Be With You

Chapter 10

FRIDAY, 10 AM

Faye was at the veranda in her home garden and was lounging at the rocking chair. Andrew left a few hours  ago, he had breakfast with her and Cobbie and as usual he stayed until her morning sickness, eased away. Two weeks of Andrew being in her life, Faye does not know where they are going but she needs him now...

She erased the thought running inside her brain and lifted the magazine that was resting on her lap and browsed on the pages.

She was engrossed in a particular article when she heard a shuffling noise from behind her.

She turned her head towards the noise and was stunned when she saw a beautiful, well fit woman standing just outside the sliding glass door that connects the living room and the garden's veranda.

'Bukas kasi yung front door, kaya I entered na. Wala kasing sumagot sa katok ko.' The beautiful lady said to Faye.

Faye stood up from her seat and smiled at the stranger.

"Can I help you with something, miss?"

She asked the beautiful woman who was looking at her, intently.

The stranger smiled at her and shook her head.

"'I am Andrea, Ashley's mother. Nakuwento kasi ni Ashley na may sakit yung best friend niya sa school.'

You are Faye Gutierrez right? Cobbie's mother." Andrea asked Faye as Ashley's mother extended her hand towards her.

Faye shook Andrea's hand and gave her a reluctant but warm smile.

"Do you want to have a seat first and can I offer you anything? Coffee, juice, water or tea?" Faye asked her visitor and gestured her towards the iron bench in the veranda.

Andrea shook her head and smiled at her.

"No, thanks. I won't take long. Hinatid ko kasi si Ashley sa school and dahil kinukulit niya ako to see her sick friend na pilitan ako tanungin yung address ni Cobbie sa teacher. Naisipan ko dumaan na dito to ask kung puwede ba kami bumisita kay Cobbie after school."

Andrea explained to Faye.

Faye smiled at her and pursed her lips for a while. She felt awkward knowing that in front of her is Andrew's ex-wife.

Faye and Andrew decided to keep the situation between them a secret for the meantime as they don't know how to explain it to their respective children and families.

Since she got home from the hospital, two weeks ago; Andrew has been a constant character at her home. He visits her every morning before he goes to work and early evenings before he goes home from work.

Faye explained to Cobbie that Andrew is just a new friend and with the help of her lucky star, her son easily warmed up with Andrew. The two had gotten close and easily developed a bond. Maybe because Cobbie knows that his Tito Andrew is his friend's father.

Her son was always looking for his friend but Andrew and Faye told him that if he is strong  enough already his Tito Andrew will make sure to bring Ashley with him.

'Alam ni Faye at Andrew na mali na may tinatago sila kay Cobbie but the situation is complicated. Andrew does not want his daughter to be confuse and destructed lalo na ngayon she is adjusting to the fact na Andrea is back in their lives.

Naiintindihan yun ni Faye, wala naman siya karapatan to even demand. Pero ano gagawin niya ngayon? Bastos naman kung tatangihan niya si Andrea.

Andrew won't know naman and Ashley has no idea na dumadalaw ang daddy niya sa bahay nila. Wala naman sigurong masama. Faye assured herself. Plus the fact na Cobbie is scheduled for his first chemo treatment soon, Ashley's visit will surely be an added boost for Cobbie.'

Faye snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Andrea.

"Cobbie will surely be glad. So we will expect you and Ashley around two this afternoon?

Faye asked Andrew's ex-wife. Andrea nodded her head and smiled at her.

"Two, then." Andrea said to her. They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Andrea bid goodbye.

Andrea was on her way to the front door of her home when she turned around and face her.

"By the way can't help but notice, although it is not that evident yet. Congrats on your new baby. I am sure your husband is thrilled "

Andrea said to her before she left her home completely.

Faye sat back at chair she sat at before Andrea arrived.

She sighed hard and looked blankly at the green plants surrounding her garden. Faye was'nt sure if her decision will not be a start of any conflict in her and Andrew's current situation. She knows for a fact that Andrea is now based in the country and she and Andrew agreed on Co-parenting their daughter.

Andrew opened the topic to her one night he visited her and stayed for dinner.

Faye had no reaction that time, she just listened to Andrew.

'Ano nga ba ang dapat sabihin niya kay Andrew? Ano nga ba siya sa buhay neto. Ang tanging alam niya lang, ay, anak ni Andrew ang dinadala niya at siya ang nanay ng pangalawang anak neto.'

Other than that hindi niya alam what her role is in Andrew's life. And same with her,

'Ano ba si Andrew sa buhay niya?"

-TBC-