Audrey Cordova (BFP)
RainbowColoredMind · 13 chapters · 5,606 words
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As most of you already know, natanggal ang Beauty From Pain dahil sa paglabag sa rules ng Wattpad. It is banned from this site so I won’t be posting it here anymore. I will be updating on my blog and I will post the links to the chapters once they have been posted.
Maraming salamat sa lahat ng tumulong na iretype ang chapters at icompile ang BFP. Without your help, I wouldn’t be able to continue this story. A thousand thank you to you guys!
FAQ
- Paano ba basahin ang Beauty From Pain?
Go to my website at https://rainbowcoloredmind.com
Hindi na siya rainbowcoloredmindwp.wordpress.com but I think the old link still works.
- Do I have to sign up?
No, you do not have to sign up to anything or create an account to be able to read my story.
- Why can’t I find the chapters?
If you’re a desktop user you can:
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Go to my website
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You’ll see Beauty From Pain on the menu bar.
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Hover your mouse over it and a drop down would appear.
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Click on the chapter you want to read.
For mobile users:
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Click the menu button and the drop down will appear.
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Click on the chapter you want to read.
- Ano ang passwords para sa password protected chapters?
Nandoon na din sa site ko ang passwords. Sa pinakaunang page ng Beauty From Pain.
- Paano ko malalaman kapag nag-update ka na?
Uupdate ko po dito sa wattpad ang link ng bagong chapters.
- Nasaan ang external link?
If you’re a desktop user it’s on the bottom of the update. Kapag mobile user, hindi ko alam. Hindi ko rin makita yung sa akin pero pinopost ko naman yung links sa comment box kaya hanapin niyo na lang at may mga mababait na readers naman na nagpopost ulit ng link kapag natatabunan na.
7. May bayad ba magbasa?
This is the question I read on the comment section that baffled me. Wala nakasulat sa kahit anong parte ng website ko na kailangan niyong magbayad. It’s completely free. You don’t have to pay a single centavo to read my stories. Nada. Zilch. Zero.
Salamat sa patuloy niyong pagsubaybay sa story ni Audrey kahit na wala na siya dito sa wattpad. Alam ko medyo marami sa inyo pa ang nalilito pero madali lang naman talaga kapag nasanay na kayo. This is the best alternative I have. I appreciate your comments and likes on my page and here on wattpad. Nakakataba ng puso ang suporta na pinakikita niyo sa akin. May mga ibang gumawa pa talaga ng wordpress account to read my stories which you don’t really have to do. Public po ang site ko kaya mababasa pa rin kahit wala kayong account and you can also leave anonymous comments on my posts.
Also guys, I’ve added previous and next page navigation to my posts on the bottom part para tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbabasa niyo at hindi kayo mahirap sa pagclick ng pages.
Link
Hi guys,
Naayos ko na ang blog. You guys can go to rainbowcoloredmindwp.wordpress.com or click on the external link to view it. I will also be posting the links to every chapter on the comment section. You will know kapag nagupdate na ako dahil ipupublish ko pa din yung links ng latest chapters na iuupdate ko dito. Also, some chapters are password protected. Hindi niyo siya maaaccess ng walang password dahil sensitive ang contents. Baka magpost na lang ako ng private chapter at doon ko ilagay yung password para doon.
Thank you for being patient in waiting for my updates. I’d still love to read comments from you guys even though Beauty From Pain is already posted on another website. It keeps me motivated. Love you all <3
Chapter Thirty Two
Click on the external link to view Chapter 32. Nakapost din po siya sa comment section.
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-5y
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter 33 is up on my blog. Click on the external link or on the link on the comment section.
Link: https://rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-three/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-5y
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter 34 is up on my blog. Click on the external link or the link on the comment section.
Link: http://rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-four/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-7m
Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter 35 is up on my blog. Click on the external link or the link on the comment section.
Link: https://rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-five/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-7U
Chapter Thirty Six
Link: rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-eight/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-8l
Chapter Thirty Seven
Password protected due to sensitive content. See post on homepage for the password.
