CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

It's been weeks since I got discharged from the hospital. I already visited my OB. And it's really relieving to know that she's growing healthy inside of me. Tuloy pa rin ako sa school,though I don't stress nor pressure myself too much. I take my schoolworks day by day. One at the time.

"Mommy!". Sigaw ni Davin when he get out of the cr balot ng towel niya.

He's giggling because of coldness. Pinaligo siya ni Ate Mela.

Natawa kami pareho ni Ate Mela dahil sa tawa at gigil niya. I watched ate Mela dressed him up. After that he ran towards me and hugged me.

"Am I mabango na ba mommy?". Tanong niya sakin. I smelled his neck, letting my lips touch the skin on it making him kiliti.

"Mommy!HAHAHA". We both laughed.

"Oo ang bango ng baby ko". Sabi ko kaniya at niyakap Siya.

"Can my baby sister smell me too?". Tanong niya,I look down at him.

"Of course,why are calling your sibling sister? Don't you want a baby brother?". I asked him because didn't tell him naman the baby's gender eh.

"Hmm daddy told me,he said he's very,very sure that she's a baby sister". Aniya at tumango ako.

Thirdy's really sure about having a daughter huh? Well,tama naman siya bilib nga ako sa lakas ng pakiramdam niya eh. I sighed as I remember him. He's part pala ng European League. I actually don't know about it,I just acted alam ko na nung nag-usap kami even though he didn't mention any naman sakin.

I sighed. Naisip ko nung passed days I've been a little harsh towards him. It's just my hormones,hindi ko mapigilan I always try my best to do so. Nakokonsenya ako kapag may pinabibili ako tapos I won't eat it cause my cravings passed na or I don't want that anymore. I really hope he understands me.

It's been 3 days also but he haven't visited us pa. Kahit si Davin nagtatanong na sakin. I gulped as my thought starts to wonder. No,he won't do pagtatampo namma diba? I mean he surely and fully understand that it's not my intention to be harsh.

I get my phone and started scrolling through social media hoping to get some updates about him. I didn't try asking tita or Dani or Keifer though. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit hindi ko magawa. My last encounter with Thirdy isn't that nice,pinalayas ko kasi siya. I stilled. He won't take what said seriously naman diba?

I told him not to visit us anymore and after that he didn't na nga. I sighed and continue to scroll. Wala akong mapala sa Facebook,and so I went to the Instagram,nabuhayan ako ng loob when I saw the red circle around his profile means he has an IG story.

When I clicked it,my forehead creased. It's a lot. The first photo is his car's steering wheel. Then the others were all inside a ... Club? The rest of his story was taken inside a club. I gulped at one of the photos,it's him with the whole basketball team and pep squad. In the photo his arms were wrapped around the girl's shoulder. His face is all red.

Halatang lasing na. I sighed. What's happening to him? He didn't visit me or his son because his busy clubbing? I shook my head,I'm not thinking fairly. I think I should wait for his explanation muna. Napatigil ako sa pag-scroll when I heard Davin crying. I look down at him.

There's nothing wrong but he's crying,I think I know what it is. He's throwing tantrums again

"What do you want baby?". I asked softly.

He shook his head and starting to throw his toys away. His cry became louder. I sighed and get him.

"What do you want hmm?". Tanong ko, it's hard for me to carry him because of tummy but I had to,nasanay kasi akong si Thirdy ang gumagawa nito sa kaniya pero ngayong wala,I had to do it myself.

His cry became louder and louder,I sighed as I can feel my patience decreases.

"Davin? Stop being a bad boy,what do want ba?". May inis ng sabi ko.

Mas lumakas pa lalo ang iyak niya. I had no choice but to carry him and we went outside my room. I carry him until the pool side where I sway him a little. Mas little than usual cause I can't give full force.

"Naku Bea,akina". Si mommy.

I was about to give Davin to her but my son just tighten his hug on me. I sighed heavily and shake my head at mom. She nodded and just went inside our house.

After a while Davin did fall asleep. I carry him to my room. I checked my phone. Wala pa ring text si Thirdy. I just get my laptop and finish some of my schoolworks.

