Even If It Hurts (Completed)

Chapter 34

Truly, a man who wants to make a relationship work will move mountains to keep the woman he loves.

I have seen how Bryon exerts effort to make everything work between us. I like him, but not as much as he likes me, and he knew that. But I keep on assuring him that I will get there soon.

We all have that one heartbreak that really changes the way we love. I know I will love Bryon differently—not the way I loved my past before. But one thing is for sure, I will get to love Bryon, too in my own new way.

Hindi siya mahirap mahalin. Hindi ko lang nagawang pagtuunan iyon ng pansin noon sa loob ng tatlong taon sa Netherlands dahil ang anak ko ang priority ko. Hanggang ngayon ay ganoon pa rin naman. Si Mikael pa rin ang iniisip ko above anything else. But I know it is not bad to give myself at least a little time to return the love I am receiving from the man who stayed by my side when I was struggling.

"I am serious, Iya. Call me. Kahit kailangan o hindi, tawagan mo 'ko," seryosong sabi ni Bryon pagkatapos niya kaming sunduin sa NAIA at ihatid sa titirhan naming bahay ng anak ko.

Nakasettle na ang mga gamit na ang mga maleta namin sa bahay. Ang mga iyon na lang ang aayusin ko at ang ilang boxes na pinadala ko galing Netherlands.

Fully furnished ko ng nabili itong bahay kaya hindi ko na problema ang furniture at appliances. Pitong taon lamang itong tinirhan ng dating may-ari pero kinailangan nilang mag-migrate sa America kasama ang buong pamilya niya kaya urgent ang pagbenta ng bahay. Mabuti na lang I came across their post on the social media at nagawa kong i-settle agad ang bayad. Sila na rin ang umasikaso ng mga papeles that's why I am beyond thankful.

My son also likes it here. Bungalow itong bahay. Nasa 150 square meters ang lawak nito. Hindi pa kasali roon ang garahe, bodega sa likod at maliit na lawn sa harap. I could say that this house is a great find.

"Promise, tatawag ako." I hugged Bryon to give him an assurance. I know he's worried about us, but he must remember that I am originally from here kaya magiging okay kami rito. At kailangan din niyang i-spend muna ang oras niya kasama ang family niya. They did not see him for several years.

Bryon kissed me on my forehead then he tightened his embrace more. "Okay. You will be okay here, right?"

I chuckled. He doesn't really need to worry pero natutuwa ako tuwing ganito siya. He's always the most worried and paranoid one."

"We will be okay here."

He sighed in submission. "Alright. I love you, babe. I will see you again tomorrow."

"Family mo muna, babe."

"But you are my family."

"I know, but your family missed you so much. Bond with them muna then kami naman after."

I moved back to see his face. Nakabusangot ang mukha niya kaya naman kinurot ko ang pisngi niya.

"Mag-iingat ka sa pagmamaneho."

"I will. Please, kiss and hug Mikael for me."

I know that Bryon loves my son. Ginagampanan niya ang role ng isang tatay sa anak ko. Hindi ko iyon hiningi kailanman sa kanya pero buong puso pa rin niyang binigay. Nagpapasalamat ako dahil sa kabutihan niya sa amin ng anak ko. I am lucky to have him, and I know, I did the right decision to open my heart to him.

Tumango ako. "Well noted."

Buong akala ko ay aabutin pa ng ilang buwan bago tuluyang maka-adjust si Mikael dito sa Pilipinas pero mas daig pa niya akong lumaki rito dahil at home na at home na agad siya. Mikael isn't that friendly, but he knows how to adjust himself to fit in.