Episode 14

Chapter 13

The next day, when I got out of bed, I raised my hand to stretch while smiling.

Yes! I recorded his voice. I'm really good. The difficulty is because you have to be very thick-skinned to face him and force him. I thought there was really no hope but fortunately he came around.

I first hid the watch in my closet in case he might see me while I was wearing it and he would ask what is that and then I would slip in no time.

I'm so happy right now. I straightened up and then I opened the door.

"Good Morning Yani!" a happy greeting from a guy in a green cap and jacket in front of me. I was really surprised by his greeting but I immediately smiled back.

"Good Morning too… uhm uhh prince…"

“Feesy. My name is Feesy.”

“Ah right. Good morning Prince Feesy,” I smiled.

"Wow, you look happy today," he said.

“Yes I am. So are you.”

“Of course. I'm always happy in the morning especially now it's spring, where plants grow and flowers bloom.”

"Yeah," was my simple answer. He’s so optimistic.

“So let’s go to the Nature Cabin. You're going to have a lot of fun,” he offered.

"Okay," I smiled and followed him.

Arriving outside the Main Cabin, "So here we are," said the prince as we were in front of a vast forest.

"So, have you heard of Tarzan?" he asked suddenly.

I was surprised. "Who's Tarzan?"

“Oh you don't know him. Well then, you are going to discover who he is,” at the same time he offered his hand.

I first looked at his hand before holding it when he suddenly pulled me up so I was surprised and panicked.

"Wait Prince Feesy—" he suddenly jumped from the branch where we came from and let go of my hand and due to panic, I lost my balance.

“Waahh!!” I shouted.

"Yani, you have the power to control the plants so grab that vine," at the same time pointing to the vine just in front of me.

I know that but in this state, I can not concentrate so how can I control the vines? Fortunately, I got it and it suddenly swung so I just shouted again while closing my eyes.

I didn’t realize that Prince Feesy was holding the vine to which I was clinging so it stopped moving.

"That was fun wasn't it?" as he helped me step on the branch.

Fun? You call that fun? It's like I'm going to die of panic! Why is this prince so hyper?! Huhu. Whoever you are Tarzan, I am thankful we did not meet.

Because of the trauma, I just jumped on each branch while the hyper prince was swinging happily on the vines.

Suddenly he stopped at a branch and came down from there. I also jumped on that branch and saw him on the ground so I went down as well.

"So how was it?" he asked me.

"Ah it was fun hehe," I tried to smile.

"Glad you had fun,"

Haha, are you kidding dear prince? We know the truth, don't we? It looks like I’m traumatized to go back here.

"Since we are here, let me introduce to you my home, the Nature Cabin," he did not lift the leaves but he controlled them to rise.

I was fascinated by the beauty. When you are in my place, you will really know how beautiful nature is. Seriously, as in you cannot see buildings, poles, power cables, industries, in short, everything is made of nature.

As before, he said the important places, then their houses are also made of plant parts so their roof is not made of galvanized iron, it’s made of branches and large leaves. I imagined what it would be like if it was raining or a storm came. I asked that and then he said they would just cover the leaves with waterproof ones because they can control the plants. I was surprised. They have waterproof leaves? Cool.

The special thing about nature people, they are vegetarian. They do not eat meat no matter how small the slice is. They love animals but as pets. Almost all of them are said to be cheerful and adventurous. Good for them.

"Before we proceed to my place, do you have any questions?" he asked me.

"None at all," I replied.

“Okay. Well, you see that big tree, the biggest here in the cabin?” he pointed at the same time so I looked there.

“Yeah. Uhm your place?” I asked.

“Yup but it's not just my place, it's also the most important part of this cabin. It's our 'Main Tree' because it is the first tree that ever grew in this place and also most of the houses and buildings here rely on it so we make sure to take good care of it.”

Wow. That was a nice info about this place. If the Metal Cabin has a 'heart' made of metal, to them it is a big tree. So cool.

"So do you want to go in the Main Tree?"

"Of course," I replied while smiling.

When we entered, the furniture inside was mostly made of wood but they were not varnished. Just the theme of the interior design of their 'Main tree' is what else, but nature.

When we got to his office, it was still the same; there are tables, chairs and cabinets but the only thing different here are,

“Wow. So many paintings,” I commented while looking at each painting hanging.