Link: https://rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-seven/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-9H
Chapter Thirty Eight
Link: rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-eight-2/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-dl
Chapter Thirty Nine
Link: https://rainbowcoloredmind.com/beauty-from-pain/chapter-thirty-nine/
Shortlink: http://wp.me/P94Wk5-hU
Chapter Forty - Final
Love is not your savior. Love is the luxury after you save yourself. I couldn’t remember where I read that quote but I couldn’t agree more. Love had always been treated like a fairy dust that would magically make everything okay but it’s usually not like that. You have to save yourself to be able to love fully. You have to be your knight in shining armor because there’s not a person in this world who could have control over your life other than yourself. Gold needs to be refined in the fire in order to purify it. I think love’s like that. It needed to be purified by fire in order to give pure love.
I had found and given the purest form of love through my children. Callum left behind four beautiful sons with me. It was a surprise when I found out I was pregnant with not only one or two boys but three. It may have been Callum’s way of keeping his promise to Arthur that they would someday make a band like The Beatles.
Montgomery Francois, Bradley Francois, and Sidney Francois just turned four today. Each of them had different personalities.
Si Monty, the first one who came out of the three, was a bit bossy because he knew siya ang panganay sa kanilang tatlo. He was the one who looked the most like Callum than any of his siblings. From his dark hair, his beautifully dark eyes, to his nose and lips. Monty was the mini version of Callum.
Brad followed after Monty. Siya ang pinaka magaling mang-asar sa tatlo. He had Callum’s playful side. He loved making fun of his siblings and pulling off pranks kaya madalas mag-away ang tatlo. Oh well, boys will always be boys.
Si Sid naman ang bunso sa kanilang tatlo. He was the only one who had my blonde hair and he was the smallest of the three. He kind of comes off as the underdog. He’s a fragile little one and the one who cries the most when Monty and Brad gangs up on him.
Arthur had been nothing short of a great Kuya to them. He was always there to help me throughout my whole pregnancy. My pregnancy was not a walk in the park. I had a lot of complications because it was a multiple pregnancy. Hindi lang dalawa ang nasa tiyan ko kung hindi tatlo. And Arthur would always be there to comfort me and sing me songs. Sabi ng doktor sa akin pagkatapos ko manganak, hindi na ako pwedeng magbuntis ulit. The doctor said if I get pregnant again, I could die from it.
“Daddy!” The triplets eagerly stood up from their seats when they heard the front door open.
I just chuckled quietly and shook my head as I watched the three boys. Arthur sat next to me, eating his dinner while writing his next song.
“Art, mamaya na yan. Kumain ka muna.” I told him.
He took a bite of his hotdog and chewed it. He’d grown into a wonderful young man. At eight years old, he was already making his own songs. He still kept the guitar his Dr. Daddy gave to him. Hindi pa rin natatanggal ang inukit nilang stick figure doon. He had a handful of guitars given to him but his Dr. Daddy’s guitar would always remain his favorite.
“But I need to get it done because we’re going to sing it at the party later.” Sagot niya.
“Do it after your finish with your breakfast.” Sabi ko sa kanya.
“Okay…” He said and lifted his spoon and fork up.
Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong panggigilan siya. I pulled him to me and inhaled in his hair. He still smelled like a baby.
“Mom…” He laughed a playfully laughed.
“You’ll always be my first baby! Huwag ka munang lalaki, please!” Sabi ko sa kanya habang pinauulanan ko siya ng halik.
“I’m not a baby anymore.” He chuckled.
“Yes, you still are! You are my first baby! Kahit gaano ka katanda, baby ka pa rin ni Mommy.” I told him.
“I remember being like that with Miggy.” Mama sighed and let out a nostalgic smile. “Kids grow up so fast. Akalain mo, dati baby pa ang triplets, ngayon ang lalaki at ang kukulit na nila.”
