Promise To A Stardust (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 22
Kabanata 22
"IS he asleep?" My father asked when he saw me outside the hospital room.
"Yes," I sighed. "We need to provide psychiatric therapy for him, mukhang nagkaroon ng trauma ang anak ko."
He nodded. "I'm already talking to child specialists who could help us. I just need your approval."
"He was panicking from just a simple noise. Kanina, no'ng natulog siya sa sofa. I accidentally dropped my phone tapos nagulat ako no'ng bigla siyang sumigaw at umiyak. He called me and Caspian and asked for help kaya nilapitan ko kaagad at pinatulog."
The sight of my son that way made my stomach turn. He's young and yet...
"This is my fault," he groaned, his wrinkles showing. "I'm so sorry, Lars. I should've known better."
"Tapos na," I breathed. "Even if we blame ourselves, we can't bring back the time."
I could see the sadness in his eyes. Maputi na ang buhok ng dad, there are lines forming at the side of his eyes. I think he has aged more these days.
"Still, I know it's my fault. I know you're disappointed in me. Y-your mother's disappointed with how poorly I did this. I promised her I'll protect you b-but..."
"Dad..." I sighed. Ginagap ko ang kamay niya.
"I lied," he murmured. "I'm so sorry, anak. K-kung ipinagdamot ko sa 'yo na makasama ang anak mo ng ilang taon. S-sorry."
"We'll get past this, okay?" I breathed. "We should help each other. No secrets, okay?"
"No secrets," he promised.
Hindi muna ako umimik, I embraced him and let him cry. Si dad na lang ang pamilyang mayro'n ako. Ayokong pati siya ay mawala sa 'kin.
We sat on the bench when he calmed down. Pinigyan ko siya ng tubig at hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.
"I wanted to tell you everything, Lars."
"I'm sorry for hiding you and Riu," panimula niya. "Caspian has been looking for you. He consistently looked for you when he found me. Luckily, nailipat na kita sa ospital sa Maynila at wala na sa Casa Amara."
"Why?" I asked.
"I was so scared, Lars, when you were comatose, natatakot akong baka kapag nagkita kayong ulit ay mapahamak ka. B-baka may makaalam na sa Estrada kung saan ka. Ngayon ko lang din naisip na mabuti'y 'di ako bumigay at ex pala ni Alcantara iyong anak."
"I couldn't risk. I don't want to. I knew he broke up with you, he told me. Idinahilan ko lang na ayaw mo na siyang makita, ipinagtabuyan ko pero makulit. If only you knew the struggles I had just to keep you and Riu. Mahirap, anak, pero no'ng panahong 'yon ay wala na akong maisip na ibang paraan. I have to keep you both–even in Caspian, for your safety."
I nodded.
"If only I knew it was a bait to harm you, sana 'di na ako nagtiwala. I didn't know it was a scheme against you. Just because that woman is obsessed with Caspian. Huli ko na nang nalamang gano'n pala ang pinagsimulan ng lahat. Alam kong masama ang loob mo, anak, pero ngayon, 'di ako nagsisising itinago kita sa lalaking 'yon. That time, I thought if even him couldn't find you, you are safe."
"But he still found me," I murmured.
"The devil works hard but Alcantara works harder," aniya.
Ngumuso ako.
"Dad..."
He chuckled.
"At least you were safe for years. You and your son. I am sure, kapag nalaman ni Cheska na anak n'yo si Sirius, she would hurt him. Hindi lang siya masyadong interesado sa bata kanina dahil iniisip niya na pamangkin mo ito."
Napapikit ako ng mariin at napatango sa sinabi niya.
"Thank, God," I rasped. "I don't know what I'll do if something bad happens to my son."
"I actually didn't want to tell you about him while we're working on the case but I couldn't hide it forever. Alcantara is working with me. We acquired a great lawyer who could help us in this case. Kahit gago ang batang 'yon at masakit sa ulo, nagpapasalamat ako sa tiyaga at mga tulong niya. He helped us, si Riu, kahit akala niya'y 'di sa kanya ang bata."
"If you didn't fabricate the results, no need for the DNA, Dad. The eyes give it all." I retorted.
Natawa siya.