“Yup. Feel free to look at it.”

After he said that, I immediately approached a painting of the sunset at sea. Nice colors done with matching waves. So amazing. After I looked at all the paintings, I also sat on a sofa made of leaves.

"So are you thirsty or hungry?" he asked.

"Maybe a glass of water is fine," I replied. "Oh wait, is that okay?"

“Of course, silly. It's not even meat or forbidden.”

“Ah hehe. I thought the water you drink here are the juice from fruits.”

“Oh yes we serve some. Do you want one? ”

“Oh no. I'm fine with water. Thank you.”

He took a glass and filled it with water and gave it to me. I also drank it immediately as he sat down and started writing. I just sat there because I was tired earlier.

I looked around his office. Nature is really beautiful. Could I use this as a theme of my room?

"So Yani, what's your hobby?" he asked suddenly while writing so I was surprised and looked at him. I thought he was busy.

“Uhm well, writing. I love to write,” I replied.

“Oh. What genre do you mostly write?”

“Well actually, I'm not writing any novels. I just love to write what's going on in my life so right now, I'm actually writing a journal about my experiences here in this nation.”

“Wow. That's really nice,” he commented. Thank you, Prince Feesy.

“How about things that you don't like?” he added. "Like maybe you hate someone taking a picture of you?"

I was slightly surprised by the example he gave. “Woah. How did you know?” I asked in shock.

He stopped writing after I said that and looked at me at the same time. “Come again? You hate someone taking a picture of you?”

“Well not really. Unless it is important. Not like Prince Turuki who always take a picture of you in everything that you do.” Note, there’s sarcasm at the end of what I said.

"Wait, do you destroy the camera of the photographer once you caught him taking a picture of you?" he asked.

“No. Why would I do that? Most of the time I don't really care but really Prince Turuki is just so irritating.”

"Maybe he's just excited to see someone like you."

"Yeah I think," I just answered but I also looked at him. "Why did you ask that anyways?"

“Oh nothing particular. There's just this girl here in our cabin and just like you, she came from the Philippines— ”

BOOGSH! Suddenly the door opened and a nature guy appeared. I was really surprised. There are a lot of surprises here.

“Prince Feesy! There's trouble,” said the nature guy breathlessly.

"Tell me, Kyrie is it?" Prince Feesy asked seriously.

That's new. Kyrie? Who is she?

"Absolutely your highness," he replied.

Prince Feesy sighed as he stood up. "Let's see it then," he glimpsed at me and was a little surprised. "Oh Yani, please stay here—"

“No. I'm coming with you,” I interrupted him.

He was surprised by what I said. “Look Yani—”

"Maybe I can help," I inserted again.

He fell silent and started to think. Soon, he just sighed.

“Okay. But don't hurt yourself and...” he approached me and whispered. “ ...don't use other elements other than nature.”

“Right. Got that,” I whispered back.

"Let's go."

We exited the Main Tree immediately. When we got to where the problem was, a lot of people were surrounding it. Woah. What could be happening?

"Attention nature citizens!" announced by the nature guy who appeared in Prince Feesy's office. "The prince—"

Prince Feesy did not let him finish and just tapped him on his shoulder and walked through the crowd. People noticed him and of course they let him pass. I followed but they suddenly blocked the way after it.

Is that so? Of course Yani, what are you a princess? Don’t be full of yourself even if you are with their prince. I just tipped my toe to get up and see what is happening in the middle.

"I will delete that picture I promise," pleaded a nature guy in front of a nature girl. "Just please don't destroy the whole thing."

"I'm not that kind of girl that easily listens to someone like you especially that I'm holding it already," said the nature girl with the vine next to her with a coiled camera.

Woah. Is she what Prince Feesy refers to as a nature girl from the Philippines? She’s sassy.

"Kyrie, stop this instance!" full of authority Prince Feesy said.

Everyone looked at him with the nature girl he called Kyrie but she just gave him a smirk.

“Why if it isn't Prince Feesy. Hello your highness. How is your day?” Wow, she’s able to smile happily to him.

Prince Feesy smiled back. “Good. Never been better thanks to you.”

Oh shacks. Wrong term guys. He smiled EVILLY at her. Never see that coming. She smirked back.

