Maybe This Time

13

The scent of sea salt and the gentle lapping of waves filled the air as Michael and Myrla Lim's beach house came into view. It stood grandly against the backdrop of a golden sunset, its walls painted in warm hues of beige and cream, blending seamlessly with the sands and the sky. It was a picturesque setting—perfect for the intimate weekend gathering they had planned with their closest friends to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Aiah shifted in the passenger seat, her fingers nervously gripping the strap of her bag as she gazed out the window. Maxwell, who had been chatting nonstop about the beach, was now fast asleep in his car seat, his head leaning against Toto Gian's shoulder from the back seat.

"Momma, beach!" he had been squealing earlier, pointing at the waves from afar before the excitement finally wore him out.

MJ, in the driver's seat, glanced over at Aiah. He noticed how quiet she had been since they left the city, her usual energetic aura dampened by what seemed like anxiety. He couldn't blame her; it wasn't just any weekend. This was the first time she would be seeing his parents again after everything that had happened between them—after all the secrets she had kept.

MJ sighed softly, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel as the beach house drew closer. His own emotions were a mix of excitement, dread, and something more complicated that he couldn't quite name. His parents were very fond of Aiah, and it wouldn't take long before they started noticing things—like the way Maxwell seemed to resemble him more than Aiah's late husband, Jeremy.

They parked the car by the large gate, the sound of gravel crunching under the tires as MJ turned off the engine. Aiah stirred, her lips parting to say something but stopping herself when she saw Michael and Myrla waiting by the door, waving at them with big smiles.

"Naku, ayan na sila! Finally, nagdatingan na rin kayo!" Myrla exclaimed as she hurried down the steps, her beach dress swaying lightly in the breeze. Michael followed behind, his eyes crinkling with joy at the sight of MJ and Aiah stepping out of the car.

"Momma!" Maxwell cried, now awake and fully alert as he stretched his arms out. "Toto MJ, baba ako!"

MJ chuckled, quickly unbuckling Maxwell from his seat. The little boy practically leaped into his arms, clinging to his neck and pressing his cheek against MJ's shoulder. "Toto MJ, swim na tayo agad!"

"Sige, sige, but greet muna si Lolo Michael at si Lola Myrla, ha?"

"Lolo! Lola!" Maxwell shouted excitedly, waving at Michael and Myrla as MJ carried him towards the house.

Michael's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ang likot ng batang 'to, parang ikaw nung bata ka, MJ!"

"O, 'di ba? Parang mini MJ!" Myrla added, her gaze softening as she watched Maxwell cling to MJ like glue. "Hay nako, para bang apo na namin si Maxwell! Sana nga, apo na lang namin talaga siya." Her tone was light and teasing, but there was a hint of hopefulness behind her words.

Aiah's heart skipped a beat at Myrla's comment. She forced a smile, trying to shake off the sudden wave of guilt that washed over her.

---

Inside the beach house, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The living room, with its large windows overlooking the ocean, was filled with laughter as Michael and Myrla's friends chatted and shared stories. A long table had been set with a spread of food—grilled seafood, fresh fruit, and traditional Filipino dishes that filled the room with mouth-watering aromas.

Aiah tried to blend into the background, her nerves settling slightly as she busied herself with Maxwell's beach gear. Meanwhile, MJ's parents kept an eye on their son, clearly enjoying the sight of him interacting with Maxwell.