Just This Once (COMPLETED)

Huling Kabanata

#JustThisOnce

Huling Kabanata 

"Where are we going, Mama?"

I adjusted Jeremiah's bag and made sure that he looked presentable. He's growing up so fast! Parang kahapon lang, ang bata pa niya. Now, he's about to go to school.

"We're going to see someone," I told him.

"A stranger?"

I shook my head. "Someone you've been wanting to see for a long time." His eyes sparkled, I knew he knew who we're talking about. But Jeremiah being Maven's son, he kept quiet. But still, I could see the excitement on his face.

Sinabihan ko siya na hintayin niya muna ako dahil kakausapin ko lang ang Papa niya. Mabilis akong umakyat hanggang sa makarating ako sa kwarto ni Maven.

"Hey," I said. Agad siyang tumingin sa akin. His face reflected the stress in his job, but for some reasons, it made him more attractive.

Tumayo siya at saka may inabot na envelope sa akin.

"Is this it?" I asked, a bit scared. Maven nodded, but didn't say another word. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko. Should I say thank you? But that would be weird... so I settled with the most familiar thing between us—silence.

I didn't bother opening the envelope. There's a right time for that. For now, we had more important matter to discuss.

"Maven," I called when he began to go back to his work table. He's been a lawyer for almost two years. Dalawang taon pa lang, but he's already achieved so much. He's one of the busiest lawyer in the country, and he's already being groomed for politics.

"What?"

"I checked your sched. You're free for two days."

"Do you see these?" he said and then pointed at the pile of folders that just kept on growing every single day. Who would've thought that Maven would accept pro-bono cases? It's so unlike him.

"Those can wait," I said. "We need to go somewhere."

"No," he quickly replied.

I sighed. "Maven—"

"Look, you can't run away from this forever. You already made a mistake, but now, there's a chance for you to make things right."

Maven's eyes looked colder than ever. "I let you meddle with most things in my life, but no this one," he said with finality in his voice.

"Suit yourself, I'm gonna take Jere anyway," sabi ko sa kanya sabay labas sa kwarto niya. I knew Maven wouldn't be able to resist. I lived with him for almost 5 years. I learned a thing or two about him. Alam ko na pagdating sa bagay na 'to, hinding-hindi niya matitiis.

I went to my room and got my bag. I had been prepared for weeks. I waited for this. I craved for this.

"Are we leaving na, Mama?" Jere excitedly asked.

I nodded. "Did you tell Yaya to prepare your things? And your passport?"

He nodded with a huge smile on his face. "Yes, Mama! I did everything you told me!"

I smiled and hugged him so tight. Jere asked me if he could ask questions and I told him yes. At dahil doon, nagsimula na kaming mag-usap. Ni hindi ko napansin na nasa airport na pala kami. We proceeded and checked-in before we went to the lounge.

"Is Papa not coming?" he asked.

"He's coming," I replied. "Let's just patiently wait for him, okay?" sabi ko at tahimik na tumango si Jere. After that, naghanap muna kami ng makakain. The plane would leave in quarter an hour. Naniniwala ako na dadating si Maven. He wouldn't not show up. He knew how important this was...