“I know, Ma. I wish they could stay a baby forever.” I whined.
“Nako, edi natulad yan kay Ronnie. Ang laki-laki na baby pa rin mag-isip.” Dad suddenly walked into the dining room. Nakasampa na naman ang tatlo sa kanya. Nakalambitin si Monty at Brad sa mga bisig niya habang si Sid ay nakasakay sa balikat niya.
“Daaad.” Ronnie frowned.
“You boys, get down from Dad. Dad’s not getting any younger. Mamaya mabali pa ang buto ni Dad sa likod dahil sa inyo.” I told my kids.
“Are you kidding me, Drey?” Dad turned his head to me, furrowing his brows deeply. “I still go to the gym and I still lift. Hindi pa ako matanda.”
“Right. And pigs can fly.” Ronnie snorted.
“Kayo talaga, pinagtutulungan niyo na naman ang asawa ko.” Mama got up from her seat and walked up to Dad. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
“Ewww!” The triplets giggled.
Ronnie and I both laughed at their reaction.
“Kayong tatlo, bumaba na kayo sa Daddy niyo. Tapusin niyo na itong breakfast niyo.” I told them.
Dad put the kids down and they went back to their seats. We didn’t move out from Mama and Dad’s house. Pakiramdam ko mahihirapan ako kapag lumipat ako. I was a single mom and had four boys with me. Apat na makukulit na lalaki. It was always chaotic. Mama and Dad doesn’t want me to move out anyway. The four boys brings life in this house. Nabuhay ulit at nagkasigla ang bahay noong dumating sila. It was like when we were kids. But ten times more messy and noisy. We only had two boys before, Kuya Miggy and Coco. Now there were four. Madalas magulo ang bahay pero masaya.
“Guess what Daddy bought for you three for your birthday!” Dad said to the triplets.
“What?” Halos magkakasabay na tanong ng tatlo.
“Let’s just say it has wheels.” Dad rubbed his chin.
“A car?” Tanong ni Monty.
“A bike?” Si Sid.
“A ferry’s wheel?” Brad asked with a sly smile.
“A ferry’s wheel?” Kumunot ang noo ni Dad. “You think Daddy could take home a ferry’s wheel?”
“Maybe…” Brad grinned cheekily.
“Well, that’s not impossible. Malaki naman ang backyard, pwede tayong magpa-” He was seriously considering it.
“Dad, no. Huwag mo naman gawin amusement park ang bahay natin.” I disagreed.
“Oh, Nick…” Mama shook her head, laughing. “Kahit sa mga apo mo, hindi ka pa rin nagbabago. Ganyan ang Daddy niyo sa inyo noong bata kayo. Lahat ng hilingin niyo, hindi niya kayang hindi-an.”
“I want a ferry’s wheel in the backyard.” Monty said.
“Me too and a rollercoaster.” Sabi naman ni Brad.
“I want a merry go round.” Sabi naman ni Sid.
“Maybe for your Kuya Arthur’s birthday party, magdidisneyland tayo.” Sabi na lang ni Dad. “But we can’t fit all those in the backyard.”
“Kumain na kayo, okay? The party’s going to start later. We have to get ready pa.” I told my boys.
They did as they were told. Hindi pa rin maiiwasan na magkagulo ang tatlo habang kumakain. They fight a lot. Pag nagkapikunan, nagkakasakitan. But in the end, they always make up. They were boys and boys were usually tough to handle.
“Mommy, si Brad kinuha yung bacon ko!” Sumbong ni Sid sa akin.
“Brad, bakit kinuha mo ang bacon ng brother mo?” My eyes narrowed at him and was met with a pair of playful dark eyes.
He smiled, chewing happily at the bacon he got from Sid’s plate. He gulped it down with a glass of orange juice. “Because I want more.”
“That’s not nice. Give it back to him!” Monty demanded.
“He’d have to get it from my tummy.” Brad patted his tummy.
“Mommy, wala na akong bacon!” Lumabi si Sid.
