Nevermore [Published]

Untold Chapter 11

Twitter: #Nevermore @EinahWP

➳ Untold Chapter 11

"Mommy, I want a bike?"

Napahinto ako sa pagsusulat nang marinig ang maamong boses ni Duke Eduardo. Napalingon ako sa pwesto nito. He was sitting comfortably on a couch while holding an encyclopedia.

Naramdaman niya yata ang pagtitig ko dahil lumihis ang kanyang mga mata sa libro patungo sa akin. My baby offered me a warm smile. And I know what he's trying to do.

"You're too young for a motorbike, Duke," mahinahon kong sinabi sa aking anak. I noticed the way he pouted, his way of sulking. "I won't hesitate to give you the needs, Duke. But you can't get everything you want especially if it's unnecessary," I explained calmly.

His waterworks affect me so much. At iyon ang iniiwasan kong mangyari. Bilang ina, masakit sa pakiramdam na makita mong umiiyak ang iyong mga anak, even over the pettiest things.

Nanginig ang mga labi ni Duke at pasimpleng ibinalik ang atensyon sa kanyang binabasang encyclopedia. Tuluyan ko nang binitawan ang hawak kong ballpen upang daluhan ang aking anak na mukhang masama ang loob ngunit pilit itong itinatago.

"Anak," I called softly as I sat beside him. Mabilis niyang ibinaba ang hawak na libro upang humarap sa akin. His eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "I promise you'll get your bike when you're old enough. For now, enjoy your childhood," mahinahon kong saad habang tinutuyo ang kanyang pisngi. Duke wasn't able to hold his tears back anymore.

Four years have passed, and everything seemed to change and fell into its place. Kababalik ko lang sa pag-aaral last year upang tapusin ang aking naudlot na pagtatapos. Tripp and my three boys stayed in Crossing Tanduay.

Doon namin pinag-aral ang mga bata ngunit matigas ang ulo ni Duke. Idinaraan niya ang mga bagay sa pag-iyak hanggang sa bumigay na lang si Tripp sa kanyang kagustuhan. He rarely listens to his father. Isang linggo lang ako nawala upang asikasuhin ang enrollment ko ay hindi raw matigil-tigil ang pagngawa nito sa bahay.

So, we've decided na sa Manila na lang din pag-aralin si Duke. Compared to his other brothers, he could survive without the pack. As long as he finds comfort in my presence, he's okay. Minsan ay nagseselos na nga si Tripp dahil ang buong atensyon ni Duke ay nasa akin at mga libro niya lamang.

"You promise?" Duke mumbled hopefully. His chinky eyes pierced through mine, searching for truthfulness. He held his pinky finger out for me. Tumawa ako at ikinabit doon ang akin. I felt his excitement through his grin.

"I love you, Mommy. You're simply the best, and you should know that po," malumanay na sinabi ni Duke at dumukwang upang halikan ako sa mga labi. "Miss na miss ka na po ni Daddy."

My heart swells with love and pride. Duke will definitely go places. Hindi ako makapaniwala na ito na iyong anak kong umiiyak lang noon at palaging tulog. Honestly, I don't want him to mature early. Masyado siyang matalino para sa kanyang edad, and it sometimes scares me.

"It's already late, Duke. May pasok ka pa bukas," marahan kong sinabi habang hinahaplos ang kanyang mukha. Ngumuso siya ngunit hindi nagsalita o nagpakita ng kahit anong pagtutol. "Go to sleep, anak."

"Okay po," he said, yawning. "How about you, Mommy?" Tumayo siya at lumapit sa table upang abutin ang tinimpla kong gatas para sa kanya. Inubos niya iyon nang mabilis at agad na tumalon sa kandungan ko. Napaigik ako sa impact niyon. His weight is no longer a joke.

"Let's sleep na po, Mommy?" He gave me a puppy look that no one could say no to. "You said it was late," Duke insisted as he showered pepper kisses on my face. "Please? I'm scared of the monsters under my bed, Mommy."