Dazzle

Chapter 7

D A Z Z L E

Chapter Seven

Wyatt

"Daddy ..." Umiko called. She grabbed my hand and used all her strength to pull me inside Cameron's house.

May kausap ako sa cellphone kaya't pinauna ko na muna siyang pumasok sa loob kanina.

"Love, give daddy a minute. I'm still talking to someone from work."

Usually, whenever I say its work, she leaves me be, but this time she is shaking her head. I sighed and put my phone against my chest.

"Love, just a moment, please?" I said but she shook her head again.

"Daddy, teashel is clying." She said, her eyes watery, as if she's about to cry.

"What? Why?" I said. I immediately put my phone back to my ear. "Law, I'm sorry I have to end this now. My daughter needs me. I'll call you back later." I heard Lawrence agreeing, then we ended the call. I picked Umiko up, and she rests her head on my shoulder, and she sobs.

"Darling ..."

"Daddy, teashel is sad. I'm sad too." She whispered. I tapped her back softly and kissed her temple.

"Don't be, love. Daddy will handle it, okay?"

"'Kay." She answered then snuffled.

We entered Cameron's house, and there she was, the box of tissue pushed on her chest, her eyes puffy, her cheeks and her nose red.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, putting Umiko down. My daughter walked to Cameron and wrapped her arms around Cameron's leg. Holding on to her like a koala on a branch of tree.

Cameron looked at me and started to sob again. I stepped forward and held her shoulders, leaning too, so I could have a close look on her face.

Geez, I have no experience in making a woman feel better. I have a way, a way that can be done horizontally or vertically, but I don't think Cameron will like that. I wouldn't try that with her also.

Damn it, Wyatt. That's inappropriate, and you're not that kind of person.

"Hey, talk to me." I said, tugging her chin.

"Teacher, please don't be sad." My daughter said, and Cameron sobbed again. She's crying harder this time.

"Hey, shh." I said and held her closer. Her head against my chest and my hand softly grazing her shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I know I agreed to have dinner with you guys, but I'm a mess, and I don't think I can go out right now. You should leave with Umiko." She said in between sobs. I saw my daughter shaking her head, and she's clinging to Cameron harder.

"Like hell, as if we'll do that." I said.

"But I'm ..."

"Don't argue. Narito na rin lamang kami ni Umiko ay kami na ang bahala. Just let me take care of you." I said then I looked at my daughter who's nodding eagerly.

"Teacher, we will stay here for you." My daughter said. Holding Cameron's hand.

"Okay." Sagot ni Cameron.

"Now, I'll make us dinner. Umiko, darling, do not leave Teacher Cameron's side, okay?"

"'Kay." My baby said. Saluting like a tiny little soldier.