“You’re being mean!” Monty slapped his spoon on Brad’s head.
“Monty, don’t hurt your brother!” I frowned at him before turning my head to Sid. “Here you can have mine.”
“Stop it, you two!” Saway ni Ronnie kay Monty at Brad. The two were already kicking and slapping each other. The smallest thing could easily set off these boys.
“Hey Brad, Monty! Be nice to each other!” Dad got up from his seat and picked up Brad in his arms. Nilipat niya ito sa kabilang upuan, malayo kay Monty. “What did I say about fighting?”
“Tinuktok niya sa head ko yung spoon!” Sumbong ni Brad kay Dad.
“Because you stole Sid’s bacon!” Sabi naman ni Monty.
“You two, gusto niyo bang mag-face the wall?” Galit na sabi ko sa kanila.
The two shook their heads.
“Then say sorry to each other.” I demanded.
The two turned their heads to each other with a pout on their lips that they got from their Dad.
“Sorry.” Mahinang sabi ni Monty.
“I’m sorry, too. And sorry for taking your bacon, Sid.” Sabi naman ni Brad.
“Oh, boys…” Mama shook her head. She understood. It was hard handling boys. Napagdaanan niya na din ito kay Kuya Miggy at Coco.
The party had soon started with balloons and The Little Prince themed decorations. The boys were dressed in their Little Prince costume and they looked handsome as ever. Syempre gwapo din ang Arthur ko. He was really morphing into a younger version of Callum. I think of Callum from time to time but I don’t miss him as much anymore because whenever I do, I just look at my kids.
Arthur was playing with Cookie. The three boys were already munching their cupcakes. I exhaled a satisfied breath as I sipped my orange juice and watched my kids. I could never find a love greater than this.
“Friend, ang laki na nila.” Therese nudged my side.
“I know. Parang kahapon lang nasa ospital pa sila. They were so tiny in their incubators.” I said, reminiscing the time when I gave birth to them. As I already told, my pregnancy was really tough. Akala ko nga mawawala ang isa sa kanila dahil sabi ng doctor, if push comes to shove, we’d have to let go of one of them. But I decided to push through. I decided to keep them all. They were really tiny when I gave birth to them and they had to be incubated but they did turn out okay.
“Wala ka pa din bang love life.” Anais asked as she stood on my other side.
I chuckled. “I have four young men. They are my love life.”
“It’s been years since your husband’s death. Wala ka talagang balak magboyfriend?” Tanong ni Therese.
“I just want to focus on my kids. Ang bilis nilang lumaki. I just want to enjoy them.” Sagot ko.
“Sabagay, kung si Coco din, wag naman sana, mawala. Hindi na ako mag-aasawa. I would just focus on our kids. He’s the greatest love of my life and I can’t imagine a life with another man.” Anais smiled.
“And she loves Dr. Daddy so, so much. Di ba, Mommy?” Suddenly Arthur popped from behind us.
“Of course.” I kissed the top of his head. “Pawis ka na naman. Magpapalit ka na naman ng shirt.”
“Pag nag boyfriend ang Mommy mo, okay lang sa’yo, baby?” Therese asked.
“T!” I turned my head to her, my eyes widening.
“At least, kung sakali, alam mo ang iniisip ng anak mo. Okay lang ba, Art?” She said, being her usual tsimosa journalist self.
“If she wants. Basta di niya kukunin ang Mommy ko.” Arthur wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Hindi naman ako magpapakuha. Kung nasaan ako, nandoon din kayo. We will never be apart. Never. Walang lalaki ang sisira sa atin.” I assured him.
“And you will always love my Dr. Daddy even if you get a new boyfriend?” He asked.
“Always. He’s my husband. I love him so much and I would always love your Dr. Daddy because he gave you and your brothers to me.” Sabi ko sa kanya.
“Can we go to Dr. Daddy after the party?” Asked Sid. Biglang sumulpot sa harap namin ang tatlong kapatid niya.
