Perhaps Yesterday

Perhaps Yesterday (10)

Verrouiller l'amour (lock on love)

"Mahal, nasaan na yung padlock?" Clea asked Albert when they reached the famous Pont Des Arts or the Love Lock Bridge.

She specifically ordered a custom-made lock from the U.S.

"Where did you put it ba mahal?"  Albert asked as he rummages the content of his bag.

"It's in the pocket. In a purple box." She responded and eagerly waited for him to open it.

"Oh here! I found it." Albert said and extend his hand to pass it to her but she didn't accepted it.

"Open it mahal." Utos pa niya and Albert stands up from kneeling on the ground and opened the box.

"Ma-mahal?" He asked as if he cannot believe what he saw.

"Yes Daddy. Congratulations!" She happily told him and Albert pulled her by the waist and gently twirled her around.

"Enough na mahal, I'm getting dizzy!" Reklamo niya at kaagad siyang ibinaba nito. He was still in dazed, smiling at her like a fool.

"Well, aren't we locking it in?" She asked dahil tila ayaw nitong kumilos.

He stared at the rose gold medium sized padlock and run his fingers to the engraved words it says:

Albert,

Every lock tells a story, and this is ours....
We're going to have a baby!

Locked in love with you forever,
Athena

She saw Albert tears up and he didn't even hide it from her.

He extended his hand to hers and she took it. He guided her to the railings and together they locked-in their padlock on the railing together with all the lovers locks in that bridge.

There were no words, together they throw away the key in the river.

They faced each other, and with the beautiful backdrop of Seine River and the mighty Eiffel tower, they sealed their love with a kiss.

"Athena? Why didn't you wake me up?"

Athena's walk down the memory lane was interrupted by the newly awake William. He's already dressed and is now walking towards her.

The sun is already up. She didn't know how long she's been reminiscing the past after she ended her conversation with her brother.

"Good morning!" She sweetly greeted him when he reached her.

He kissed her softly on the lips. "Good morning love! Where are we going today?" He asked excitedly and she cannot help the smile that graced her lips.

He's happy, and she's happy that he is happy.

"Pont Des Arts." She answered briefly and saw him creased his forehead. "Why?"

"That's not even the original Love Lock Bridge, Athena. It's merely an imitation. The original one is in Serbia. That tradition for lovers started way back in World War I. It signifies everlasting love for the lovers who parted during the war. After the war, the woman will wait at the other side of the bridge for her lover. Sadly, not everyone returned." He stated and Athena felt like a heavy thing was put over her heart.

Would that mean that they will not have an everlasting love as well?

"Are you upset?" He asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad."

"No. It's okay. It's not your fault." She smiled and turned her back on him. She held on to the railing and took a deep breath when his arms wraps around her waist and he placed his chin over her shoulder.