When Davin wake up his mood is still the same. He won't let anyone come or touch him but me. Kaya naman kahit saan ako pumunta nakasunod Siya. It's already dinner time,I carry him to the dinning area,feed him,while eating mom and dad were talking about our business. Until sa madami na kaming napag-usapan.

"Bea how about you take a one month vacation at California or anywhere you wanna go?". Tanong ni Dad.

"Dad,you know I can't,I have school,last sem nalang then I'll graduate na". Sagot ko.

"Yeah I know that but aren't you taking online classes? ". Pangungulit niya.

"Yes. But I still can't". What about Thirdy?

"I'm thinking,why don't you give birth at California pa rin?". Mom suggested.

That would be nice also,so magiging citizen din siya sa California like Davin,but Thirdy would agree kaya? Thirdy has a lot to say now,Davin is also a Ravena now. Tita Mozzy begged us to let Davin have their name,and so I let them. After all his really a Ravena.

"I'll think about it". Sagot ko.

"Napapansin ko Bea,hindi na pumupunta si Thirdy dito. Ano na namang nangyari sa inyo?". I gulped. I don't also.

Pero ayoko namang nasabihin na nag-cuclub pa kasi si Thirdy. I don't want my parents to think bad about him.

"Ahm his busy daw kasi sa upcoming league". Palusot ko.

"Ahh magaling talaga ang batang yun". Dad said and continue eating.

"Pero sana naman magka-oras siyang dalawin ang mga anak niya since hindi mo na kayang pagtuonan ng pansin si Davin,your bump is getting bigger,too much work won't do good". Si Kuya.

"Ahh y-yeah.. I'm sure he'll go visit us one of these days". Said and force a smile.

I felt relieved when our topic went back to the business. Kuya is also co- managing our business kaya marami siyang na-e share. I have investments also,ever since mom and dad has been giving me money for school. I always left some so I can do investments. Lumalaki naman siya and I know soon enough magagamit ko rin yun.

Dumaan ang mga araw pero wala pa ring paramdam si Thirdy. Pupunta ako sa school later to pass some of my schoolworks and papers. Graduation is coming up. I sighed as I watch ate Mela playing with Davin,Buti nalang walang iyakan na nangyari today. Halos inaraw-araw na kasi ni Davin ang pag-iyak that it's making hard for me.

I got all my papers and went to the car. I have a driver to take me to school today. Dad won't let me drive na. When I settled at the backseat umalis agad kami. Iniisip ko sana makita ko later si Thirdy para magkausap. I didn't bother him these days na hindi siya nagpakita dahil feeling ko busy siya sa training.

I'm wearing a oversized gray sweater and a white cotton pants so hindi gaanong halata ang bump ko. When we arrive at school campus,the driver parked the car.

"Dito nalang ako maghihintay ha Bea?". Sabi ni manong Roger, boyfriend siya ni Ate Mela.

"Ahh sige po". Sabi ko at lumabas.

Students were shock to see me pero nginitian ko lang sila. Some were watching me walk that's making me conscious.

"Ang ganda pa rin". Narinig kong bulungan ng mga babae sa gilid.

"Uy BDL!". I looked back and saw Zolo.

"Hey!". Bati ko sa kaniya.

"Good to see you here". He said smiling.

"Ah yeah,I had to pass some schoolworks".

"Ahh okay,ah sige Bea una na ako sayo". He said,I stopped him when I remember something.

"Ah Zolo.. have you seen Thirdy?". He looked at me then he stared at me confusingly.

"Hindi pa ngayong araw pero nakita ko siya kahapon kasama si Bia". It's my forehead's turn to creased.

"Bia?".

"Ahh oo yung bagong member ng pep squad. Si Biatrice". Kunot-noo kong inalala ang familiar na name na yun. My eyes bulged,she's the.. girl who glared at me.

"Sige Bea una na ako ha". He said,I just nodded. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin and I saw him running after Maddie.

I sighed heavily and continue walking. Hindi maalis sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Zolo,magkasama si Thirdy at Bia kahapon. I get my phone and look at his IG story again,there confirmed that the girl na inaakbayan niya is the same girl na sinasabi ni Zolo. They're getting close na pala.

