Tears in Heaven (Architect Series #3) [Publish Under B&B Printing Service]

Prologue

"Architect, someone wants to talk to you regarding your project—"

"I can't accept any meeting now, please."

I continue walking out of my office. Handing my purse and my coat. Some were smiling at me and only I could give them a fake smile.

"Architect, he's waiting in the lobby." I heard my secretary from behind.

"What project is that? I'm done for today's meeting, Kyle, reschedule him after the new year. My daughter is already waiting for me."

"Y-yes, Architect. I'm sorry."

Tuloy lang ang lakad ko palabas ng building. Pumasok na ako sa sasakyan ko at agad ko namang nilapag ang purse at ang coat na sinuot kanina.

I massaged the edge of my nose as I stuck in traffic. I'm so tired that I wanted to sleep here already. Nakarating ako ng bahay at nadatnan si Shaniya na naglalaro ng barbie dolls na niregalo ng mga auntie niya.

Kung ako lang ang masusunod, I don't want to give her everything that she wants. I prefer giving her the stuff that she needed. But then, she was surrounded by maartes. They love my daughter so much that they will give everything regardless of those prices.

She probably a spoiled lucky brat.

"Mommy, I'm cold. It's really Christmas." Shaniya said and cover herself using her pink cotton coat.

We are at our balcony watching the night sky. Since she was started to think, she always came here outside of our room. She wanted to see the beauty of stars, the moon, and everything she sees in heaven.

"Yes, Sweetie. It's Christmas again." I reach for her hair and play with it. Shaniya is just three years old. She's a sweet, intelligent, and adorable child. She's only three years old but I can tell she's so smart for her age.

"Mommy, I've never seen my Daddy, Mommy. Where is he? He doesn't love me? Why he is not with us? It's Christmas and Daddy is supposed to be here, celebrating with us."

She's looking at me with her innocent face. She really has no idea about our family.. about his Dad. I move a bit and make her come closer to me.

My beautiful daughter wiped my tears and gave me a soft kiss on my right cheeks. So adorable of her.
It is the first time she's looking for her father. I hugged her tight even more.

"Baby, kase.. uhm, see that dazzling stars above?" I pointed those bright stars using my index finger. Shaniya diverts her attention too. She's now looking to her haven.

"Daddy is one of them, Baby.. Daddy is already in heaven," my voice broke but I am smiling looking from above.

"Nasa heaven na si Daddy, Mommy?" she eyed me with sadness.

"Yes.. he's guiding us."

"M-mommy I have no chance to be with my Daddy. He is already in heaven na, Mommy.." she hugged me tight. She's sobbing in my chest that makes my heart hurts even more.

"Nasa tabi natin lagi si Daddy, Baby.. if you're sad, if you are happy, wherever you are, Daddy is just beside you."

"Is he guiding me because he loves me, Mommy?"

Umahon siya sa dibdib ko at pinagkatitigan akong mabuti. Ang kulay grey niyang mga mata ay namumula na dahil sa patuloy pa rin siyang umiiyak. Pinunasan  ko ang bawat butil ng luha na nalalaglag sa kanyang maliit na mukha.

"Yes of course. He is guiding us because he loves us.."

"But, Mommy why is he in heaven now?"

"H-he.. he died protecting us." I sighed heavily. I looked up at the ceiling to prevent my tears from falling.

"Mom, I have a question," she said and placed her fingers to her chin as she is thinking.

"What is it?"

"Would Daddy ask for my name if ever we meet in heaven?"

Napahinto ako sa tanong niya at napaisip sandali. Her curiosity took her to deep.

"Would Daddy hold my hands?" she added.

"No, baby. Kasi kahit 'di pa man kayo nagkikita, He already knew everything about you. Of course he will hold your cute hands." I answered her sincerely trying to make her understand everything I have said.

It's been three years, since you left me, Rye. Three years without you by my side. Three years of longing in your warmth. Three years without embracing you. Three years of fighting and making myself strong despite the unwaving darkness.

Babalik ka pa ba o tanging alala na lang ang mananatili sa akin? It's hard to believe.. it's really difficult for me to accept your death.. There's still a part of me hoping that it's not you who we mourned and grieved.

I'm not a kid anymore to believe in Santa Claus, but at this moment I pray to God to take you back to life and find your way back home.. I miss you so much, Rye.

I secretly wiped my tears and checked my daughter.

"I know what would be my Christmas wish, Mommy."

"Care to share it with Mommy, Shaniya?"

"Wish ko sana makikita ko pa si Daddy at makompleto tayong tatlo, Mommy."

My eyes grew bigger and I can't deny that I am shocked by her confession. How? ayokong paasahin siya sa wala.

"B-but.. Baby, Daddy isn't here anymore.. that's impossible."

"Auntie Etyl said, if you have God in your heart, you see the impossible things possible. If you have faith in Him, Papa God, you win in any endeavor. So have faith, Mommy. Let's believe. There's nothing impossible." Pangangatwiran niya. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at hinalikan ang noo ng anak.

Rye, if you are here, makikita mo kung paano lumaki ang anak mo. You'll witness how smart and beautiful she is in and out. Nawala ka man pero may iniwan kang regalo na hindi nalalayo sa iyo. Rye, She is Shaniya Leigh Iland, our Daughter.

"Mom, I'm sleepy na." Kinusot-kusot niya ang mga mata.

I stood up and carry her to our bed. I read her story before she finally closed her eyes. I kissed her forehead bago ako muling lumabas sa balkonahe.

Napatingin ako sa kalangitan nang mag liwanag ito dahil sa fireworks. It's twelve..

"Merry Christmas, Rye.." tears escape from my eyes running down my face. "The pain never leaves me, but I do believe that there is still peace for after the chaos. There would be a room full of love and hope, a room without tears anymore.." I whispered as I embrace the cold breeze of the night air.