Chapter 5

Chapter Five

It's been a few days since I last saw Aristotle and that was a favor for me because every time he was there I was stunned. I watched the faces of Kaja and Grunt while they were sleeping, I couldn’t help but remember Aristotle’s face on the two. They capture all the features of their father. For six years, I am contented with my life as long as my children is with me. They are the one give me light, hope to fight and to stand tall. It's hard to move on especially when someone reminds you. I just got used to it and could do nothing but accept the fact that I couldn’t give a whole family to my children. I stroked the twin's hair. Kaja moved so I smiled because even their actions were no different from Aristotle's. They look like angels when sleeping. I am thankful to the lord, because he has given me the two people that make up my life today. I chose to stay away, because everything would be fine without me. It’s my fault I fell for a Lecaroz. As much as I can I will keep the persona of Aristotle as a father to my children. I will not even allow them to be blamed for sin they did not commit. I don't want to hear anyone talking bad about my children. I become so private that only few chosen people know that I have children. It's safer. I regret trusting someone who became my downfall.

"Mommy?" I heard Kaja whimper. She squeezed my body. Grunt look at me as his eyebrow creased. He tilted his head to my left and sniffed me. I wondered what he was doing.

"Why are you crying, mommy?" He astonished question and wiped the tears from my eyes. My eyes widened in shock. Shit!

I smiled, "Mommy's grateful to have you two." He pout even more, not buying what I said.

Apparently it was soothing so I laughed. Kaja pulled my hand to lie down next to her and that's what I did. So the ending is, I’m in the middle of the two. They were growing up and I was afraid that by the time they saw Arsitotle they would leave me. I don’t resent my children I just wish they didn’t experience what I went through. I love them so much.

ITS FRIDAY afternoon, we couldn't understand each other in our group chat. They plan to tour us while we stay in Marinduque. They were afraid I leave again without notice. First destination is Paadjao falls in Sta. Cruz it's far from where I live. Both ends if calculated. I plan to go with Astrud or Alkaid because I’m with my kids. While waiting for the two, Nieva texted that we would just be picked up by someone,nbecause the two were in Sta. Cruz already they have work to do.

Coincidentally, someone took care of them for their work.

"Alejandro will fetch you," Nieva texted.

I just replied 'okay'.

"Tito Ale you're here!" Kaja shouted enthusiastically when Alejandro arrived.

Both Kaja and Grunt were excited. They never stopped asking me if I had been there. I said 'not yet' because that's the truth. I have never been there or in any part of Marinduque except Mt. Malindig, our school and near barangay. Other people might think we're real family but, it was never the real case. We just really get along and we just laugh at them when we are mistaken that we have a relationship. All of my friends were close with my children. Alejandro picked up the two before approaching me. He'll be a good father when the time comes.

"You look excited, kiddos," Ale announced laughing.

"Super!" lively shouts of the two.

He took Kaja with him and picked up some of the things I bring for the kids.

"I'm glad you didn't refuse to come along," he opened the conversation.

I looked at the two kids in the back. The trip was long so the two fell asleep because they were so playful.

"I can't hide the kids forever, Ale. Besides, they also want to take walks."

“Your kids are smart,” he commented.

I nodded, "As they grew older they already knew their father. I didn't keep it a secret. I explained myself why we weren't with him, I told them he's working abroad. So I'm scared now that I know... he's here," I bit my tongue.

"They love you so much, so they don't want to worry about you. They grow as a wonderful person," he praised.

I didn't realize I fall asleep while having conversation with him. I was just shocked when I felt Alejandro's soft pat on me. The children were gone, it was probably inside Damian's mansion. During the twins' two-month stay in Marinduque, they were repeatedly picked up by one of her friend's parents. Their parents were extremely happy and they had no kids, we're all grwon up. I even remembers one time I had a video call with them. At first glance, they said they already knew who the father was and I couldn't deny the fact, because I was a witness too. I thank them for being careful. They do not take my children out unattended nor take them anywhere except the mansions of each of my friends.

SATURDAY morning. I was about to get into Damian's SUV when Sin immediately closed the door in the back seat after the two children entered.

"What? I'm gonna walk?" I raised an eyebrow in question.

He stop me using his hands.

"Jesus!"

"You can't be with us," Sin was still laughing while saying that.

He was accompanied by Sin, Celestina, Nieva, Alejandro and the two children in the backseat. Astrud is in the front seat and Damian will drive. Astrud winked at me but I ignored it.

I lost my smile when I heard the familiar sound of a car.

"Okay," Sin snout. I almost killed Sin as I thought he point his finger into the car that had just arrived and stopped in front of me. They planned this trip with him? With Aristotle Lecaroz? Jesus! My friends will be the death of me!

"Come with Ares, Robin. We don't have space left for you. Psalm ask us to pick him up," said Nieva because those who were beaten up were busy laughing.

"Are you crazy?" I couldn’t believe them and even held on to the window.