I gulped and force myself to walk. I went to my professor's office and hand him my papers. Nakangiti niyang chineck yun.

"You never failed to amuse me always De Leon your works were really good,very good De Leon see you on the stage". I smiled at him. Finally gonna have that diploma in my hands.

"Ate Bea?". I smiled when I saw Deanna.

"Hi".

"Anong ginagawa mo dito sa campus?". Tanong niya.

"I just passed my schoolworks and some papers".

"Ahh halika sama tayo sa BEG". I didn't get a chance to say no since she pulled me.

"Ate Bea!". Sigaw ni Jules.

I smile and hugged them tight.

"Miss ka na namin ate Bei,balik ka na please". Si Jaycel.

"I heard you guys were doing good naman so I think you don't need me anymore HAHAHA".

"Nakakatawa yun Bea?".  I rolled my eyes at Maddie.

"Oh De Leon,maglalaro ka na ba? Para ka talagang bula Bea bigla nalang nawawala".

"Sus si Coach wag kanang magtampo coach mas mukha ka namang bula sakin eh". I mocked him.

The whole vb team laughed.

Natigil lang ang tawanan when the pep squad went in the gym followed by the basketball team. Iniwas ko agad ang tingin ko when I saw Thirdy walking inside and laughing with Dwight.

He looked  okay naman, he's enjoying pa nga eh. I didn't bother looking at him or coming near him, I was thinking of the possibility na makausap siya kanina pero ngayon ayoko muna siyang kulitin. I settled myself on the bench, para kaming bumalik sa umpisa nito.

"Huy Beatriz! Ano kumusta ang Buhay natin,di ka na nagyaya sa Bahay niyo ah hambog ka!". Pangiwi ako sa sinabi ni Jho.

"I don't want noisy and loud people in our house right now".

"Ouch,pain,pighati ang pangit mo Bea". I laughed as she's pissed off na.

"Ang baho mo Jho".

"Ayy magsama nga kayo ni Thirdy parehas na bulok yang mga ilong niyo". I stilled.

I look away and sighed.

Hinampas pa ako ni Jho ng mahina and then she walk away. I just watch them do some drills and then play. Gosh! I miss playing na. But with a bump this big I can't.

I pout as I thought of eating na naman. I sighed and just caress my tummy. My eyes widened when I saw the ball coming on my way again. Agad akong tumayo at hinampas pabalik sa kanila ang bola.

"Wooh sayang di pa tinamaan". I stick my tongue out at Jho.

They laughed and when I look at the other side I saw Thirdy staring at me confusingly. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sakin. I gulped. I went to the girls para magpaalam.

I need to get out na siguro.

"Ha? Aalis ka na?".

"Kailangan ako sa Bahay". Sabi ko at agad na naglakad palabas ng gym.

I'm walking fastly when a hand pulled my arms. I gulped and look back to see Thirdy. He's staring at me seriously.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?". Seryoso niyang sabi.

"I just passed my schoolworks and papers".

I saw his expression softened but he immediately changed it into a serious one. He looked down to my belly and up to my face. Something's wrong. I'm not use to the way he's looking me right now.

"How's Davin?". Tanong niya bigla,hands still on my arms.

"He's fine". I answered him.

I wanna tell him that nahirapan ako with taking care of Davin these days dahil lagi siyang nagtatantrums but I chose not to kasi baka busy o isipin niyang sinisisi ko siya dahil wala Siya para tulungan ako.

"Great. You can manage pa naman diba? I really have to train Bea". I nodded.

Naiintindihan ko naman yun.

"Sige alis ka na". I blinked multiple times,did he just said alis na ako?

"Ahh sige". I said nang makarecover.

Something's different with him. He didn't kiss my forehead or touched my belly. I sighed and went back to the car.

I keep on thinking kung anong nangyari samin,but the only thing that I can think is noong last encounter talaga namin,is it my fault?

