Hazel's Sweet Revenge

Kabanata 22

*** Hazel's ***

"I want this." A four-year-old girl is pointing out a disney princess's dress that is currently on display.

"Does it match your preferences?" Napayuko ako.

"Yes!" She said excitedly habang patalon-talon pa.

We received assistance from the salesperson until we made the decision to pay for whatever this little girl wants. Marami iyon, bukod sa dress she also wanted a crown, a wand, a mermaid tail costume, and a set of disney princess dolls.

"Illyria, baby..." I tried to get her attention while the saleslady was wrapping everything.

"Promise me to keep on getting more stars, okay? So that you'll get more rewards."

"Yes, and even if there's no reward, I will still keep on improving my performance in school so that my teacher will be happy and you will be proud of me!"

"I'm always proud of you love." Kinarga ko siya at hinalikan sa pisngi.

Illyria is my happy pill. When she was born, there was an immense feeling of rebirth in me. I discovered a new way of approaching things that mattered much more.

As I was looking directly into her pair of brown eyes, I saw my younger self—an innocent young girl who's so pure and knows nothing but kindness. Her existence suddenly channeled a new version of me.

"I love you so much," bulong ko. "You know that, right?"

"I know." But her attention is now on her new set of toys to play with. The saleslady handed me the paper bags before we left the shop.

Hinila pa ako nito papasok sa isang store. She wants to eat ice cream so I obliged. Nasa loob kami ng Baskin-Robbins nang mag-ring ang cellphone ko.

It's mom. "Hazel, is Illy with you?"

Napakagat ako ng labi.

"Yes... ako ang nagsundo sa kanya. I'm sorry for not telling you."

"Did you spoil her again?" She asked me with a tinge of fury.

"Just little things mom, spoiling is a strong word. Binili ko lang kung anong gusto niya."

"That's exactly what spoiling is!" Ngayon ay tuluyang nagalit na sa'kin. "Naturingan ka pa naman na manunulat pero hindi mo alam ang salitang 'yan."

Napairap ako. "Okay, fine, I spoil her again, but only because she got good grades mom. She didn't really ask for anything, gusto niya lang ng ice-cream but I insisted to buy her something."

"I want vanilla." Illyria suddenly tugged on my dress.

"Mom pauwi na rin kami, let's talk later." I was ready to end the call, but mom spoke again.

"Okay, you better hurry up because Owen's on the way home. Huwag mo nang pagurin 'yang kapatid mo dahil may piano lessons pa 'yan mamaya."