Decisions

3 years later...

YOU can't tell what really happens in the future, right? That's the thing Kira realized for three years.

Nilapag ni Kira ang bulaklak sa puntod ni Marta at Georges. Kasama niya ang anak niyang lalaki na si Kyrone na karga ni Luther kasama si Yaya Melinda.

"Marta, Georges... It's been three years, you lied to me again." Mahinang wika ni Kira at napatingin kay Kyrone. "Akala ko ba kasama niyo akong palalakihin ang magiging anak ko?"

Napahawak si Kira sa puntod ni Marta at napangiti. "But, I'm happy to meet the two of you." Dagdag ni Kira at tumayo.

Lumapit siya kay Luther at kinuha si Kyrone.

"Mommy, I thought we are going to visit Uncle Ricci?" Pagtatanobg ng anak niya sa kanya.

Kyrone's a smart kid. At the age of 3, he can speak fully. Normally, kids in his age, usually can only speak two to three-word phrases or sentences. He can speak clearly not like the other two years old.

She's proud for his son and she's thankful she had him.

"Kyrone, we have to visit Ninang Marta and Ninong Georges first before we go to your Uncle Ricci first." Nakangiting wika ni Kira at hinawi ang buhok ng anak na nasa nuo na, "Say your goodbye to your Ninong and Ninang so we can leave." Nakangiting wika ni Kira at ibinaba si Kyrone.

Hinayaan niya na magpaalam ang anak niya sa puntod ng kanyang matalik na mga kaibigan at napatingin kay Luther.

"Hindi pa ba tayo late?" Pagtatanong niya.

"Actually, late na tayo. The engagement party might have started already, but we can still make it." Sagot ni Luther sa kanya habang nakatingin sa orasan.

Nang mapansin niya na mayroong humihila sa laylayan ng puting dress na suot niya ay alam niyang anak niya na iyon.

Kaagad na pinagtuunan ng pansin ni Kira ang anak. "Mommy, I already said goodbye to them."

Kinarga ni Luther si Kyrone at kinurot ni Luther ang pisngi ng anak niya. "Very good, Kyrone. Let's go to your Uncle Ricci now. He already wants to see you." Saad ni Luther at habang karga si Kyrone ay nagpunta na ito sa kotseng nakaparada sa hindi kalayuan.

"It's been three years already, Kira." Nakangiting saad ni Yaya Melinda sa kanya.

"Yes, it's been three years already. I can't believe how time flies." Inakbayan ni Kira ang Yaya Melinda niya at napabuntong hininga. "And I think it's time for Kyrone to meet his father. I can't keep him forever, right?"

Sumang-ayon si Yaya Melinda sa sinabi niya dito. "Kyrone's father does deserve to meet him. After all, Kyrone's his child." Sagot ni Yaya Melinda sa kanya. "When will be your flight back to the Philippines?"

"Tomorrow, I'll be going back with Luther. He has to check his restaurant there, and he'll be there to help me take care of Kyrone while I try to find his father." Nakangiting sagot ni Kira at pinagbuksan ng pintuan ang Yaya Melinda niya.

Naunang sumakay ang Yaya Melinda niya at bago suya sumunod ay napadungaw muna siya sa puntod ng kaibigan. She gave out a smile before going inside.

As soon as she closed the door, she was surprised when Kyrone suddenly hugged her.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Masayang tawag sa kanya ng anak niya. "Will Ate Suzie and Uncle Luther like my gift?" Itinaas pa ni Kyrone ang ginawa nitong letter para sa dalawa.

Tumango si Kira at hinalikan sa pisngi ang anak. "Oo anak, magugustuhan 'yan nila Ate Suzie mo." Sagot niya dito at napahiyaw naman sa tuwa ang anak.

"Bakit ako hindi mo ginawan ng ganyan, Kyrone? I'm kinda sad..." Natatawang wika ni Luther habang nagmamaneho.

"It's not your birthday or whatsoever, Tito Luther." Masungit na saad ni Kyrone kay Luther na ikinatawa nilang dalawa ni Yaya Melinda.