"Well, the bastard wanted proof. Maybe so he could stake his claim. Wala na kasi akong maipanglalaban para ipagdamot kayo kapag nalaman niyang kanya si Riu. Baka una pa lang, 'di lang traysikel driver ang pinatos niyan. Baka magpaampon na sa 'yo sa bahay n'yo."
I chuckled. Hinarap niya ako.
"Pasensya na ulit, anak. I have wronged you in so many ways. I failed a lot of times and I know you're tired of hearing it but it's the only thing I could think of to protect you."
"I understand, Dad," I muttered. "I forgive you."
"I'm s-sorry about Castor. Ginawa ko ang lahat p-pero–"
"My baby is a fighter. He fought so hard to see even a glimpse of the world. He's one of the stars now."
"He is," he agreed and smiled.
"Thank you for naming twins and honoring my silly wishes to name them after the stars."
"That is the least I could do for you, Lars." He caressed my cheek and kissed my forehead. "Babawi ako, anak."
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
CHESKA escaped.
That woman knew how to use a gun. She was injured but she escaped through the backdoor with her accomplices waiting for her.
I can't believe this.
Mahigpit pa rin ang security sa buong ward. Naabutan ko ang anak na mahimbing ang tulog habang yakap ang teddybear. I made sure I won't make a noise or he'll wake up and panic.
I feel sorry and bad for him. He had to experience these kinds of traumatic events at a young age. Ayokong madala niya ito paglaki niya. I want him to experience the best childhood as possible.
Inayos ko ang pagkakalagay ng kumot sa katawan niya pati na rin ang upuan sa gilid nito para hindi siya malaglag bago bumaling sa hospital bed kung nasaan nakaratay si Caspian.
He lost a lot of blood that he fainted earlier in my arms. Habang yakap ko siya ay nagtaka ako nang biglang bumigat ang ulo niya sa balikat ko at natantong nawalan siya ng malay. Because I was toucching his nape, I realized he was hit at the back of his head.
Dumudugo iyon.
We brought him to the nearest hospital which coincidentally was the hospital where I used to work before. May bandage sa ulo niya, may tama ang braso at may kaunting galos ang mukha pero ang gwapo pa rin.
Saan ang hustisya?
The image of him bleeding and saving our son was etched in my mind like a movie playing. Mabigat ang pakiramdam ko, 'di gusto ang nangyari sa kanya pero may parte sa 'king naintindihan lalo ang nangyari sa pagitan namin noon.
He thought I cheated. It was wrong he said those words to me and broke up but it wasn't his fault I was targeted.
Cheska and the Estradas were solely to blame for this incident.
Caspian failed to be with us and save us before but he's here now. He saved us. He did what he promised. Riu was unharmed. We got him to safety.
Tinitigan ko siya.
Can you believe it, Cas? We had twins! Kagaya sa dad mo! Castor might be one of the stars now but he saved his twin!
"Thank you," masuyong bulong ko. "For saving our son." I smiled and kissed his forehead.
Like an instinct, I checked Caspian's vital signs and sat again beside him. Inabot ko ang kamay niya, pinisil at pagod na umub-ob sa gilid ng kama niya para makaidlip.
I woke up feeling light and comfortable, iniunat ko ang braso ko at humikab. The familiar four-walled room came into view.
I am in the hospital because of Caspian. Natigil ako nang matantong nakahiga ako? Bakit ako nasa kama?!
Napabalikwas ako ng bangon, inikot ang tingin at nasapo ang ulo.
Nasaan ang pasyente ko?!
Nagmamadali akong tumayo, lalo na nang mapansing wala ang anak ko sa sofa. Nagsuot ako ng sandals and sprinted outside, seeing the guards.
"Where's Caspian? Si Sirius?" I asked, panicking.
"Ma'am, nando'n po. Pinigilan namin kaso ang kulit ni Sir–" 'Di ko na siya napatapos at dumiretso sa Nurse Station kung saan ko siya naabutang nakikipagtawanan.
Caspian, still in his hospital gown is standing. Katabi niya ang dextrose habang si Riu ay nakaupo sa station. Tuwang-tuwa siyang ibida ang Sirius namin kaya napailing ako.
The nurses were laughing at his corny jokes. Humahagikhik din si Riu.
I realized some nurses are familiar! Ito 'yong mga nakatrabaho ko noon!
