Chapter 42

Stupidly I watched the two children playing in front of the balcony, they were wearing the different colored bracelet given to them personally by their father. That was the opportunity but I still spared them. I noticed Inah staring at her bracelet, she was still wiggling it and looking to see if it would fall off. She lowered her snout then crawled towards Van to look at what was in his hand.

I just chose to leave the room and leave the kids playing. I just sat on the sofa opposite the open door so I could see two kids talking about something. Why does everything seem like that to him? He changed… Ah no, maybe he really is but because I was so mad at him then, I didn’t notice that. He doesn’t really care about me anymore.

(Flashback)

“W-What are you doing here?” I asked when I could process him as the one in front of me.

“I have a business trip, that’s why,” he told me directly.

My heart was pounding uncontrollably especially since he alternately looked at our children who were still busy playing with the adults.

“Where’s Lana?” its sudden question.

“A-At work,” I said softly.

I had to fight his looks because I knew he was wondering and he was starting to ask things things. This is probably the time to tell him the truth. I have nothing to hide because at any time he will tell it to my Uncle.

“Where’s their father?” his quick answer made me even more nervous.

Every time I open my mouth I am preceded by fear and nervousness, I get discouraged, but I know in myself it is time to say everything.

“A-About their father, can we talk to—”

“Don’t worry, I have no intention of interfering in your life. I have no intention of telling all this to your Uncle or anyone. So don’t worry Veron,” he said coldly to me.

I don’t know what to say. In a flash my tongue twitched and I was dumbfounded at him. His sknabi are clear but there is something in me that confuses me.

“I just came here to give these to your kids. It looks like Cyron is taking good care of you, so Uncle doesn’t have to worry. Don’t give me a look like that. I have a word, Veron,” he said calmly it says but with emphasis on every word.

“I’ll go ahead now. Take care of yourself and your family,” he said goodbye then turned away.

I could clearly see the ring on his finger, and how he acted on me. I don’t know how I will feel. I was furious to be shocked at the rapid pace of events. It was as if I had just sat down, and now I was left alone again holding the two different bracelets he had given me that I didn’t know how to get into my hand.

•••

All I know is… He doesn’t care about me anymore, because as he said before, he has no intention of interfering in my life. No more Veron. I have been preparing all year, it will only end in a few minutes. I smiled bitterly because of the repetitive scenario I was imagining. I quickly turned away from my children who wished I was bamboo, I caught my tears dripping and quickly prepared for the wide smile. I could already feel the small arms hug my knee and the soft cheek stick to it.

“Why my banban?” I lower my voice as if nothing had happened before.

It just smiled at me and then danced a little. I just let it go because he also left soon after. I just distracted myself with housework and some important things. I also have no intention of saying anything about what happened to Lana earlier, because I know she will ask me many questions again. I feel like time is slowing down, the amount I’ve done but it still seems like time. Whether I want to take my kids out I have no appetite now, I want to rest. It’s tiring.

“Van, Inah, hurry up! You’re lying here next to Mama,” I hurried to them who were busy putting the toys in the container.

I just stared at them and noticed Inah’s lethargy, it wasn’t as energetic as it had been the previous days, and it often just made me lift which she didn’t do unless she was drowsy. When they got on the bed, Inah quickly stood beside me while playing with her bracelet, Van, on the other hand, jumped vigorously until he became stronger, causing Inah to bounce a little. I couldn’t help but laugh softly at Inah’s evil look at her twin. She was disgusted.

“Banban! Aahhh!” its shrill cry then trampled. Van and I just looked at each other in silence then smiled at me and lay down next to Inah.

“You two are asleep, then later we’ll eat your favorite, doesn’t Inah like that?” I asked softly pinching my fat cheek.

But it just shook me. “How ‘bout, Van? You like that? Biko?” I asked as he nodded quickly.

“Si! Si!” [Yes! Yes!] We gave it a high five at the same time and Inah just stared with a frown.

I knew she was pissed off because of her silence. I told stories about their Grandmothers and Grandfathers who were in the Philippines. They have no questions and just stare at me. Little by little, I will try to enlighten them on what is happening, even if I can say at least a little detail about my families who were left behind in the Philippines, because I do not want them to grow up knowing nothing about the family I left behind. I didn’t realize that they were asleep so this is the time for me to rest this afternoon.

I woke up immediately from my bed when I could find something hot next to me. I stared at my side to see what was already sticking to me hot. I quickly touched Inah’s forehead.

“Oh no, what the hell!” her body is warm, its feet are cold, this is not the first time they have been sick but I am always nervous.

I quickly climbed into the bathroom to get a bimpo and lukewarm water. I also turned down the aircon because Inah’s fever could get worse. I carefully lifted Van to place on the couch and without infecting his twin. I just calmly wiped the fast asleep Inah, she was still barely moving and opened her eyes a little.

“Hi,” she whispered to me to wave a little.

“Hi, baby Inah,” I said softly then touched her cheek with bimpo.

“Your body is hot so Mama will wipe you, don’t be naughty Inah,” I said softly just looking at me.

For almost an hour I wiped him with the bimpo and put him to sleep, I just turned on the electric fan and turned it on. It’s only six o’clock in the evening so later pand Lana can go home. I was the one who cooked the food while making it cry once. I even had a hard time feeding because he didn’t want the broth her body needed, she had to sweat to release the hot temperature inside her body. It took me half an hour to feed because of its occasional reluctance. After all the work I took Inah’s medicine.

“Say aaahhh,” I commanded here as she whispered.

“No,” Shake said as she refused the medicine.

“It’s delicious, you want strawberries right? It’s easy, aaahhh,” I opened my mouth to imitate her.

“How are you going to get over that? Do you want to go to the hospital? Mama will leave you in the hospital, then banban won’t be there,” I said calmly with her mouth closed as if she was about to cry.

“Mama, banban, ohhhh” she nodded then gaped.

“Good. Good girl, Mama won’t leave you in the hospital because you’re a good girl, hey!” I applauded but it just hugged me.

I noticed the acceleration of her sweating which was a good sign that her body heat had somewhat decreased.

“Sleep here first, Van a, Inah is sick, but tomorrow she will be okay,” I smiled as he nodded.

It was only seven o’clock when they fell asleep, I couldn’t sleep with Inah especially in her situation. She was the longest to get sick lasting five days. There is no school tomorrow so I will just spend my time with them. I stopped thinking when my cell phone rang loudly. I thought it was just Lana but it came from the office. But what I read in that message was shocking.

{Hello, Veronica! I’m sorry for disturbing you, but I just want to inform you, that tomorrow, Mr. Valencia wants to talk you privately regarding your work. Please meet him in his office tomorrow at 8 Am. He will discuss some matter. Thank you!}