“Why you're welcome, your highness. It's my pleasure.”

Is it just me guys or are they just too sarcastic? Are they so close or does it just happen every day? It seems that the audience are used to about their conversation. But seriously, I was afraid of Prince Feesy.

Prince Feesy let out a sigh. "Kyrie, please stop the act and enough with this," he said seriously.

Nature girl, I mean Kyrie frowned in anger. "Why won't you blame this stupid photographer that I already warned not to take a picture of me still took another picture?"

Prince Feesy looked at the nature guy on the floor. “It was an accident, your highness. I meant to take the background but I caught her and I didn't know,” nature guy reasoned.

Prince Feesy looked back at Kyrie with a serious face. “He has a reason.”

Kyrie was slightly startled and clicked her teeth in anger. “SO?! Whatever his reason is, he still took a picture of me and that's a fact! I already gave a warning and why you guys…” while pointing at the nature guy on the floor. “…still don't understand?! I told you not to take a picture whenever I'm around, isn't that easy?!” she shouted.

Everyone was quiet. “You all know that I hate cameras and pictures so why, why do you still do it?! And in the end…” looks at Prince Feesy at the same time. “…I get the blame and be punished. So this is how it has to be?”

They did not say anything even Prince Feesy who still looked serious and because the nature girl got even angrier, she would have destroyed the camera but, I immediately made a vine and beat his vine to release the camera. I immediately ran to pick it up.

“Hey! What do you think you are doing?!” she shouted once turning to my direction. She was surprised by how I looked. "You are not a nature girl."

"Uhm..."

"Yes she isn't but she's a special visitor here," Prince Feesy said. People around us started whispering but Kyrie just looked at me seriously.

“I don't care whoever you are just give me back the camera—“

"Uhm ikaw ba ang Pilipinong tinutukoy ni Prince Feesy? (Uhm are you the Filipino referred to by Prince Feesy?)” I asked.

She was surprised by what I said and immediately returned to being serious. "Ano ngayon? (What about it?)" she answered in a question.

“Ah. So you are the Filipino I will meet here in the Nature Cabin,” I said while smiling. “You’re different. It’s an accident that he pictured yet you will still immediately destroy the camera. Let’s stop here and just return this camera to the owner.”

She gritted her teeth in anger. “Are you one of them too?! If so, I will not allow it so I give me back the camera!”

She attacked me with a vine but I also immediately jumped behind her and raised my hand in the air.

I made large vines that emerged from the ground and enveloped the two of us. She closed her eyes but when she opened it, she was surprised because the people around us disappeared.

"Wa-wait a minute, where did you take me?" she asked as she looked around.

I didn't say a word and just smiled at her.

“What do you need from me?! Why are you here?! You are not a nature girl!” she angrily said. "But ho-how can you control the plants if you are not really a nature girl?"

"Uhm let's just say magic," I shrugged.

She was even angrier with my answer. "What are you?! Do you think I'm joking?! You think I'm not serious that I don't like cameras? Do you think I'm just doing everything that happened earlier just to get attention?” she shouted at me.

I was speechless.

“Why are you interfering?! Don't you know what they do when you have a picture of them?!”

I still did not speak.

“They will make fun of your face! Laugh at it, share with other people and embarrass you to the whole world!” she shouted and then she suddenly sat down while tears fell in her eyes.

“Why are people like that today? Why don't you understand?” she cried.

It took a while before I thought of approaching her and sat on my knees so I could be on the same level as her.

“You know, I also don't want to be photographed lightly. I have met a photographer who with every breath you take, he will always take a picture of you. I don't know if you know him because he is a prince but I almost destroyed his camera right in front of him…”

She stopped crying and raised her head to look at me. "I stopped from doing it because he had a reason why he was doing that…" I looked back at her. "Maybe if you were the one in my place then, from the beginning of your meeting his camera was already broken."

She wiped away her tears. "Whoever that prince is, maybe I already ruined it the moment I saw him."

I chuckled at hier answer. “But you know, the photographer also had a reason earlier. He said he did not mean it,” I added.

“Did not mean it? When I got there, he just took a picture right then and there. I told him to delete it but he’s so stubborn so that's why it caused a scene,” he complained. "Then he was good because he really convinced Prince Feesy that I was to blame again. I already threatened him.”

