Forever Is Just A Word

01

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, painting bright stripes on the table. Lea, her hair pulled back in a loose bun, started making her daughter's favorite breakfast.

"Manang, si Jessy ho?" she asked while flipping pancakes. The maid set down the fruits she'd just picked.

“Mukhang madaming hinog na prutas ngayon, Manang ha. Nakapagpitas na po pala kayo,” The maid nodded and smiled.

“Oo, Iha…at si Jessy, kasama si Francisco sa kabalyerisa. Ang paalam kanina ay mag-iikot ang dalawa,” she replied.“May lulutuin ka ba ngayon o ipapaluto?” she asked.

“Ay, no need, Manang. Huwag na po kayong mag-abala. Nag-aya kasi itong si Francisco mag golf-club at sa labas na din kami kakain,” Lea said, smiling. "I'm just making Jessy's breakfast."

Suddenly, laughter erupted from the doorway. It was Francisco, making their daughter giggle so hard she could barely stand.

"Too early for all that loud laughter, Jessica Stephanie," Lea said, carefully arranging caramelized bananas on the pancakes. "Why don't you go to your room and change your clothes?"

Instead of listening, Jessica bolted away, hiding behind Lea and giggling as her dad chased her.

"Ma! Papa kept tickling me! He's a tickle monster!" Jessy shrieked. Lea rolled her eyes, already familiar with this playful routine.

Francisco kissed her forehead. "Only the best tickle monster for my little princess," he chuckled.

"You two need to stop or you'll make a mess of the whole kitchen," Lea warned. Francisco and Jessica, still giggling, came over and showered her with kisses on her cheeks.

"Good morning, Mama," Jess said, pulling up a stool. She poured herself a glass of water and drank it.

"Goodmorning ka diyan!" Lea said and Jessica laughed.

"Ma!" Jessica squealed, still giggling. "That's not how you treat your beautiful daughter who just wished you a good morning!"

"Ang aga aga, ang kukulit!" Lea laughed, but Jessica hugged her tightly, giggling uncontrollably.

Francisco was drawn to the delicious smell of the caramelized bananas on the pancakes. He watched her for a moment, a smile spreading across his face as he admired how her hair fell around her shoulders. He crept up behind her, putting his arms around her waist.

Lea noticed her husband's familiar moves. She signaled at Jessica and told her to go change her clothes. She nodded and ran upstairs.

He kissed the back of her neck. "Mmm," he murmured, breathing in the sweet smell of the pancakes. "You smell like pancakes... and I'm hungry." he whispered. "I wanna eat you,"

"Umagang tapat, Francisco. Ang kalat na nga ng kusina, magkakalat ka pa!" Lea said and he laughed.
 
"Good morning, honey," he said, pulling her close.

"You didn't wake me up, and Manang said you went to the stable with Jessy. You had a great morning, didn't you? Nagtatampo ako!" Lea pouted, but a playful smile crept onto her lips.

Francisco chuckled and held her tighter, "Don't worry, I'll make it up to you."

"You're busy," she murmured with her soft voice. Francisco leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, sweet kiss.

"You taste like breakfast," he whispered in his husky voice with affection.

"And you taste like...coffee?" she asked. He nodded.

"I just had my coffee," he admitted.

"Hmm," she hummed, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

He chuckled, his arms still around her waist. "That's because I love you," he said.