I CHOOSE YOU (sequel of The Fourth Robredo Daughter)

Epilogue

April 23 — 33 years later

It was a sunny day and Jorge is currently at the Museo ng Pag-asa. She was reviewing her speech for later.

"Bunso, are you ready?" Aika asked her

"Yes, ate. I'm ready." Jorge responded

"They are waiting for you outside." Aika said

Jorge rose from her seat and went to the small space at the entrance of the museum where her book signing will be held.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us all welcome the Honorable Congresswoman Jorge Robredo." the host said and Jorge went up the small stage

"Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat." Jorge started her speech greeting the people present

"Magi-isang taon na po ang nakalipas magmula noong binigyan po ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na magsilbi sa kongreso. Lubos po ang aking pasasalamat sa mga kababayan ko sa ikatlong distrito ng Camarines Sur para sa kanilang suporta."

"One year ago, when the 30th Congress started, I vowed to all of you that I will fight really hard to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill. We have been fighting for it for over 55 years and last April 5, on the day of Mama Leni and Mama Risa's wedding anniversary, it was signed into law by the President."

"It was not an easy journey. My mother, the late President Leni Robredo and my other mom, the late Senate President Risa Hontiveros fought hard to pass this bill in their time but were not successful and when I was given a seat in congress, I did my best to realize the dream of my parents that is to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill and let our people enjoy the same rights as the cisheterosexual people enjoy. Many talks and convincing were made and asking support from the different religions and sects in the country was a challenge but we were successful. It is indeed true that when the time is right, the things that we want will happen."

"My mothers never had the chance to flaunt their relationship in public without criticisms from other people. They became a couple in 2022 with few people knowing about their relationship. They were wed 3 years later with only family and close friends knowing that they are already married. When their terms in formal politics ended, they publicly announced their relationship. They were supported by many and scrutinized by some. They never left the watchful eyes of the people waiting for their downfall but despite of all that, they stayed true to their promise that may it be here or in another lifetime, they will choose one another."

"I am lucky that I was able to witness the love that these two strong women shared during their lifetime and that it the reason that we are gathered here today, on my birthday, on Mama Leni's birthday, to celebrate the two women that made all of these possible. This book was written in 2022 back when mama won the election and when their relationship started. Since only a few people knew about their love story, it is with great honor and joy that I share with you the love story of my inspirations in life, my Mama Leni and Mama Risa. There is also one person that I would like you all to meet. The person who was the fruit of the love shared by my moms." Jorge said and paused

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor and privilege to introduce to you all, Leonie Therese Hontiveros Robredo." Jorge continued and introduced Leni and Risa's 5 year old daughter whom she surrogated

"To end my speech, I would like to quote a line from Mama Leni's vow during their wedding — Risa, may it be here or in another lifetime, I will always choose you." Jorge ended her speech and she sat down to start the book signing

The book signing lasted for 4 hours as many people came to buy the book that she wrote. Many of them were Leni and Risa's supporters from 2016 and many were her fellow LenRisa stans back when they were younger.

After the event, Aika, Tricia, and Jillian came to her.

"We are so proud of you, bunso." Aika said and hugged her

"I am really sure that Tita Sen and Mama must be the proudest today." Tricia added

"And of course, proud din si Papa sa'yo up above." Jillian commented

"Thank you, mga ate for being so supportive of my endeavors. From me being a writer, to becoming a lawyer, and now to becoming the legislator that I am." Jorge told them and they shared a group hug

"Mommy!" Jorge heard Leonie call her name and was rushing to meet her

"My little Leonie. Come here, baby." Jorge said and carried her

"Thank you, Tita Anje!" Leonie thanked Anje who took care of her during the entire program

"Ates, Anje, pupuntahan po muna namin ni Leonie sina Mama. Susunod kami sa dinner." Jorge said and bid her good byes to her elder sisters

"Mommy, I'm excited to visit Mama and Mom." Leonie told her

"Are you, little one? I'm sure that Mama and Mom will be so happy to see you. Let's go." Jorge told her

Jorge and Leonie entered the car and the former drove all the way to visit Risa and Leni. They first made a stop so she can bring them flowers. She picked a bouquet of pink roses for Leni and purple little daisies for Risa.

When they arrived, Leonie rushed to see her biological mothers.

"Hi Mama, Hi Mom. I miss you so much." the little girl said

"Hello, Ma, Mama Risa. These flowers are for you." Jorge said greeting them

Then Jorge looked at Leni

"Happy Birthday, Mama." she greeted

Then Jorge sat down to talk to them and share what happened.

"Ma, Mama Risa. I have good news for you." she said and a drop of tear escaped from her eyes

"The SOGIESC Equality Bill was passed during your wedding anniversary. Thank you for the strength that you are giving me everyday, if not for you two, hindi ko yun magagawa."

"Siya nga po pala, I just finished the book signing. The people are so happy that they will finally know about your love story. I wish you two were here to celebrate these wins with me, with us. Five years had passed but it still feels like yesterday. This is the 5th year that I am celebrating my birthday without you but I am happy that you two are together, forever choosing one another may it be here or in another lifetime." Jorge added

"I love you, Ma and Mama Risa. You will forever be in my heart." Jorge said placing her palms on her lips and then she touched the tombstone of her mothers

"Bye Mama, bye Mom. I love you." Leonie said and did a flying kiss

Jorge and Leonie were about to leave the grave of the two at the Libingan ng mga Bayani when she saw a very familiar person whom she had lost connection with 20 years ago.