Mas pahirap na ng pahirap ang pag-aalaga ko kay Davin. He also want me to carry him. Wala naman akong choice kung hindi ang buhatin siya palagi,minsan nalang siya sumama kay ate Mela.  Thirdy didn't visit us anymore. But I can see that he always have a IG story or post showing how excited he is for the upcoming league.

Next month na ang alis nila for the training at Europe. Next week na din ang birthday ni Davin,I can't believe my baby's turning 4 na.

"Ate Bei!". I looked at door and saw Dani running towards me.

"Hey!". Bati ko.

"I'm here to help for  Davin's Birthday". I smiled at her though she's not the one I expected to be here. I really appreciate her.

We planned for the Davin's little birthday celebration since I don't like huge parties. It's a basketball theme party for Davin. Family and Friends were the ones that we expect to come.

"Ate Bei,I can't believe na I'm here with you planning for our baby boy's 4th Birthday. He's so big agad". Nakangiti sabi ni Dani as we list all the things that we need.

I can't help but to feel a bit guilty even though I know Dani didn't say that to make me feel so. I gulped before looking at her.

"I'm sorry Dans,only if I had a choice back then. I would choose to stay and let you guys know about Davin. But..I love Thirdy so much that I had to do it". She smiled at me that made me feel a bit of relief.

"Ate Bea,I can't thank you enough for the sacrifice and for the unconditional love you're giving Kuya. Nagtampo ako noong una pero alam ko sa sarili kong mas lamang talaga ang pasasalamat ko sayo,namin sayo. Kuya won't be HIM without you doing those.And maybe things happen for a reason really". She said and held my hands.

I hold her hands also.

"Thank you for understanding me Danyot".

"And thank youuu for this new angel HAHAHA ang bilis talaga ng Kuya ko". She laughed.

"Dani! You talaga ha". Kinurot ko ng mahina ang tagiliran niya.

After that topic we went back on planning. After planning since Dani and I weren't so tired, we're enjoying it too much that's why we decided to go to the mall to buy some of the things we think we need.

When we arrive at the mall, we just get some balloons. Dani got Davin pair of clothes,set of toys and some snacks.

"Ate Bei,let's buy dress for you".

"What? No! Wag na Dani,we better eat. I'm starving na". I pulled her to a seafood restaurant.

When we enter the restaurant,people immediately give us their attention. We awkwardly continue walking and sit on the  table that we saw. The restaurant has this couch kind of the chair where it was high so you wouldn't see those who were at your back or should I say beside of you table.

When we sat,the waiter immediately went to us to get our orders. As always crab,both of us ordered crab but Dani had her shrimps,but all I want is crab and crab alone.

"Ate Bei,cr lang ako". Paalam ni Dani and I just nod.

"Thirdy can you open this crab for me please?".

"Sure".

I stopped from opening my crab when I heard that short conversation. It's coming from my back. I gulped. I know that voice. What is he doing here? I force myself to be calm. Is that really him? Of course it's him.

"Ate Bei,wow naman you're not eating pa". I forced a laugh and smile.

"Let's eat?". I nodded and continue opening my crab.

I can't start a conversation with Dani nor utter a word cause my mind is too crowded with unpleasant thoughts about Thirdy. How can he be here knowing that his son is going to celebrate a birthday next week. He didn't even bother visiting.

"How could you!". I shout in annoyance.

"Ate Bei,what are you saying ba?". My eyes widened.

Oh my gosh! Did I say it out loud?

"Ahh nothing, it's just .. this crab,I can't open it eh". Palusot ko.

"Ah eh ate Bei.. ubos na ang crabs mo". Eh?

I looked at my plate and saw that there's none na nga.

"You wanna order more?". I immediately shake my head at Dani.

"Ahh no,I'm full na".

"Dani?". I stilled when I heard that from my back.

"Kuya?". Gulat na sabi ni Dani.

I can't look back. I just can't because I might shout at his face for all the inis I felt towards him.

"Kanina pa kayo?". Tanong niya

"Ahh medyo kakatapos lang naming kumain". Dani said and looked at me as if telling me to talk to her kuya.

I shook my head at her.

"Ah kuya,una na kami ha. Bye!". Paalam agad ni Dani and stand up.

