Chapter 52

"Is that Aunt Stacy?" My forehead furrowed when Zari and I went out shopping. Zari pointed somewhere. So I turned around to look.
And that's it. It was really Stacy, people were looking at each other again.
"Mama let's go to her!" Before I could stop Zari, he ran towards Stacy.
"Ah just a moment ho aling Ising." I promised when I would hand over my payment.
"Of course, Vien. Chase your son more people." I just nodded and smiled and chased after Zari.
"Zari!" She was already in front of Stacy, based on Stacy's appearance she was getting hot when I saw her fanning herself.
"Mom!" Zari said so Stacy looked at me too, Stacy just looked at me coldly but I just stared at her.
"Zari don't suddenly run away, there are a lot of people now." I promised Zari when I was in front of them. My forehead furrowed as I glanced at Stacy's luggage.
"Mama look at aunt Stacy please! She's sweating please, and she's still gorgeous please! Mommy can I get wet too? So I can be as gorgeous as her?" I just rolled my eyes at what my son said, I saw Stacy grin and shrug.
Zari really idolizes Stacy.
So even his card was inherited by my son.
"No baby, even if you're not sweating you're still gorgeous like me." I just winced at what Stacy said. I rarely see Stacy smiling, and I only see her smiling at Zari.
"Why are you here?" I asked him, he struggled before answering.
"As if you care."
"Good thing you know." I couldn't help but laugh at our answer, he struggled again. That's the job.
"I don't have a choice, Mamita's wants me to stay here for a while."
"Sus, you were just avoiding Paris if I know."
"Shut up Island!" I laughed, every time he collapsed because that's what he always said.
I just stopped laughing when Zari touched the hem of my dress.
"Mama, are we going home? I'm tired."
I looked at Stacy with only an eyebrow raised at me.
I haven't bought what grandpa Dash ordered yet. I'll be able to do that again with that rude.
I felt sorry for him when I saw that Zari was lame, because we had been walking around looking for fresh papaya that Grandpa Dash was looking for. I really don't want to because there's something on the list that can't be bought. I told Zari not to come and complain.
I took a deep breath and looked at Stacy again.
"Can you take her home? I haven't finished what I'm going to buy yet."
"Even if you don't say that, I'll do that anyway." Then she flipped her hair. I'm tired of being lost again.
"Mama is it really okay if we leave you here?" I looked down at my son.
"Yes baby, so Dada wont get mad on us. You know Dada right? He's getting ugly when he's frowning." My son smiled at what I said at the same time as my cursed companion sighed.
"Okay mama. Take care okay? I love you ..." I stretched a little to hug Zari and kiss her.
"I love you too, don't scold me?" He smiled and nodded one after another. After that, I decided to look for those on the list.
As I was spinning, my phone suddenly vibrated so I took it from the jeans I was wearing.
The text was from Dash.
Lolo Dash:
I"m just reminding you, no ice cream.
I can imagine him saying that!
She really doesn't want Zari and I to eat sweets! Annoying! He knew very well that I was really stubborn and would buy ice cream. I was just overwhelmed by the absence before typing a reply.
Me:
Opo lolo! Pshhh
To your grandfather's excessive attitude, the fool did not reply. Edi wag! If you weren't really handsome I would have strangled you for a long time!
I'm going to the supermart now to buy what your grandfather is changing. But there was one volume standing on the non side that really bothered me a lot! He was talking to someone on the phone and both had their hands clasped.
It was Chaos, I heard that Shaina and I were married that I just found out from Stacy. Ever since I left my life then I have never opened any of my social medias accounts.
I just watched Chaos standing until someone approached his woman who I guess was Shaina, she was carrying a child. Chaos took it and kissed it. I"m glad to see it now, I wonder how does it felt. If I don't leave will we be like that?
I bit my lip before turning my back, they shouldn't see me. Fortunately, Stacy brought Zari home. It took me another hour to spin because of the amount your grandfather bought. The idiot really wanted to torture me, because he said I was gone for two weeks and I was the one who did what he was doing before.
"Aunt Stacy can you teach me how to put make ups?" I heard from the living room when I got home, it's good that your grandfather helped me with the lifting. He waited for me outside the house.
When I finally entered I saw the two in the living room talking.
"Did you buy ice cream?" I heard Dash ask as we headed to the kitchen. I turned to her and looked at her.
"You don't want to, do you?"
"Didn't you buy? Aren't you stubborn?" He sarcastically promised and started arranging what I bought. I didn't just spill and get water from the refrigerator.
"You don't want to, do you?"