I just smiled. "If that is so, why don't we just go to Prince Feesy and explain what really happened?"

"Pssh," she rolled her eyes and stood up. "It's too late. Probably now he just let him go and he is waiting for me in his office for my punishment. Wait…” she stopped while looking at me. "Where is the camera?" she asked.

I also got up. “Oh that. I left it there. Hehe, sorry?” I answered in hesitation.

She just looked at me seriously and let out a sigh. “You know that I’m going to give it back to him anyways. I just want that person to learn a lesson,” she was still looking at me seriously. "What's your name?"

I smiled at her. “Yani. Yani is my name.”

"Kyrie, in case you didn't hear," she said at the same time she also turned around and walked away.

I just watched her walk while still smiling and followed her as well.

We walked back to the Main Tree and saw Prince Feesy in front of the door standing and worried. When he saw us, he immediately ran towards us.

“Yani, are you alright? Are you hurt?” he asked me anxiously.

"I'm fine, your highness and so as Kyrie," I replied and pointed to Kyrie who was behind me.

Kyrie didn't say a word and just avoided looking at Prince Feesy.

"That's good," Prince Feesy replied while looking at Kyrie. “Kyrie, I have something to tell you—”

"I know, I know," Kyrie interrupted him. "Just tell me my punishment and I'll apologize to the photographer," she averted her eyes again and let out a sigh.

She bowed in front of Prince Feesy. “And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the times I always make a mess here in the cabin.”

Prince Feesy was slightly surprised and smiled at him as well. "It's so rare for you to apologize right in front of me but don't worry," he said with a smile. “I got his memory card and destroyed it but I gave him money to buy a new one to make sure that your picture was deleted.”

Wow. Kyrie and I were both surprised. Does he know what he is saying? He even managed to smile.

"I hope you're happy about that," said Prince Feesy.

Kyrie could not speak and suddenly there were tears in her eyes and she cried so Prince Feesy and I were surprised.

“What’s wrong Kyrie? Why are you crying?" Prince Feesy asked worriedly.

"Nothing," while wiping his eyes. "I just got something in my eye."

Prince Feesy and I just looked at each other and smiled.

I said goodbye to Kyrie and then at the same time Prince Feesy and I walked back to the Main Cabin. When we arrived, Prince Feesy said goodbye and we parted ways.

I entered the Main Cabin. Grabe. I was a little tired then. Even though after that thing about Tarzan they say is really traumatic, the tour is fun. When I closed the door,

“MOMMY!”

I was surprised by the voice. What's that? I immediately turned around and was surprised by what I saw.

A girl jumped in front of me so we fell down at the same time. Ouch that hurts.

"Mommy, you're home," she said while even smiling at me while she’s sitting on me.

Her hair is white with braids and her eyes are grayish white. Her hand was a bit cold. Oh, she's an ice girl but wait... mommy?

“Uhm uhh little girl, I think you are lost. I'm not your mommy,” I said.

"Mommy, what took you so long to come home?" she asked. I already told you I'm not your mommy. I’m only 17.

"Uhm look little girl, if you're lost, I can help you find your mommy," I said.

"Mommy you have to show to daddy so that he'll know."

Oh my. This kid is annoying. She’s not even listening to what I'm saying. We stood up and as I shook my clothes, someone called "Lacey".

"Yes?" she turned around. "Daddy," at the same time she ran closer to...

My eyes widened as to who. Jethro?! Wait, Jethro has a child?! When else was he a father? And he has a wife? Why don’t I know that?!

“Daddy look. Mommy's home,” the little girl told him.

I didn't say a word and just stared at Jethro. Huh? He is the daddy and… I am the mommy? Whaat?! Wait, I really don't understand!

“Jethro, you’re her daddy? When did you have a baby?” I asked him. He did not speak.

“Hey answer me. I'm confused. Where is your wife—”

"Mommy, let's play outside!" said the child.

“Huh? Wait—” she pulled me out at the same time. Wow. She manage to pull me. “Wait…”

"Mommy let's make a snowman," the little girl said happily.

“Huh? It's spring already so there's no snow,” I replied.

“Then let's make it snow. Daddy can do it, right? ” she said.