Nakuha ni Kyrone ang kulay abo na mata ni Aivan at halos parang walang nakuha si Kyrone sa kanya dahil halos lahat ay nakuha niya kay Aivan. From the dimples, the hair, the eyes, lips and nose. Kyrone looks like Aivan's mini clone.

What would be Aivan's reaction if he gets to meet his son? The son he never heard about.

Kumusta na kaya siya? Is he doing fine? Is he married? It's been three years after all.

She left him without saying anything, but the one that got hurt was her. Aivan used her because he thought that she was Krisza, when in fact, she is Krisza, pero huli na ang lahat nang malaman niya.

"Mommy, mommy!" Nabigla si Kira nang tawagin siya nang anak at kaagad na nilingon niya ito.

"Yes, baby?"

"Bakit kayo nag-impake kagabi ni Yaya Linda? Where are we going?" Kyrone asked him with curiosity twinkling in his eyes.

Kira looked at Yaya Melinda and she looked at Luther also.

"Uhm, we're actually going to mommy's home country. We are taking a short vacation there." Sagot ni Kira sa anak.

"Really, mommy?!" Masayang saad ni Kyrone at tinignan ng masama si Luther. "Hindi po kasama si Tito Luther, ha. Hindi po kami bati."

Natawa si Kira sa sinabi ng anak. Kinarga niya at tinanong. "Why? Did Tito Luther tease you again? Bakit magkagalit kayo?"

"Kasi, mommy... He took my gummies earlier. I just took a piece then he told me I can't get another one anymore." Reklamo ng anak niya.

"Don't get angry to your Tito Luther, ginawa niya lang 'yun para hindi sumakit ang ngipin ng baby Kyrone." Nakangiting sagot ni Kira sa anak.

Nang mapansin niya na nakarating na sila sa hotel kung saan gaganapin ang venue ay napangiti siya.

Ipinarada ni Luther ang kotse at nabigla si Kira nang humiyaw si Kyrone sa tuwa.

"Finally! We're here!" Masayang wika ni Kyrone at bumaba ito kasama ang Yaya Melinda.

Nauna na ang dalawa papasok sa hotel at kasama ni Kira si Luther na nakasunod kay Kyrone na masayang nakahawak sa kamay ni Yaya Melinda.

"Ricci spoiled him too much. That's why he's the favorite Uncle."

Natawa si Kira at tinignan ang anak. "That's the reason why my son hates you."

"Sure ka na ba talaga na ipapakilala mo siya kay Aivan? I think it's not a good choice."

"Why?" Kira asked.

"What if he already has his own family."

Napabuntong hininga si Kira at maiging tinignan si Kyrone na masayang kausap si Yaya Melinda.

"Iyun ang aalamin ko bago ko ipakilala si Kyrone. I'll have to make sure that bringing Kyrone back won't cause anything to Aivan." Nakangiting wika ni Kira at kaagad silang pumasok sa loob bg elevator.

Kyrone pressed the floor of the venue and Kyrone is really excited to see Ricci and Suzie.

They spoil Kyrone so much to the point were Kyrone doesn't want to leave the couple.

When the elevator opened, Kyrone immediately ran inside the venue and he tried to find his Uncle Ricci and Ate Suzie.

And as soon as Ricci saw her, he immediately saw Kyrone and he lifted him up.

"You're here buddy!" Masayang bungad ni Riccu kay Kyrone. "You're late!" Dagdag na wika ni Ricci at kinilit ang anak niya.

"It's Tito Luther's fault! He's so slow when he's driving!" Paninisi ni Kyrone kay Luther at napatingin naman si Kira kay Luther.

"This kid..." Mahinang wika ni Luther.

Panay ang pagtawa ng anak niya at napangiti naman si Kira dahil do'n. Nilapitan ni Kira si Suzie at nakipag-beso. "Congratulations, Suzie! I can't wait for the wedding!" Masayang saad ni Kira dito at napangiti naman si Suzie.

"Congrats." Bati ni Luther kay Suzie at napangiti naman si Suzie.

"Thank you, both of you! I can't wait too!" Masayang saad ni Suzie. "How about you, Kira? Kailan ka ikakasal?"

Natawa si Kira sa tinanong ni Suize. "Nah, I'll stay single. I already have my Kyrone." Nakangiting sagot ni Kira kay Suzie at napangiti naman si Suzie nang lumapit sa kanya si Kyrone.