"Didn't you buy? Aren't you stubborn?" He sarcastically promised and started arranging what I bought. I didn't just spill and get water from the refrigerator.
While Dash and I were arranging the shopping, Lani came in still in uniform.
We both frowned when we saw it was wet, he was even surprised to see us in the kitchen.
"What happened?" Dash stopped what he was doing and approached Lani. I could feel the coolness of his voice. Lani was soaking wet from the head!
"W-it's just that brother ..." Lani said and avoided her elbow when her brother held her properly.
"Don't lie to me, Lani. Who the fuck did that?" I saw the tension in Dash's jaw, Lani wasn't being bullied at school.
"W-there's just no brother."
"Is it because the daughter of Sir Santi again, Lani?" I couldn't help but boil my blood on the mayor's son, since the tension came here to the highest level, Stacy was even better.
Lani and Dash both work under Sir Santi.
"I-not brother! I-it's my fault too." Even when Lani is really very kind, in the few years I've been with her I haven't seen anything wrong with her. She's the opposite of Dash.
"You always defend the faults of others, the next time I see you like that again Lani you know what I can do." I couldn't help but be scared of Dash's voice, after that he came out of the kitchen.
I looked at Lani, I took a glass of water and handed it to her.
"Here. If you'll be patient with your older brother having a period." He couldn't help but laugh at what I said and at the same time fetch water.
"I'm used to it, sister, so answer my brother." I was offended by what he said.
"When did your naughty older brother flirt?" I'm still sober.
"My brother is stupid, you are numb." Before I could speak he turned away.
"I'm numb? If that grandfather really wants something from me, why does he treat me like that?" I asked myself. I just shrugged. I was about to continue what I was doing when I saw Stacy leaning against the door.
"Oh why?"
"So Dashiel likes you huh?" Then he walked away, he took something from the refrigerator and I saw him take beans.
"Impossible." My answer.
"Anyways, do you like to hear some good news?" He asked while chewing.
"What?"
"I think you've moved on fron Zar." I stopped putting cans on what he said
"Am I right?" I didn't look back or answer, I haven't. I wish I could say.
"Answer me, Island."
"I don't have a pack, Stacy."
"Prove it then, listen to my news."
So I didn't do anything else but listen to him as if I had a choice.
"I guess he's moved on already. I just heard from Seven that he is courting someone or should I say courting this girl again, according to Seven Zar did court her again after 2 or 3 years or what so ever. And now he's courting her again, "it seemed like a dagger pierced my heart at what I heard.
"And you bet, he's inlove with the girl who's 10 years younger than her." I immediately looked at him, what?
"What did you say?"
"I thought you didn't have a pake?"
"Tsk, you told me, didn't you?"
"I dont know yet the other details, you can ask Seven if you want." I scolded him.
But honestly, I'm really curious about what he said. I should be happy that he's happy with someone else now right?
I don't know what to say to Zari, Zari is a smart child. I only told her about her father once and she didn't ask.
How can I say that her father is loved by others? Hays.
My every move was heavy in organizing and even in cooking, because Dash never came back. While Stacy and Zari were just in the living room and I didn"t know what the unions were going to do.
I always wonder how the people I left behind are, when will I be ready to face them? When will I tell them the truth? Can I still tell Zarius that we both have a child?
I admit I waited, but what can I do if he already loves someone else? It's my fault, so I shouldn't be hurt like this because this is what I wanted in the first place. Will Zar accept our son?
I don't know, is it really time for me to love again? That I was a fool to wait for him? Nakakatawa.
When I finished cooking, I went out of the kitchen to call them and eat. I saw Lani, Zari and Stacy in the living room. They watch my son modeling. Lani clapped while Stacy just smiled.
"Is it fine, Aunt Stacy?" My daughter asked innocently then turned around. I leaned against the wall to watch my son.
"Wow, that baby is really beautiful!" Lani's excited promise.
"Try to lift up your head more baby ..." Stacy stood up and lifted Zari's chin slightly then adjusted the handle on her waist.
"Wow! Do I look at you?" From here I could see the smile on Stacy's lips.
"That's enough, eat that!" They all looked at me.
"Mama did you watch it please? Im good at modeling right? I look like Aunt Stacy." I knelt down and nodded. I caressed his face before kissing him.
I told them to go to the kitchen first because I still have to go to Dashiel to eat, I think that one is feeding the chicken again.
And I was right. Wow! Night still being fed, Dashiel and his friends.
"Eat grandpa ..." I whispered and watched him but the idiot didn't seem to hear anything and continued to feed the chickens.
At least the tanders are also hard of hearing.
"Eat it !!" I shouted and came even closer. Why is nothing still heard!
