Behind Her Innocence (Hughes Series)

Chapter 14: Birthday Girl

It had been weeks since the last time I saw Aaron. Well, twice a week ko lang naman siya tini-train. But these last weeks, hindi kami kailangang magkita dahil may tao akong nagte-train sa kanya sa sales. And he's not obligated to see me until matapos ang one month niya sa sales. Saka doon palang kami kailangang magkita at mag-usap.

I guessed he was really hurt from the last time we talked during the charity event kaya hindi siya nagpakita. Kasi if gusto niya akong inisin, he would show up anytime sa office ko. Pero hindi niya ginawa yun. Good thing he was showing signs of sensitivity these days. Akala ko kasi lagi ng makapal ang mukha niya at laging manhid ang pakiramdam niya.

Mas pabor sakin yung hindi niya pagpapakita sakin pero nakakapagtaka lang minsan kasi hindi ganun ang Aaron na kilala ko. Sana nga naliwanagan na siya kung ano ang nararamdaman ko towards him.

I had to go back to California today for Rosetta's birthday. She was waiting for me sabi ni manang at excited na daw ito. I didn't want to disappoint my daughter, so I did everything I could para makaalis ako.

Tinapos ko lahat ng kailangan kong gawin sa office. Ang iba ay ginawa ko na in advance. Nag-overtime pa nga ako sa office just to finish all the things that needed my attention. I was tired for the past few days of not getting enough sleep. Pero okay lang kung ang reward naman nito ay makakasama ko ulit ang anak ko. She's my life. Besides, I was working hard for her future. I was doing all these for her.

I was entering the airport when Ines called me.

"Bakit, Ines?"

"Maam, sigurado po ba kayong babalik kayo by Monday? Tinatanong po kasi ni Sir Gray kung bakit daw po kayo aalis at kung kailan daw kayo babalik."

I told Ines na may kailangan lang akong asikasuhin doon at meron akong dadaluhang event ng kaibigan. She was the one who booked the ticket para hindi kahina-hinala kina dad. Although, wala talagang alam si Ines tungkol sa totoong rason ng lakad ko. I trusted her a lot, but I was not comfortable sharing my secrets with others.

"I'll explain to him. Let me handle it. Thanks, Ines. I'll see you in three days."

"See you din po. Mag-ingat po kayo."

After that, we hung up the phone. Hindi nagtagal ay flight ko na paalis. It took me fourteen hours to arrive in California.

Tamang-tama na pagdating ko ay six palang ng umaga. I told manang to prepare the cake and the balloons para pagdating ko ay e-surprised namin si Rosetta.

We silently went inside her room while I was carrying the cake and manang was holding the balloons. I saw her laying on the bed and moved a bit and that was my cue.

"Wake up, sweetheart."

She moved again and she slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes widened when she saw me.

"Mommy??" She looked so surprised.

Manang Daisy and I sang the happy birthday song together. Rosetta was smiling and she looked very happy. She was clapping her hands as we sang.

"Happy birthday, Dear Rosetta." We sang the last part of the song.

She was smiling as she blew the candle on her cake. After she blew the candle, I handed the cake to manang. Rosetta glanced at me and hugged me tight. "Thank you for being here, mommy. You always do what you promised. I love you!!"

"I love you more, sweetheart." I kissed her pinkish cheeks and smelled her heavenly scent. I carried her in my arms. She's always my baby even though she's five years old now. I would not get tired of carrying and holding her in my arms.