“Of course. Mamaya pupunta tayo doon.” I told them.
“Yehey! I’m going to bring my water gun. Can we play water gun there?” Brad asked.
“Okay but it’s only because it’s your birthday.” I rolled my eyes.
Hindi ko pinagkait sa kanila ang malaman ang tungkol sa Dr. Daddy nila. Arthur talks about him a lot anyway. My four kids were different and special in their own ways. Pero kung may isang bagay silang napagkakasundan iyon ay ang music. The four loved music so much. They could all play different kinds of instrument but they had their favorites. Arthur still loved playing his guitar. Monty plays the piano. Brad loved playing drums. Sid was more into violin. Arthur’s Band is still called Arthur’s Band and it would never be disbanded. No matter what happens.
Epilogue
Motherhood is the most fulfilling experience of a woman’s life. I was blessed with four wonderful sons and they were all I could ever ask for. With Arthur, Brad, Sid, and Monty, I felt like my life had meaning now. It may be difficult sometimes, I wasn’t going to lie, but it was definitely worth it.
Bukod sa pagiging Mommy ng apat kong anak, I was also busy with our family’s company. Dad had already retired from his job and he was now letting us run the company. Ginagabayan niya pa rin kami sa pagpapatakbo ng kumpanya but majority of his time now was spent travelling with Mama. Minsan sumasama kami lalo na kapag bakasyon ng mga bata pero madalas nagsosolo ang dalawa. Katulad ngayon. They went to Switzerland for the weekend.
I was brushing my hair in front of the vanity mirror after blowdrying it while my three boys were jumping up and down the bed. I had already bathed the triplets and afterwards, asked Ronnie to look after the kids while I took a quick shower. The bathroom was the only privacy I had from them and I couldn’t even enjoy my bath because Ronnie was telling me to hurry as she had something she needed to finish. Pagkalabas ko ng shower ay lumabas na din si Ronnie sa kwarto ko at bumalik sa ginagawa niya. Tinuloy ko na lang ang pagboblowdry ng buhok ko habang binabantayan ang tatlo. My four boys still sleeps next to me. They had their own rooms but they prefer to sleep next to Mommy. Maingay at magulo dito sa kwarto ko. Palagi din nag-aaway ang mga magkakapatid. You know, those petty sibling fights. Nagkalat ang mga laruan at mga musical instruments ng mga bata at kahit anong linis ko, after just thirty minutes, they could to turn my room upside down again. I get a daily dose of headache but that was just a small sacrifice for the unmeasurable happiness they bring to my life. I wanted to enjoy them while they were still babies. With them, I never feel lonely or feel like there was something missing in my life. They made my life complete.
“Mommy, Brad kicked me!” Sid whined.
“I did not! It was an accident! He was on the way!” Brad was quick to defend himself.
“Sabi ni Mommy play nice! You don’t play nice!” Monty scolded Brad. “You’re kicking and hitting me and Sid!”
“I told you to stop jumping on the bed, you three. You’re going to hurt each other.” I carried them down the bed. “Halika na! Bumaba na tayo. Tapos na akong mag-ayos.”
“Are we going to see a movie today, Mommy?” Sid asked.
“Yes, we will.” I answered and kissed the top of his head.
“What movie?” Asked Monty.
“Any movie you want to watch.” I answered.
“And then we’ll go to the toystore and you’d buy us toys?” Brad smiled widely.
“Toys na naman? Puno na yung toy box niyo tsaka di ba nagpromise si Dad na uuwian niya kayo ng toys?” I brushed my fingers through his dark hair.
“If it doesn’t fit in the box anymore, we can donate the old ones to the orphanage.” Sabi ni Sid. We usually donate their toys to Aunt Andi and Uncle Tristan’s orphanage. Mahilig kasi talaga sa laruan ang mga bata. They go crazy whenever we’re inside a toystore.
“After we watch a movie, instead of buying toys, I’m going to let you play in the arcade.” I said, negotiating with the three.
