She And I

You're Alive

Did I mention that the filming never ended in Australia? We still had to shoot and re-record some parts. It was hard for Anna and champ-champ actually. She was about to burst when we were shooting one scene which almost cancelled the film.

As the protective big sister, I supported her. I cared for her. I just showed how much I love her by doing such things. I simply asked the guys to give her a break since it was truly stressing her.

"Hey. We can do this, okay? Don't forget. We're a team." I told her while on break.

"But champ-champ and I are tired. Can I have a double?" She told me.

"Then it won't be Anna anymore. You are one of a kind."

"There you go again." She was quite irritated when she heard it.

"But I'm talking real here."

"Don't encourage me if you'll get insecure afterwards." She warned me, because I tend to be self-critical. "I just wanna thank you for encouraging and caring for me, but I wanna remind you that you're unique too." She paused. "Champ-champ agrees with me too."

"Okay now. Are you ready to go back? Big brother is truly sorry about what happened."

"He needs to apologize first before I go back there." She childishly replied.

"Babe, sorry about earlier. I forgot you and champ-champ. Now, please don't cry. We just can't have any more delays." Björn hugged Anna afterwards.

"Sorry about earlier big brother. I just got protective of my younger sister." I told him.

"It's alright. You were just playing the role of the big sister."

Big sister? Oh please, if you only knew the deeper sentiments...

Later on, we were able to finish shooting. It took months though. The film would be fully finished soon. I was confident that it could be shown within the same year. I meant on time.

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Months have passed, and our popularity prevailed across countries. Later on, there was this magazine feature that resulted to an unexpected encounter. Or should I say reunion? Nah! It was a meeting.

It was September. It was a Friday. Yep. Check Sept. 9, 1977.

"Father? Are you really my father?" I asked him. "You're...you're...you're alive. I just couldn't believe this moment." Oh yeah. We resemble each other.

I didn't know what to do! Should I hug him? Man! It was just too late for me I guess to meet my father. "You're Synni's daughter. Wow! You remind of her. What happened to her?"

Of course it was hard to communicate with him due to language. But I tried my best, through the interpreter and my father.

"She died while I was young. I think I was two then. She died of kidney failure as she was working for a living."

"This is why she never wrote to me." He was frowning. He felt sorry for my mom. "I wish I have known, but it cannot be corrected anymore. Still, I am glad you're alive."

I took a deep breath then I slowly spoke. "Grandma and I moved here to Sweden." I was trying to avoid the tears. "And she raised me here. I grew up thinking that you were dead; that the ship sank; and that you were one of them. I am glad you're alive too."

We both got emotional. I had been longing for this moment.

"I've read that you had kids, and you're getting married again."

"I was married. I had two kids, Hans and Lise-Lotte. I'm currently engaged to Benny."

"Oh! The guy I was with earlier, you're with him. He's nice and polite." He smiled at me. "Am I going to meet my grandchildren too?"

"Of course. We have an weekend to do so."

"Thank you, Anni..."

"Call me Frida, father."

"Thank you, Frida."

"Thank you."

I was still thrilled by the experience. It took 32 years! I killed him in my thoughts when we he was actually alive.

The weekend was fulfilling. The kids knew their grandpa. I got to learn German. We talked about life. We updated each other more. I learned about my half-siblings. There are too many things to mention.

But it was just a short family weekend. He had to leave. He was working too. Besides, he has a life in Germany though I want him to stay. But we tried to correspond by writing letters.

I was about to go to bed when I heard the door opened. I paused. I thought it was my dad, but he just left earlier.

"Hey, you okay princess?" Benny asked me as he approached me by hugging me from behind.

"I just miss my dad. That's all." I was about to cry.

"Hey. I'm here. I love you." He began to kiss my neck.

"I wanna thank you for helping and supporting me in everything." I turned to him. "So how am I gonna repay you?" I stroked his hair.

He whispered to my ear. "I think you know the answer to your question."

I smiled at him. "I have two answers in mind. Which one? Short-term or long-term? One night or lifetime?"

"We take it little-by-little, remember? And I wanna start here." Then he kissed my lips. It was a typical film kiss. The next moments were done with the lights turned off.

The next day, I called Anna on the phone. It was because the three of us were away while she stayed. It's for her and champ-champ anyway.

"Hello? Is this the one and only Anna?"

"Good day Frida... You don't have to check on me, you know. I'm fine here really."

"Shhh... I'm still your big sister."

"..who acts like my mother..." She laughed.

"Anyway, are you guys okay? Are you okay?"

"I'm kinda sad that I wish I could join you guys there, but I was advised to stay. If you're asking about the kids, they're in control." She imitated a robot's voice for in control.

"Haha!!! Just call us here if there's something wrong. B&B says hi too."

"I just hope babe's doing okay. Can I talk to him? Lemme guess...busy?"

"I'm the only one having a break 'cause they're working with the music. But I'll tell him to call you later. "

"I feel alive now. You make my day, Frida. Thanks." She sighed. "I guess you have to maximize the break and sleep for a while. I don't to hear that you're sick again."

"Oh Anna. I just felt so alive after your advice. My battery just got recharged. Haha!!! Just kidding. But okay, I'll have enough sleep. Promise me, you'll take care of yourself, Linda and champ-champ."

"I promise. Now, I have to go now. Take care. Say hi to the guys for me. Bye!"

"Bye..." We dropped the phone at the same time.

Despite this heavy and hectic year, I'm glad that everyone made me feel so alive. It's not just her, but this circle of loved ones that was slowly building. :)