"Ate Suzie! I have my gift!" Kyrone showed the card he made and Suzie lifter Kyrone up.

"Wow, thank you baby Kyrone! That's sweet of you!" Masayang wika ni Suzie at niyakap si Kyrone na mayroong halo ng panggigigil.

Napatingin naman si Kira kay Ricci at nginitian niya ito. "Congratulations, Ricci." Nakangiting saad ni Kira at inabot ang regalo para sa magkasintahan.

"Thank you, Kira." Pagtanggap ni Ricci sa regalo.

"Kira, I'll borrow your son first, okay?" Pagpapaalam ni Suzie sa kanya at tinanguan ito ni Kira. "I'll leave you guys first." Pagkaalis ni Suzie ay nagsi-upuan sila.

"Are you sure with you decision, Kira?" Bungad na tanong ni Ricci sa kanya.

Bumuntong hininga si Kira at dumungaw sa puwesto ng anak. Napangiti siya, "I'm sure. I have to at least let Kyrone meet his father if the situation is good. But, if not... I have no choice but to keep Kyrone from Aivan." Sagot ni Kira kay Ricci, "I have to finish my unfinished business in the Philippines. It's not like I did not experience happiness there." Dagdag ni Kira.

"How long are you going to stay there? Are you taking Yaya Melinda with you?" Pagtatanong ni Ricci muli sa kanya.

"Maybe a week." Wika ni Kira, "I'll be with Luther when I go there. He'll help me take care of Kyrone while I try to find Aivan and check the situation." Dagdag na sagot ni Kira kay Ricci.

Napatango-tango si Ricci at ngumiti. "It's your decision, Kira. If you think this will be the best for Kyrone, then do it. Kyrone's a bright child, he deserves it." Napatingin bigla si Ricci kay Luther at ngumisi. "What about you, Luther? What are your plans in life? You're not getting any younger." Pabirong dagdag ni Ricci kay Luther.

"Shut the hell up, Ricci. Don't get too cocky because you're getting married." Inis na saad ni Luther. "It's a good thing that Suzie decided to stay with a loser like you." Inis na dagdag ni Luther na ikinatawa ni Kira.

"You're just jealous." Sabi ni Ricci. "Imagine, being rejected five times and Kyrone even hates you. How's your life, bud?"

Kira rejected Luther five times already, but Luther understands her. And it's a good thing that they stayed as good friends.

Kinuha ni Kira ang chamoagne glass na nasa lamesa at bahagyang itinaas. "Let's not argue. Cheers!" Masayang wika ni Kira.

Kinuha ni Luther at ni Ricci ang kanya-kanyang champage glass.

"Cheers!"

"THANK you for flying with us!" Nakangiting bati ng flight attendant kay Kira at kay Luther.

Karga-karga ni Luther si Kyrone na tulog na tulog.

Nang makababa na si Kira sa eroplano ay napakiramdaman niya ang simoy ng hangin sa lugar. Halos maramdaman ni Kira ang koneksyong naramdaman niya noong unang dating niya dito sa bansa bilang siya.

Hila-hila ni Kira ang maleta at pumasok sila pareho ni Luther sa eroplano. Napansin ni Kira ang pagkibot ng ilobg ni Kyrone at sa palagay ni Kira ay nagising na ito.

"Mommy?" Pagtawag sa kanya ni Kyrone habang nakapikit.

"Yes, Kyrone?"

"Are we there yet?" Kyrone asked as he finally opened his eyes.

Kira combed his son's hair and she gave him a nod. "Yes, Kyrone. We're here."

Masayang humiyaw si Kyrone at ibinaba ito ni Luther sa pagkakakarga. "Yey! We arrived!"

Napangiti si Kira sa naging reaksyon ni Kyrone. When Kira told Kyrone about the place, his son got really excited. Kira never knew that his son would be this happy. Will he also be happy when she'll tell him the real reason why they came here?

"Kira, let me have those." Tukoy ni Luther sa maletang hila-hila niya. Ibinigay kaagad ni Kira kay Luther ang maleta. "You fine?" Luther asked out of worry.

