The Widow

Scene 26 - We lie to protect others

Scene 26 – We lie to protect others

“Are you sure?” Aiden asked Clara as they both headed down to the driveway.

Ngumiti si Clara nang nasa tapat na sila ng kotse niya, binuksan niya ito bago sagutin si Aiden, “Yes. Stay home with the kids and I’ll pick Ian at the airport.” Dahil ngayon na ang dating ni Ian at gusto niyang siya ang sumundo dito.

Nagbuntong hininga si Aiden at hinalikan siya sa noo, “Okay. Be safe.”

Sasakay na sana si Clara sa loob nang hawakan siya ni Aiden sa braso, “What?”

“I want to take a sabbatical after this case.”

Nagulat siya sa sinabi ni Aiden, umiling siya, “Why?” kahit alam niya na ang rason, siguro dahil sa nangyari kagabi, siguro gusto nitong makabawi sa kanila, sa kanya pero hindi nito dapat ito gawin. Sa huli, pag may na miss itong malaking kaso, baka siya ang sisihin nito.

“I want us to take a vacation. Maybe visit the Philippines or Europe.”

“Let’s talk about this when I get back.” Sabi niya dito at humalik na sa pisngi ni Aiden, “Take care of the kids, try not to spoil them too much.”

Aiden’s jaw clenched but he gave her a half-smile, “I’ll try.” He said, “Be safe.”

Sumakay na si Clara at nagmaneho paalis. Sa drive papunta sa airport ay inisip niya yung sinabi ni Aiden, gusto nitong mag bakasyon, gusto rin niya ito pero natatakot siyang baka nakokonsensya lang si Aiden sa nangyari kahapon.

***

As soon as Aiden closed the front door, he faced his kids, “So what do you guys want to do today? Mommy’s gone.” He smiled at them.

The twins squealed in delight and jumped. “Play!” Maddox said.

Kieran shook his head and looked up to him, “Daddy, let’s go and practice for later.” He said, “We need to win!”

He smiled down at his son, he was about to agree when the twins butted in and shook their heads and shouted, “No! Play!”

He turned his head to the twins and they both nodded and beamed at him, then he turned to Kieran now with his arms crossed over his chest and with one eyebrow raised. He sighed and thought of a compromise, “Why don't we go to the living room? We’ll get your toys.”

The twins shrugged and ran toward the living room, Kieran grabbed his hand and smiled at him, “Thank you daddy.”

He smiled and they both followed the twins, when they were all in the room, the twins were jumping up and down to the sofa and Kieran sat over the Queen Anne chair. “So, I’ll get some toys from the nursery and a laptop. Kids stay here okay?”