Love Deferred (Andrei Roxas ans Fides Mondragon Story)

chapter 49: the four

The aroma of roasted chicken and garlic rice filled the dining room as the four --- Marco, Xandra, Raphael, and Alyza sat around the table, sharing a hearty meal together. The atmosphere was lighter than it had been in months, a sense of relief and happiness evident on all their faces. The news that Andrei and Fides were slowly finding their way back to each other had brought a renewed sense of hope to everyone.

As they settled into their seats, Marco raised his glass, a broad smile on his face. "Here's to our kids, finding their way back to each other. I don't know about you all, but I feel like we should be celebrating."

Xandra chuckled, clinking her glass against his. "I couldn't agree more. It's been such a tough time for them-and for us too. I'm just glad they're finally talking again."

Alyza nodded, her eyes twinkling with joy. "It's like a weight has been lifted. When Fides came home and told us, I could see the happiness in her eyes. It's been so long since she's looked that happy."

Raphael, cutting into his chicken, added with a grin, "Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves, but if things keep going this way, I think we might be looking at a future where we're not just best friends but also 'compadres and comadres!'"

Marco burst out laughing, almost spilling his drink. "Now there's a thought! Imagine that-officially family. Who would have thought?"

Xandra joined in, her laughter warm and genuine. "I can already see us all arguing over who gets to hold the first grandchild!"

Alyza feigned shock, her hand over her chest. "Oh, Xandra, don't you dare try to claim that right. As the mother of the bride-to-be, I have first dibs!"

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh no, here we go. The competition has already started, and they're not even engaged yet!"

Marco leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk on his face. "And just think of all the family holidays we'll have together. All of us family-happy forever."

Xandra groaned in mock horror. "Family? We might need a gymnasium just to survive all of us under one roof!"

The four of them erupted into laughter, the sound echoing warmly through the dining room. It was a sound they had missed for far too long-a sound that spoke of friendship, love, and a future that was now brightening with possibilities.

Alyza wiped a tear from her eye as she calmed down from laughing. "Seriously, though, I'm just so thankful they're finding their way back to each other. It gives me hope that love really does conquer all."

Raphael nodded in agreement, his voice softening. "It does. And whatever happens, we'll all be here for them. Together, like always."

Marco raised his glass again, a solemn yet joyful expression on his face. "To Andrei and Fides, and to us-friends, family, and future 'compadres and comadres. May we always be together, through thick and thin."

They all clinked their glasses, sharing a warm smile. The future was uncertain, but with each other's support, they felt ready to face whatever came next. They knew that whatever happened, their bond would remain strong, and they would always have each other to lean on.

Meanwhile, Andrei and Fides were sitting together on a bench in the same park where they had their emotional conversation just days earlier. The evening breeze was gentle, rustling the leaves above them, and the sunset cast a warm, golden glow across the park. Their hands were intertwined, a symbol of the tentative but hopeful step they were taking towards a renewed relationship.

Andrei glanced over at Fides, his eyes soft with affection. "You know, I've been thinking... It's been so long since we've had a proper family gathering. Now that we're finding our way back to each other, I think it's time to go home and celebrate with everyone. What do you think?"

Fides smiled, a look of relief and excitement washing over her face. "I've been thinking the same thing. Our parents have been so worried about us, and they've been there for both of us through all of this. I think they deserve to see us happy together again."

Andrei nodded, squeezing her hand gently. " I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when we walk in together, hand in hand. I bet they'll be over the moon."

Fides laughed softly. "They might even be planning a surprise for us already. You know how our mums are-they never miss a chance to celebrate something."

Andrei chuckled, imagining the scene. "Yeah, I can just see it now. Your mum and mine, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, our dads pretending to help but mostly just getting in the way."

Fides leaned her head against Andrei's shoulder, feeling a warmth spread through her that she hadn't felt in months. "It sounds perfect. I miss those moments, you know? The laughter, the teasing, the feeling that no matter what, we're all in this together."

Andrei's expression grew thoughtful. "Yeah, me too. I think that's what kept me going, even when things felt impossible. Knowing that we have such a strong support system, that our families would always be there for us."

Fides lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes full of determination. "Then let's not wait. Let's go home tomorrow and surprise them. Let's show them that we're ready to start fresh, to move forward together."

Andrei smiled, his heart swelling with love for her. "I like that plan. Tomorrow, then. We'll go home and celebrate this new beginning with the people who matter most to us."

Fides nodded, leaning in to kiss him softly. "Tomorrow it is. I'm ready, Andrei. Ready for everything."

The next morning, Andrei and Fides packed their bags, filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. They drove back to their hometown, anticipation building with every mile. As they pulled up to Andrei's parents' house, they could see cars parked outside, and the sound of laughter and conversation drifted through the open windows.

They exchanged a look, their smiles widening. "Looks like they're already in full celebration mode," Andrei said, chuckling.

Fides nodded, squeezing his hand. "Are you ready for this?"

Andrei nodded, his smile reassuring. "With you by my side? Always."

Hand in hand, they walked up to the front door and knocked. 

Moments later, Xandra opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise and then filling with tears of joy.

 "Andrei! Fides! Oh, my goodness, you're here!" She pulled them into a tight hug, and soon Marco, Raphael, and Alyza joined them, their faces lighting up with happiness. The house filled with cheers, laughter, and a few tears as the families embraced the couple, overjoyed to see them together again.

Fides beamed, looking around at all the familiar faces. "We wanted to surprise you all and let you know that we're back on the right path, and we're ready to celebrate with our families—together."

Marco tapped Andrei on the back, his grin wide. "We're so proud of you both. This is exactly what we've been."

 Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, and the house filled with cheers. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, and for the first time in a long while, Andrei and Fides felt at peace. They were surrounded by love, support, and the unwavering bond of their families—a bond that had helped them find their way back to each other. And in that moment, they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be--- home.

Alyza hugged Fides tightly, whispering, "You've made us so happy, sweetheart. Welcome home."

Raphael raised a glass, his voice booming with joy. "To Andrei and Fides! May this be the start of many more happy moments to come!"