A week later, Anderson tells us to follow him immediately to the Philippines. And after three days, my son and I are inside the plane. It was our first flight without Anderson. But I'm thankful to my son that he never gave me any difficulties during our flight. Everytime we board a plane with his dad, my son always gives us difficulties.
I don't know what Anderson told him but my son seems to have matured after talking to the father earlier before we boarded the plane.
“Mom, where's papa?”
How many times has my son asked me that question? I lost count. Since the time we left the house until we boarded the plane and now we are already at the airport in the Philippines. My son kept on repeating questions.
“I wanna see him.”
We stopped walking and I aligned my face with him. I touched his chubby cheeks.
“Later, okay? Papa is coming.”
“But I want to see him right now. I miss him so much that I think I'm gonna die.”
I laughed at what he said, sometimes my son exaggerated everything. He becomes dramatic just to get what he wants. Well, Anderson and I spoiled him too much.
“Would you like a drink?” I asked him and he nodded kindly. “Can you wait here for Papa while Mama buys your drink?”
“Okay, mommy.”
“Okay just sit here and be a good boy. If someone tries to talk to you -,”
“I know mummy. Don't talk to strangers,” he quickly stopped me for what I was going to say next.
Stranger…
That name. It's been six years since I first met him and that night happened. How is he doing? Is he married now? How about children? SIX YEARS have passed, maybe he doesn't remember me anymore.
Goodness! What am I thinking? I have a husband and a child but every time I hear the word stranger he is the one I always remember.
What if we sees each other and I'm with him, what can he… No, forget that. I'm happy now. I shouldn't have thought of him.
I kissed my son on the forehead before I left him at the chairs.
STRANGER'S POV
“Stop pestering me, Ken.”
“Come on dude. It's just one night.”
“Still no.”
“But-.”
“No buts. My answer is still no and you know I already have a girlfriend.” If she's with us right now I'm sure she won't stop nagging Ken. I know my girl, she won't like Kennedy's plan.
I heard him swear softly. I ignored him and proceeded to the airport exit. I have an important meeting today so I should be with the company before four o'clock.
I turned to him and I thought Ken had just followed me, but he stopped and seemed stunned.
Damn this bastard cousin of mine!
“Come on, Kennedy. What are you doing?” He was looking for something no, Kennedy was looking at the child. “What? You know that I can't be late.”
“Look at that kid,” and he pointed to the child not so far from where we stood.
“What kid?” I followed his hand.
“That kid…” he looked back at me.
“-exactly looks like you…”
I agreed but that's impossible.
“But I don't have a son.”
“You sure?”
Yes 100% except… It can't be. She was dead already. Her family confirmed it. She already confirmed the death of her cousin.
“I swear dude that kid really looks exactly like you. It's like the mini version of you.”
I don't know why the path my feet lead is where the child looks like me seated.
I am now standing in front of him and staring at him as he reads a book. Maybe he noticed so he lifted his small face.
Damn! It was as if my heart was pounding.
Why does it seem like a part of my heart is excited to meet him?
“Yes?” He fixed the spectacles. “Hey, mister. Do you need something?”
I still can't speak. I just stared at him. It was as if someone was pushing me to embrace him.
“My Mommy said, I'm not allowed to talk to strangers.” What a brilliant kid. If he is my son, I will be a proud father. But that would be impossible. “So if you'll excuse me, I will finish - - papa…” he suddenly dropped the book into the chair and ran behind me.
“Papa?” I whispered. My eyes followed him and saw the kid was hugged by a man he calls papa. He was so happy to watch.
Why do I feel jealous?
“Hey, dude.”
Kennedy suddenly tapped my shoulder.
“What?” I didn't care if I raised my tone at him. He understands my mood.
“What did the
boy tell you?”
“Nothing. Let's go.” And proceed to the exit. I went straight to the waiting car…