A New Beginning

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"Just like this," James said as he tapped a few keys in succession.

Coby attempted to replicate the same movement and after having messed up twice before and finally mastered the shift in notes.

James grinned and scuffled his hair in congratulations for the achievement.

Coby smiled back and suddenly hugged him across the waist, catching James' by surprise as his eyes widened and his hands found their way around the boy's tiny body.

Nadine peeked her head from behind the wall. She tenderly smiled and pressed a hand upon her heart at the sight of seeing Coby and James hugging in front of the grand, ebony piano.

It had been months since he had found out that Coby was Nadine's son with his ex-friend and ex-bandmate Luis. And since then he kept his word on looking out for Coby and helping out Nadine whenever he could.

And she didn't mind at all. In fact, she became accustomed to his presence. As had Coby, who welcomed James in with no complaints.

His visits became increasingly more frequent to the point he spent everyday with them. Likewise, he and Nadine had regained their closeness that she assumed was lost many years ago.

She wasn't alone in that feeling, though. James had become more than Coby's favorite teacher in school. He became a presence in his life, being against only Nadine for the number one spot in his heart. He had Quen growing up and other male relatives, but James were different.

While cleaning his room, Nadine discovered notebook pages filled with three stick figures. The one with the dress was obviously her and the littlest one was Coby. And then there was the third figure--a male one--that had made its way to the drawings.

And she knew without a doubt who it was.

"Mommy, come here," Coby called out, snapping Nadine from her thoughts as she poked her head up and walked up to them.

"He's learning really quickly," James informed as he stood up and wrapped his arm loosely around her shoulder. "It took me so long to learn that song because of the drop, but he did it in three days."

Nadine smiled and leaned down, encasing Coby between her arms and kissing the side of his head. "Ang galing ng anak ko!" she cheered, her face pressed against the side of his head as she began to tickle him, prompting him to giggle.

"Tito James is a great teacher!" Coby said as he shuffled around on his seat as a result of the tickling. "Help!" Coby yelped as he burst into another fit of giggles, "Tito James!"

James gave him a thumbs up before wrapping his arms around Nadine's waist and lifting her into the air as he headed towards the other direction.

Nadine threw her head back, chuckling as she looped her arms around James' neck.

"James naman, this isn't fair," she groaned as James set her back on her feet.

James smirked. "At least we're closer in size," James said as he pointed at Coby. "He's so little there's no way he could escape your tickling," Cocking his head to the side, he rose an eyebrow to further emphasize the point

Nadine giggled and lightly hit his shoulder. "You're both teaming up against me," she stated, pouting as she pretended to be upset.

"Mommy you should give me a sister then," Coby suggested. "So it'll be equal and you'll have someone on your side in tickle fights!"

Nadine and James laughed at they exchanged a look. "As great as a sister may seem, Mommy can't because there's no..." Nadine paused and eyed James, silently asking him for help in continuing the conversation.

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