The Gentle Truth

CHAPTER 23

A/N: The longest chapter I ever wrote for this book (6K words). It took me days and hours to go detail by detail, just to make this comforting. I didn't want this chapter to be another battle of love and forgiveness. It's an incredible accomplishment. This is also heavily unedited. I hope this will give you another flicker of light about different stages of forgiveness and unconditional love.

Enjoy reading!

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CHAPTER 23 | Faith

The fresh summer breeze blew against me as I tried to straighten some wrinkles on my graduation gown. Holding my diploma on the other hand, I roam around trying to find the people who made my years beautiful. Another wind blew, and then I heard some greetings.

"Congratulations, Alaina!"

I looked up and saw Ephraim's wide smile while also looking so dashingly handsome in his simple white polo shirt and khaki pants. He opened his arms and I squirmed, running up to him.

"I did it! I finished it!" I muttered. He just chuckled after letting me go.

"I told you, nothing's gonna stop you if you put your heart and mind to it. I'm so happy for you, darling." We smiled at each other. Before we heard a little voice who cleared her throat.

"Can I hug my Momsy too, Papa Im?" She said in her tiny voice. Raim took my things so that I could get to hold my daughter. She giggled when I lifted her up in my arms while showering her tiny face in kisses.

"Of course, baby girl." Malawak ang ngiti ko habang buhat buhat ang anak. He looked so much like her father. Raim looked at us lovingly, he's also taking a video.

"Momsy, Papa Im, group hug!" He joined us, enveloping us with his big and warm arms.

"I love you both." Ephraim beamed a smile.

It's been five years since I left the Philippines. I took the two year scholarship from a culinary school here in New York, and today's my graduation. Hmm, why did it took me years to finish? Because I had a daughter. I spent my first three years here to accommodate my pregnancy, giving birth, and taking care of my newborn until she grew up as a healthy toddler. That's when I continued my study. Luckily the institution I was enrolled to were very understanding of my condition and gave me enough time to recover before taking up my classes.

Nakangiti ko parin silang tinitignan habang kumakain kami sa isang restaurant. Tuwang tuwa ang anak ko nang subuan ni Raim ng meatballs. Pumapalakpak siya sa tuwa at kumakanta pa. Kahit noong pauwi na kami ay maingay parin siya sa car seat. Nakiki-jamming sa Papa Raim niya sa kantang tumutugtog sa stereo ng kotse.

Life here isn't as easy I you thought it would be. Nahirapan akong mag-adjust sa panibagong environment, lalo pa at buntis din ako noon. Mabuti nalang at may katuwang din ako sa pagaalaga sa anak.

"We're home! May take-outs kami, Anya!" I informed as we sauntered into our home. My sister popped out from the kitchen, giving me a hug and kissing my cheeks.

"Congratulations, ate kong maganda!" Kinurot ko sya sa tagiliran noong akmang hahalikan na naman ako sa pisngi.

"Pwetty din me, Tata?" My daughter said cutely. Karga karga siya ni Raim pero noong makita si Anya ay nagpapakuha na rito.

"Of course! You're very much pretty, baby girl! Ate, kusina lang kami. Kuya, ingat pauwi ha." Anya took my daughter as well as the foods before going back into the kitchen.

I turned to Ephraim, he's giving me a knowing look. As nervous as I can be I still tried to smile. We walked outside the door till we reached the foyer. Marahan akong bumuga ng hangin.