Chasing That Holy Feeling

Chapter 30: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

I fake a smile before approaching the two girls in front of me. I don't know the story behind this but I don't want to ask Alivia either. I'm scared that the truth will hurt me more than it has hurt me in the past. For the first time in my life, I don't want to ask. I don't want to know the answers. I don't want my little bubble of fantasy to pop without even lasting for a month.

"Good morning." I started as I tapped Alivia's shoulder.

"W-What are you doing here?" she asked; stuttering.

"You're not answering my calls and I got so worried so pumunta ako dito." Nagkibit ako ng balikat bago binalingan ang bata na puno din ng tanong ang mga mata. Nakita ko ang sarili ko sa kanya na tahimik na nagmamasid pero meron nang mga tanong na tumatakbo sa utak.

I can clearly recall the questions I have in mind when Mom first arrived. My head was flooded with questions as I observed Dad clinging and talking to Mom like she's the most lovable woman she has ever seen. So I bet this girl right here seeks answer like I how I seek mine before.

"Good morning, little girl." I smiled at the child and she smiled sweetly at me too.

"Good morning!" she giddily replied. "Are you my mom's friend?" she inquired and it pains me to lie to a child but I was left with no choice. I'm afraid that just like mine; the truth will pop her dream in having a complete family.

"Yes, I'm her friend. What's your name?" I tried to sound friendly as possible so the child won't have any bad ideas against me.

"I'm Chastity but people in our place call me Chas." Matatas ang dila niya at hindi ko mahulaan kung ilang taon na siya dahil masyadong matangkad ang bata para siguro sa edad na tatlong taong gulang. I remember what Alivia said; she stayed in her father's province for two years before going back to Manila for work. This means this child is not a three year old kid.

"Then can I call you Chas?" may ngiti sa labi kong sabi na tinanguan niya. "Great. My name is Leighton. Did you eat your breakfast na?" tanong ko at tinuro niya ang pagkain na nasa mesa di kalayuan.

"Nagdala si Mommy pero ayaw ko ng gulay..." she stubbornly said before crossing her arms.

"Chas... hindi ba ang sabi ni Mommy na kailangan mo kumain ng gulay para healthy ka lagi at hindi sakitin?"

"Mom, you're asking me to eat grass. I'm not a goat!" giit ng bata na ikinatawa ko. I can see the stubbornness of Alivia in her.

"Batang 'to. Hindi nga 'yan damo! Those are leaves and vegetables are good for your health!" giit naman ni Alivia at nakita ko ang pag ikot ng mata ng bata.

Maldita.

"I won't eat vegetables. I want fish! I want seafood, mommy!"

"Pero hindi ba ang sabi 'ko sa 'yo na 'yan lang ang nakayanan ni Mommy?" mabilis na tinapunan ako ni Alivia ng tingin bago ibnalik ang tingin niya sa anak. "Sige na anak, kainin mo na ang dala ni Mommy..."

Hindi nagsalita ang bata at nanatiling nakanguso sa harap ng mommy niya. Alivia heaved a sigh and when she looked at me, I gave her a reassuring smile as I tapped her back.

"Chas... can Tito Leighton make a deal with you?" marahan kong tanong at nakita ko ang pagka-agaw ng atensyon niya. "Anong paborito mong dessert?"

"Hmm... favorite ko yung ube cake sa may bayan." Bida niya sa akin at hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nangiti sa simpleng bagay na sinabi niya.

"Okay, ganito ha? If you eat a few spoonful of vegetables na niluto ni Mommy, I'll take you to my hotel and let you eat every cake you see in the restaurant."