I looked to my right and was surprised because I did not realize that he was next to me already. He made a floating snowball in the palm of his hand and flew it to the top and it exploded and so, it started to snow.

“Yehey! It's snowing!” the child ran happily around.

You know, I was amazed at the snow but I still couldn't think straight because of what is happening. I just stood in my place and watched the child.

“Psst, Jethro. What's happening?" I asked him in a whisper.

He ignored me and just stared at the kid playing alone. "Where is her mother?" I asked.

"Her name is Lacey," he said but he did not answer my question.

"Ah okay but the question is, where is her mother?" I asked again.

"You are her mother."

I was surprised by his answer and I do not know why but suddenly my cheek warmed up.

“W-what?! What are you saying?! When did we have children?! We only met about a month ago and I knew in myself that I was still a virgin!” I shouted at him.

He still did not speak and just closed his eyes. "Hoy Jethro," I continued. "I don’t know what you are thinking but I will not let you make me a hooker or anything because as far as I know, I feel nothing for—"

I stopped. Wait. Why did I stop? Isn't that right? I don't really feel anything for him, right?

"Mommy, why are you shouting at Daddy?"

I just went back to the truth once I looked at the child. "Huh?"

“Are you okay Mommy? Your face is getting red.”

Ows? No I’m not! Oh my gash! What is going on? “I…” I paused. "I have to go," I said as I turned around and was about to enter when Jethro suddenly held my wrist so I stopped.

"Stay," he firmly said. Why even if it's just one word, my face is getting hot again?!

"I don’t know what is happening…" I began. "…but as far as I know I don’t have a child and I am not the mother of that child so let me go," I replied without looking at him.

"Long story but right now you have no escape no matter what you do because you will be her mother first until she falls asleep," he replied coldly. “Just play with her.”

I don’t know why I was pissed but I confronted him and violently withdrew my hand from him.

"Do you think this is a game?!" I shouted at him. “Not because you are a prince doesn’t mean you can do what you want. Why would I play with that girl when I don't even know her?! Do not include me in your family—”

"Mommy, please stop shouting at Daddy," the little girl shouted as she ran between us while protecting Jethro and crying. “Please stop fighting.”

I looked at the little girl and calmed down but anger also returned to my face when I looked at Jethro. I just turned around and went up the stairs to enter the Main Cabin.

“Mommy, wait! Please don't go,” the child begged.

I also stopped and looked at the child. "I'm not your Mommy!" I shouted. “I don't even know who you are.”

The child was stunned and dumbfounded by what I said. Her face showed pain when she heard that in my mouth. And in a blink of an eye, my anger disappeared and only then did I realize what I had done.

"Daddy, mommy doesn't love me?" crying, the little girl said as she looked at Jethro.

There was no emotion in Jethro’s face as he looked at the child and then he looked at me. He let out a sigh and sat on his knees so that he could be on the same level as the child.

“Mommy loves you. She just said that because she's tired from work,” he said coldly.

The little girl wiped away her tears. "Really?"

"Yes, and as her symbol of love for you, she gave Whitey to you right?" at the same time he just controlled the ice and a teddy bear appeared on his hands.

The little looked at the teddy bear in Jethro's hand and immediately took it.

“That's right. Mommy loves me,” as she looked at the teddy bear and hugged it.

I don't know why I'm stuck here watching them both because I'm still confused but even though Jethro's face has no emotion, he really looks like a father.

"Later we will play but stay here first because I need to get a jacket for mommy," Jethro said and looked at me. "She's cold."

Lacey smiled happily. "Okay Daddy."

He stood up and walked past me but when he confronted me, he whispered something.

"Sundan mo ako. (Follow me.)"

I just watched him enter the Main Cabin. I first caught sight of young Lacey playing with her white teddy bear before I entered.

Upon entering, I just sighed. That little girl made me guilty. Well that's really how all the kids are. She should be grateful that she has a “GOOD” father.

I saw him leaning against the wall just next to the door. When I closed the door, he immediately looked at me. He stood up straight and faced me.

I honestly can't believe what I saw before, but maybe, "Is Lacey really your daughter?" I asked.

He stared at me first before he spoke. “Lacey is an American orphan. Her parents were killed because of her power and they were killed right in front of her so she was traumatized. I don’t know if her illness is a psychological disorder but every time she wakes up, the first man and woman she sees is who she claims as her mother and father... and it happens to be that you’re the first woman she sees,” he explained.