Tumango si Kira. "I'm fine, don't mind me." Wika ni Kira at hinawakan sa kamay si Kyrone. "Which hotel did you book us?" Kira asked Luther.

"No need to book a hotel, you can stay at my condo. Katabi lang 'yon ng restaurant ko. I can take care of Kyrone there and work at the same time."

"Thank you for everything, Luther. You're the biggest blessing I received. Thank you for helping me for these years." Pasasalamat ni Kira kay Luther.

Ginulo ni Luther ang buhok niya at mahinang natawa. "That's the least I can do. Besides, I'm fond of playing with your son." Natatawang saad nito, "Shall we go?" Luther asked her.

Tumango si Kira at kaagad na kinarga si Kyrone. "Saan na tayo pupunta, mommy?" Pagtatanong ni Kyrone sa kanya.

"Sa restaurant ni Tito Luther." Sagot ni Kira sa anak.

"What? Tito Luther owns a restaurant here? He's really rich? He's not joking with me, mommy?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kyrone sa kanya.

"Why, you think I'm poor?" Natatawang tanong ni Luther sa anak niya.

"Yes!" Her son honestly answered. "You always eat with us, so I thought you were homeless!" Dagdag pa nito.

"Well, I'm sorry to tell you, kid. Your Tito Luther's not homeless." Natatawang sagot ni Luther kay Kyrone at ginulo pa ang buhok ng anak niya. Nabigla si Kira nang lingunin siya ni Luther at bumulong. "Your son got your attitude. Too judgemental. Just like how you judged me three years ago." Natatawang wika ni Luther ay pumara ng taxi.

"Excuse me, Luther. I'm not like you." Sagot ni Kira at isinakay sa loob si Kyrone habang si Luther naman ay inilagay sa compartment ng taxi ang gamit nila. "You're the one who judged me first."

Inirapan pa ni Kira si Luther bago sumakay at sinara ang pinto ng taxi. Sumakay naman si Luther sa shotgun seat ng sasakyan at natawa.

"Sorry, but you judged me first." Saad nito sa kanya at tinuon naman ang pansin sa driver para sabihin ang address ng destinasyon nila.

THEY finally arrived at Luther's restaurant.

Kira was the first one who got down and she was shocked when someone suddenly welcomed them with a confetti.

Kira's heart almost stopped because of shock and her son was happy because of the confetti.

"So many confetti!" Masayang hiyaw ng anak niya at bakas sa mukha ng mga empleyado ang pagtataka.

Akala nila ay si Luther ang naunang bumaba sa taxi. Halos tawang-tawa si Luther sa nangyari.

"Thank you for the surprise, guys." Masayang wika ni Luther at hindi pa rin mapigilan ang pagtawa.

"Chef Luther, anak niyo po ba? Ang gwapong bata!" One of the employees asked.

Kaagad na umiling si Luther at kinarga si Kyrone. "No, I'm his uncle." Masayang sagot ni Luther. "Kyrone say hi to them."

Kaagad na sumunod ang anak ni Kira sa sinabi ni Luther. "Hi, I'm Kyrone Denielle Zhou." Masayang bati ni Kyrone sa mga ito at nakita ni Kira ang reaksyon ng mga ito sa anak.

"Grabe, Chef! Ang cute!" Masayang wika ng isa pa sa empleyado ni Luther.

"This is Kyrone's mother, Kira Zhou." Pagpapakilala naman ni Luther sa kanya sa mga empleyado.

"Good afternoon, thank you for welcoming us." Masayang wika ni Kira at masaya rin siyang binati ng mga ito.

"Daniela, accompany them first. I'll just bring these inside my condo. I'll be back." Utos ni Luther.

"Yes po, chef." Pag-sang ayon ng babaeng naka-unipormeng pang-chef din. Nakangiting tinignan silang dalawa nito. "Pasok na po tayo, Miss Zhou."

"You can just call me Kira." Nakangiting saad ni Kira at kaagad naman itong sinang-ayunan ng babae.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok nila ay napansin nila na mayroon palang mga customer ang mga ito. Inihanda nila ang pagkaing inorder ni Luther bago sila makarating. Naunang kumain si Kyrone at tuwang-tuwa ang mga ito sa appetite ng anak niya.

