Chapter Text
He was spending the gap hour between two classes in the newsroom of La Solidaridad. He felt better reviewing here instead of the library when he didn't need particular materials. And when he doesn't have anything else to do to kill his time, he does more proofreads for the publication. At the moment, he pored over an article, armed with his colored pencil. Somehow, doing this was soothing. When you don't have a gruelling deadline, that is.
It wasn't always easy. But, he was starting to get the hang of it now. Juggling his studies and being a young single dad.
His family was a great help. His baby daughter was spending time with his parents ever since the new semester started. He usually had her on the weekends. Going over to get her, and have her at his place, or he stays the weekend with his parents. When his daughter is at his place, sometimes his friends visit to dote over their inaanak. Often debating whom the child will take after more. Him, or Pepe.
Pepe and him, had an amicable split before they found out they were expecting. Getting back together was out of the question, however. They just couldn't be more than friends anymore. And so, they started co-parenting.
School was manageable enough, even if he's got held back for a semester. Missing his baby was not.
But he'll manage. He always does.
School fees were getting expensive, however. He was barely able to afford leisurely things. It seems he would need a roommate again. So that what goes for rent would go to his allowance. While his family was well off, they try not to spoil him and his siblings if they can help it. It also made him feel bad to ask them for an allowance increase, with them already helping out with their apo. If he wanted more pocket money, he'd have to do something about that on his own.
He'll get the word around. There's probably someone who would need a roommate out there. Someone who'd be nice enough to co-habit with.
He opens his wallet and looks at his little Peyang's photo. Stroking her cheek and smiling. "Just wait, hija. About two years and kasama na kita lagi muli."
And that was motivation enough.
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That evening, just after he polished off dinner, the phone rang.
"Hello?" He frowned a little. "O, Pepe. What do you need?"
"Grabe ka naman. May kailangan agad?" Pepe whined.
"Well. Usually that's the only time you call." He replied before chugging down some water.
"Rude."
"Ikaw? Yes." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Miki. Ang sungit mo. Let me get to the purpose of my call naman."
"Fine." He rolled his eyes. "Go..."
"Okay. So it's like this. Ipapaalam ko lang naman sana if I can have Peyang for a day or two. Asa may Binondo house niyo siya, right?"
"Yeah. Doon nga siya kanila Mama. Dadalhin mo siya sa Calamba?"
"Yes. My latest project wrapped up faster kasi than I thought. So mamaya I'm free na. I was thinking of picking her up around tomorrow morning. Then diretso na kami sa Laguna. Miss na kasi siya nila mama at ng mga kapatid ko doon. Hinahanap. I'll have her back to you guys sa Binondo by the weekend."
He ponders for a few moments, and sighs. "Okay... Make sure wala kang maiiwan sa basic stuff niya ha. Have her back to us by Saturday. And drive safely." It's not like Peyang wasn't already away from him anyway. He'll be with her on the weekend.
"Maingat naman ako magmaneho. And baka sumabay naman daw sa akin si Kuya pauwi."
"Good. Please take care of her. And keep me posted."
"I will. Thank you. Don't worry."
"Siguraduhin mo. Kung hindi, isasahog kita sa sisig."
"You wound me, Joselito." Pepe laughed. "Oo. I promise. I'll be a responsible dad."
"Hmph."
"Have a little faith." You could practically hear the pout from Pepe. "Kamusta ka na ba dyan?"
"Ayos naman. Naka-adjust nako sa sem na ito."
"That's good. Tuloy mo lang. Is there anything you need help with? Wag lang article deadlines."
"Ay, alam ko namang di kita maaasahan dyan, ano. Pina fax ko na pala yung proofreads nung article mo by the way."
"Sige. I'll see to that later." Pepe hummed. "Pero back to the topic. Is there anything I could help you with ba?"
"Hmm. Maybe..." He tapped his stubbled chin. "Baka me kilala kang kailangan mag-board o room?"
"Need a new roommate?"
"Oo sana. Lam mo na. Extra cash din."
"Sige. I'll send the word out sa kilala kong mga andyan pa sa area nag-aaral or work."
"Thanks. Pero kung wala kang makalap, okay lang din. I'll manage."
"I'll still try. Marami naman akong kakilala. There's bound to be someone."
"Sabagay... Salamat."
"Okay. I'll hang up na. I have to get home and get sleep, if I will pick up the baby early. And kailangan ko pa ata tawagan parents mo."
"Hoy. Yung article mo muna. Iimpake mo yun, ha!? Sina mama, ako na bahalang kumontak. Asikasuhin mo na lang yung dapat."
"Right, right. Okay. See you soon, Miki. Good night."
"Good night."
Well. At least Pepe would spend time with their daughter. As he should. Pepe had started becoming really busy after his novels got published. They were starting to really get some traction. He was also publishing poetry and short stories now. So he was everywhere. It's been almost a month since he was with their child.
After a quick call to inform his parents that Pepe would be taking their daughter to his family, he headed to the bathroom and brushed his teeth. Thinking about what will transpire the following days. Articles, papers, lectures... And he was supposed to accompany his bestfriend to a 'meeting'.
It was more of a confrontation, really. So Tonio would be sleeping over tomorrow, as they had their last class together anyway. The place was also just walking distance from his apartment. Tonio's dorm is a commute away from campus.
It's going to be a looooong day and a half.
He was really going to need his sleep tonight.