ANAIS

"T, that's the house! Stop the car!" Maddie pointed as Therese drove. She slowly pulled up in front of the said house. I sat on the passenger's seat next to Therese while Scarlett and Maddie sat on the backseat. 

The house was a two-storey structure and had a very suburb look. The outside was painted off-white and brown. It had a nice porch in the front with a swinging bench on it. The house was decorated with plants and bushes of flowers around it. 

"I wonder if there's people in there." Scarlett stretched her neck, trying to get a good glimpse.

"Ano nang gagawin natin? Should we knock?" Therese asked.

"Ano naman ang sasabihin natin sa kanila?" Tanong naman ni Maddie.

"Pwede tayong magpretend na nagtatake tayo ng survey." Scarlett said.

"That's a good idea!" Therese exclaimed.

"We should just go home..." I quietly whispered.

"Go home? Hindi tayo nagpunta dito para sa wala. Titignan lang naman natin kung ano ang itsura ng Saskia na yun." Said Therese.

As soon as Maddie found out that the house had already been occupied, Therese took us to see the new owner the house. Wala pa rin nababanggit sa akin si Coco tungkol sa bahay na binili niya para sa ibang babae. I'd been avoiding him since finding out about this. I wasn't going to deny that stung a little. Wala akong karapatan masaktan pero masakit talaga. I felt like he had cheated on me even though we weren't in a relationship.

The girls got out of the car. Therese had to open my door for me and force me out. Ayaw ko na sanang alamin pa kung sino ang babae ni Coco. It wasn't my business anymore. May magbabago ba pag nakilala ko siya? 

We walked to the porch of the house and Scarlett knocked on the door. It opened after the third knock.

"Sino sila?" A very feminine guy opened the door for us. Nagpalit-palit siya ng tingin sa amin dalawa.

"Hi, My name's Therese. We're here to take a short survey. Nandyaan ba si Saskia Joyce Flores?" Therese gave the most charming smile.

"Inaanak!" The guy shouted. 

"Nang, bakit?" We heard answer from inside the house.

"May naghahanap sa'yo, magsusurvey daw! Magdala ka na din ng tissue, mga inglesera 'to!"  

I looked behind the man and saw a woman walking towards us. One of my eyes twitched with insecurity when I saw the woman. She had big, wide eyes that made her look innocent and intense at the same time, a slender nose, and a pair of full lips that put Angelina Jolie's to shame. I had never felt this insecure before. 

"Sino ba yan, Nang?" She asked.

"Yung mga nagsusurvey nga." Sagot ng lalaki.

"Hello, nice to meet you. Are you the homeowner?" Tanong ni Scarlett. 

"Yes, I'm homeowner." She smiled.

"Okaayy..." Therese pretended to write something on her notebook. "May mga questions lang kami sa'yo. I hope it won't be much of an inconvenience to you."

"No, no... Come in, welcome my home." She opened the door wider. "Come in!"

I looked at her from head to toe. She was every inch perfect. Wala akong mahanap na flaw sa kanya. Her body was like an hourglass with curves in all the right places. She had big breasts, small waist, wide hips, and rounded bottoms. 

"Thanks." Therese confidently walked in and the girls followed her. I just stood in front of the door. I was about to turn and head back to the car when Therese called me. "Halika na!"

I had no choice but to come in. She made a sit on the couch a few feet from the front door. 

"Hindi naman siguro kayo akyat bahay gang?" The gay guy arched her tattoed brow.

"Hindi naman siguro. Mukha ngang mga alta 'to, para nga silang di nadadapuan ng dumi." Sabi naman ng babae. 

"I'm the daughter of the owner of this community. Kung gusto niyo itawag niyo pa sa office." Maddie beamed. "We're just here to personally welcome the homeowner and take a short survey."

"Naninigurado lang ako, mahirap na."

"Do you want refresher? Water? Coffee?" She asked.

