Just a Simple Donation

CHAPTER 7: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Isabelle

"Pa... Pa... Pa..."

Came from a cute girly tiny voice of a one year old baby. I can hear a shocked gasp and sobs. The baby is very chubby having a cute round eyes, fluffy rosy cheek, her nose is very intimidating even for an almost one year old kid, her lips that's very red and thin and her hands and feet are wagging.

"Pa..." she said again. And I can hear a laughter of a woman that happiness is very evident.

"How about Mama, baby. Say Ma-ma... Mama." Urging the baby. The voice seems to be so excited.

"P...a pa."

"Ooh baby. Ma-ma, say it Ma-ma." I can feel how she badly wants to hear the word Ma-ma coming from the baby.

"Uwaaaaaah... uwaaaah!" And then the baby cried.

"Ooh poor baby. I'm sorry Mama is so kulit. I'll just wait alright. But baby make it fast okay. I'm dying to hear you call me Mama. I love you."

Then the baby laughed cutely. The video ended.

Andito ako ngayon sa living room ng aking bahay nakaupo at kasalukuyan kong pinapanuod ang video ni Nicca noong unang beses niyang magsalita.

I never get tired of watching it on my phone. Kahit na Papa ang una niyang nabanggit tuwang-tuwa pa rin ako. It feels so satisfying hearing your child started to mumble some words like that. Paulit-ulit ko man itong panuorin, naiiyak pa din ako. Ewan ko ba, pagdating sa batang ito I got obsessed. I'm very attentive with her every move.

"You're watching it again then afterwards you'll cry? I'm cute before and pretty now so just focus on me now?" Now coming from a four year old kid.

Napatingin bigla ako sa kanya. She's wearing a cute black plain sando and a white leggings. Her feet is covered with a plain black flip-flops. Her hair is combed well. Tinaas nito ang kilay nito sa akin sabay pumamewang.

I smiled on my head. Here she go again.

Alam ko na ang ganiyang ugali niya, akala mo lang napaka-bratinella pero sa totoo lang she's the most sweet, loving and caring person I ever had.

It's just that the way she talks is not compatible with her age. She's a very smart kid. Hindi mo siya agad maloloko. And like me, hindi mo kaagad makukuha ang loob niya.

"I didn't cry because I'm sad alright baby. And ooh, you're very pretty," I said to her but I know she already knows that kita nyo naman.

"Yeah I know. I just did that to get your attention. You seem indulged again. I know I'm so cute on that but you don't have to watch that everyday. Anyway, good morning to you too Mom. Look at my long hair. Did I fix it well? Still looking pretty?" she said those as she show me everything she did alone. Umikot pa siya.

"Good morning, baby! You look pretty everyday. Even when you just woke up. Can I get a kiss? And a hug from a pretty kid like you?" I stood up from my seat and walk in front of Nicca. I lowered my body as I spread my arms for a hug and I positioned my lips ready for a kiss.

She then kissed me loudly and hugged me tight.

I can smell a bath soap from her.

"Did you happen to have taken a bath already?" I arched my eyebrows.

"Hhmmmm, I thought you won't notice. But surprise! Another achievement made by Niccola Shaeina Cortez. Isn't it cool? I can now take a bath on my own! I'm already a grown woman Mom," she proudly said as she holds both my cheeks.

Napapansin ko dito sa anak ko ay ang kagustuhan niyang matuto ng mga bagay bagay kaya nahilig siyang manuod sa aking mga ginagawa, manuod sa YouTube at magtatanong sa akin ng kung ano anong random thoughts na maisipan niya.

It started when she reached her three years of age.

I pinched her cheek as we both laugh in unison.

I so love this kid.

"I'm glad baby but you should still call Mama alright. We still need to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt," I told her as I trace her long hair.

"I know that Mom. And I also don't want you to get exhausted if in the first place I can now do it okay. I promise I'll be careful." And now I was the one who got a lecture from this kid.

Here we go again.

It feels like I wasn't talking to a four-year old kid. Hindi na nasanay sa kakulitan ng anak kong ito.

"If I can't win against that then I'll just watch you as you took a bath. End of discussion. You hungry? Let's grab our breakfast na." I stood up as we walk to our dining area. Makulit man, naniniwala naman siya agad sa akin at alam kong alam na niya ang tama at mali.

My baby growing up so fast. Parang kailan lang. At mukhang ayaw ko pang lumaki siya agad

"What's for breakfast, Momma?" she asked.

"Let's see." Pagkadating namin, she immediately head towards the sink and wash her hands. May tapakan ng ready sa kanya since medyo mataas ng konti. Sumunod din ako sa ginawa niya.

"Okay, here we go. You're favorite sinangag with egg and tocinno, and also hotcake and spaghetti. What do you want? Milk or hot chocolate?" I asked her kasi minsan nagiiba siya ng preference ng iniinom sa umaga.

"I prefer a milk. Should I make it myself? I think I can also do that. I have watched you done it for a long time," she suggested again like didn't said that these past few days.

"No, baby. This is not for kids alright. Let Mommy do this one for you," I explained.

