Echoing of Power and Passion

28 (Closure)

A week after they were discharged from the hospital, Gavin, Calvin, and Alicia were perfectly fine, but Alicia still needed rest. Her situation was unique because her body wasn't as ready for childbirth as most women, and technically, she had no experience with men, so in many ways, she was still a virgin. Risa's fingers didn't exactly help with that either.

“Ahhh…” Alicia groaned after breastfeeding the twins. She wanted to stand up because her back was starting to hurt.

"Wait, let me help you," Marco said as he helped her up. "Sandali lang, papalitan ko lang ng diaper si Calvin." Alicia nodded and gazed out the balcony.

“Hon, kanina ka pa dyan. Pahinga ka muna,” Alicia said.

"I'm okay, binihisan ko na si Gavin. Si Calvin na lang. Promise, last na ‘to." Marco was hands-on with the twins, something Alicia admired as she watched him care for their children.

“Maliligo muna ako, ah.”

“Wait, don’t move. Baka mapano ka. Hirap ka pa namang maglakad.” Alicia laughed at Marco's concern.

“OA mo naman, kaya ko na ‘to. Bantayan mo na lang ang mga bata,” she teased, appreciating how despite his busy schedule—he was overseeing the construction of a new building in their town—Marco still prioritized his family, particularly her and the twins.

Alicia spent over an hour in the bathroom. When she emerged, she wore just a pair of pajamas and a fitted white t-shirt. Marco stared at her as he tried to put Gavin to sleep, who was a bit fussy and only Alicia seemed able to calm him down.

“Look, Mommy, Gavin oh. She’s so pretty, right?” Alicia smirked and walked slowly towards them. She kissed Gavin, then Marco kissed her on the forehead.

“Fresh na fresh si Mommy, baby oh. Si Daddy na lang talaga ang mabaho,” he joked, kissing Marco on the cheek.

“Hindi naman mabaho si Daddy, eh. Pawis lang,” Alicia replied, smiling at her.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. “Pasok,” Alicia called.

"Ate, may naghahanap sa’yo sa labas," a voice said. Alicia nodded.

“Stay here, okay? Baka magising ang isa, siguradong iiyak ‘yan.” Marco nodded, and Alicia went downstairs. She saw the familiar figure of a woman.

“Theresia?” Alicia gasped as she turned and saw Risa, who smiled back at her. “Anong ginagawa mo dito?” Alicia’s heart pounded, afraid that Risa might discover the secret she was keeping—her children.

"I'm here to congratulate you. You passed the board examination, and here, I brought flowers for you," Risa said, handing the bouquet to Alicia. Alicia stiffened, staring at Risa’s face.

*Diyos ko, wag naman po,* she silently prayed. *May Marco na po ako. Please wag niyong gisingin ang natutulog kong pagmamahal kay Risa,* she begged in her mind.

“Thank you,” Alicia whispered, but then Risa suddenly hugged her. And just like that, the embrace rekindled something in her heart.

"Ahhh..." Alicia winced in pain, and Risa noticed.

“What happened?” Risa asked, concerned. Alicia shook her head.

“Wala... Ahm, lika, upo tayo,” she said, gesturing for Risa to sit. Alicia tried to walk normally but could barely bear the pain. She carefully sat on the couch as Maris came in with snacks.

"Thank you, Maris," both Alicia and Risa said.

“Okay po. Ate, dadalhan ko ba ng pagkain si Kuya Marco sa taas?” Alicia’s eyes widened but she just nodded.