“Okay!” Halos magkakasabay na sagot ng tatlo.
Lumabas na kami ng kwarto at kinatok ko si Ronnie sa kwarto niya. She promised to accompany me today. Hindi ko kaya ang apat na lalaki na ako lang mag-isa kaya kapag wala si Mama at Dad, si Ronnie ang palagi kong kasama.
“Hey boys, are you ready?” Ronnie cheerfully asked her nephews.
“Yeah! We’re going to play at the arcade!” Brad excitedly said.
“Nasaan si Arthur, Ate?” Ronnie asked when she didn’t see him.
“Sandali nga lang, I’m going to go check up on him. Ikaw muna bahala sa tatlo.” I told her. At eight years old, Arthur had learned to be independent. He could take care of himself just fine. He was really growing up and the thought made me kind of sad. Dati ako ang nagpapaligo at nag-aayos sa kanya, ngayon siya na ang gumagawa nun sa sarili niya.
I went to his room and before I even opened his door, he burst out it.
“Art baby, are you ready? Aalis na-” I stopped when I saw him. His eyes were red and his tears soaked in tears. “Bakit umiiyak ka?”
“I can’t find Dr. Daddy’s guitar!” Humihikbings sabi niya. “I looked everywhere but I can’t find it.”
“Oh.” I wiped his tears away and kissed him on the forehead. “Where did you last see it?”
“I can’t remember.” He answered.
“Baka naman na misplace mo lang. Mommy’s going to look for it, okay? Tumahan ka na.” I told him.
“Paano kung wala na talaga yun?” He sobbed.
“No… we’re going to find it.” I promised. His Dr. Daddy’s guitar was his most precious possession. I knew how important that was for him.
While Ronnie kept the triplets busy, Arthur and I went downstairs to look for his guitar. Palagi kasing hawak ni Arthur iyon kaya hindi niya na matandaan kung saan niya nailalapag. He must’ve just misplaced it.
I asked our helpers if they saw Arthur’s guitar and no one did. When we couldn’t find it inside the house, we went out to the garden. Naalala ko kasi nakita ko siyang gamit iyon sa garden habang naglalaro sila ng mga kapatid niya.
We looked around and Arthur was beginning to grow more worried. Halos itaob niya na ang lounging set na nasa garden. Arthur was frantically looking around when I heard a faint strum of a guitar. I paused and followed its sound. It lead me to the toolshed in the far hidden corner of the garden. I went behind it and saw an unfamiliar figure of a man.
The man had tan skin and a well-built body, not heavy like a bodybuilder’s, muscled and toned in a way that looked like he’d done labour work for years. He had an untidy shoulder length hair that covered his face, his head tilted down and he seemed so absorbed with the guitar he had in his hans. He was wearing a white tank top with grey stains on them and a pair of worn out and tattered jeans.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” I took a step back, ready to run if I needed.
He lifted head up and our gaze met. He smiled at me. His sweet smile surprisingly complimented his ragged features. It made him look harmless. “Ma’am!”
“Sino ka?” I repeated the question, this time my voice more firm.
“Ay pasensya na, Ma’am.” He stood up and he towered over me. He was holding my son’s guitar, the one he’d been crying about. “Ako nga po pala si Soren. Driver, mekaniko, pwede din akong all around boy.”
“Ano’ng ginagawa mo dito at bakit na sa’yo ang gitara ng anak ko?” My brows furrowed.
“Ma’am, inutusan akong pumunta dito para kunin yung mga gamit inaayos namin kotse sa garahe. Nadaanan ko itong gitara sa hardin, wala sa tono kaya ito inaayos ko. Mahilig kasi akong tumugtog, Ma’am. Tumutugtog ako pagpiyesta sa probinsya namin tsaka sa mga bar.” Bumaba ang tingin niya sa gitara.
“That’s mine!” Biglang sumulpot si Arthur mula sa likod ko at tumakbo papunta sa lalaki. He grabbed his guitar from the man’s hand and possessively hugged it. “Bakit na sa’yo ang guitar ng Dr. Daddy ko? Akin ’to! Binigay niya sa akin ’to!”
