Annika
"Ready?"
"I'm so sorry Alex. That surgery was an emergency."
The ER called me at 3 pm dahil may kailangan kaming isurgery na galing sa aksidente. The procedure lasted for 3 hours kaya naman eto at late ako sa usapan namin.
"It's fine. So are you ready now?"
"Yes, where's our Lexi?"
"Mama! I am here, carry me!"
I smiled at her and kissed her cheeks. I was about to carry her pero naalala ko 'tong isa sa tyan ko. I need to be very careful from now on.
Tiningnan ko na lang si Alex.
"Sinanay mo kasi eh, c'mmon baby. Daddy's gonna carry you cause Mama got so tired."
"Mama."
"I'm sorry Baby, but I love you."
"Love you, Mama."
"How about Daddy?"
"I love Mama more Dad, but I love you too."
Napatawa naman ako.
"Jusko Annika, ano bang ginawa mo sa anak ko na mas mahal ka pa kesa sa akin."
We dined in a restaurant. Lexi seated beside me so I am the one who assists her while she eats. After she finishes her food, she asked if she could play in the restaurant's play area which is just 2 tables away from us.
"Can't believe she's turning 5 in 2 days." Sabi ni Alex while looking at her child.
I smiled.
"Ang laki na ng anak natin."
"True, pero habang tumatagal mas minamahal ka nya."
"Nagtatampo ka ba?" tanong ko
"No. It's just that at this age, she really wants a mother. And thank you because you are that to her."
"I will always be Alex."
I held his hand that is on the table.
"Alex, are you sure you still want to marry me?"
"Why Annika, don't you want to have the wedding?"
"Hindi ganoon Alex. I just feel like, you and I, we would never be happy if we push this wedding."
"Annika..."
"Akala mo ba hindi kita nakikitang umiiyak? Haii Alex, alam nating pareho na hindi naman ang isa't isa ang kailangan natin. Yes, we are each other's constants but we don't need to get tied to each other. Lalong lalo na at alam kong malaki ang chance na mas sasaya ka kung hindi ka matatali sa akin."
"Annika,..."
"Yes, your road to happiness might be too rocky, pero Alex, kung hindi ka magririsk, hindi ka sasaya."
Alex became quiet.
"Hanggang kailan ka titingin na lamang sa pictures ni Sam?"
"Annika!"
"Alex naman, we've been together for a decade and a half. Huwag na nating lokohin ang mga sarili natin."
I smiled at him.
"Alam mo, mas matapang yung 18-year-old Annika kaysa sa ating dalawa ngayon. The young Annika fought for what makes her happy. I must admit, it was so reckless but I was happy. I became happy. I do not know what ruined us but you know what Alex, I cannot deny that the happiest days of my life were when Gino loves me."
