Patience and Affection

#49 - ❝Across The Miles❞

5 YEARS LATER...

It had been five years since they walked the halls of the university, five years since their lives took the turns that would lead them to where they were now. Maxwell sat on the living room couch, watching as Tiffany, their four-year-old daughter, played with her toys on the floor. He smiled, a soft warmth spreading through him as he watched her giggle and talk to her stuffed animals.

As the clock struck 8 PM, Maxwell's thoughts drifted to Wayne, who was thousands of miles away in Dubai. The distance was hard, but they had learned to manage it over time. Tonight, Maxwell decided to give Wayne a call.

He reached for his phone, his fingers swiping across the screen as he found Wayne's contact and pressed the call button. The familiar ringing tone echoed in the room as he waited, his heart skipping a beat as it always did before hearing Wayne's voice.

"Hello, my palagi," Wayne's deep voice came through, slightly distorted by the distance but still comforting.

"Hello, my tinatangi," Maxwell replied, his voice soft, yet filled with the longing he felt every day without Wayne by his side. "Kumusta ka na? How's Dubai treating you?"

Wayne chuckled on the other end. "It's the same. Work is hectic, but I'm managing. I miss you and Tiffany though... sobra."

Maxwell smiled, glancing at their daughter who was now trying to stack her blocks into a tower. "We miss you too, Wayne. Tiffany's been asking when you're coming home."

"Soon, Maxwell. I promise," Wayne's voice softened. "I'm trying to finish this project as fast as I can. Hindi ko rin kaya na matagal tayong magkahiwalay."

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Maxwell sighed, leaning back against the couch. "We'll be okay, Wayne. We've been through worse, remember? Besides, Tiffany and I have a surprise waiting for you when you get back."

"A surprise? Now I'm curious," Wayne replied, a hint of playfulness in his tone. "What kind of surprise?"

"You'll see," Maxwell teased, a grin spreading across his face. "But you'll have to come home to find out."

"Ganyan ka ha, tinatangi," Wayne responded, his laughter easing some of the tension that had built up in Maxwell's chest. "I can't wait to see what it is. And I can't wait to see you both."

They talked for a while longer, discussing Tiffany's antics, Wayne's project, and the plans they had for the future. Despite the distance, their bond remained strong, unshaken by time or miles. They had built a life together, one that was filled with love, trust, and a deep understanding of each other.

As the call came to an end, Maxwell whispered, "We love you, Wayne. Ingat ka diyan, okay?"

"I love you both, too," Wayne replied, his voice tender. "I'll be home soon, Maxwell. Just hold on a little longer."

"I will," Maxwell promised, his heart aching with the desire to be with Wayne. "Goodnight, my tinatangi."

"Goodnight, my palagi."

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Maxwell ended the call, placing the phone down beside him. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he let the conversation replay in his mind. The distance was hard, but the love they shared was stronger.

Just then, Tiffany climbed onto the couch beside him, her tiny hands reaching out to grab his arm. "Daddy, is Papa coming home soon?"

Maxwell opened his eyes and smiled down at her, pulling her into his lap. "Yes, sweetheart. Papa will be home soon."

"Will he play with me?" she asked, her big, innocent eyes looking up at him.

"Of course, he will," Maxwell assured her, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Papa loves playing with you."

Tiffany giggled, wrapping her arms around Maxwell's neck in a tight hug. "I love Papa and Daddy."

Maxwell's heart melted at her words, and he held her close, feeling incredibly blessed to have her in their lives. "We love you too, Tiffany. More than anything."

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As the night grew darker, Maxwell put Tiffany to bed, tucking her in and reading her a bedtime story. Once she was asleep, he returned to the living room, his mind wandering back to Wayne. The distance was a challenge, but it was one they were willing to face together.

Maxwell glanced at the framed photo on the mantelpiece—a picture of him, Wayne, and Tiffany, taken on the day they officially became a family. It was a reminder of the love that kept them going, no matter the circumstances.

He knew Wayne would be home soon, and when he was, they would make up for all the lost time. For now, Maxwell was content to wait, knowing that their love was strong enough to endure anything.

And when Wayne finally returned, he would be welcomed with open arms and the surprise that Maxwell and Tiffany had been planning—something to remind him that no matter how far he traveled, his heart would always be here, with them.

Until then, Maxwell would hold onto the memories they had created and the love they continued to share. Because in the end, it was love that made everything worth it.

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