Anagapesis

PROLOGUE

It has been exactly 12 years today since our marriage ended, not legally ended but we are separated. That night's memory vividly crept into my mind where I decided on the most selfish decision I have ever made. I was the one who ended our marriage and the ever-noble Greggy respected my decision. It was hard for me too; I was in pain too. But there is nothing I can do but regret everything that I have said and finalized.

Greggy and I agreed to co- parent our children: Alfonso, Luis, and Koa. We stayed intact as a family and tried to be there for each other as much as we can, we're still like a typical family except the fact that Greggy isn't living with us at the same roof anymore.

Greggy also had to compromise for my own publicity. He still gets to come with me to publicized family events and still show up as my husband, especially now that my brother is president. My family cannot afford another scandal. Our marriage is admired by many, I have often been asked if there was any secret why Greggy and I had such a long-lasting marriage. Little did they know, the marriage that they were fussing about is now only existing in papers.

My eldest, Alfonso, once asked me back then why I won't just file for annulment if I want to end our marriage... I honestly don't know either. Maybe I was just tired... maybe I just wanted space... or maybe I already fell out of love. Nagtataka nga rin ako kung bakit hindi rin nag file ng annulment si Greggy, para maging malaya na siya mula sa akin... sa amin.

"Koa sweetheart, breakfast is ready." muli akong kumatok sa pinto ng kwarto ng bunso ko. I knocked repeatedly. I guess she slept in since it's summer break now, nagbabawi ng pahinga.

Pinasok ko na ang kwarto niya nang wala talagang sumasagot o nagbubukas and there I saw my dear Koa, wrapped around her sheets and still sleeping. Napangiti ako. I sat on her bed and caressed her face as I watched her sleep.

"I love you, Koko." I whispered and kissed her forehead. She must've felt my presence because she moved while still sleeping and hugged me. I smiled.

"Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey, Koa!" ani ko ngunit nanatili pa rin itong natulog. Mahina ko siyang niyugyog. "Koa, wake up na... breakfast is ready, baby." she groaned.

"Later na, Mom, I'm still sleepy." she said in her hoarse, sleepy voice. Napa buntong-hininga ako.

"You can sleep again later, kain muna tayo ng agahan. Don't make the food wait, Koa."

"I'll follow!" sabi niya at humarap sa kabilang gilid ng kama.

"Hay naku! Up now, Serenity Kanoa!" I pulled her up, nakapikit pa rin ito. Tinapik ko ang pisngi niya. "Gising na, baba na tayo, hindi magandang pinag-aantay ang pagkain, Kanoa."

She had no choice but to stand up. She's obviously grumpy this early in the morning. Nagtungo siya sa banyo para maghilamos, I waited for her inside the bedroom. We went down together. Kaming dalawa lang ang nasa bahay ngayon aside from the maids. Alfonso went to work early and Andy is spending the week at his mother's side. Hindi naman na dito nakatira si Luis at ang pamilya niya.

"Sama ako sa inyo ni Daddy today sa check-up ni Mama Meldy, pwede?" tanong niya habang nginunguya ang kinakain.

I nodded. "Of course. After breakfast, maligo ka na. Your father will follow at Mommy's house."

"Why does Daddy have to go anyway? May media ba?"

I shrugged. "He wants to come, baka may media daw."

Kanoa smirked. Bigla akong naguluhan sa reaksyon niya dahil hindi na siya nagsalita pa. Nang mailigpit na ang pinagkainan namin, I went upstairs to prepare my things and take a bath. Nang matapos ako sa paghahanda, hinintay ko na lang si Koa sa sala.