'Til I Found You (COMPLETED)

43

The days are a mix of confusion and doubt for Lea since Don Arnaldo told her about Aga's annulment. Aga's determination is clear. She would be lying if she said the news didn't affect her. To be honest, she felt bad seeing him leave that night. In a way, it is her fault. She blames herself for Eli's pain. No matter how much she tries to push the feeling away, it stays in her heart. She feels defeated and empty inside.

It is late at night, and Lea is tossing and turning in bed. Aga is constantly on her mind. It has been almost six months since he left. She feels guilty for ignoring his calls. She hopes he will call again, but it has been a long time. He hasn't reached out once more, and she starts to feel a sharp regret.

A knock brings her back to reality. Her daughter, Eli, enters the room. Looking sleepy, she climbs into bed next to Lea. Lea can see that Eli is acting like her old, loving self again, and it makes her happy. She misses her daughter so much.

"Mommy, can I sleep next to you?", Eli asked.

"Of course, baby. Come", Lea says. She motions for Eli to come closer, and Eli does. She wraps her arm around Lea's waist. Lea kisses her daughter's forehead. It has been a long time since they hugged. Eli has been distant lately, but Lea understands. In a way, she feels the same emptiness that Eli feels. She misses Aga too, but her mind tells her to stay strong.

She hums Eli’s favorite song, "Lullaby and Good Night." Eli is older now. Lea looks back at the days when Eli was just a tiny baby crying in her arms. A smile appears on her face because she raised her daughter all by herself. Even if a future with Aga is uncertain, she doesn't mind as long as Eli is with her. She is already complete.

After a quiet moment, Eli looks up at her. "Mommy?"

"Mmm?"

"I'm sorry. I've been rude towards you. It was so not me but I just really miss daddy. He always asked me about you each time he goes to school and pays a visit. Daddy loves you so much, mommy. He told me that no one else occupies his heart except us. I know it was never a good thing to lie but I also knew you would get mad if I tell you that daddy visits me at school everyday"

Lea’s heart melts. She cannot feel angry anymore. "Forget it, baby. Mommy understood it. I know you miss him so much. Your dad and I are just impossible to get back together. It's complicated, nak. Once his marriage is legally over, I am sure he'd come back to see you. And, even if we can never bring back what we had before, I swear to let him fulfill his obligations to you. You don't have to lie from me just to see your dad"

"Mommy? Can I ask you something? I hope you won't get mad"

Lea sees the honesty in her daughter's eyes. She nods, curious to hear the question.

"Do you still love my daddy? Mommy, do you miss him too?"

The question surprises her. She thinks about it for a moment. To say "no" would be a big lie. Lea smiles at Eli and gives her a soft kiss on the forehead.

"I never loved anyone else than your dad, Eli. He ... he means so much to me. And I miss him, too", she says. She remembers his smile, his glowing eyes, and the words that always made her heart soften.

"I miss your daddy so much", she adds. Eli smiles widely. This is exactly what she wanted to hear. These words give her the energy to follow her plan. Don Arnaldo knows about her idea to bring her parents back together. He had doubts at first, but he finally agreed to help her.

Morning comes, and Lea is in the kitchen making breakfast. It is the weekend—a time for just the two of them. Eli mentioned a classmate's birthday party. The place is far away, but Lea says yes. She wants to spend time with Eli and make up for the time they were apart.