“Arthur…” I touched his shoulder. I understood that he was upset but it was not an excuse to talk like that especially to adults.
“Inaayos ko lang, boy. Hindi ko naman inaangkin.” He chuckled playfully, massaging his nape.
I cocked a brow. “Sa susunod huwag kang mangingialam ng mga gamit dito. Lalo na ang gitara ni Arthur. My son’s name is Arthur, hindi boy. Arthur doesn’t like anyone touching his guitar. Importante sa kanya ang gitarang ito. Regalo iyon ng late husband ko sa kanya.”
“Sorry, ma’am. Hindi na mauulit. Sorry boy- sir Arthur.” Hingi niya ng paumanhin sa akin at sa anak ko.
“This is mine and my Dr. Daddy’s guitar. See! It has our name on it!” He pointed out the carving on the guitar.
“Sorry, sir Arthur. No read, no write ako.” Sabi niya. “Dr. ang Daddy niya, Ma’am?”
“He was a psychiatrist!” Arthur answered for me.
“Ah iyon ba yung doktor ng mga baliw?” He asked.
My eyes widened at what he said. Lalong lumalim ang kunot sa no ni Arthur. My son turned his head ang looked up at me. “Mommy, did you hear what he said? Sabi niya doktor ng mga baliw ang Dr. Daddy ko.”
My jaw clenched and annoyance surged over my whole system. How dare he say that in front of my own son. I took in a deep breath, trying to compose myself.
“Bago ka lang ba dito? Ngayon lang kita nakita.” I said in a flat tone.
“First day ko po ngayon. Kagagaling ko lang sa probinsya kagabi.” Sagot niya.
“If you keep that up, this will be your first and last day working here. Sino ba ang nagpasok sa’yo dito?” I folded my arms over to my chest.
“Si Tiya Melba, yung katulong niyo dito. Tiyahin ko po yun, ma’am.” Sagot niya. “Ako yung papalit na kay Mang Erik. Uuwi na daw kasi siya sa probinsya sa susunod na linggo dahil may sakit yung asawa niya kaya ito.”
“Hoy Soren!” Melba, one of our helps and his Aunt he said, came rushing towards us. “Kanino ka pa hinihintay ni Mang Er-” She paused when she saw me. “Ma’am Drey.”
I gave her a half-hearted smile. This guy right here just ruined our day. “Kayo po ba ang nagpasok sa kanya dito? Alam na po ba ni Dad ito?”
“Opo, ma’am. Alam na ni sir Phoenix na aalis na si Mang Erik kaya pinahap niya kami ng driver na papalit sa kanya. Eh okay naman daw po sa kanya kung ito na lang pamangkin ko. Nagdadrive kasi ito ng mga truck papunta at pabalik sa probinsya at Maynila.”
“I don’t like him.” Arthur said. “Tinawag niyang Doctor ng mga baliw ang Dr. Daddy ko.”
“Naku! Pasensya na, ma’am, Arthur…” Sabi ni Melba bago tumingin sa lalaki. She threw him a sharp glare. “Soren, yang bunganga mo.”
“Pagsabihan mo yan, Melba.” I told her with a stoic face before turning my attention back to my son. “Let’s go. Baka naiinip na ang mga kapatid mo at ang Tita Ronnie mo.”
We went back inside with his guitar. I knew the boys were already driving their Tita Ronnie crazy. They were running around and Ronnie was chasing after them, trying to sit them all down. Arthur sat on the couch and started playing his guitar as if he hadn’t seen it for years.
“Your sons are all pain in the ass!” She complained and then her brows furrowed when she saw me. “O, bakit nakasimangot ka, Ate?”
“Yun kasing bagong driver, mekaniko, all around boy or whatever he is…” My frown grew even deeper.
“Oh, si Tarzan. You’ve already met him na pala.” Ronnie grinned.