As I listened to the story, I could not help but feel pity and relate. That's why she reacted like that when I told all those things to her. It is painful for the child to hear those things I said earlier thinking it came from her own mother.

We had the same experience but wait a moment, “How did I become the first woman she saw when I was in the Nature Cabin? It is impossible that no woman passed by here,” I said.

“I took her from the Ice Cabin here for Zoltar to check up on her illness. She needs to sleep for the check-up so she was put to sleep and by chance, I was the first man he saw not Zoltar then just after your tour, we just came out of his lab and she saw you…”

Ah. That's what happened. "...when she will fall asleep again and wake up, a new mom and dad will be introduced to her whoever the first woman and man she will see. She will fall asleep immediately because she gets tired quickly,” he added.

See? He can explain. It's easy to talk. Did he ever get tired?

"I got it," I sighed at the same time. "Okay fine, I will try my best to stand as her mother for a moment,” I walked back to the door out of the Main Cabin.

I first grabbed the door knob and took a deep breath. I must first apologize for what I said. I was really angry earlier. I opened the door and saw that she’s still talking to the white teddy bear.

"The teddy bear I gave her is her last memory of her mother so she likes it."

Wow really. Suddenly he will appear next to me.

"Can't she remember her mother's real face because of that teddy bear?"

He just shook his head saying no. Ah okay.

"Listen," he said suddenly.

“Huh? Listen to what?”

He closed his eyes. There he goes again. Hay...

“You know Whitey, Mommy is angry with me. I know she is busy and tired of work that's why I want to cheer her up... but I just made her angrier. Am I a bad girl Whitey?”

I looked at the little girl after she said that.

“I just want to make her happy and have fun just for a while... but I don't know how. You know how Whitey?”

"..."

"Will you help me?"

Shacks. I’m a very bad mother. I'm sorry. I don't know. I approached her immediately because of that.

"Uhm Lacey?" I called so she turned to me.

“Mommy! You came back” she said happily.

"Yes I'm back," I smiled. I looked away from her. Just great. How do I apologize? What should I say?

"Mommy, I'm sorry," she apologized.

I was surprised so I looked at her. “I'm sorry if I pulled you here to play even though you're tired of work. Please forgive me.”

Shacks. I'm on the verge of crying. An innocent child just apologized to you but she’s innocent. Huhu. I really am a bad mother.

“You don't have to apologize, Lacey. I should be the one to say sorry for saying such mean things to you,” I apologized.

“It's okay. You didn't mean that, right?”

I just nodded. She smiled back at me and immediately hugged me which surprised me.

"I love you, mommy."

Aww. How cute can this little girl be. I returned her hug. She immediately parted after.

"So uhm… you want to play?" I asked.

“Really? You'll play with me?”

“Of course. Do you want to make a snowman?”

"Yes!" she answered happily. "Daddy will help too, right?" at the same time we looked at Jethro's position.

He just closed his eyes and nodded.

“Yehey. Let's make a snowman!”

Even though it's spring, we are still making a snowman. Well what can I do, They are ice people. We played "under the snow" even though the sun was shining and then, we made a snow angel. Then we also had a snowball fight. I remember again in the winter when Jethro and I had a snow ball fight… I mean, you get what I want to say. I suddenly felt fatigue so I stopped and held my knees.

"Mommy, let's make another snow angel," she said happily while running.

"Oh uhm can we uhh rest?" I said breathlessly.

"But I'm not tired yet." Oh great Jethro. I thought you told me that she easily get tired?

“You play with Daddy first. I'll just sit under this tree for a while.” So, this is how to be a mother. Very tiring.

“Okay. We will rest too because Mommy is already tired,” said Lacey and they sat down next to me.

Lacey is next to me on my right while Jethro is sitting beside Lacey on the right, in other words, Lacey is in between Jethro and I. We are like a family. Shacks. I felt different when I realized that.

"Mommy, did you have fun?" Lacey asked me.

“Oh uhm yes of course Lacey. I did have fun,” I replied.

"I'm so happy to hear that, Mommy" and he smiled at me.

I smiled back at her. She suddenly yawned so I think she looks sleepy.

"Getting sleepy already?" I asked her.

