Chapter 1

The sun was peeking through the glass of the car. It was a bright Sunday morning, yet the road was already in a bustle.

“Look at that!” Calvin said in amazement while staring at the huge Ferris wheel, miles from them. She chuckled at his excitement. He was sitting on her lap as he turned from left to right, scanning the busy city. His eyes sparkled every time he saw huge buildings.

They seldom went to the city, but finally, after 4 years, Kervin decided that they should stay here in Manila for good. His company is growing, and his busy schedule doesn’t allow him to travel for long.

“Four hours could be spent with more memories with you two, instead of driving back and forth,” she remembered him saying.

He’s such a good, intelligent, sweet and caring man, and yet, she couldn’t understand why the mother of Calvin left her brother. Calvin was still a kid when his mother left them, according to him. She wanted to know whst happened, but she ont want to bother her brother. He will tell her if h knew it's the right time.

She doesn’t want her nephew without a mother so she offered to be her mother figure. The arrangement is good for everyone. It’s fine for her, Calvin, Kervin, and even for Barry--her boyfriend for a month now.

“What?” he asked while maneuvering the steering wheel. He was wearing a gray long sleeve, pants and white branded rubber shoes. A smile made on his face. “I told you I’m handsome.”

She knew Barry for two years. He was the guy next door in the apartment they used to rent when they were still in the province. They were friends until he asked Klynne and her brother if he could court her. He was consistent and vocal of his feelings towards her. He’s a kind and funny guy. But what Klynne liked about him the most, is that he’s always there for her.

She rolled her eyes, making him laugh. “Calvin here is the only handsome guy I know. Right baby?”

Calvin looked at her with an ear to ear smile. “Yeah! And also Papa!”

They laughed at that. Calvin always showed how much he loves his father and he’s always proud of him. Which her brother deserve. he’s been providing for them since their parents died. He deserves happiness too. So instead of four of them going to the amusement park, Barry and Klynne set him on a blind date without him knowing. Calvin knew and he seemed excited as playing cupid too.

They would have come with her girl friends too, but Amy and Jessica were busy doing their things. The last time they talked, the two were having a vacation and she didn’t know yet when they would come back.

Calvin clapped his hands when the car stopped in front of the Amusement Park. “Horses!” He shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled the car they were in. He was looking at the carousel nearby at the park entrance.

Klynne and Barry laughed at Calvin. The little boy seemed so excited and Klynne couldn’t hide her delight too. She removed her seatbelt and opened the door to go out. She checked her denim shorts and T-shirt with a cute vectorized milk tea print.

Visitors of the place were everywhere, either a group of people which she concluded could be friends or a family, or a couple walking sweetly side by side.

“Come on, Calvin. Where do you want to start?” Klynne heard Barry asking the kid as he went near them. She held the small hands of Calvin and saw Barry do the same. A smile instantly drew to her face. They walked to the entrance and fell in line to get an ‘all rides you can’ ticket.

“Um…” Calvin looked around while his left arm is crossed on his chest, right forefinger slowly tapping on his sentido, as if he’s really thinking hard about what rides they should try first.

“He’ll be smarter when he grows up,” Barry commented while looking at the kid. Klynne couldn't agree more. Calvin has been showing great intelligence at a young age. She believed that Calvin is gifted.

“I know.”

After a few more minutes, they received a ticket bracelet and stamp.

“To the cars!” Calvin finally decided while looking at the bumper cars.

“Let’s go!”

The three of them made their way to the entrance of bumping cars. A guy helped them with the things they could wear and few instructions. When everything was set, She and Calvin rode in a single car while Barry was in a separate car.

“Let’s go chase uncle Barry!” Calvin cheered and moved the steering wheel as if he knew how to use it.

Everytime they bump a car, Calvin will laugh with head thrown to the back, like there is no tomorrow. It’s like music to Klynne’s ears. Her heart felt like swelling in delight. She really has a soft spot with kids.

After the bumper car ride, they also tried a train that goes around the amusement park. Entered ice land with artificial snow. Cups that were swirling everywhere, Ferris Wheel and a lot more.

“Momma, I’m hungry,” Calvin said after going out of the caterpillar ride with Barry. Barry carried him up. Klynne went near them and started to wipe his sweat.

“Of course kiddo. You almost try all the rides for kids here!” She chuckled and looked around for a bench. When she spotted one, she caught the free hand of Barry. They glanced at each other before she saw Barry’s shy smile.

This guy is really cute.

“Let’s rest there for a while,” she said and pulled them to the empty bench. Barry sat on the bench, keeping Calvin on his lap.

“I’ll buy you hotdogs. Would you like that?”

“Yes!” Calvin answered immediately, earning a laugh from them.

“Stay here, Sam. I’ll look for it.”

Klynne shook her head. “Nah, you rest too. I’ll go find it.” She opened her bag and got the bottle of water she bought earlier. She didn't join the two on every ride so she had more energy than them. “Here, drink first,” she said and stood up to find the hotdog cart she saw earlier.