"No, thank you. Sandali lang naman itong survey." Sabi ni Therese.

"Wag na kayong mahiya. Patitimpla ko kayo ng kape. Wait a minute." She turned her head to the opening leading to another room. I assumed it was the dining room. "YUKA!" 

"Bakit na naman?" Replied a young woman's voice from the other room.

"Magtimpla ka ng kape para sa mga bisita!" 

"Wala nang kape, Ate!" She answered back. "Tubig na lang!"

"Ay sorry. Our coffee run away. Di pa kasi ako nakakapag-grocery." She apologetically said. The girls all had a mixture of confusion and amusement on their faces. 

"It's fine." Scarlett said.

"So, um, Ms. Flores... how old are you?" Therese began.

"Twenty-three na ko." She answered.

"Okay..." She nodded her head, pretending to write it down on her notebook. "Ano'ng trabaho mo?"

"Ngayon, wala pa eh. Pero dati akong neurotic dancer." Sagot niya.

"Gaga! Exotic dancer! Talagang confident ka pa sa neurotic mo ah. Saan ka nagsasayaw, sa mental hospital?" Said the guy as he busily filed his nails.

"Ninang naman." She pouted. "Huwag mo naman akong pahiya sa mga bisita ko."

Therese pretended to clear her throat. "So you were an exotic dancer?" 

"Oo, dancer ako dati kaso tumigil na ako."

"Why did you stop?" This time it was Maddie who asked.

She put her hand over her flat stomach and smiled. "Na buntis kasi ako. Sabi naman ng Tatay ng dinadala ko, hindi ko na daw kailangan magsayaw kasi susustentuhan niya naman daw ako at ang baby ko."

I stood up and headed straight to the door. I got the answer I needed. Coco got another woman pregnant. Magkakaron na nang kapatid si Cookie sa ibang babae. 

"Anais!" I heard Scarlett calling me but I ignored them.

I got into the car and just sat there. Ibinagsak ko ang katawan ko sa upuan at nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong-hininga. I cursed Coco every curse I could think of in my mind. Not a minute later, the girls rushed out of the house and slipped inside the car.

"Are you okay?" Tanong ni Therese.

"Y-yeah... I'm just a little shocked." I admitted. I closed my eyes and huffed. "She's beautiful and her body's like a freaking coke bottle!" 

"She's not that pretty. You're way, way, way more beautiful than her." Sabi ni Scarlett.

"Yeah, and I bet her boobs and her butt are made of silicone!" Maddie said.

"You are Anais Rebecca Lavigne, editor in chief of one of the most influencial magazines, Cookie's Mymy. She's just a exotic dancer! She's got nothing on you!" Therese joined in.

They were all just saying that to make me feel better. Who were they fooling? I'd seen the woman and she was drop dead gorgeous! Hindi ako nahirapan hanapin kung ano ang nagustuhan ni Coco sa kanya. I forced a smile and thanked them but inside I was dying. Para akong nauupos na kandila. 

"So ano nang plano mo ngayon?" Therese asked while she drove.

"I don't know..." Kibit-balikat na sagot ko. "I mean, we're not in a relationship. He's just Cookie's daddy."

"Anais..." Therese gave me a quick pity glance. "Why don't you talk to him?"

"Ayaw kong isipin niya na nanghihimasok ako sa buhay niya. If he wants me to know about it, he'd tell me." I sighed.

COCO

"O, nasaan si Mymy?" Tanong ko nang lumabas si Cookie mula sa gate ng mga Lavigne. I was kind of surprised when Bryce was the one who brought him to me when it was usually Anais. 

"Mymy's inside." My son answered.

"What is she doing? Is she busy?" My brows furrowed.

"She's probably just PMSing. She's being a bit of a bitch all day." Bryce complained, rolling her eyes. Anais was her father's daughter. She's the last person I'd want to piss off on her red days. When she was pregnant with Cookie, it was as though she was PMSing for nine consecutive months. I didn't even know how I got through her whole pregnancy.

