✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book Two]

CHAPTER 18

Note: I have a note at the end. Please read it.

[ C H A P T E R 18 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

"Mummy!"

Agad kong niyakap nang mahigpit si Annika matapos niyang tinakbo ang aming distansya. I missed this child so much, and I've been meaning to see her after I gain my consciousness, yet I was advised for a few days observation.

Kumalas siya ng yakap sa akin at hinawakan ang umbok sa aking tiyan, saka agad lumaki ang kanyang mga mata at napamaang ang kanyang mga labi. "Mum, bakit po ang dami niyong kinain?"

Napatawa ako sa tanong niya. "Kapatid mo 'yan."

Mas lumaki ang kanyang mga mata. "Kapatid ko?"

"Yes, your siblings," agad kong sagot.

She was stunned to speak again, still holding my tummy, looking through the chemise I'm wearing. Hindi pa kasi ako lumalabas sa kwarto kaya hindi rin ako nag-abala pang magbihis ng damit. It was also the Duke's order to lessen the layer of my clothes as he ordered new sets, hinihintay ko na lang ang mga ito.

"Bakit niyo po kinain ang kapatid ko?" inosenting tanong niya nang makabalik sa realidad ang kanyang utak, subalit parang hindi din nakabalik sa uri pa lang ng sinabi niya. Gusto kong sapuin ang aking noo, hindi ko alam kung pagpapaliwanag ba ako o hahayaan ko nalang ang iniisip niya.

"One day, you will understand how this works, okay?" tanging sabi ko na lamang at ngumiti sa kanya. "Right now, Mummy's carrying your siblings which makes you now a big girl." Napamaang siyang muli. She might not understand how this situation works but someday she will. "Annika," tawag ko sa kanyang pangalan. I held both of her hands and leveled my face to her height as I looked straight into her eyes. "Mummy has to apologize for her absence. Would you forgive me?"

"I now have siblings..." she mumbled. "Of course, Mummy's apologies are accepted, and I can't wait to meet my siblings, Mum!" Lumiwanag muli ang kanyang mukha at muli akong niyakap. Madali talagang kausap ang mga bata. Walang maraming tanong at sumusunod na lamang sa utos.

"Okay, right now why don't we talk about your coming birthday?" agad na pag-aya ko sa kanya sa topik na siyang dahilan kung bakit gusto ko siyang makausap.

"Really?" she said as her eyes glimmered with glee.

Hinawi ko ang nakausling hibla ng kaniyang buhok at ngumiti ulit sa kaniya. "Yes, kaya nga nandito si Mummy para asikasuhin 'yon hindi ba? Ano gusto mo ngayon? Gagawin ni Mummy lahat para sa 'yo."

Her birthday will be the first daylight after winter. It might be in less than a month, yet the preparations must be taken in action earlier than the date for my mind to settle in peace. I was advised to limit my mobilization and stress because I've been overusing my body for the last two months. I'm proud of my nuggets for enduring such fright.

Annika talked about the things she wanted for her birthday. I am amazed by how vocal she is now and confident about herself. Maybe her bond with Nethys made her growth raise without our guidance. Hindi ko pa nakakausap ang lalaking 'yon at alam kung kapag nag-usap kami, may nakaraan na mauungkat muli.

After my little chit chat with Annika, pinasundo ko siya kay Hana para sa pag-aaral. Umalis ako ng silid mag-isa dahil hindi dumating si Hana ulit. I wanted to explore the new renovation of the house dahil hindi ko naman nasaksihan 'yon. Kailangan din dapat may kasama ako, kaso kanina ko pa inutos ang presensya ni Hana subalit hindi pa siya dumating o sadyang naiinip lang talaga ako kakahintay.

Pansin ko kaagad ang pagbabago kahit sa hallway pa lang ng second floor. Even the flooring was changed into tiles, and the ceiling was arched to each side, bearing a black accent on its corner making the ceiling deep in perception.