"Alright, Mom. I understand. Come here and let's eat. I felt hungry all of a sudden." She said as she clasped her hand and closed her eyes.

She then grabbed her spoon and fork and I copied it then we both started eating.

"Hhmmmm. It really taste so good. You're really the best Mom. I love you!" Palagi namang ganito ang banat ng batang ito kapag kumakain kami.

Ang pagkatuto ko sa pagluto mula sa aking yaya dati ang siyang nakatulong sa akin para makakain ng maayos ng mga oanahing magisa ako at masasabi kong masarap nga ang mga luto ko pero wala akong mapagbabahagihan ng natutunan kong ito. Pero ngayon, mas naging kapaki pakinabang ang kaalamang iyon dahil sa anak ko.

I never hired a nanny for her. I want to witness every step she would make as she grows. And mind you, it's very fulfilling.

Nang matapos kaming kumain ay dumiretso na siya sa living room.

Ang bahay na tinitirahan namin ngayon ay hindi kalakihan. Mayroon lang itong dalawang kwarto, master's bedroom at customized kiddy girl's room na may CR parehas, living room, dining room at terrace sa labas. Sa labas ay may maliit na espasyo for Nicca's playground.

It has a big tree na ngayon ay hindi ko alam ang tawag at may bakod din ito. Other houses were just meters away from us having the same concept of our house.

I chose to have a simple life here.

Nang matapos akong maghugas bg kinainan ay dumiretso na din ako sa living room kung nasaan si Niccola.

But I didn't saw her there.

"Baby?" I called as I look for her outside.

Baka naisipang magtatakbo na naman.

"Nicca are you here?" I waited for her response but wala pa rin.

"Niccola? Is this some kind of hide and seek?" I shouted. Still no response..

I quickly get inside again and walked on her room. She's not there again.

I am now panicking.

"Nicca baby? It's not funny anymore. Where are you? Momma is getting worried," I controlled my shaking voice.

Last place is my room. But what would she'll do there? Her toys are not there as well as ipad. I also prohibit her on going in and play with my things. But still I go there.

"Nicca?" I called as I gently knocked on my door.

"Are you in there?" I then opened my door.

Una kong nakita ay ang higaan. Wala siya. I opened my cabinet pero wala din. Last resort is my comfort room.

Sana andito siya.

As I opened my bathroom, a red marks were drawn on the mirrors. I guess lipstick ko to.

I entered the bathroom as I tried to read what's written in there. Sobrang liliit kasi.

"Happy birthday, Mommy. Happy birthday, Mommy. Happy birthday... happy birthday... happy birthday, Mommy," Nicca sweetly sang as I got shocked with her sudden move.

The ever thoughtful Nicca. Nalimutan ko na birthday ko ngayon.

I stared at her. Holding a piece of paper with a drawing of a cake and candles and singing a happy birthday to me with a grin on her face.

I smiled at her as tears fell on my eyes again.

"Omooooo. You don't have to do this but I'm so glad baby. I really appreciate it. Sana sinabi mo sa akin. Thank you so much. I love you Nicca." I hugged her so tight. Akin siyang binuhat at iniharap sa salamin.

"It wouldn't be a surprise then? Haaays. Happy birthday, Mom. I love you so much. I'm so thankful you are my mother." And then I hugged her.

After that, I tried to read what she wrote.

Happy birthday, Mom. Don't get tired of loving and taking care of me. I promise I'll be a good girl.

I sighed at lalong pinanggigilan si Nicca.

How old am I now? Thirty two! I'm getting older and older so is she and I think maybe, it's the right time to bring her home.

It's the right time I should grant what i have promised. I really wanna thank that guy in person.

I also know that this little girl has been looking and wondering where is her Dad. I explained the truth to her that I just let myself get pregnant to have her and she understands it sooner but in return she ask me if she can meet him in person.

I've been thinking for years now.

Without him, Nicca won't be here.

Then I decided.

"The day after tomorrow, we're going to the Philippines. I think it's time for you to meet the person you dreamed of," I said to her.

Her round eyes got bigger and her lips form in an O. She put her hands on her mouth as she jumped on my hold and shouted.

"Oh my ghaaad! Really, Mom? Really?" she excitedly said.

"Yes, baby. So let's pack our things na?" I asked her with a big smile on my face.

She looks so happy.

"I love you Mom! You're the best. Come on! Let's pack our things. What are you waiting for?" Then we head to her room. She's singing her favorite K-pop song and jumping with joy.

Nakakahawa ang ganitong kasiyahan niya. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang ganitong sobrang saya na akala mo makikita na niya ang crush niyang si V I still don't know the real name ng K-pop member na yun and nalimutan ko naman ang name ng group nila na iyon. She just loves singing their songs and dancing as well. She would always shout I love you V.

Then I look if he's really that pogi. Well then yeah he looks so cool. Especially his eyes. His funny also and very makulit.

But now she's meeting her father. Not anyone else. Even I feels excited all of a sudden. Those sweet moments flashed my mind again. Erase erase.

I just hope he still remember me and will give time to meet her daughter.

See you soon Diego. You'll now meet Niccola Shaeina, my daughter.