"Grabe, Kira. Ang takaw ng anak mo." Natutuwang saad ni Daniela sa kanya.

Natawa si Kira at hinawi ang buhok ng anak, "Slow down, Kyrone." Saad ni Kira.

"I'm back." Anunsiyo ni Luther sa likod nila.

Kaagad na tumayo si Kira at nilapitan si Luther. "Iiwan ko muna si Kyrone dito, Luther. I have to go and visit someone first."

"Where?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Luther sa kanya. "Magpahinga ka nalang muna, Kira. Kakabyahe mo lang. Hindi ka ba napagod?"

Umiling si Kira at ngumiti. "I'm fine, Luther. Take care of Kyrone for me. I'll be back before dinner." Paalam ni Kira kay Luther at nilapitan si Kyrone.

"Kyrone, mommy's going out, okay? Behave and listen to your Tito Luther and Ate Daniela, okay?"

"Yes, mommy. Be back before dinner, okay?"

Nginitian ni Kira si Kyrone at hinalikan sa pisngi. "Yes, I'll be back before dinner. Bye." She left as soon as she said goodbye. She immediately called a cab.

Kira remembered three years ago befoe she left the country, Aiden handed her a solo project for the company's exhibition. She did not fail him even though she left.

Pinadala niya ang mga litratong nakuha niya nuong nasa Italya siya at 'yun ang huling koneksyon niya sa Pilipinas. She also sent them a resignation letter.

Untu-unting nalululong si Kira sa mga alaala noya sa bansang ito. Parang lahat ay nangyari lang kahapon at ramdam ni Kira ang sakit tuwing naalala niya ang mga sinabi sa kanya ni Aivan.

She can't hide the fact that she still longed for him for the past few years and it pained her to see Kyrone grow up without a father.

Hindi niya rin naman ginusto na lumaki na walang ama si Kyrone. But the situation she had back then was too crucial for her son.

She can't just show up out of nowhere and tell him that he had a son with her. He might misunderstand her intetions and Kira can't be selfish again.

That day, at the hospital, three years ago... It kept repeating on her head... She never knew that Aivan would lie to her and use her.

She did not shed a tear for him but her heart breaks for him. She loved him even if for him, it's just pretend.

In this week, all she needs to do is to find Aivan and look for him secretly. Kailangan niyang alamin muna ang sitwasyon ni Aivan bago niya ipakilala ang anak niya. She doesn't want to ruin something and she doesn't want to give Kyrone a hope. She doesn't want to promise Kyrone a family if the situation's still unclear...

"Ma'am, we arrived."

Bumalik sa huwisyo si Kira at kaagad na nagbayad sa driver. She stepped out and she looked at the park.

It stayed the same.

Kira stayed still in front of the park. She's hesistating, she's scared on what she'll be facing. Will he turn his back? Will he ask her to leave?

Kira sighed and walked passed the park and she entered the hospital. She approached the hospital receptionist.

"Uhm," Kira called the receptionist's attention. "Excuse me."

The receptionist looked up and it's not the same face she saw back then. The receptionist changed.

"What can I help you with, Ma'am?"

"Is Doctor Aivan Marceau here?"

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Doctor Marceau is on his an important meeting today." Sagot sa kanya ng receptionist at napatango na lamang si Kira.

"Okay, I see. Thank you." Nakangiting saad ni Kira at kaagad na napag-desisyunan na umalis.

But, Kira half-way through when she heard a familiar voice. Kira took a step back and she hid. She took a peek from her hiding place and she was right, it was Aivan.

"Well, that's kind of an exhausting meeting. Do you agree with me, Van?" A doctor with a short hair asked him.

"Well, if that's the case. Then, should we go have our lunch, Honey?" Nakangiting sambit ni Aivan sa doktora.

Walang nagawa si Kira kung 'di manigas sa kinatatayuan at pilit na tinatanggap ang sitwasyon.

For the second time, she should have listened to Ricci. She always end up like this.

Siya lang naman ang matigas ang ulo at sige pa rin ng sige kahit na alam niya na masasaktan siya sa lahat ng desisyon niya.

Kira should have known better.

Kira looked around and people are starting to be suspicious around her. Kira did not hesitate anymore and walked across, she hid her face using her long hair.

