His Hidden Wife (A Justin Bieber Story)

Chapter Twenty Three

23 – I Wouldn't Mind

'The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That's what I hope to give you forever.'
– The Notebook

~*~

You know that saying, 'You'll only know what you have until you lose it'?

I had lots of things I lost — may be accidental or intentional. From that one dime I tossed somewhere around until I needed to buy something out of the vending machine towards circumstances I thought I wouldn't miss or have taken for granted.

Andrea's patience was one.

If she was keen enough to always make sure I wouldn't get annoyed or be uncomfortable to any given occasion, now, she's just giving me the cold shoulder as transparent as she could.

"I brought your favorite cake." I told Elise when I visited her one time. I was lucky enough that Andi dropped in as well. We don't always see each other during visitations. Ever since I accompanied her inside the clinic, I felt like she knew when I would or would not go. Most of the time it was solely me, and vice versa. Today was one of the few works of destiny (or somewhere along Nana's and Ronaldo's doing). "I brought chocolates as well..." And I always made sure I had a Cadbury with me. Just in case. "... it will melt and will go to waste if you won't take it." I added as I saw Andi burning the chocolate bar with her stricken look.

"You should take it Mommy Andi!" Elise stated, her small palms rested on each of Andrea's cheeks. She then squeezed it; I bit my bottom lip. "Sister Grazia said that it is bad to shy away from God's blessings. And a food is a blessing. Not everyone gets to eat."

"That's right." I relentlessly agreed, patting Elise's head for a job well done. Andrea sighed, taking the chocolate bar into the grasp of her hand.

"Thanks." She muttered, looking anywhere but me.

I smiled. "You're welcome."

We didn't converse again. I perceived how well her patience was wearing thin and so I just watched her spoon-feed Elise with the cake in peace. She would heave a sigh from time to time — most probably beckoning me I should be doing something else. But, its been days since I last saw her. And almost a month since she last stepped foot inside our house.

It was a little out of the ordinary, I guess.

Her presence was something I was over familiar with, that when she took off, something shifted.

Maybe because she was just... there. And I didn't think that right would be taken away from me. Maybe it was my ego talking. Or maybe because she was a friend. Or that, maybe because...

"How's Nana?" She asked. Her line of sight lifted to meet mine.

"She's fine. Her strength is weakening a little but she's okay." I replied. "She misses you a lot though."

The way her features turned soft made me grab the chance to ask her.

"Do you, uhm..." I continued, "... do you want to visit h-her?"

She didn't answer, instead, she looked away. I inwardly breathed an exasperated sigh.

"I miss Nana!" Elise exclaimed out of nowhere. "I want to see her. Can I see her Mommy Andi? Pleaseeeee?"

"Elise, Nana can't—"

"It's almost my birthday Mommy Andi. Can I please see her?" I glanced over at Elise, surprised and pleased by the sudden information. "Pretty pleaseee?"