Running Away From Downfall

Epilogue

"Gio, do you really want to go with them?" My brother asked his son while I watched them pack some of Gio's clothes. On Gio's bed was Yurissa holding my new nephew, watching Gio and Sky.

"Yes, dad," Gio replied with all seriousness.

"Your mom just had your brother."

"You will have to focus on Kiran more, dad. And besides, Lux needs me. I promise to comeback before Kiran's first birthday."

"Hon, sige na. If that is what Gio wants, then okay." Yurissa turned to Gio. "You'll come back, okay?"

"Yes, mom. I promise."

Quietly, I walked away with a smile on my face. I went to my daughter's room where she and my husband is in. I silently stood by the door. Zav was helping her comb her hair in front of her vanity which made me smile more wider.

All of us were already dressed, getting ready to leave and return to the Philippines. I was wearing a simple long-sleeved pink dress that ends on my knees. Zav had a blue suit on, and Eli had a similar dress as mine, but her sleeves ends on her elbows.

When Zav succesfully tied Eli's hair in a ponytail, I saw them smile at each other through the mirror. "Thank you, daddy," Eli whispered. Zavie replied with a kiss on top of her head before standing up properly and helping her stand up. Their eyes landed on me.

"Mommy/Babe."

I walked towards Eli and bent in front of her to level with her eyes.

"Are you okay?" I asked and she nodded. "I love you." I placed a kiss on her head before standing up. "Let's go eat breakfast, then." I held Eli's other hand as we walk to the dining hall.

"Kiran!" Eli immediately ran to Yurissa who was carrying their almost four-month-old son, Skyxel.

Skyxel has been Eli's sunshine. She was quiet for the first 7 months we were here, and when Skyxel was born last December, little by little we saw our Eli recover. She is not yet fully recovered, she still doesn't talk much, but since Skyxel came, she smiles truly more often.

"Eli, let's eat," I called her when she remained standing, playing with Skyxel.

"Oh, sorry." She sat in between me and Zav and we feasted on the delicious food the chef prepared.

While eating, Yurissa even showed me her puppy eyes, asking us to stay a week more to celebrate our wedding anniversaries and Skyxel's 4th month. But I had to declined and explain that Claire needed rest.

"I'm sorry, but we can't stay much longer. Before what happened to Eli, you know what happened to Claire. She hasn't recovered fully, yet she took Zavie's responsibilities so he can stay with us. Now that everything is okay with us, she has to heal as well."

The table went silent. They were informed with what happened to Claire when they talked to us just when we came back here, and they were furious and sympathetic with her. I changed the topic to bring back the light mood.

"Eli, Gio, go say goodbye to grandma, grandpa, uncle Sky, aunt Yurissa, and Skyxel," I said while Yurissa placed Skyxel in my arms so she can talk to Gio properly. I played with him as he looked up to me. His gray orbs were glimmering, he inherited mine and Sky's eyes.

After saying goodbye to everyone, they came closer to me and kissed Skyxel on both of cheeks. They love Skyxel so much, we all do. They kept on playing with Skyxel before they were called by mom.

"Lea, Aris."

I stood up properly and kissed Skyxel's cheek before giving him to my brother who was watching our children talking to our parents.

"I'll take care of your precious boy. Thank you for letting him come with us, for Eli," I sincerely said while looking up to his gray eyes that replicated our dad's. He smiled in return, but that smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I want him to experience what a normal life is. Eli needs him, I know. But one thing keeps on bothering me."

"What is it?" I asked worriedly but he shook his head and smiled.

"I guess it's for tomorrow to worry." He faced me and kissed me on my cheeks. "Please, keep safe always. Call us when you need something. Don't ever do that again." With that, he flashed a bright smile and walked away from me.

-------------------

"Mommy, the sunset is so pretty." I turned to my daughter when she reached and tapped my hand. She was seated on the seat infront of mine. Beside her seat is Zavie's seat, while in front of Zavie's is Gio's. Our plane left at dawn.

I smiled and looked outside, and true to my daughter's word, the sky was gold. The golden ray of the sun was hitting our skin. My eyes drop to her face, to her highlighted gray eyes that had the faint gold shine. I tilted my head to my right as I watch her smile. The gold rays was already fading, almost not seen. I looked out the window, and we both watched the lights of Chaiovia, one by one, light up. 

I was seven when I was informed that I will, one day, lead this country. My Chaiovia, my home. Since then, I trained for it and worked for it. Slowly, I was taking responsibility of some works. I became Crown Princess Denise Grande of Chaiovia. I dedicated my whole life into fitting as their future queen. But then, someone caught me into a little surprise. Luxandra Elexse Amor.

A little over 10 years ago, I left the Philippines and came to Chaiovia because I wanted to run from her biological father. But, I also had to flee my own country to protect myself from my downfall. I went back to the Philippines, and there I found my other half. He helped me raise the daughter that I thought would cause my downfall.

Realizing now, Eli is not going to cause my downfall. Because she is my downfall.

~Cassandra Katherine Denise Arellano-Grande