Russian Requiem (Book 2 of RR Trilogy)

Requiem #38

Chapter 38

(Single Mother)

"Mama, look!" Agad akong napabaling kay Clay na masayang tumatakbo palapit sa akin. Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa aking mesa dito sa opisina ko sa bahay at sinalubong na siya.

I held the arm he is offering to me. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga nakatatak doon.

"I forgot to tell you that I got six big stars for being excellent in my school today! Are you proud of me?" Nagningning ang kanyang mata. Even his voice is full of hope.

Malaki akong ngumiti. I leaned in and kissed his forehead. "Of course, I am. I'm always proud of you, my baby. What gift would you like?"

His grin grew wider. "That's good, mama! I will collect more stars, so that you will be more proud of me! No need to give me gifts. I will just make you happy, mama."

I returned that with a soft smile. I love staring at his energetic aura. I miss it. Mabuti na lang at nakuha niyang muling maka recover makalipas ang halos dalawang buwan. At sa mga lumipas na panahon, somehow, nakuha ko ding mag-move. Well, somehow.

I mostly do my paperwork at home, lalo na pag wala namang importanteng operation or mga check up sa hospital. I needed to do that because I need to attend to my kids too. I especially requested that from Direk and since I am the head, there was not much issue regarding it. Ayaw ko na lang ngang isipin na baka na grant iyon dahil sa asawa ako ng may-ari or what. Basta ang mahalaga ay may oras ako para sa mga anak ko.

Basically, I am living the life of a single parent. Yes, we have the wealth, but it is still hard to become a single mother. We don't only need financial support... we also need physical and emotional support from him.

Pero wala naman kaming magagawa dahil hindi na siya nagparamdam matapos ang mga nangyari. I just try my best to fill the void in my kids' hearts and I think I'm successful with Clay. Hindi nga lang ganoon kay Carie dahil nagsimula na itong hanapin ang ama.

Hawak ang kamay ni Clay, lumabas kami sa opisina at dumiretso sa dining area. Naabutan namin si Carie na nakaupo na doon. Sa tabi niya ay si Vanellope, ang bagong playmate nila ni Clay.

"Mama!" Carie immediately went to me. I chuckled when she hugged me so tight. Akala mo ay ilang taon kaming hindi nagkita. My malambing baby, as always.

"Hi, tita!" Masayang lumapit din si Vanellope sa amin at nagmano sa akin.

I smiled widely at her. "Where's your mom, Vanny?"

"She's still at work po, tita. She will be home a bit late tonight, that's why she let me stay here for a while." She confidently said.

For a 7-year-old kid, she is already eloquent and outspoken. I like her personality, too. And I can see Clay in her for being matured at such a young age. Nagsilbi na rin siyang ate ng dalawang anak ko kaya naman napamahal na din siya sa akin. I even insist sometimes that she must stay here to keep Clay and Carie company. Wala naman kaso iyon sa mommy niya na si Celestine.