"Are you really bipolar? You're mad at Lani after you're bullying me."
"You all can eat without me." Finally spoke as well.
"Come along while it's still hot."
"You go first." But I didn't move, a to eh just narrowed down!
"Are you ashamed of me? You want something from me, right?" I whispered, he stopped feeding the chicken and frowned at me.
"You have the strength to assume." He shook his promise
"You still deny it! If you don't eat, it means you really like me!"
"Edi won't eat ..." I heard her whisper wait! Is he smiling? Once in a blue moon!
"What did you say?!"
"Bingi amputa." Ani nya. "You go inside, I'll follow." He promised coldly.
"What if you don't obey?"
"Edi you already know the answer." I frown because I"m not magets! He turned around and started feeding his friendships again.
I just shrugged and entered. Let go of that baby.
I was about to leave when I felt him stop my arm. Asking I looked at him, because in the dark I could not see his face only the light of the moon served as light.
"Why?"
"I'm full, I hope you nagets you're still stupid."
What?
"What are you talking about? Are you on drugs?"
"You're my drugs then ..." I laughed out loud at how tense he was
"You know you don't have a girlfriend! Your corn should be stretched like this." I said after letting him go, I came even closer to him.
"Should ----" I couldn't continue what I was about to say when I suddenly opened his eyes brightly! And I felt the speed of my heartbeat, increased even more when he hugged me from behind and brought me closer to him again enough so that there was no space for us.
"Dash what ...."
"How? Will you teach me?" Her voice trailed off. I must be in this situation laughing! But why is my heart beating faster, my knees shaking!
"A-what are you p-saying?" He doesn't break our gaze, I can't even move!
I also can't push him what the hell, Vien!
"It's really nice to have you, isn't it?"
"When you were insulted ?!"
"I'm stating a fact."
I almost kissed her breath, gosh the smell!
I close my eyes because of the softness of his voice.
But I was immediately startled when he tapped my forehead!
"What!"
"Why are you closing your eyes?" The fool even laughed. Annoyed, I removed his arm.
"W-what the hell are you doing!"
"Then he'll kiss her, just tell me I'll do it." I look at him with disbelief. Seriously ?! Why is there in a to and the strength numg self -confidence now ?!
"You thought I wanted to ?! Where are you! You're crazy!" Then he turned his back, I left him laughing.
Gosh! Why am I so upset?

"Mama, when can I go to school yet? I saw Scyla because she was going to school with her dad." I can't look at my son at these times, I'm always preparing myself for that. But it's really different when it happens.
I looked at Zari who's busy combing her barbie's hair. There are only two of us in Zari's house now, because Dashiel has already entered and so has Lani.
"Baby Scyla six you're just turning 5. And did told you to call her ate?" He pouts again so I can't help but smile.
"Okay mom." She just said then smiled at me. I thought he had nothing to ask next but he stopped playing and sat next to me.
"What is it?" Then I combed her hair.
"Mama ..." his voice became even softer then he came closer to me and hugged me.
"Hmmm ..."
"When can I meet Papa? You told me when I turned 5 you would tell me that, you keep saying that he's busy. Is his work's important than us?" I stopped stroking her hair with her question.
Is this what I'm saying.
What can I say that it"s all my fault? What if it's all too late? How can I say that others love her dad?
"Zaraya ..."
"Mama sorry if I ask that, but I'm so jealous of Ate Scyla. I'm not complaining that I still have Dada Dash but I missed my papa so much ..." I took a deep breath.
"Mama, can I just see his picture? I wanna see his face. I wanna know if I look like him." He looked up at me and his eyes were talking.
"Mama are you getting mad if I tell you that I know him already?" I frowned at what he said.
"Aunt Stacy show me his picture please ..."
"You believed her?" I asked.
"Aunt Stacy wouldn't lie to me, mom." I get nervous at these times.
"Could you show Mama his picture that you've seen?"
He stood up to sit down and took his iPod that was just next to his barbies. He pressed something before approaching me.
"Here mama, that's papa right?" I held back tears when I saw Zarius's photo. He's smiling widely while looking at the camera. I can't look Zari in the face because when I stare into her eyes, all I can see is loneliness.
"Is that him, mom?" I looked at Zari. What will I do? Will Zar accept him?
"Yes baby ..."
"Mama, you can tell Zari po if he did hurt you so I could be mad at him." I couldn't hold back my tears and at the same time I hugged my son.
"No, no ... You cant hate your papa baby ... Its mama's fault." I whispered.
"Mama stop crying," my son now caresses my back.
We hugged for a while before I decided to let go and face him.