Naubo si Caspian sa kakatawa at napadaing, humahawak sa braso niya.
"Alcantara!" I groaned.
Dagli siyang napalingon, napawi ang ang ngisi at namutla.
"R-Reev! M-morning!" He greeted awkwardly and laughed.
"What are you doing here?!" I hissed quietly. "Dapat ay nasa loob ka, nagpapahinga!"
"Tulog ka kasi kaya nag-chika minute muna kami ni pare ko." He pointed to the blinking Sirius.
"Dinamay mo pa ang bata," sikmat ko.
"P-pinayagan na rin ako ng Doktor, Reev! S-sabi, p'wede naman daw ako maglakad ng kaunti–"
"Ang sabi, maglakad ng kaunti! Hindi ang buhatin si Riu at makipagtsismisan d'yan!" Nailing ako at akmang kukurutin siya nang marinig ang pangalan ko.
"Lars! Nakabalik ka na pala! Kumusta?!"
"Hi!" I greeted back.
'Di ko na natuloy ang pagalit kay Cas dahil inukutan na ako ng mga dati kong katrabaho, nagtatanong kung kumusta na ako.
They thought I worked in Manila, kaya bigla akong nawala. Mukhang 'di nga talaga kumalat ang nangyari sa 'kin noon.
"Naku! Kayo pa rin pala nitong masugid mong lover boy!" ani ng isa sabay turo kay Caspian na kunwari'y 'di nakikinig pero namumula.
Anong kami?
"Saka OMG! Kayo, ha! May baby boy na rin kayo! Diyos ko, kahawig na kahawig ng tatay!" unahan pa nilang komento at 'di ko naman matanggi at totoo nga kaya tinatawanan ko na lang at nag-iiba ng topic.
Ilang minuto rin akong nakipagkwentuhan hanggang sa nakalusot at nahila ko ang mag-ama na may sariling mundo.
Binuhat ko si Riu at inilayo kay Cas nang akmang aagawin niya.
"Reev–"
"Hilahin mo 'yang dextrose at kukurutin talaga kita, Alcantara," banta ko.
Akmang aagawin na naman niya si Riu kaya hinuli ko ang tainga niya't hinila.
"A-aww! B-babe, nabo-bored lang kasi ako kanina kaya ako lumabas–"
"'Di ba, ang sabi ng doktor, magpahinga?"
"Opo, nagpapahinga naman ako," maliit niyang sagot.
"Dapat ginising mo ako kung bored ka. Hindi 'yong wala kayong paalam na aalis tapos kakargahin mo si Sirius! Paano kung mabinat 'yang braso mo?"
"Morning po, Mimi." Isang halik sa pisngi ko at nawala na ang gigil ko sa tatay niya.
Binitiwan ko ang tainga ng lalaki, nasa anak na ang atensyon.
"Morning, baby..." I whispered.
His green eyes twinkled. He kissed my cheek again, hugging my nape.
"Mimi, sabi ko kay Papa, rest siya kaso po sabi niya, play daw kami sa labas tapos po kinarga niya po ako," sumbong sa akin ng anak.
I stopped from walking, nilingon ko si Caspian na naabutan ko pang nagme-make face. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Bigla siyang naging mukhang inosente.
"Nakita ko 'yon," sikmat ko.
Umayos siya ng tayo, mukha siyang walang kalakas-lakas pero gusto ko siyang suntukin bigla sa inis.
"Sorry, babe." He cleared his throat. "Reev, dito ko siya kinarga, o." He pointed his unharmed shoulder.
"Mimi, 'di po. Karga niya po ako do'n sa may sugat. Sabi niya po, Mimi, aww!" Sirius acted like how Caspian reacted when he carried him.
"Pre! Bibilhan kita toys, 'di ba? Akala ko ba super friends tayo?" Suhol ni Caspian sa anak pero ngumuso si Riu at umiling.
"Super friends lang, Papa, pero po mas super duper friends ko po si Mimi!"
Napanguso si Caspian, napangisi ako.
"Ano, laban ka?" Yabang ko sa kanya.
"Yabang," he tsk-ed. "Wala 'yang yabang mo, Reev, kapag hinalikan kita."
Butterflies swarmed inside my stomach.
Sige nga!
"Ewan ko sa 'yo, Alcantara!" sikmat ko at nauna na.
