Parallels

lahat ng bukas

Lahat Ng Bukas - Cup of Joe

Part 1 of 2.

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Alyssa has thought about this situation, for a million times, if one should exaggerate. Of seeing Dennise again, after years since they broke up.

She had imagined a lot of scenarios, on where they would meet, on which occasion, or how she would react once they met again.

Alyssa thought about this, for a million times, for all she knew, she will never meet her again.

But here they are, in the most unexpected situation, in the most unexpected place, meeting the only woman she has ever loved, again.

"Mommy!!"

Dennise blinked, staring away from Alyssa when a little boy went to her. Alyssa watched Dennise level down to meet the height of the little kid.

"Hey love," Dennise softly said, "how's my boy?"

"It was fine, Mom, met a new friend po," the kid answered.

"Really? Is he here?" Dennise asked.

"Yes Mommy. His name's Zion, and he's right there."

Alyssa froze when she heard the name..

"Tita Ly, I'm hungwy," her nephew said.

"Zion, hewo!" the little kid shouted.

"Caweb!" Zion, Alyssa's nephew shouted back, "Tita tita, let's go there!" Zion said and pulled Alyssa where Dennise and Caleb are.

Alyssa cleared her throat nang makalapit sila.

"Hi, little boy, what's your name?" Alyssa asked the little kid beside Den. Mukhang nahiya ito at nagtago sa likod ni Den.

Dennise looked at Caleb and smiled, "it's fine, Caleb, she's a friend," Den said.

Right there, something tore Alyssa inside.

Caleb showed himself, "Ca-caleb po," Caleb answered.

"Hi Caleb, I'm tita Alyssa, Zion's aunt, nice to meet you," Alyssa said while smiling.

Caleb only smiled.

"Uhm, hi Den," Alyssa awkwardly said, "si Zion, pamangkin ko, anak ni Kuya Paulo."

Dennise smiled at Zion and brushed his hair, "hi Zion."

"Hewo po," Zion cheerfully said, "Caweb! Let's play!"

Caleb looked at Den, asking for permission, nag-nod naman si Den.

"But saglit lang kids ha, uuwi na rin tayo."

"Okay po," the two kids answered and ran away.

Naiwan si Alyssa at Dennise, in front of a kindergarten, looking at the two kids nearby, playing with each other.

Dennise chuckled, napatingin sa kanya si Alyssa, "of all places..." she mumbled, "Hi, Ly, kamusta?" Dennise asked.

Alyssa smiled back, "I'm good, I guess. Ikaw? You look good, Den."

"You look good yourself, Ly, and yeah, I'm good as well. It was a surprise to meet you here."

Alyssa nodded, "hindi kasi masusundo nila Kuya si Zion, saktong I'm free kaya ako na yung sumundo."

"Kailan ka pa nakabalik?" Den asked.

Alyssa gulped, "over a month ago.."

Dennise nodded, "it's good to see you."