"Do you really want to meet him, baby?"
"Yes mama, but if it's not okay with you it's fine with me." I shook my head and kissed him on the cheek.
"No baby, mama wants you to finally see your papa okay?" He nodded slowly.
"On your 5th birthday, mama will bring papa okay?" His smile immediately widened and he hugged me happily.
"Thank you mama, that will be the best gift I have ever received!"
I can feel the excitement in her voice, maybe it's time for them to meet. I know it's my fault, so I have to accept whatever Zar throws at or criticizes me for. For Zari.
I know it's too late for the two of us, but Zari's isn't. I know I can do more.
So when Monday came, I decided to go out again to go to Manila. Not to work but to talk to Zar.
Stacy can't go with me because she's needed at the Hacienda. That's why Dashiel and I went out, Lani was the first one we watched.
"Can you handle it?" Dashiel asked while we're on the middle of the road.
"Of course, it's for Zari. I'll gamble one way or another. I don't care what he says or criticizes. What's important is that he can go to my son's birthday."
"Your son." When he hit me, I nodded and just looked out the window.
"I hope you did it before, you deprived the child of the child as well as his father for a few years. So expect him to be very angry."
"I know, I'm ready. I didn't expect that." Then smiled bitterly.
"I'll be with you, dont worry." So I looked at him, and he smiled. He was just serious about driving.
Lani and I will be grateful for the rest of my life, they have helped me with everything since I lived in Alta Vista. On days when I need people, they are always by my side. And they don"t ask for recompense.
Lani and Dashiel are the children of Daddy's best friend, because their house is so big, I decided to live there. Lani didn't spend much time with Dashiel, at least a year before I adjusted myself to her.
"Thank you lolo Dash ..."
"Stop calling me that, Vien." His jaw clenched and I find it hot, we are the same age. But because of his sign of thinking and always frowning, I call him grandfather. Only once in a blue moon if I can see him smile.
But however, even though Dash is like that, I know he has goodness in his body.
We're going home now, by the way. Zar's family is no longer in our village. I don't know when they moved.
I just woke up with a weak pat on my cheek, the face of the handsome Dashiel appeared on me.
"Your saliva." At the same time he pointed to the side of my lip, I would have wiped it when I realized I wasn't salivating!
"Epal you!" The fool just shrugged and suddenly got out of the car. I waited for him to open me but my two eyes just turned white.
So just push me down, the idiot came first! Even the gate! He left it empty when he entered! But it was good and he was carrying the luggage
What a gentleman jerk!
I hope you trip!
While walking behind him and waiting for him to fall completely, nothing happened.
"Ysla son!" I turned around when I heard a familiar voice.
"Manang!" I even managed to run before reaching manang and hugged him tightly
"I miss you ..."
"I also missed my beautiful pet. How are you?" Manang fixed my hair while talking to me.
"You're really beautiful son, you look even more beautiful ..."
I heard a cough somewhere and I found the idiot standing near us. Didn't believe what manang said.
"Man, I'm fine."
"Where is Zari?" Manang turned around to look for my son.
"We're not included, man."
"Is that so. All right, you two come, I'm sure you're both hungry and then I'll call your parents!"
I walked with manang while Dash went behind us and even walked with the idiot.
"The fool believed." I just ignored him and left.
We caught up with my parents who were in the living room
"Mom dad!" They both stood up when they saw me. I even saw Mommy's eyes widen
"Oh mh God Ysla!" Mommy hurried over to me and hugged me. I saw Dash just kiss Dad.
"You're so beautiful son ..."
"I missed you mommy."
"Where's Zari?" Dad asked when I hugged him
"We're not together anymore,"
"Ah okay, have you two eaten anyways?"
"Not yet dad, are you?" Then I looked at Dash.
"We have prepared for your two former children, we are just waiting for you to arrive." Mommy's promise.
Mommy invited me to the kitchen because Dad and Dash had something to talk about first.
"How was Zari?" Mommy asked as we prepared the plates first.
"It's okay."
"Did she already know about her dad?" I stopped putting cutlery at mommy's question.
"Yes mom, but she just him on pictures."
"Don't you have a plan to bring her here and tell Zarius about Zari?" I took a deep breath first before I answered Mommy.
"There is a mmy, but I didn't expect it to happen so quickly."
"Son no matter what happens, Zarius still needs to know that you have a child. Expect him to get mad, because it's your decision to hide your daughter. They both deserve to know."
"I know mom," then I continued what I was doing.
"Do you want to know what he did here when he found out you left?" I didn"t answer, because I didn"t want to be offended by what I found out.
