Mirror Mirror

Chapter 23: Resurrection

"Goodnight po... Papa," Martin replied softly.

Martina entered the tent just as Alex was about to step out, pausing when she noticed Alex's teary eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?" Martina asked softly, concern etched on her face. 

Alex turned to her, her voice trembling. "Martin just called me Papa. I... I can't explain it, but it made me so happy. Like... I've been waiting to hear it my whole life." She paused, searching Martina's face, then asked hesitantly, "Are they... mine?" 

Martina froze, her gaze dropping to the twins sleeping peacefully. Her voice was calm but firm when she replied, "Ayaw kong gamitin ko sila para lang bumalik ka sa'kin." 

Alex's tears flowed freely now, her emotions overwhelming her. She dropped to her knees beside the twins, gently hugging them. The movement stirred the kids, waking them up. 

"Papa, why?" Martin and Martha asked in unison, their sleepy voices laced with confusion. 

Alex chuckled through her tears, her heart swelling at their synchronized concern. "Nothing, I just love you so much. The moment I saw you with your mom, I knew I loved you then." 

"I felt it too!" Martha said excitedly, her sleepiness momentarily forgotten. 

"Fine. Me too," Martin grumbled, rubbing his eyes. "But can we sleep now? I'm tired." 

Martina smiled despite the tears streaming down her face. The sight of Alex and the twins together tugged at something deep within her. 

"Sleep beside me, Papa?" Martha asked sweetly, tugging on Alex's hand. 

Alex glanced at Martina, silently asking for permission. 

"Fine," Martina said with a small laugh, wiping her cheeks. "But I'm sleeping on the other side of your Papa." 

Martha beamed, snuggling closer to Alex. But Martin, still half-asleep, opened one eye and mumbled, "You're so harot, Mom. I'm not ready for another makulit na sister, ah." 

Alex burst into laughter, while Martina playfully flicked Martin's forehead. "Matulog ka na, kulit," she said, her tone affectionate. 

The tent fell quiet, filled only with the soft breathing of the twins. Martina lay on the other side of Alex, her heart full as she watched their little family fall into place, even if just for tonight.

The next day...

Martina and Alex were still asleep. The morning was quiet, except for the occasional sound of marshmallows being munched on by Martin and Martha near their tent.

Yvon and Nick were sitting in their camping chairs, watching the scene unfold. Martina and Alex were still cuddling, and the sight of something protruding awkwardly between Alex's legs had them both stifling laughs.

Yvon nudged Nick and whispered with a playful grin, "Mahilig talaga sa camping kaibigan mo, no?"

Nick raised an eyebrow, glancing at Martina and Alex. "Ha? Oo," she replied, but then her eyes caught the awkward sight, and she couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Ay, tangina! Mas tumayo pa ang anaconda!"

Yvon, unable to contain herself, joined in the laughter. "Grabe! Ang laki!" she said, her face turning bright red.

The laughter carried through the camp, waking Martina and Alex from their slumber. Martina stirred first, rubbing her eyes and groggily sitting up. Realizing what they were laughing at, she quickly grabbed the tent flaps and shut them with a snap. "Stop looking at Harley," she muttered under her breath, trying to hide her amusement.