Relief (Completed).

Epilogue--Six Years After.

The huge tree’s shade served as our roof and protection against the hotness of the sun. the weather’s fine today, so Cloe insisted that she’ll play outside. So we had a picnic.

It’s been half a year since we were married. It was the happiest moment of my life. My joy is unfathomable. My heart swelled with happiness that day. My cheek hurt with all the smiles my mouth spread.

Happy thoughts, happy beginnings.

This is the feeling of having a family. Happy but hard. But as I always say, I can manage.

I love Daniel. I love Cloe. I love my life now. Nothing could take away my happiness, not even Carl.

Speaking of Carl, I have fixed everything against him. We are in good terms now. In fact, we are friends. He sees Cloe every weekends, and she takes him home after school if his schedule would allow her. Cloe calls him Daddy—she acknowledges him—and she calls Daniel Dada. She understands the situation. She seemed to be like me, very mature despite of her early age.

After I gave birth with Cloe and rested for at least 3 months, I went back to school. I finished my studies and am now working as a highly paid lawyer. Daniel is now the one managing their family business. So after the issue of finances settled, we married right away.

Carl’s life is doing great by now. And next month, he and his girlfriend will have their wedding.

Kelly is now on Australia. She married an Australian, and is happily living life. She’ll have a baby soon, and she’s very excited. At last, she’ll shop for baby stuff for her own child now! She said to me. But she plans to go back here to give birth, and they’re thinking over on settling down here.

As for my mom and Aunt Veronica, they are now living together again. Their relationship was back to normal. Still, I haven’t figured out what happened between them for the past years. I guess I’ll figure it out, but I let the matter rest because all that matters to me now is the happiness of my loved ones.

I was lost in my thoughts. I was just distracted when something hurt me.

“Oww!” And my hand automatically flew to my belly.

“Honey, what is it? Are you hurt?” Daniel went to me, eyeing me anxiously.

“Don’t exaggerate, I’m fine. He just kicked me. It’s normal. I think he’s happy.” My tears started to flow again as I caressed my tummy.

Yes, we’ll have a baby. It’s a boy. Daniel was overjoyed when he learned that. He always wanted a boy.

…

…

…

Everytime I see Cloe smile, relief sweeps in my heart. Her smile’s a precious gem since the beginning. With her and Daniel holding my hand, I had survived my dark days. At first, it was hard. But Cloe’s first smile signalled my first move towards the light. My smiles weren’t held back, then. Seeing her smile at me makes me believe that I can do anything with her. And Daniel’s love and support has always been there for me. With those, I feel happy. I feel complete. I feel relieved.

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