"Son every day, that boy doesn't waste time or day. They keep asking us about your where abouts, but because we respect your decision not to tell him. He was broke when you left, Ysla and I see no other reason for Leave him alone, son. So tell me what really happened? "
For me ... I became a coward.
I can't fight him.
So I can't blame him for loving others.
Its my karma,
"W-no mommy, I already told you that I fell out of love right?"
I looked at mommy who just looked straight at me, but full of concern.
"I know something is wrong, Ysla."
"But I respect your decision cause you're my daughter." Mommy heaved a sigh and continue what she's doing.
Soon after, Daddy and I entered, but they continued to talk about what. Your grandfather gave me a glance but I just stared at him.
We had a happy lunch because we know mommy, but Dash is Dash. It will not answer if not asked, will not speak if not talked to.
Her cousin Stacy is not far away! With mom, you get rude. I don't know about that, agri business was taken over and then he's also a pilot engineer but the Santibañez chose to be a gardener! A to is also allergic to women, only the three of us, Stacy and Lani, can get close to him as well as Zari. Sometimes when someone asks if Zari is his child, what a fool he stands for and won't do it!
"How's the plant of Santibañez naman hijo?" Mom asked middle of our eating.
"It's okay, aunt."
"I didn't know you were related to Juarez hijo," mommy added.
"Yes, but I'm not Juarez. My mom and Stacy's mom are brothers, but Stacy's Dad is Juarez."
"Ohh but still, I also heard from G that you're a pilot engineer. Why didn't you continue?"
Why is it? Your grandfather is not a story.
"Hon ..." Dad disobeyed
"That's not my thing, it only took me maybe 2 years but after that I decided to leave Ilocos and continue one of my courses which is agri buz."
"Ah wow, how about your sister. What's her name again? Lane?"
"Mmy Lani ho ..."
"She's now on her first year of college po taking business ad."
"Wow you two are into business! It's fun."
"If you just could along with Dashiel hon, this boy is great!" Dad praised me, and wow the idiot who was so happy that my parents praised him!
He looked at me and raised an eyebrow at me.
I smiled meaning frustration.
After our lunch we called Lani to have a face time with Zari. The two elders were overjoyed.
"Look at our grandson, hon! She's so cute"
I am so happy that they want my son.
"Grandpa and Grandma I missed you!" The two elders giggled at the tenderness of Zari's voice.
I let them talk to my son first after greeting him. Dash and I will only stay here for three days so that I can talk to Zar, it's only a few weeks since Zari's birthday and I don't want to disappoint her.
I went to the garden first to think. I don't know, I was in a hurry when I told Zari something impossible. I also don"t know if Zar will accommodate me.
As I wandered around the garden, I remembered a lot. We used to bathe Soobin here before, but they both don't have me now.
Soobin used to run here, if I had taken care of Soobin then how big would he be? Since I lost my dog, I have never taken care of a dog or any other animal
"Are you hesitant?" I don"t have to guess the voice because I already know.
"No, it's for Zari."
"I know, you have something to say?" I saw on my side that he was pushing me. We are both now staring at the pool.
"I do not know." I bowed.
"I heard from Stacy that his sched are hectic. Can you talk to him?"
"Maybe I'll set an appointment."
"That's impossible, in today's so famous non do you think you're wasting time?" This grandfather's straightforwardness is also really bad!
"Edi don't come! You're pure negative thoughts! If he doesn't like my son edi don't!"
"Why are you angry?" I looked at him badly.
"You're annoying!"
"Why are you disgusted with me?"
"It's your apple!"
"You're the one who left are you still angry?" I was silent at what he said.
He's right.
"It's quiet because I told you the truth?"
"You know why I left him, Dash." I also told him the story but he didn't seem interested
"Your reason is lame, Vien. If I would him, and I would know we have a child I have the right to be mad at you. With the amount of ways or opportunities you have now to tell him the truth, you prefer the one something that would hurt him. You ran away and you made it worse. "
At these times I must be shocked by the amount he said but I am hurt because every word he says is when I crush him because I know in myself that he is right.
"In the five years that you've deprived her of a child, you should have thought about what you're going to blame her for. I know a Walterson, Vien. I also know how to love them. You should prepare yourself for all the consequences." I averted my eyes.
"I know Dash ...."
"It's not just Zarius you should give an explanation to but also the people you left without saying goodbye, Vien." I looked at him, Grandpa Dash would only give advice once but it helped.
"Thank you for everything, Dash." Your grandfather's attitude and suddenly turned away without warning!
He's right, I don't have to prolong this, I'll find a way to talk to him.