Tumakbo naman siya palapit at umakbay sa akin kaya siniko ko ang tiyan niya. Halos mangiyak-ngiyak naman siyang sinapo iyon.
"Babes!"
"Doon ka sa mga nurse! Bilis! Makipagtawanan ka!"
Ibinaba ko sa sofa ang anak pagkapasok sa kwarto. Naupo si Caspian sa tabi ni Riu, hinahanap ang tingin ko pero 'di ko sinasalubong.
"Selosa naman. Ikaw pa rin pinakamaganda sa lahat, Nurse Reev," hirit pa niya at ngumiting pilyo.
"Hindi ko tinatanong," I scoffed. "Bakit ako ang nasa kama mo kanina?"
"You're sleeping. It's uncomfortable kaya ikaw muna pinahiga ko, do'n lang ako sa upuan." Masayang balita niya.
"Sinong pasyente sa ating dalawa?" Nanliit ang mata ko.
"Ako..." He smiled. "But I'm alright, Reev. H'wag ka masyadong mag-alala."
"Hindi ako nag-aalala," I denied. "Teka nga, bumalik ka na sa higaan mo. I will ask the nurse to clean your wounds."
"Gusto ko ikaw 'yong nurse ko," hirit niya.
"Ayoko." I rolled my eyes. "Magtatawag ako."
Tumayo ako at iniwan sila, sa pagbalik ko ay nakita kong nanunuod ang mag-ama ng T.V., nakaupo pa rin sila sa sofa, nakakandong pa ang bulilit sa kanya.
"Alcantara, sit here," utos ko.
May binulong muna siya kay Riu bago tuluyang tumayo. Nakatitig sa 'kin ang loko habang sinasadya pa atang maglakad ng mabagal.
Napunta ang pansin ko sa medyo batang nurse na nag-aabang. Namumula siya kinakagat ang labi niya. Bago lang daw ito sabi no'ng mga kasama ko noon.
"Aww, sakit!" Inarte ni Alcantara kaya mabilis na lumapit ang nurse doon at inalalayan. My brows shot up when I saw the nurse put her hands around Caspian's waist ang assisted him.
Natigilan si Caspian, nanlaki ang mata at napasulyap sa akin. I know there's nothing bad with whatever she's doing but it made me frown.
Naubo si Caspian at bahagyang lumayo.
"No, Miss," he said. "Uh, m-masakit, gusto ko si Reev.
'Di na ako nagreklamo at lumapit na. I put my arm around his waist to assist him. Nangisi ang loko at umakbay sa akin, nag-iinarte papunta sa higaan.
The brute even had the guts to kiss my head as we walked at pasimple kong siniko.
"Ikaw na maglinis sugat ko, Reev," ungot niya.
I sighed.
Hindi naman sa petty at unprofessional pero... gusto ko rin.
"Miss," tawag ko sa nurse. "Kahit ako na ang maglinis."
Nabakas ko ang bigo sa mata ng nurse.
"Uh, Nurse Lars, s-sure ka?" she asked.
I smiled. "Oo, salamat. Sanay naman ako maglinis. Tawagin na lang kita kung may kailangan."
Sa huli ay umalis din siya. Bumaling ako kay Riu.
"Baby, have you eaten yet?"
"Opo, Mi! Eat po kami kanina ni Papa,"
"Are you hungry?" ani Caspian.
"I'm good–"
"Hindi ka pa nag-breakfast, tatawag ako ng pagkain para sa 'yo." Alam ko namang 'di ako makakatanggi ro'n kaya 'di na ako umalma.
Kinuha ko ang braso niya at sinuri.
"There is a bloodstain." Turo ko sa bandage niya. "Kung hindi ba naman kasi matigas ang ulo mo at umalis nang walang paalam. You even carried Sirius!"
"Sorry..."
Maingat kong inalis ang bandage niya.
"You could at least not get yourself shot," bulong ko at binasa ang bimpo para linisin ang gilid ng sugat niya.
"I had no choice or Riu will get shot. Mas mabuti nang ako kaya ang pare ko, Reev."
Nangiti ako sa kabila ng bigat.
"Thank you, Cas," I muttered genuinely. "If it wasn't for you, baka napahamak na siya."