"Ah ganon ba." I nodded my head and took Cookie from her. "Thanks, Bryce."

"Sure. Also Ate told me to tell you not to let Cookie stay up too late, no chocolate milk after dinner, give him a quick bath before bedtime but don't wet his head-" 

"Yes, I already know, Bryce." I told her. Iyon naman palagi at paulit-ulit na ipinapaalala sa akin ni Anais sa tuwing ihahatid niya si Cookie sa akin. "Sabihin mo na lang sa Ate mo ako nang bahala kay Cookie."

"Bye, Tita Bryce." Cookie waved at her.

"Bye!" She said before walking back in.

"What's wrong with Mymy?" I asked my son as we walked to our house.

"I don't know." He shrugged his little shoulders.

We walked to my son and I let him and Arthur play for a little while before taking him to my bedroom. I gave him a quick bath and we both went to bed. I turned off the lights so he could sleep and just cuddled next to him.

"Dada?" He said and yawned.

"Yeah?" I brushed my fingers through his hair.

"Why don't you and Mymy live in the same house? Most of my friends' Mommy and Daddy live in the same house." 

"Ayaw mo nun? May dalawang house ka." I kissed him on the forehead.

He shook his head. "I want to live in one house with you and Mymy just like my friends. Arthur lives with Mama Cassie and Papa Nick. Toffie lives with Mama Val and Papa Axel. Bakit ako lang ang may dalawang house?"

"Didn't Mymy and I already explained that to you?" I cocked a brow. 

"That you're not married to each other and you're only friends that's why we don't live in the same house together?" He said in a tiny voice.

"Yes..." 

"Why can't you just marry her? Papa Nick said you can only get married to the person you love. Hindi mo ba love si Mymy?"

"Of course I love her. Kung hindi ko siya love walang Cookie. You were made out of love, baby." I explained.

"Then why don't you marry her?" 

"It's not that easy."

"Why is it not easy?" 

I sighed. He was becoming more and more aware now as he grew older. I knew sooner or later he'd start to question everything about our relationship. I guess that time came earlier than I expected. 

"Because Mymy and I have to have the same feelings for each other." 

"Doesn't she love you?"

"There are many kinds of love. There's the kind of love that you only love someone because you share the same blood but you won't love them if you're not related to them, that's the kind of love I have for your Tito Miggy." I chuckled to try to make our conversation light-hearted. He giggled too.

"There's also the kind of love you have for your parents, like the way I love your Mama Cassie and your Papa Nick and the way you love Mymy and I. There's a kind of love you have for your children, like the way I love you." I pulled him closer to me and kissed his soft cheek. 

"What kind of love do you have for Mymy?" He asked. 

"I love your Mymy with all my heart. I've loved her since we were kids and I loved her more when she brought you in this world. I love her so much it hurts sometimes." I exhaled. I felt a little lighter in the chest now that I had confessed my feelings for her to someone. To our very own son. 

"Then why don't you marry her?" He yawned.

"Because I don't think Mymy feels the same love for me." 

He didn't say anything else. I looked down and his eyes were already closed. Himbing na himbing na siya sa tulog niya. I gave him a kiss on his lid. 

ANAIS

This was the first time in a very long time that I'd been in a club. My colleagues always invite me to go to the club with them pero palagi akong tumatanggi. Ngayon lang hindi. I just wanted to unwind, have fun, and not think of Coco and his exotic dancer baby mama. It was a Saturday night and Cookie's with his Dada so I had nothing to worry about. 

"Two cosmos please." Sheryl tapped the bar counter and then looked at me. "Finally! Sumama ka din sa amin. Wala naman masama kung paminsan-minsan mag enjoy ka din."

"I have a six year old son, Sheryl. I can't party like you guys." I rolled my eyes at her. 