She has to leave the place now. This is not good for her. This is the third time she's making a fool out of herself.

As soon as Kira left the hospital, she immediately went inside the Green Park and sat at the hidden bench of the place.

"I'm stupid to think that he'll wait for me after leaving him without any goodbye. I only asked for a break up." Mahinang wika ni Kira sa sarili. "Now, I have the guts to cry? I'm really stupid." Dagdag ni Kira at parang ewan na tumatawa habang naluluha.

Kira froze when someone suddenly handed her a handkerchief. "Three years have passed, Kira. And here you are, you still look stupid."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kira nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses na iyon. Nagtaas ng tingin si Kira at nakita si Chaun na nakatayo sa harap niya.

"My guess was right. It was you walking your way here." Nakangiting saad ng kaibigan at tumabi. "How have you been for the past three years, Kira? I haven't heard anything from you."

"Chaun, it's you!" Nakangiting wika ni Kira kahit na mayroong luhang tumutulo sa mga mata niya. She used the handkerchief to wipe her tears. "It's good to see you, Chaun. Tatlong taon na ang lumipas!"

"You just resigned like that? Where were you?" Chaun asked her.

Kira chuckled. "I was back from where I once belonged, Chaun. I had to finish some urgent business there." Nakangiting sagot ni Kira. "How about you? How are you for the past years, Chaun?"

"Still the same Chaun you met three years ago." nakangiting sagot ni Chaun sa kanya at komportableng umupo. "When did you arrive here, Kira?"

"Just today." Sagot ni Kira at umayos ng upo.

Napansin ni Kira ang tila pagtahimik ni Chaun at napansin ni Kira na para bang may gusto itong itanong sa kanya kaya hindi na nagdalawang isip si Kira na tanungin ito.

"Is there anything you want to ask me?" Kira asked him curiously.

"Did you come back for Aivan? Did you come back to reconcile with him? You see, what happened that day at the hospital three years ago was —"

Kira cutted Chaun off with a laugh. "Don't overthink too much, Chaun. What happened three years ago was all in the past now. And, I just came here to have a week vacation." Pagsisinungaling ni Kira sa kaibigan.

This is what she does. Lagi siyang magsisinungaling kapag mayroon siyang panibagong desisyong napag-isipan.

"Does Aivan know you're back?"

Natigilan si Kira sa tanong ni Chaun pero mas pinili niya na huwag na masyadong magpakita ng emosyon sa mga tanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

"No, he doesn't." Sagot ni Kira. "And I beg you, Chaun. Please don't tell him I'm back. Aalis din ulit ako pagkatapos ng isang linggo. Let me have a nice vacation. Can you promise me that, Chaun?" Pagtatanong ni Kira kay Chaun at ito lang ang gusto niyang mangyari sa oras na mayroon siya dito sa bansa.

She should not bother Aivan already, he's happy and she should not intervene. She should not be a third party because of her child. She's not like that.

She saw how Chaun gave in with her request.

Chaun sighed. "If that's what you want, Kira."

Napangiti si Kira at niyakap ang kaibigan. "Thank you, Chaun!" masayang saad ni Kira at napatingin sa orasan niya. "I'm sorry, Chaun. I can't stay any longer." Napatayo si Kira at sinubukang magpaalam na sa kaibigan. "I'll see you when I see you, Chaun. It's nice to see you again." She was about leave when Chaun stopped her.

"Wait!" Pagtawag sa kanya ni Chaun. "Can yoh atleast give me your number so we can stay in contact?" Chaun asked.

Hindi na nagdalawang isip si Kira na ibigay ang business card niya at inabot ito sa kaibigan.

"You're a business woman now, Kira? What about photography?" Chaun asked her out of curiosity.

"I still do my passion, Chaun. It just that, I had to be one." Nakangiting sagot ni Kira at kaagad na nagpaalam. "Sige, mauuna na ako. See you again, Chaun!" Paalam niya at kaagad na lumabas ng Green Park.

She immediately hailed and cab and as soon as the cab started moving, it felt like she lost hope for her son.

She felt sorry for him.

Sorry, Kyrone. But I have to sacrifice the one you needed the most... I can't let you meet your father...