Dazzle

Chapter 5

D A Z Z L E

Chapter Five

Wyatt

I’ve been observing my daughter’s teacher inside the church, and she seems to be looking for someone. Even after the mass, she stood outside at was looking at people’s faces.

When she denied, I didn’t ask further. It wasn’t my business.

“So, lunch? We’re planning to eat crabs. Hindi ka ba allergic sa seafood?” I asked her.

“Oh, I’d loved to. Pero sa susunod na lang siguro. I need to prepare for my class tomorrow.” She said, timidly smiling. I nodded and picked up Umiko.

“We’ll be going then. If you changed your mind, my house is the white one at the end of St. Anne’s Street. Bye, Teacher Cameron.” I said. My daughter waving at her. Cameron waved back and marched toward the plaza.

She turned her head again in a different direction. I think she might be looking for a friend, but when she looked in our direction she awkwardly bowed her head and smiled shyly.

I shook my head in disbelief with a knowing smile on my lips.

-

“How about we go swimming today?” I asked my daughter, who immediately rose from lying down the floor.

“Yes! I want to swim, daddy!” She answered then squealed. She’s playing Legos but she ditched them brusquely. She ran to her room and I could hear her going through her wardrobe.

When she emerged to the living room she’s raising her swimsuit to me, as if she’s ordering me to change her clothes the soonest possible.

I took the swimsuit from her and she started singing a nursery rhyme to show her excitement aside from wriggling her arms like she’s swimming.

-

The afternoon was perfect for a dip in the sea.

Dala ang buoyancy vest ni Umiko at ang iba pang beach toys niya ay nagpunta na kami sa tabing dagat.

“Wyatt! Wyatt Myers!”

“Daddy, the man is calling you.” Sabi ni Umiko at lumingon ako sa direksyon na itinuro niya.

I grinned when I saw the guys from the channel I’ve worked with last week. Ace and his team looked like they’re going to surf.

“Hey man.” I greeted him. “This is Umiko, my daughter.” Pakilala ko sa anak ko na nakangiti na kaagad.

“Hello, my name is Umiko. I’m thwee yeals old.”

“Hello, little lass. You’re even cuter in person. Nice to meet you, Umiko. I’m Ace.”

Ibinaba ko muna si Umiko at sinabihan na huwag munang pupunta sa tubig. She nodded and sat down on the spot. She started building sand castle.

“Mag s –surf kayo? Walang alon ngayon.” I told Ace.

“Yeah. Baka mag swimming na lang din kami.”