Echoing of Power and Passion

21 (Two Embryo)

Many months ago, their relationship was still the same; their love never changed. Risa continued as Mayor while Alicia was now graduating from college. It was their final work for college, and they were done. After submitting it and getting approval from their teachers, Alicia had finally accomplished it.

"Congratulations, Love. Sa wakas, graduate ka na—" Risa surprised Alicia in her car, bringing a bouquet of flowers and a gift. Alicia stopped her from greeting her and suddenly hugged Risa, "Tears of joy." Risa smiled. "You deserve it, Ali. Sa bawat sleepless night and skip ng meal, sa wakas, nakuha mo rin ang diploma mo as a graduate."

"Thank you, Love. Ikaw ang naging inspiration ko araw-araw," she pulled away from the hug and faced Risa. "Malaki ang natulong mo sa akin, Theresia. Salamat—"

"Ano ba? Hindi ako ang nagpaaral at nagbibigay ng allowance mo, si Papa mo 'yun," biro pa niya pero totoo naman. Alicia didn’t want to be a ‘sugar baby,’ ayaw na ayaw niya 'yun, and she never accepted a single centavo from Risa because she didn’t want to.

"Makita lang kita, sapat na 'yun sa akin. A few months from now, may board exam na ako, pero bago 'yun may sasabihin muna ako sa'yo," she giggled. "Umuwi na tayo at sasabihin ko sa'yo." Risa quickly drove them home, and as soon as they arrived, they rushed to their room.

"Love, anong sasabihin mo?" Risa asked, sitting at the edge of the bed while Alicia was putting her things on the table. "Love?"

"Let's try it, Love. Isa pa, 50% lang din naman ang chance eh, baka makabuo tayo," she said seriously, handing a white envelope to Risa. She read it, and it was the results of a check-up. "Nagpa-check ako kahapon, and the results show na healthy naman ang katawan ko, so I'm ready to carry our baby."

Risa was shocked. She trembled as she read the results, and after finishing, tears started to fall as she looked at Alicia, who was now also in tears.

"Our baby?" She sobbed. Alicia wiped her tears and kissed Risa's forehead.

"Yes... kung gusto mo pa rin magkaanak tayo?"

"Of course, Love... gusto ko... oh my God," she sighed deeply and cried harder because of joy. Risa was in a panic attack, unable to stop crying on Alicia's shoulder.

"Baby, stop crying na..." Alicia let Risa release her joy, understanding that Risa's biggest dream since they started their relationship was to see Alicia carrying their baby. That's why she was overwhelmed, for almost two years, finally they were getting a little Risa and Alice in their home.

"Shhhh... We will make it happen. Let's try once, and if it fails, we'll try again." After Risa’s panic attack, Alicia broke away from the hug. "Tahan na, baka atakihin ka pa ng asthma mo, mahirap na."

"Sorry, Love. I'm just so happy," Risa whispered while holding Alicia’s hand.

"I'm happy too, dahil masaya ka na magkaka-baby na tayo soon. But for now, I need to fix things here dahil may pupuntahan tayo bukas. Ako ang magse-surprise sa'yo."

"Huggies?" Risa asked, wanting a hug, but Alicia refused.

"Bukas na, cutie," she pinched Risa’s face and kissed her nose and lips. "Magluluto ako ng adobo, Love." After changing clothes, she went to the kitchen and started cooking. Risa just watched Alice while she cooked.

Alice is a perfect wife for Risa, and now that they're getting a baby with co-IVF, Risa is even more excited, imagining this woman breastfeeding their future child.

---

They postponed the plan for today because Risa's doctor called her for a test. They arrived at the hospital wearing black face masks, with Risa dressed in normal clothes and Alicia in a black jacket to avoid being recognized.