“Tarzan?”
“I forgot his name but he looks like Tarzan with his long hair.” Natatawangs abi ni Ronnie.
“He called my sons’ father doktor ng mga baliw’ sa harap ni Arthur.” I shook my head.
“He seemed like a nice guy when I interviewed him earlier.” Ronnie shrugged. “What do you want to do? Fire him and look for another one?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s okay. I mean, what he said wasn’t okay. But I’m going to give him another chance.”
“Aalis na ba tayo or what?” Ronnie asked.
I called the kids and they excitedly ran to me. Hinawakan ko si Monty at Brad habang karga naman ni Ronnie Sid papunta sa front door. Sid had always been Ronnie’s favorite because he was the sweetest amongst the triplets. We sat the triplets on the very back and strapped them in their carseats. Arthur sat on the second row with his guitar. He’d missed his guitar so much that he brought it with him. I slipped inside the driver’s seat and Ronnie sat on the passenger’s side.
“Ate, paano if one day you decide to move out? Can you take care of them by yourself? Hindi ka ba naloloka sa mga anak mo?” Ronnie asked, chuckling while I drove.
“They drive me crazy all the time but they’re the ones holding me together. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I can do it without you or Mama and Dad. It’s difficult raising four sons alone but you made it bearable.” I smiled a smile of gratitude.
“Naisip ko lang Ate, never kang nakipagdate kahit ang dami pa rin nanliligaw sa’yo? Have you ever thought about getting yourself a partner? Yung mamahalin ka, yung tutulong sa’yo sa pagpapalaki kina Arthur at yung makakasama mo sa pagtanda. Like Mama and Dad.” She asked. “Hindi ba you’ve always dreamt of a big family just like ours?”
I shrugged and a smile spread across my lips. “I still have a big family. I have my children, I have Mama and Dad, and I have you and our siblings. Sa ngayon wala pa talaga sa isip ko yan. Ang importante sa akin ay ang mga bata. I just don’t think I’d ever love a man as much as I love my kids. I would always prioritize my children more. I’m doing my best to be a great Mom to them. I’m giving my kids my all and all I ever want is that everyday they know they are the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
“I admire you so much, Ate. You and Mama.” Hinilig niya ang ulo niya sa akin. “I know how much you’ve been through and here you are, stronger than ever.”
“My love for my kids is what gives me strength. They’re worth everything I’ve been through, Ronnie. Kung mababalik ang panahon at papipiliin ako, I would go through the same pain I’ve been through just so I could have them again in my life. Wala akong babaguhin o iibahin.”
“Mommy, we have a song for you.” Sabi ni Brad. “Di ba Kuya Arthur, you wrote a song for Mommy?”
“It was supposed to be a secret!” I saw Arthur sharply turning his head to his brother through the rearview mirror.
“Oop!” Brad giggled and covered his mouth.
“It was supposed to be for Mommy’s birthday!” Sid frowned at him.
“You and your big fat mouth ruined Mommy’s surprise!” Monty scolded his brother.
“I said sorry.” Brad frowned angrily at his brother.
“O, baka mag-away pa kayo niyan ah.” Ronnie said to the kids.
“Why don’t you just sing the song you made for me? I would love to hear it.” I smiled.
“It’s not your birthday yet.” Sabi ni Monty.
“Come on. We want to hear it.” Pilit ni Ronnie.
“I want to hear it.” Sabi ko.
“Okay, but on your birthday just pretend it’s the first time you heard it.” Arthur giggled.
Ronnie and I laughed along.
He began to strum his guitar and it played a wonderful tune. He was getting better and better.
“We love you, Mommy. You’re the best Mom in the world. You’re always there to make us food. You’re always there to make us feel good. Thank you for kissing our booboos. In a world full of Mommies, you’re the only one we’ll choose…” My sons sang together.
My children are my life. My world revolved around them. Without them, tomorrow wouldn’t be worth the wait and yesterday wouldn’t be worth remembering.
