Air Ball

XXVIII: Love Lock

JERIC

"Nikko say 'aaaaahhhh'" I opened my mouth with exaggeration so he can mimic my action as I fed him his banana and honey baby oatmeal. After continuous grueling practices for the national team, we were given two days off as a reward. To be honest, I've been looking forward to spending time with Nikko and my family before leaving for the Asia Qualifiers.

"Daaaaa daaaaaa daaaaaa" He spoke, or rather shouted, after he swallowed his food. He even pounded on his high chair for emphasis. Over the months, I have recognized this as his way of asking for more.

I wiped the traces of oatmeal on the side of his lips before feeding him again. Mealtimes with this little guy is always a messy event. No complaints with that though.

The doorbell rang just as I have finished cleaning up Nikko from breakfast. Lifting him up from his high chair, I answered the door with him on my arm.

"Hello, baby boy!" Kevin greeted Nikko. "Wag ka mag-feeling paps, hindi na ikaw si baby boy. Wala ka na kasing baby girl." He added.

"Dadalaw ka na nga lang mang-aasar ka pa. Bakit ka ba pumunta?" I sidestepped to let him inside the condo.

"Siyempre, bilang mabuting ninong dadalawin ko favorite inaanak ko." He said and took Nikko to the living room with him while I cleaned up the dining room."Tsaka may lakad ako mamaya malapit dito. Naisip ko na rin dumaan."

"May date ka?" I inquired.

"Pag ako aalis, may date agad? Yung ate ko kasi nagpapasama bumili ng bagong furnitures. If I know magiging kargador niya lang ako e. Tapos magpapalibre pa yun." He whined.

"Hayaan mo na, minsan lang naman kayo magkita nun e. Pagbigyan mo nalang." I advised him as I sat on the couch and watched Nikko stack some blocks.

"Pasalamat siya mapagmahal akong kapatid." Kevin said proudly. "Grabe paps, parang carbon copy mo talaga si Nikko. Minsan nga gusto ko subukan drawing-an ng nunal e tapos picture-an ko kayo. Mini Me!'

"Mga kalokohan mo talaga, Ferrer! Wag mo idamay si Nikko." I laughed at how silly his idea was.

"Taaaaaaa taaaaaaaa" Nikko uttered as he moved on to playing with shapes.

"See? Feeling ko gusto rin ni Nikko e." Kevin said as he helped Nikko with his toys.

"Don't even think about it." I warned him jokingly.

"Joke lang, paps. Overprotective nito!" He commented. A little while later, the doorbell rang again. Whenever Nikko's with me here at the condo, there is always someone who will visit him. Aside from Kevin, his guests for today are Kim and Almira.

"Good morning, ahia!" Almira greeted and pulled me into a hug.

"Good morning, paps!" Kim added.

"Uy, Lo! I miss you, paps!" Kevin yelled. "Pa-kiss naman dyan!"

"Grabe ka, Kev! Sa harap ko pa talaga?" Almira joked as she kissed Nikko on the cheeks. "Hello, baby boy. You're so cute. So so cute."

"Gigil ka na naman, shobe!" I chuckled as we settled ourselves on the floor where Nikko's puzzle mats served as a second layer of soft rug.

"Wala kang training today, paps?" I asked Kim.

"Meron pero mamayang hapon pa. Gusto muna dumaan ni Al dito e." He explained.

"Kailan ba kasi masusundan ng isa pang baby Teng." Kevin commented.