"May anak din ako pero may time pa rin ako sa sarili ko." Kibit balikat na sabi ni Mae. "Stop making excuses, sbihin mo KJ ka lang."

The bartender placed two glasses with pink liquid in it in front of us. Sheryl handed me one of the glasses. "Here, this one's on me."

"Thanks!" I picked up the glass and brought it to my lips, giving it a little taste. It had been quite awhile since the last time I'd drank alcohol other than wine. This cocktail was mild and fruity, I liked it.

"Having problems at home?" Tanong ni Mae.

"What made you say that?" My brows furrowed. Ganon ba talaga ka-obvious?

"Napansin ko lang kasi kanina ka pa tahimik sa office tapos nandito ka pa ngayon." She said. 

I lowered my gaze to my glass and twirled it in my hand. "Gusto ko lang makapag-isip."

"Ano naman ang iniisip mo?" Mae furrowed her brows. "Alam ko na yang itsurang yan. Lalaki, ano? Yung tatay ba ng anak mo?"

They'd already met Coco and Cookie a couple of times before. Ilang beses ko na kasi silang dinala sa corporate parties. I'd been very open to everyone about our relationship. Sinasabi ko sa kanila na siya ang ama ng anak ko at magkaibigan lang kami. Hindi naman na bago yung mga ganong relasyon. Hindi lang naman kami ang unang magkaibigan na nagkaroon ng anak.

"It's nothing. I just want to think and unwind. Masama ba yun? Ayaw niyo ba akong kasama?" I joked.

"Naninibago lang kami sa'yo." Mae laughed.

"Did you come with us because you're ready to mingle?" Sheryl wiggled her brows up and down.

I let out a low chuckle and took a sip from my glass. I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm not sure but I'll take whatever I can get out of this."

"Hmm... Let's see, who do we have here?" Sheryl looked around and her eyes stopped on our table. "There's Ned. Do you know that he has a huge, huge crush on you?"

"Ugh! He's a computer geek. Wala yang alam kung hindi code sa computer." Mae commented. "What about Marlon?" 

"He has halitosis." Sheryl whispered.

"We don't have much choice. Ned the geek, Marlos Halitosis, Jeffrey the kiss ass, and Froilan the-"

"Metrosexual?" We all turned our heads to where the voice came from. It was Froilan. 

"You got it!" Mae chuckled.

"Well, I knew you were going to say that. You weren't named Mae the gossip girl for nothing." He laughed before ordering a glass of gin and tonic. "But in my defense, there's nothing wrong with being a metrosexual. I like fashion, so what? I wouldn't be working at a fashion magazine house if I didn't."

"Wait! They have a name for me?!" Her eyes widened and then it quickly narrowed. "You guys gossip about us too, don't you?"

"Of course, we do." Tumawa si Froilan.

"Hoy, wag mong sasabihin sa kanila yun ah." She pouted.

"I didn't hear a thing." He winked, taking his order from the bartender. 

"So Anais is ready to mingle. Single ka pa ba Froilan?" Tanong ni Sheryl.

"Ano ba kayo? You're making it awkward for the both of us. Froilan and I are stapler and clip buddies." I rolled my eyes at them.

"I'm enjoying my single life, thank you very much. But if you it's a casual hook up then I'm in." He smoothly said. I knew he was just kidding. Froilan was a bit of a joker and a real charmer. Kaya lapitin din siya sa mga babaeng katrabaho namin. He was just a good energy you'd want to be around with. May mga kumakalat na balita sa office namin that he was gay or bi but he hadn't confirmed nor deny those gossips. 

"Sorry, that's not what I'm looking for." I chuckled.

I had a nice time with my colleagues. We danced a little and drank but I didn't drink much, just a few mild cocktails and some juice. We mostly just talked the whole night as I tried to forget that Coco got another woman pregnant. The night ended and that thought nudged me a little stronger. 

