I realized a lot of this when Alessandra and I had a talk. I left her with a light heart and there’s no anger left inside. Even before, I already forgave her.
I halted from my tracks when I felt something wet gushed on my thighs. Then my stomach rumbled in pain.
“Oh God!”
I quickly walked to the car. My delivery seemed earlier than the due date? I thought I could still drive but I can’t take the pain.
I was left with no choice but to call Ellwood.
“What?! We… wait, where exactly are you?!” he frantically said.
I told him the exact place and after only a few minutes, I heard his car nearing.
I woke up in a child’s loud cry. I slowly opened my eyes and looked for the baby.
“Hey, wonder woman.”
My eyes lifted to Ellwood. I can’t help but to smile.
Beside him was a man carrying a child. My tears started forming at that scene.
“You’re here?” I uttered in my low and weak voice.
Ellwood glanced at Hezekiah before winking at me, “He flew back here right when he received my call.” Ellwood stated.
I bit my lip as I nodded and my gaze went to the baby he’s carrying.
“Our… son.”
My tears were falling uncontrollably while staring at my baby. I can barely tell the difference between him and Hezekiah, from his eyes to his nose, from his plump lips and to his features. He’s more like his dad. He just looked more fair, I guess he only got my skin tone.
I felt Hezekiah’s soft caress on my hair so I lifted my eyes to him. Why do I feel like he has a lot to say with those stare of him? His lips twisted a bit, but in the end, it went back into a grim line, choosing to stay silent.
“Thank you…” I said.
I wanted to say a lot of things to him. Because I know I’ve already decided, but the door opened which made him move away from me..
Mom and Dad are here together with Zuay and Tawin. Zia and Kesha were also here.
I greeted them with a smile. They crowded over my son, and while they do so, I glanced at Hezekiah who was talking to Iseah and Ellwood.
I noticed him glancing at me too, I can’t help but to give off a small smile before adverting my eyes.
ONE YEAR LATER….
“Mom, tell me if something is still missing, okay?!”
“This is fine, hija. The tables and chairs, are they already arranged?”
I glanced at Zuay and Tawin from the kitchen’s window who were laughing at the poolside. I tasked them to decorate some balloons and arrange the tables.
“It’s done, mom.” I answered.
“Oh, then, where’s Trina and Hunter?”
“Inside, Trina’s still bathing him.” I said.
After I put the cake batter inside the over, I went to the table to help mommy cut some ingredients for the dishes. We could actually just pay for a catering service but I chose to do everything with just my friends and family’s help for Hunter’s first birthday.
“Did Ellwood got back?”
“Yesterday afternoon.” I nodded.
“What about Hezekiah? Did you even invite him for his own son’s birthday?” Mom asked in suspicion.
I couldn’t answer. I wanted to but I’m ashamed. We didn’t have the chance to talk ever since he got based in Manila. I know he’s just avoiding me because I still didn’t give him the answer for his question.
He visits sometimes, but if not with Iseah and the kids, he’s with Ellwood, so we really don’t have a chance to talk about us alone.
He cares about the baby, I know. He even provided all the expenses for this party although I kept on insisting to pay everything myself.
“Hunter’s fresh and fragrant now!”
I turned to Trina who’s carrying Hunter on her arms. He looked so fresh in his white sleeveless shirt and black shorts.
“Hi, handsome!” I can’t help but to come closer to him and kissed him on his cheeks. He Immediately went with me.
“Trina, please help mommy instead. I’ll just go out with Hunter for a moment.”
We went to the pool where we saw his two godmothers, Tawin and Zuay.
“Oh! My godson looks so handsome.” Tawin took him from me.
“It’s your special day today, little Hunter.” she cheerfully said.
I sat down beside Zuay who was designing the table cloths.
“You know, you’re really torturing us, huh? Hello, you just made Tawin and I a maid?” Zuay complained while struggling with putting a pin on the cloth.
“You guys did a great job. You both have a bonus from me because you helped me with these.” I pulled a balloon and pumped air into it.
“That’s the most beautiful thing I heard for today.” Tawin rolled her eyes.
I smiled a bit. I continued what I was doing but Zuay kept on glancing at my side, so I put down the balloon and faced her.
“Okay, spill it. Let’s talk about it.” I motioned my hand to make her start.
“You know, Its not healthy for Hunter that you both keep on ignoring each other,” she said while being busy with what she’s doing.
“He’s been a good father to Hunter ever since I gave birth to him. He gave everything I wanted for our son. I think it’s fair enough…”
“Then, what about you? Him?” she glanced at me.
I averted my eyes. I’ve long answered that question inside my head.
“Better talk to him later…” she told me.
Afternoon came and the backyard was slowly getting filled with guests. Zia and Kesha brought gifts for Hunter. Iseah was also there with his girlfriend.
Some of my employees and their children also attended the celebration. I also invited Alessandra and her son Uno, but they declined because of the complicated situation.
I was im the kitchen, cooking because of the sudden crowd of people. Just one more dish and I’m done.
“Ate, someone’s here—”
Is it him?!” I quickly faced Trina.
He slowly shook her head, “No, it was Sir Ellwood.”
I smiled at her timidly before nodding my head. I carefully wiped the sweat on my forehead.
“Uh, ate, what if I’ll take over there instead? A lot of the guests were looking for you outside. And… Kuya Hezekiah might arrive anytime…” she gave a small smile after.
My eyes went to the apron I’m wearing. It’s already dirty because I’ve been wearing it since earlier.
“Okay, take care of here first. Once it boils, you can turn the fire off.”
She bobbed her head at me. I went upstairs to take a bath quickly. I wore a simple dark blue dress and a black sandals.
When I faced the mirror, I was planning to pull my hair into a bun but I ended up putting on make up and curling my slightly wavy hair to accentuate the waves.
I went out to the backyard. Some of the guests greeted me because of the simple celebration I prepared. I sighted Hunter who was being carried by Daddy Adriano, while he’s talking to Tito Gesmundo, Ellwood’s dad. They were best friends for three decades. It can’t be easily destroyed because of what happened.
“Hey, super mom!”
I smiled widely when Ellwood went to me with his complete attire. I didn’t hesitate to hug him tightly.
“You missed me? That warms my heart, really.” He laughed, so I punched his chest lightly after I withdrew from the hug.
“I missed you…” He lifted his hand on my cheek which heated up because of his action.
I spanked his hand, “I’m too smart to be seduced by you, Echeverrii.” I warned.
“Well, that’s why I like you..” He just shrugged his shoulder and got a cocktail juice from the server who passed by.
I just ignored what he said because I don’t want to elongate the conversation.