Maybe This Time

Part 13

We went back to our condo in Manila. I had referrals at private hospitals here as a favor from old friends.
"Elisse be a permanent specialist here, we need you in our roster" Dr. Tesoro said, while We were doing rounds.
I just shook my head, okay na ako sa referrals at twice a week na clinic. I want more time with Sandy. I promised myself that after I gave birth to him. I will devote my time for myslef and us.

After my hospital rounds I preceded to the Marcos family condo where Sandy was, namiss siya agad ni mom and pops so they went here. I had errands to do so I left him muna with them.

Mom greeted me at the door, nagulat ako na andoon si Sandro. Hinihele ang bata.. nakakalambot ng puso sila panuorin.
I kissed mom and went to Sandy and kissed him on his nose..

"Ako walang kiss?" He was pouting at me.
Hay nako huwag nga siya magpa-cute sa akin at marupok ako!!

"Hello Sandro" at tinapik ko siya sa balikat.. ang awkward.

"Ano ginagawa mo dito? Kala ko sila mom lang pupunta" i asked as I sat in the spacious couch.

"I missed both of you" hindi siya nakatingin sa akin nakayakap lang siya kay Sandy..

Tahimik lang kami hindi naguusap till umupo siya sa tabi ko mukhang napagod na sa kaka-sayaw. Kinuha ko si Sandy sa kanya at hiniga sa sofa ang sarap ng tulog.

"Thank you Elisse" he said looking at me.
Hindi ko siya matignan sa mata.

"For what?" I asked.

"For Sandy.. for our little family" he held my hand. I wanted to pull away from his touch, but he held my hand tighter

"Kailan natin paguusapan yung sa atin Elisse?" Yung titig niyang ayaw ko na rin kumawala. Alam ko naman sa puso ko siya pa rin ang laman nito, hindi ko pa kaya sa ngayon. I looked away from him. I cant do this right now with him.

Tumayo muna ako at pumunta sa may veranda ng condo, kailangan ko ng hangin.

Mayat maya narinig ko bumukas ang sliding door, pumasok si Sandro

"Walang kasama si Sandy, baka umikot yun mahulog" I was about to leave when he held my arm and cornered me on the wall.

"Manang Clara is with him. Elisse, I want my family back" he looked at me pleading

"Hindi ko naman pinagdadamot sayo ang anak natin" i was looking down at my hands..

He lifted my chin and was staring directly at me " I want the mother of my child as well" .. halos lalabas na ang puso ko sa dibdib ko. Nanginginig ang mga kamay ko. Ano isasagot ko sakanya?
Lumalapit ang mukha nya sa akin isang maling galaw magtatama na ang mga labi namin

"Kain na tayo kids!!" Tawag ni mom..

"Yes mom" i called out, sinusubukan kong pumasok na sa loob pero hinahawakan nya ako sa mga kamay ko.

"Elisse, im going to try even if you dont want to, ill try and ill try for you to give me this chance again" he said it like a prayer

Nauutal na ako at hindi ko alam isasagot ko.
Huminga ako ng malalim..
" can it be about Sandy muna?"

"Ill make it work for both" he said and planted a kiss on my forehead.. he let me go at sabay na kaming pumasok sa loob

"Mang Ambo!!!!" nakita ko si Mang Ambo pinpasok ang mga bagahe ni mom or si Sandro.
Hindi ko napigilan mayakap siya

"Dr. Elisse kumusta kayo mam!"  Nakangiti siya sakin

"Manong gusto ko sana ipakilala sayo bago niyong alaga pero tulog na tulog pa e" tumabi sa akin si Sandro at napakamot sa kanyang ulo.