It was already one am when we all decided to call it a night. Mae was picked up by her boyfriend. Sheryl and I decided we'd take a cab together since pareho lang din naman ang daan sa bahay nila. I left my car at home because I knew I was going to go out with my colleagues tonight. I just hitched a ride with Dad this morning. But Froilan, being the gentleman and the designated carpool driver her was, insisted on dropping us off. Nauna niyang ibinaba si Ned sa apartment, then Sheryl, then it was just him and I.

 "Thanks, Froi." I said when he pulled up in front of my house. 

"Sure. I hope you had fun with us tonight." He smiled.

"I did." I said before pushing the door open. We said goodbye to each other before I closed his door. I stood there and watched his car until it was out of sight.

 "Anais..." I almost jumped when I heard a voice from behind me. I turned and saw Coco standing there. 

"What are you doing here?" I coldly asked, avoiding his gaze.

"I've been sitting here all night, waiting for you." 

"Who told you to wait for me? At saka nasaan ang anak ko?" I frowned.

"Cookie's already asleep. Your Dad's bombarding me with messages and threats. Ang akala niya nasa bahay ka at ako ang kasama mo kanina. Hindi ka din sumasagot sa phone mo, kanina pa ako text ng text at tawag ng tawag sa'yo." His voice was as icy as his stare.

I hadn't checked my phone since I left the office earlier. Nawala sa isip ko. My phone was always on silent mode when I'm at work because I didn't want to get disturbed. 

"Where did you go? Bakit kasama mo ang lalaking iyon?" He asked with a low grunt. "Do you what time it is? It's two in the fucking morning!" 

"Bakit mo ba ako pinakikialaman? Hindi naman kita pinakikialaman sa buhay mo." My glared at him. "Si Cookie ang dapat mong pinagtutunan ng pansin ngayon dahil na sa'yo siya."

"Hindi ko naman pinababayaan ang anak natin. He fell asleep waiting for you to call him and say good night to him, do you know that?" Mahinang asik niya. That somehow made me feel guilty. I always call Cookie at night when he's with Coco and say good night to him before he goes to sleep.

I let out a tired huff. "Matutulog na ako. Bukas kukunin ko si Cookie sa'yo."

"Hindi mo pa sinasagot yung tanong ko. Saan ka nanggaling? Ano'ng ginawa niyo? Bakit kasama mo ang lalaking iyon?" He asked in a stern tone.

"I'm tired, Coco. I have no energy to talk to you right now..." I said as I headed towards the gate. 

"Mahirap bang sagutin ang tanong ko? Yung laway na inaaksaya mo sa pagsasalita, you should've used that to answer my questions." His voice became more firm and unmoving.

I turned to face him and look him in the eye. "It's none of your business."

"ANAIS!" Dad's head popped out from the side gate. The gate on the side of the big one we had at the center where the car goes through. 

"Dad..." My eyes averted to him.

"Inside. Now." His voice was low yet sharp with strained anger. 

I glared at Coco one more time before going inside with Dad. We were greeted by the guards in the guardhouse by the gate as we walked in. Even thought I was already twenty-three, I still felt like a scared teenager who'd stayed out pass my curfew.

"You didn't answer any of my calls and messages. Do you want to give me a fucking heart attack?" He growled as he furiously walked inside our house. It was very rare for my Dad to swear in front of us and if he ever did, we know he was seriously pissed off. 

"I'm sorry, Dad." I quietly apologized. "Nawala sa isip kong i-check ang phone ko."

"Saan ka nanggaling?"

"Dad, sinabi ko naman sa'yo na lalabas kami ng mga colleagues ko." 

"Pero hindi mo sinabi sa akin na ganito ka-late ka uuwi." 

"Dad, I'm already twenty-three, I've given birth to a baby, and I've raised a child. Hindi na ako bata so stop treating me like one! Kaya ko na ang sarili ko!" I exploded like a bomb. I marched up to my room and grudgingly threw my body to the bed.