I followed her and without looking at Thirdy I walk out  of the restaurant.

Tahimik lang kami pareho ni Dani while we're on our way to my house.

After a while.

"Ahmm ate Bei.. okay lang kayo ni Kuya?". Mahinang tanong ni Dani being sensitive.

I looked out of the window and sighed.

"I don't know Dans". I said honestly.

I heard her sighed as well.

"I hope you'll fix it as soon as possible ate Bei. For the kids". I nodded in response.

I hope so Danyot.

"Happy Birthday baby!". I smiled as I greeted Davin,he just woke up.

His forehead knotted and he look at me intenly. The usual look he has as he wakes up.

"Happy Birthday my Davin Forth,mommy loves you so much". I said and kissed his head.

He looked at me then smile na this time.

"Thanks mommy". He said and hugged me tight.

After a while nagulat ako when he suddenly giggles.

"Mommy look!". He said pointing at the window.

I confusedly look at what he is pointing at.

My eyes widened when I saw flying balloons outside the window. Every balloons in the form of ball says 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUD'. Davin immediately run towards the window and look down. I followed him and there I saw Thirdy smiling and waving his hand at our direction.

And I can't smile but deep inside of me melted at his effort. His effort  made our son happy. I saw how Davin giggled and wave back at Thirdy.

"Daddy". He utter.

He run out of my room and went downstairs immediately I'm just following him. When he reached the living room he run to Thirdy and hugged his father tight.

"I missed you daddy. Where have you been?". I saw Thirdy stilled,maybe he wasn't expecting that.

He look at my direction and so I look away.

"Daddy's just doing work so he could celebrate your birthday! Happy Birthday buddy!". He greeted.

I walk inside our house leaving them on the doorway.

Busy sa buhay binata ata Thirds.

I rolled my eyes and look if the breakfast is ready. I helped ate Mela to prepare the table since I don't wanna entertain Thirdy.

We had breakfast with the Raven's because all of them arrive after Thirdy.

"Ang plano kasi sabay tayong pupunta dito,but Thirdy left us at home". Inis na sabi ni Tita Mozzy.

"Naku hayaan mo na,excited lang na makita ang anak alam mo na". Si Mom

"Yeah,anyways ang laki na ng baby namin ah". Naiiyak na sabi ni Tita and kissed Davin's head.

"I'm not baby anymore Lola. The baby is my baby sister nalang". Bulol naman na sagot ni Davin.

"Ay oo naman but you're also our baby pa rin,always and forever". Said Dad.

Davin just nodded in response.

After the breakfast we all set the venue together. It was really fun since no one helped us,us De Leon's and Ravena's alone did all the works. Mag-eenjoy sana ako if Thirdy isn't pissing me off. He's not doing anything naman but the fact na andito siya after weeks of hindi pagpapakita arrrgh!

We didn't talk or looked at each other. I know our families have noticed it but not seem to care kasi we're all busy doing chores.

"Happy Birthday Davin! Happy Birthday Davin! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday Davin!". We all sing and then Davin blow his candle.

"Did you wish?". Tanong ni Thirdy kay Davin.

"I did".  Masaya namang sagot ni Davin.

"What was your wish Davin?". Asked Kat.

"More baby sisters or brothers!". Davin said,smiling.

Napaatras naman ako,and because of that sudden move muntik pa akong matumba.

"Watch your step Bea". I rolled my eyes at Thirdy then distance myself at him.

We played,have fun,eat and let Davin do all the things he want since it's his birthday naman. Kaya after that he fell asleep faster than usual.

It's 10:00 pm when we all decided to end the birthday party of Davin.

"Thank you so much tita,tito, Danyot! Keif" . And I just noded at Thirdy.

I saw that sad expression on his face but I didn't bother minding since I know maya-maya lang seryoso na naman siya. I don't want to bother him that much. I just don't know what I feel towards him.

Umalis din agad sila after bidding goodbyes to my parents.

They left including Thirdy. Without saying a word. Without talking. I sighed. I don't know what to do anymore.

________________

Walang POV si Thirdy?

A/N:  :(((