To Yearn | 𝘈𝘳𝘶𝘈𝘯𝘪

Chapter Two

ANNIE

"Mommy, where are we going?" Gio asked while I was buttoning up his shirt. I smiled when I realized how much he resembled his father while wearing that outfit. A button-up shirt and his trousers that only reach his ankles, paired up with his cute little loafers. I even matched him so we would look cute while we are on our mother-son date.

"I will take you out because Mommy's going to be busy with job hunting next week, I'll have to leave you in daycare." I explained. When he heard the word "leave", he immediately held onto my shirt tight and hugged me afterwards.

"Mommy, no."

"Baby, I'll always come to pick you up." I assured him. He pouted and started sniffling softly, making my heart shatter. I really don't want to leave him in a daycare, but I haven't found a nanny yet. I also want Gio to find friends outside the corners of our house and learn how to socialize.

"But I still don't want, Mommy." Gio started crying more when I carried and hugged him tight. I admit, motherhood has made me
softer than I already was. Armin softened my heart... and Gio softened it even more with all his little kisses and hugs. Gio is the instrument sent by the heavens to open up my heart wider to possibilities, goodness, and love.

"He's here." The doctor said when the echoes of the most beautiful cry rang around the delivery room. I cried in disbelief and I couldn't help but smile when they put my son on my chest. He was the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. "Congratulations, Annie. You did it."

"Gio... Chandler Gio." I talked slowly as I was still recovering from the high of childbirth and seeing my baby for the first time. I felt my whole world transforming and my entire universe transcending. However, as I looked into his eyes... I couldn't help but feel a hint of pain.

Armin... what if he was here? I wish he was here. I wish I got to hold his hand. I was alone, I had no one to kiss me on the forehead and willingly hold my hand while I go through the painful process of giving birth. Even during labor, I had no one to hug me and comfort
me while I prayed desperately to the heavens to ease the pain even just for a little.

"Armin..."

"This is the daycare, Gio." I told my son whose eyes were wandering around the room. I signed Gio up today so he can start going by next week. "You will have a lot of fun here with Miss Sheila, Gio. She'll give you many prizes and teach you many things." I said, referring to his teacher.

"But I don't want here. I don't want." He stomped his feet and his forehead was scrunched. Gio was about to throw a tantrum because of the overflowing frustration he's feeling. I don't want to limit his emotions, but we can't make a scene here.

"I know you're upset, my love... do you want to talk about it?" My hands reached for his cheeks and wiped the tears that are falling from his eyes. The next thing I did was tap his shoulders softly multiple times as an attempt to calm his nerves.

"Y-Yes, Mommy."

"Okay, let's about it over lunch, shall we?"

I took him to my favorite restaurant — the restaurant where Armin and I used to go to all the time. We would always buy dinner here whenever we're too lazy to cook. Armin would always bring me here whenever he takes me out on a date or whenever I am craving my favorite food.