." Vice heard Tristan say softly.

They walked slowly, treasuring every step because for sure he'd be grounded.

"Hi, mom."

"Do you know what time it is?" She asked him and Tristan shook his head, frowning.

"I went to your school to pick you up, but your teacher said you didn't attend your art class."

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Vice sa narinig at napatingin kay Tristan.

"You're grounded." She said when she opened the door, signaling the kid to go inside. Napayuko naman ang bata at naglalakad papasok sa loob ng apartment.

"At ikaw, diba sinabi ko na layuan mo ang anak ko? Nananadya ka ba o talagang di ka lang marunong umintindi?"

"Mom, he didn't do anything. It's my--"

"Hindi. Kasalanan ko. Gusto ko kasi makita yung bata kaya pinuntahan ko siya sa school. Hindi ko naman alam na may klase pa siya nun. Sorry, hindi na mauulit." Vice lied to cover up for Tristan. Nakita naman nya ang pag iba ng mukha ng bata.

"Tristan, is this true?" Tristan was taken aback when his mom turned around, he nodded his head then she turned to face Vice again.

"Ayoko ng mauulit 'to. Maliwanag?" She said and Vice nodded.

"Makakaalis ka na." She was about to close the door but he stopped her by holding the door.

"Sandali. Sabi mo ako ang tatay ng bata. Gusto ko malaman kung paano nangyari yun at kung bakit wala ako matandaan na nagkakilala tayo noon."

"Hindi naman ako nabunggo o nagka-amnesia. Sumakit na nga ulo ko kakaisip pero wala pa rin talaga ako maalala. Mukhang hindi naman kayo mga adik para pagtripan ako--"

"Excuse me?!"

"Mukha ngang hindi! Mukhang seryoso kasi kayo lalong lalo na yung bata. Pinipilit nya talaga na ako ang daddy nya. Kaya kung pwede, i-explain mo sakin ng malinawan ako." He said to her. He looked so lost and confused and she could see that he really wanted to know the truth.

"Come on in." She said and opened the door.

Vice walked inside and Tristan was still standing by the staircase with his backpack. The kid beamed at him and did a thumbs up. Vice mirrored the kid's gesture even though he didn't know what that was for.