Chapter 22: Chapter 20

ASHLEY NICOLE AMORES

"Thank you for helping my son" I said, bowing my head.

"You don't need to do that, Ate," Aida said, smiling.

"I owe you one," I said, smiling back.

"Okay, Ate, so in return, come home for Dad and Mom's anniversary.  A grandchild would be a great surprise for them," Isha said, surprising me.

"I can't. I'm sorry," I said, about to leave.

"We know where you live, Ate," her words were like a bucket of cold water poured over me.

"And I know where the school of those two is," Aida said, smirking.

"O-okay, I will," I said.

"Your departure is next week.  Your passports are ready," she said, handing them to me.  It was so fast.

"Next week already? But I have work," I said.

"We'll handle it. Besides, I know you're almost done; only three episodes left, Ate," Isha said with a playful smile.

"Prepare yourself for next week, Ate, because that's when the anniversary is. We'll pick you up there," Isha said.

"Don't worry, Kuya will never know about this," the two said, making me smile.

"Thank you," I said and left.  When I got to the car, I saw my children sitting there.

"Zàicì bàoqiàn, māmā (Sorry again, Mom)," Dave said.

"Don't do that again, okay," I said.  He nodded.  Dave was sitting on my lap, and Raven's head was resting on the other. They were already asleep. I'll pack our things tomorrow. This is it; no secret will remain hidden.

THE NEXT DAY

"Good morning, Ash," Christian greeted me.

"Daddy Christian!" the two shouted. Yes, he's the one they recognize as their dad, but they know that's not true. I didn't hide it from them.

"Good morning too Chris ," I said. We were at his restaurant.

"You don't seem to be having a good morning," he said, but I just forced a smile.

"Having a problem, Ash?" he asked. I just shook my head.

"Daddy, I want... uhm... pizza," Dave said.

"Hmm, I want pie," Time said.

"Okay, Daddy will buy you some. Sit down first, okay," he told my children and approached me while the two were just on the other side.

"I know you have a problem," he said.

"Hmm," I nodded.

"What is it?" he asked.

"We're going back to the Philippines," I said, which made him frown.

"Why?"

"I don't have a choice, Chris," I said.

"Then you need to face the truth, huh? I told you before, there are no secrets that won't be revealed," he said, smiling. I know he likes me. I'm not insensitive enough not to feel that.

"Let's eat, and I'll help you with your papers," he said. I just smiled at him.

Ever since he found out I was pregnant, he always visited and took care of me.  Marie and Jona thought he was my husband, haha.  I even laughed about it.

I'm on my way to the director's place. He said he has something to tell me, and I have something to tell him too.

"Zǎoshang hǎo, Dǎoyǎn. ( Good morning, Director.)" I greeted.

" Zǎoshang hǎo, Ash.  Shùnbiàn shuō yījù, wǒ yǒu xiāoxī (Good morning, Ash.  By the way, I have news)," he said, making me frown.

"Dǎoyǎn, shénme shì? (What is it, Director?)" I asked.

"Wǒmen de diànshìjù de zuìhòu yī jí jiàng zài fēilǜbīn pāishè, nǐ yīnggāi zuò hǎo zhǔnbèi, yīnwèi wǒmen míngtiān jiù yào líkāi. (The final episode of our drama will be filmed in the Philippines, and you should get ready because we're leaving tomorrow)," he said.  Fate, huh?

"A, dǎoyǎn shì zhèyàng ma? Wǒ xiànzài jiù qù zhǔnbèi wǒ de háizǐmen. (Ah, is that so, Director? I'll go now and prepare my children,)" I said.

" Ó hǎo de. Wǒ xiǎng zàicì jiàn dào nàxiē háizǐ (Oh, okay. I want to see those kids again)," he said, making me laugh. You know, the director is gay, and he's the only one who knows I have children.  How come? We met when I was still pregnant, so that's how it is, haha.

" Ó, wǒ hěn gāoxìng yào qù fēilǜbīn! Wǒ de tiān a. (Ooh, I'm so excited to go to the Philippines! Oh my god)!" Denice, my co-actor, said.

"Shì de, zàijiàn. Wǒ dé zǒule. Zàijiàn. Míngtiān jiàn (Yeah, bye. I have to go. Nice bye. See you tomorrow,)" I said.

"Hǎo de, zàijiàn. Xiǎoxīn (Okay, bye. Take care)," she said, and I left. They always wonder why I'm always in a hurry. Well, the director knows why, so he just lets me be.

"Mommy!!" Raven and Dave shouted.

"How's your day, my babies?" I said as I knelt to their level.

"Mommy, it's not good," Raven said, pouting. Dave was just sad, so I sat them both on the sofa and talked to them.

"Why? Something wrong, babies?" I asked.

"Tāmen shuō wǒmen méiyǒu zhēnzhèng de fùqīn (They said we don't have a real father,)" Dave said sadly.

"They said our real daddy doesn't love us," Raven said.

"Is that true, Mom?" they asked simultaneously.

"No, that's not true. Your daddy always loves you two," I said, forcing a smile while holding back tears. Why is this happening? How will I tell my children that their father has another family?

"If that's true, where is he?" Raven asked.

"Why didn't he show up?" Dave asked, starting to cry.

"He's busy, babies. Maybe he has work, but soon you'll see him," I said.

"Don't worry, pack your things quickly," I said, wiping their tears.

" Wèishéme, māmā? Wǒmen yào qù nǎlǐ?(Why, Mommy? Where are we going?)" Raven asked.

"You two said you wanted to see your father, then we will find him," I said, which made them smile.

"Really, Mom?" they said together, and I nodded.  Then they kissed my cheek and went up to their room.

I didn't know they missed their father so much. I thought they were okay with Christian being their father figure, but I was wrong.

TO BE CONTINUED