Upon looking for the hotdog cart, she heard a cry of a child. She looked around and followed the sound until it led her to a huge pot with flowers, definitely there for the landscape of the place. Beside the huge flower pot was a little girl, crying on her knees.

She took a step forward and sat on her feet so she was face to face with the kid.

“Um…Excuse me, are you lost sweetheart?”

The kid froze, making her worried more.

“Sweety?” she called her once more, her voice was soft and calming.

The girl slowly looked up at her. For unknown reason, she felt a pang on her chest as she looked at the face of the child with tears.

“D-daddy,” the kid cried.

She couldn't help herself but pulled the child in her arms.

“You’re safe, sweety,” she hushed her while stroking the back of the kid. “We will look for your father, okay?”

She didn't hear a response, except her sniffs, while calling her dad. After a few moments, Klynne noticed that the breathing of the girl became shorter. She leaned backwards, looking at the face of the girl. Her eyes widened as she saw that the girl was chasing her breath, her eyes closed.

“Sweety, look at me. Calm down okay? Look at me. Let’s breathe together okay?” She felt herself panicking, but didn’t try to show it in front of the girl. “C’mon. Breathe, baby girl. Inhale…” The girl looked at her and followed what she said. “Exhale…”

They breathe in motion, not minding their surroundings. The little girl somehow managed to breathe even, but Klynne could still feel the tension on the small frame in front of her.

“Wait, sweetheart,” she said and got something in her bag. In her hands was a small music box that always helped her to calm down.

“Did you know what this is?” She asked the kid, but the girl only shook her head. “This is a music box. You rotate this one,” she said while rotating the pin. “Then it will produce a very calming tone.”

Once she stopped rotating the pin, the music box started to cough music tones making the eye of the girl widen. She looked at it with curiosity, wiping the tears on her eyes with the back of her palm.

“C-could I t-try?” She asked nervously. The reason for her tears was completely forgotten. “We have a p-piano at home but it sounds the s-same.”

“Of course, sweety. Here, try it.”

The kid hesitantly got the music box. “H-how should I turn this?”

“Like… this…” Klynne said while guiding the child’s small fingers. The tune played again and a small smile showed on the face of the kid.

Klynne felt something soft touching her heart at the angelic view. The girl’s eyes and nose were red because of crying. The kid’s black short curls reminded Klynne of her childhood. She has natural mermaid curls ever since. The girl looks cute with her small jumper with a white tee. For a second, she knew that this girl could be a model someday.

"I see heard dad playing the same sounds," the girl said making her frown. How is it possible? She's been looking for the title of the song, but she couldn't find it. She even ask pianist but they didn't know the tone too. Maybe the girl confused it with some music.

“What’s your name, sweety?” She asked while the kid was listening to the tune.

“My name is Kendall. I am four years old,” Kendall said as if she’s reciting in front of the class, making Klynne smile.

“Kendall, such a wonderful name!” The girl smiled for the first time, making Klynne’s heart melt. She doesn't know if she’s just fond of kids, or there is really a connection between her and the angel in front of her. But maybe it's the former. Because she felt the same connection with Calvin too. It’s not surprising her anymore. She remembered celebrating her last birthday in an orphanage with kids. It's been long since she visited. Maybe she should visit sooner.

“T-thank you!” the girl responded shyly.

“You are welcome. Glad to meet you, Kendall. My name is Samantha Klynne.” Klynne looked around hoping for someone to recognize Kendall but it seems like no one knew her from the crowd around them.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Klynne,” Kendall said politely and bowed her head a little, making Klynne smile. She was actually surprised because she’s used to being addressed as Sam or Samantha. But the girl is really polite. She like her already. Well, she like every kids. It's not a surprise anymore.

“C’mon, sweety. Let’s find your father,” she said and offered her hand. She didn’t feel the grip of Kendall so she looked down, only to find her looking at her while pouting.

“I am really tired walking earlier, Miss Klynne. Would it be fine if you'll carry me? But it’s fine if you don’t w--”

Klynne didn’t let her finish her sentence and carry Kendall instantly.

“It’s fine, Kendall.” She looked at the sky and saw that it’s getting dark. Night will soon come. She needs to help the angel in her arms or it will be harder for them to look around.

“Where was the last place you saw your dad, Kendall? Also what’s his name?” She walked forward, even though she’s not sure where to go. Then she heard the tune again from her music box.

“We were together before he entered the bathroom.” Kendall hugged her neck which surprised her for unknown reason. Kendall rested her head on Klynne’s shoulder as if she found a shelter.

“My father’s name is Mirco Cortel, Miss Klynne,” she said. Klynne peek at Kendall only to find her eyes closed.

“And he is single,” Kendall whispered.

Klynne’s lips parted.

Does it mean her father is a single dad? Where is her mom? Klynne wanted to ask but chose not too. It might be too personal. But then, she frowned when she replayed the name of Kendall’s father.

It rang a bell!