Catrina kept sending a bunch of messages to Acwell. There was never a day that she won't. But Acwell won’t reply because they will only argue. And it will only ruin his mood.
He only replied to her when she reminded him of Amara’s birthday. His company had given him an off that day, so he thought of letting her know he could come.
“Acwell, in three days, it will be Amara’s birthday. Please don’t forget and come.”
“Alright! Where’s the celebration held?”
“It will be at Emerald Restaurant.”
“What time?”
“It will start at 11:00 AM and end at 04:00 PM.”
“Okay. I am off that day. I can spend two or three hours with her.”
“Only two or three? Why won’t you spend the entire day with her?”
“I can’t Catrina. I have other things to do.”
“You are off. What are you talking about other things?”
“I think I don’t have to give you the details of what I do in a day.”
“Are you trying to say you need to be with your woman?”
“And what if I do? That is none of your business!”
“Can't your woman wait for another day? This is your daughter that we are talking about.”
“Let’s stop talking. That would b better.”
“Amara has not seen you since she was born, and you can’t spend the entire day with her? So irresponsible of you!”
“It is not because I don’t want to spend time with her but, I don’t want to be with you.”
“You always choose to neglect her.”
“Catrina, that’s what you think. But I am trying to support her the best way I can.”
“That’s the truth! What kind of support? The money you send? You think that is the only thing a child needs.”
Acwell stopped responding. But she started calling. He did not answer Catrina’s non-stop calls. He had enough of her today.
On the said birthday, Acwell decided not to tell Kamiah. He left the house saying that he will attend a birthday party. But he did not tell her it was his daughter’s birthday.
Acwell arrived 10 minutes early. It surprised him to find only a few people. Most of them are families with children. He searched for Catrina and Amara. And when he saw them, he strolled towards them. He is feeling nervous. He doesn’t know how Amara would react to meeting him. But he hopes she will accept him with a smile.
Catrina’s face light up when she saw Acwell. Her dream of Amara meeting her father finally came true. She also considers this as the right time to introduce to the people Amara’s father.
“Say hello to daddy!” Catrina said when he was already in front of them.
“Daddy!” Amara said and smiled.
The people stared when they heard Catrina. Acwell tried to force a smile. Though, he did not like it because he can see how the people have gossiped.
“Happy birthday!” Acwell said and handed her a gift.
“Can I hold her?” Acwell asked.
“Sure!” Catrina said and handed him, Amara.
Acwell took her, put her on the floor, and they played a little. Catrina was so happy and recorded a video of them playing. She doesn’t want to forget the first daddy and daughter moments together. After a few minutes, Amara got tired and hungry. Catrina has to pick her up and feed her.
“Please don’t post any video or photo of us together,” Acwell said.
Catrina frowned and said, “Why not?”
“I don’t want people to see it. Let our lives be private,” Acwell reasoned.
“You don’t want people to know that you have a daughter?” Catrina asked.
“Yes! And even the people around here,” Acwell declared.
“Are you denying Amara?”
“I am not here to ruin her birthday. Let us not start screaming at each other.”
It hurt Catrina. She wanted to argue with him but decided not to. It is her daughter’s birthday. She wants her to enjoy.
The party involves games for kids, a dance presentation of mascots, and Amara blowing the candles on her cake. Before the party ends, the host asked for Amara’s parents to say a few words.
“I would like to thank all of you who came. Amara enjoyed her day. Acwell and I, being her parents, couldn’t be happier,” Catrina said.
Acwell felt awkward about her mentioning his name. He already told her not to. She did not listen and broadcast it instead.
“I already told you not to let anyone know,” Acwell whispered.
“Why? What’s wrong with it? It is the truth, anyway,” Catrina asked.
“We cannot keep our situation private?”
“Why are you ashamed that you are her father?”
Catrina is being loud. Acwell pulled her to the corner so they can talk away from the crowd.
“I pity Amara. She deserves parents that don’t fight all the time.”
“It is all your fault for walking away from her.”
“I did not walk away from her. I walked away from you. And if you can’t get that, I am leaving now.”
Catrina was calling him to come back. But he did not even bother to turn. She tried calling him on the phone, but he won’t answer. She was so furious. "Why do you always had to make things hard? Why do you choose to run from your responsibility?” she said to herself. She went back to her daughter as if nothing happened. She can't let her see how angry she is.
Acwell felt hurt. He wanted to spend more time with his daughter. He wanted her to feel that he was there for her. But Catrina keeps ruining the moment.
“Why does she have to be her mother? Why have I been that stupid?” he uttered while standing outside, waiting for a cab.
He felt like he needed alcohol after that argument. He wanted it to calm his nerves. But remember his family at home waiting for him. He went home.
“Hello, family!” Acwell said.
“Hi, daddy!” Kamiah said.
“How was the birthday?”
“It was boring! I left early.”
“Whose birthday was it?”
“It was an old workmate’s daughter.”
“Ah, it was a child having a birthday. That’s why it was boring for you.”
“Yeah! So, I left early. Do you want to go to the park?”
They went to the park. All of them played and Acwell had a good time. This is the type of family he wanted.