"A little..." as she scratched her eye. "...but I still want to play with both of you," she said and smiled at me.

“You need to rest already. Next time we will play again,” I said.

“Really? Promise?”

“Yes. Promise.”

It was as if something pierced my heart when I said that because I knew that promise meant nothing because when she will wake up, she would meet a new mother and father again.

It's not that I really want to be her mother because I am still too young to be a mother but even though we only played for a short time, I got a little closer to her. Is that really the impact of a child?

I just sighed. There is really nothing we can do. At least I met her.

"Mommy, why are you sad?" she asked while looking at me.

“Huh? Uhm nothing. I'm actually happy,” and smiled. What sad? No. I was just thinking and I thought she was already sleeping?

“Are you sure? Is something bothering you? ” at the same time she looked at me with worried eyes.

“Nothing Lacey. I'm fine,” I assured her. Just go to sleep.

"Hmm is it Daddy?"

I was surprised by what she said so I looked at him who was just looking away. “Ah huh? No. No—”

"Oh I almost forgot," she cut me off. "You must say 'I love you' to me and Daddy before I sleep."

I was shocked. "Haaaahhh ?!" Where did she get that?!

“But Lacey I—”

"Why, you don't love me and Daddy?" she pouted.

Oh not that face. "Of course I love you and uhm..." I looked at Jethro who was still looking at a distance.

“Why? You don't love Daddy?”

“Huh? Well...”

What did I put myself into? Of course she has an illness so she thought Jethro is my husband. Great. Earth open please! I want to get out of here!

"Mommy, you say 'I love you' to me and Daddy."

You really have no escape, Yani. Just say it.

"I love you Lacey."

She looked back at me. "That was not from the heart," she said. Wow. How did she say that? I sighed first.

“I love you Lacey. Please don't forget me,” I said and smiled sincerely.

She was surprised, not only her… but also me. What are you saying Yani?! Don't forget me?! On what continent did you get to say that?!

She smiled. “Of course I will not forget you Mommy. I love you too.”

I was slightly surprised by her answer and smiled back at her.

"How about Daddy's 'I love you'?"

God. I thought I had escaped from that. Lacey, do you know this guy... he’s COLDHEARTED! So he doesn't care! I don't have to say that!

"Mommy, you say it."

"Okay, okay," she insisted. If I refused her, she might not even sleep. I looked at that guy.

He’s still looking at a distance but I was just surprised... when he shifted his gaze to me.

Shacks! What's that?! He’s waiting for what I will say?! I thought you’re a numb guy?! Waaahh!! My heart is beating faster.

“Mommy, I'm getting sleepy. Please say it,” Lacey insisted.

Yes. Just wait please. You can do it Yani. It’s just for now. Nothing next or anything else. Take a deep breath, exhale. There, I am calm. I turned to Jethro and smiled.

"I Love You Jethro!"

Wait. Loading ...

SH*T. I said Jethro! I SAID JETHRO!! As in capital J-E-T-H-R-O!! My eyes really widened because of what I said and my heart was pounding so hard that it almost came out of my body!

Lacey yawned. “That's nice to hear. Goodnight Mommy. Goodnight Daddy,” and she finally fell asleep on my lap.

No one spoke after that. Silence just enveloped around us.

Spell AWKWARD. It would have been okay if I said Daddy but no!! I SAID JETHRO!!

He suddenly stood up and picked up Lacey as he walked away.

"Uhh wait Jethro..." I also stood up. I should have said something but words are not coming out of my mouth. Eish. How do I explain this?

He stopped. "Thank you for your time, Yani," he said.

Wait... Oh my gash! He said thank you. Well that’s new. He continued walking away. Words, please get out of my mouth!

"Wait Jethro, stop!" I called.

It's good that he stopped again.

"About what I said earlier, wha-what I mean earlier is..." I stammered. “…I love you... as a friend. Yes, that's right. I love you as a friend, that's all.”

He did not speak. There was silence between us and here I was, waiting for him to say something back.

But after a few minutes of just standing in our places, he kept walking away while he’s carrying Lacey. I let him walk away and didn’t force him for an answer…

…but did he understand what I meant? Did it affect him after I said that? But honestly, the question just circled in my mind right now,

Is that really what I meant when I said I love him?

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***