"Anything for Sirius," he breathed. "I won't ever let anyone hurt the little star. Never. I'd protect you and him with my life, Reev. 'Di na ako magkakamali."
I just nodded. Pinapanuod niya lang akong nililinis ang sugat niya hanggang sa narinig muli siya.
"I-I'm sorry, Reev."
"For?"
"Simula no'ng dumating ako sa buhay mo noon, at ngayong nakikisiksik ako sa buhay mo pagbalik mo... palagi na lang kitang nasasaktan at nadadamay sa gulo ng buhay ko."
I tensed. Hinanap ko ang tingin niyag namumungay at bakas ang pagsisisi.
"Kayo ni Riu, I don't think I can ever forgive myself if something bad happened to the two of you again like what happened before and now. Minsan 'di ko maiwasang maisip kung tama bang nagpupumilit ako sa buhay mo. M-mahal ko kayo, Reev, mahal na mahal but I can't help but think if my feelings are enough reason to risk your comfort and safety."
"Don't say that, Caspian," mariing sinabi ko, sumisikip ang dibdib.
"I only bring you harm, Reev," bulong niya. "'Di ko alam bakit ngayon ko lang natanto na ako ang puno't-dulo ng lahat. Na kung 'di ko pinilit, payapa ang buhay mo. Na masaya ka.
"Bakit, 'di ba ako masaya na nasa buhay kita?" I asked. His lips parted. Mas namungay ang mata.
"It was Cheska's fault, okay? Walang may gusto nito. You did your best to protect us, hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari."
"Because of me, Cheska targeted you and your Dad. I broke up with you and didn't listen. I concluded, I judged you. I spit words even I couldn't stomach. Hiyang-hiya ako sa 'yo, Reev. Hiyang-hiya ako kay C-Castor. Our son died because of me. You almost died because of me. Si Riu, napahamak siya dahil sa 'kin.
"Hey, look at me." Hinuli ko ang mga mata niyang nangingintab na sa luha.
"What are your plans, then? Titigil ka na?" Nanghihina man ay nasabi ko. "You will break your promise again?"
"Hindi..." tanggi niya. "'Di ako titigil. When I promised I'd stay, I would, no matter what. Walang sukuan, 'di ba? Mahal na mahal kita, Reev. Mamatay na lang ako kaysa sukuan ka."
Sumugat at hapdi sa gilid ng mata ko, ang puso'y 'di mapirmi.
"Then why are you saying this?" Kumunot ang noo ko.
"I just realized how worthless I was. Wala akong nagawang tama, Reev. Nakakahiya. N-na sa ating dalawa, ako 'yong basura. Ako 'yong dapat nasasaktan ng sobra, na dapat ako 'yong napaparusahan, hindi kayo. My love should've brought you peace, it should've made you feel like your dancing with the stars but no... I'm the stardust in this relationship, Reev."
"Don't." Umiling ako. "Don't ever say that to yourself, Cas. Maybe there are parts of us, seen and unseen that could be discarded. We're all stardust, Cas. No one is perfect. Lahat tayo'y may dumi sa pagkatao but do not forget. Stardusts are part of a giant star."
Napapikit ako nang idinantay niya ang noo sa akin.
"Thank you. Hindi ko kayo iiwan, Reev, pangako. Lalo na ngayon, umalis man ako o hindi... Cheska will find a way to hurt you two. I won't risk. Mahal na mahal ko kayo." He kissed the tip of my nose.
Napanatag ako at dahil do'n ay nagkalakas ng loob.
"Kahit anong mangyari, don't ever doubt yourself. Don't say you're worthless," I whispered. His eyes softened. "It's insulting. We knew you're a good man, Cas. You had mistakes and lapses but aren't we all?"
"Reev..."
"Don't downgrade yourself. Paano kami? I am looking up to you, you were our savior, and him?" I pointed to Sirius who was busy watching television.
I gathered more courage.
"Sirius looks highly of you, you're his role model, Cas. Your son adores you so much," I said.
He froze. His lips parted as he looked at me, his eyes filled with questions.
"S-son?" he stuttered.
This is the right time to tell him everything. All my life, we've been manipulated by betrayals, mistakes, and lies. I won't do it again.
"Yes," I confessed, staring directly into his eyes. "Sirius is your son, our son."
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: ZingTruyen.Xyz