Maybe This Time

19

There's a special kind of magic in the little moments shared between a family—the quiet, everyday occurrences that, when strung together, create a beautiful tapestry of love. For MJ, Aiah, and their 2-year-9-month-old son, Maxwell, it wasn't always about grand gestures or major milestones. It was the sweet, simple moments that mattered most.

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**Scenario 1: Pajama Mornings**

It was a Saturday morning, and the sun was just peeking through the bedroom curtains. Aiah groggily blinked herself awake, realizing it was one of those rare moments when she wasn't awakened by Maxwell's usual morning energy. But as soon as she thought about it, she felt a little nudge under the blanket.

"*Mama...*" Maxwell's small voice whispered as he shuffled closer, burrowing himself into the warmth of her side.

Aiah smiled sleepily, wrapping an arm around her son and pulling him closer. "*Good morning, baby...*"

"*Daddy...*" Maxwell mumbled, his tiny hand reaching out toward MJ, who was still asleep beside them.

MJ, who had apparently woken up just enough to register the soft pat on his back, groaned and turned over. "*Morning na?*" he mumbled, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"*Daddy, wake up!*" Maxwell insisted, his voice getting louder as he patted MJ's back more insistently. "*Wake up, Daddy!*"

MJ chuckled, slowly sitting up and pulling Maxwell onto his lap. "*Okay, okay, gigil na si baby boy ko.*" He gave Aiah a sleepy grin before turning his attention to their son. "*Morning na nga. What do you want to do today, Maxie?*"

"*Pancakes!*" Maxwell declared with excitement, clapping his hands.

MJ laughed softly, giving Aiah a look of pure love before ruffling Maxwell's messy bedhead. "*Okay, pancakes it is. Tara, we'll make it special today.*"

Aiah stretched, watching the two most important people in her life. They made their way to the kitchen, Maxwell riding on MJ's back as they giggled their way downstairs.

By the time she joined them, the kitchen was already a mess, with MJ attempting to teach Maxwell how to mix the pancake batter. Flour dusted the countertops, and Aiah couldn't help but giggle at the sight.

"*Anong nangyari dito?*" she teased, hands on her hips as she leaned against the doorway.

"*Momma! Pancakes!*" Maxwell exclaimed, pointing proudly to the bowl of batter in front of him, even though most of it seemed to be on the floor and on his pajamas.

"*Yeah, yeah, kami ng anak mo, we're bonding,*" MJ said with a sheepish grin as he wiped flour off his shirt. "*Medyo messy lang.*"

Aiah just laughed, shaking her head. "*Sige, tapusin niyo na. Let's see kung edible 'yan.*"

The three of them spent the next half-hour in the kitchen, laughing as they cooked together. Maxwell was all smiles, thrilled to be part of "pancake day," while MJ tried to keep the chaos under control. And when the pancakes were finally served—oddly shaped but made with love—it became one of those mornings Aiah knew she'd always treasure.

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**Scenario 2: Park Adventures**

A few days later, MJ suggested they take Maxwell to the nearby park for an afternoon out. It was one of those weekends where the weather was perfect—clear skies, a gentle breeze, and the sun casting a warm glow over everything. Maxwell, with his tiny sneakers and his signature backpack shaped like a bear, was practically bouncing in excitement.

"*Daddy, park! Park! Let's go!*" Maxwell shouted, tugging on MJ's hand as they stepped out of the car.

"*Relax, buddy,*" MJ said, laughing as he lifted Maxwell up and settled him on his shoulders. "*Dadalhin ka namin, chill lang.*"