Stolen Moments

24.

I watched Zayden and Levi happily eat the strawberry shortcake I baked for them. I just realized that they both loved strawberries so much.

"Mommy, eat 'kaw!" sabi ni Levi nang mapansing hindi ako kumakain. I smiled and nodded.

We were sitting on the living room carpet while watching a movie. Nakasaklot si Levi kay Zayden na sinusubuan siya ng cake, ako naman ay nakatabi sa kanila at imbis na ituon ang pansin sa pinapanood ay mas madalas ang tingin ko sa gawi nila.

"Mommy's busy staring at me because I'm so pogi." pabibong sabi ni Zayden bago sinubuan si Levi.

Napairap ako at kinurot ang bewang niya kaya kaagad siyang napangiwi. Levi giggled and nodded. "Nice guy pogi!" 

Natawa ako nang malukot ang mukha ni Zayden. He probably didn't prefer Levi calling him 'nice guy'. 

"Baby, that's Tito Zayden. Don't call him 'nice guy' na."

Napanganga si Levi at mukhang may na-realize. "Weally? Tito Ey-den?" he said in a small voice.

Zayden quickly glanced at me before he smiled softly at my son. "Yes, Wevi. I'm Tito Zayden."

I smiled and continued watching the movie. Mayamaya ay naramdaman ko bigla ang pagsandal ng ulo ni Zayden sa balikat ko.

I glanced at him and found out that he was asleep. Pati si Levi ay nakayakap sa kanya at nakatulog na.

I smiled and stared at them. I've been staring at them a lot today. They were so nice to watch and stare at. My heart felt so full. For the first time in years, I finally felt completely happy. I didn't think about any other thing right now but them- my family.

Yaya Marie's words lingered in my mind again. I was considering it already. I love Zayden and I want to fix our marriage. But I'm taking my time to decide. Ayaw kong magpadalosdalos sa desisyon lalo pa't takot akong masaktan ulit.

Inayos ko ang pagkakasandal ni Zayden sa balikat ko para kumportable siyang matulog. I glanced at my son and shook my head as I let out an amused smile. First time niyang makatulog nang hindi umiinom ng gatas. He must be really comfortable with Zayden to fall asleep that fast. 

I glanced at the wall clock to check the time. 8PM palang. I'll wake Zayden up after an hour para pauwiin, magpahinga nalang muna siya.

I rested my head on his and focused on watching the movie pero hindi ko namalayang nakatulog na din pala ako. I woke up when I felt a hand caressing my hair. I glanced at Zayden and he smiled softly at me.

Kaagad akong napaayos ng upo at kumurap. "I fell asleep, I'm sorry I wasn't able to wake you up. Anong oras na ba?" 

Before I could even glance at the wall clock, he already answered. "It's almost ten, princess. I need to go home." he said with a sad face.

I nodded and looked at Levi who was peacefully sleeping on his chest. I asked Zayden to help me carry my son in my room at nagpaalam pa siya kay Maxie bago ko siya hinatid palabas.

"Just stay here." aniya nang sinabi kong ihahatid ko siya hanggang lobby. "You should continue your sleep, tabihan mo na doon si Levi."

"May sasakyan ka ba? You left your car." nag-aalala kong sabi. 

"I'll just take a cab, marami pa naman kapag ganitong oras." aniya at hinawakan ang likod ng ulo ko para mahila ako papalapit sa kanya at mahalikan ang noo ko.

"Just use my car." I offered.

"No, princess. You'll need it tomorrow for work." tanggi niya. Umiling naman ako at ngumiti.