This Is What I'm Praying For

Special Chapter: Manang Rain

"Anak, you need to, please..." Mama said crying also, trying to convince me.

I shake my head still saying NO.

"Rain, really? Kaya mong isuko ang pagka-abogada mo, mapasayo lang ang batang yan? Paano mo siya bubuhayin kung wala ka namang trabaho, sige Rain isipin mo!" Lola Marian said angry.

Lolo cares Lola back before approaching me. He cares Eijaz hair first and wipe my tears. I look at to Lolo about to cry again.

Lolo shake his head. "Apo, I know it's hurt, but parent always do is the better of their child."

I stop, Lolo get sleeping Eijaz to me and give to Mama. Lolo still caressing my cheek that make me close my eyes.

"Katulad namin, kaya ganto kami mag-react because we are your parents, hindi naman namin hahayaan na bigla nalang mawala ang lisensyang pinaghirapan mo. I remember, you didn't want to take your board exam because of Shem fake death. Remember how we encourage you, how Pastor encourage you that like Shem, other people need your help. Remember? You wanted to take the law, because you wanted to help others. Paano mo pa iyon magagawa kung wala ka ng lisensya?" Lolo said.

I open my eyes slowly and panic when I don't see Eijaz in my room. "Where is Eijaz?!"

I get up and run down stairs. "Eijaz baby!"

"Rain! huwag mong simulan, mahiya ka sa mga bisita." Lola said.

Parang umiikot na ang mundo ko, hindi ko makita si Eijaz I need to see him. "Manang Lynette, where is Eijaz?"

"Ma'am," She said and look in my back.

I feel relief when I saw Eijaz is with Dustin. I approach them and about to get Eijaz but Dustin step backward. I look at to Dustin eyes, he was about to cry. He shake his head.

"We need to," He mouthed.

I shake my head, "No... no,"

"Rain anak, para sa ikabubuti nyo rin ito." Papa said.

"Rain, give me my son, please." Carmen said.

So she is here. I shake my head. "Ang dali lang sayong sabihin na anak mo siya! Pero hindi ka naman nagpaka-nanay sakaniya!"

"That's why I am here, kaya nga kinukuha ko na siya sayo," She reason.

I shake my head, "Bakit ngayon pa? Why now?! Do you think it's easy to me? No! He is with me for three years! Tatlong taon, Carmen! Iniwan mo siya sa akin, sa amin. Tapos babawiin mo nalang siya na parang laruan!"

"Meron ng desisyon ang korte, ano pa ba ang gusto mo?" Sagot niya.

"Ang dali mong sabihin at gawin, kasi hindi naman ikaw ang naghirap na mag-alaga sakaniya! Hindi ikaw yung gigising ng madaling araw pagnagugutom siya! Hindi ikaw yung kinabahan pagmay sakit siya. Hindi ikaw yung kasama niya sa first vaccine niya, hindi ikaw yung nakarinig sa first word niya, hindi ikaw! Hindi ikaw, kasi iniwan mo siya!"

"Every kid wanted to have a complete and happy family, he is just a kid. Bata palang siya hindi niya na mararanasan iyon. You know, ginawa ko ang lahat para lang magkaroon siya ng kompletong pamilya. I don't care what other people say about me 'Huh? anak ni Attorney Ramos yan, balita ko magaling ding attorney yan pero may anak na, kristoyano pa man din. Hindi ba naturuan ng maayos?' Tapos pagtatawanan nila ako. Dustin and Tonet was there to help me, nagpaka-tatay si Dustin kay Eijaz, Carmen... alam mo si Dustin, alam mo..." I said and seat down because I feel weak and cry harder.

I let a deep breath, I shouldn't crying in front of them. I shouldn't show them that I lose. I wipe my tears and get up to get Eijaz and go in my room. Thank God no one dare to stop me.