TAMING THE VICIOUS STORM
Familiá Altamirano Series #4
This story contains a few spoilers from the previous Familiá Altamirano Series.
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UNDER the blue skies in the captivating garden at the back of our mansion, we're celebrating a special day of the biggest blessings I have ever had— My son's 4th birthday.
"Happy birthday to you. . . Happy birthday. . . Happy birthday. . . Happy birthday, Ashiro Thunder!" Everyone sang and clapped, making the party cheerfully.
Thunder was in my arms, carrying him. He was wearing a black mini tuxedo and a bow tie. I was also wearing the same tuxedo minus the bow tie and three first button were open. For his 4th birthday party, he requested for a baby boss themed.
"Make a wish, baby. . ." I whispered, pointing at the cute candles on the top of his three-layer cake.
Napangiti ako nang mabilis siyang pumikit at pinagdaop ang mga palad na parang nagdadasal.
"I wish Papa Jesus would grant me a Mama!" I heard him loud and clear.
Malakas ang pagkakasabi niya kaya bahagyang natahimik ang paligid. I took a deep sigh before smiling— a fake one when he blew out the candle. Everyone clapped their hands, giving me an awkward stare.
"Happy birthday, baby." I kissed him on his chubby cheeks, making him giggle.
"Tenkyu, Papa!" He hugged me and showered me with kisses.
Binaba ko siya noong magpababa siya para makipaglaro sa mga kaklase niyang imbitado ngayon sa birthday niya. Ashiro Thunder is enrolled in my auntie Hannah's preschool academy. Saling-pusa lang siya doon pero tuwang-tuwa siya sa tuwing may homework siyang inuuwi na ako rin naman ang halos gumagawa.
"Kuya," someone tapped my back, making me glance and see my younger brother Duke. "Where's the birthday boy?"
I sigh. "Playing with his classmate," I answered, then took a bottle of beer from the cooler to drink. "Damn it," I cussed when I remember what he wish earlier.
He wish for a mother? Am I not enough?
"What's with the long sigh?" Tanong ni Duke.
"Ashiro is wishing for a mother," I muttered and drank the bottle of beer I was holding.
He gasped. "What? Since when?"
Huminga ako ng malalim at tumungga ulit sa bote ng beer. Then I raked my fingers to my now longer hair. My hair was cut in medium mullet haircut but it was already getting longer.
"Since he saw the complete family of Killian," I muttered weakly. "Am I not enough, Duke?" I asked him.
One time, Ashiro Thunder was left at the Roschefort's house because it was the day of my bar opening. When I went home to pick him up, he stated the exact words, 'Papa, do I have a Mama? Killian has Mama Kelsea, while I don't.' That day, my heart shattered into a million pieces.
I don't want to see my son's unhappy. I always give him everything he needs. I was doing my best to fulfill his needs and wants. But still not enough. He's still looking for a motherly love that I know I will never give whatever I do.
"Kuya. . ." Duke looked at me with sympathy.
Bumuntong hininga ulit ako saka tinapik ang balikat niya.
"How could I tell my son that I don't even know who's his mother? How can I tell him that his own mother just left him outside our mansion four years ago? Na iniwan siya sa labas ng mansyon habang nakabalot ng mumurahing tela at nasa basket? Na walang tanging laman kundi papel kung saan nakasulat ang pangalan at ang kaarawan niya? How could I tell him that?" I tried so bad not to broke down but I couldn't help it. When it comes to my son, I become vulnerable.
