Begin Again

Chapter 16

"Mars!" Cecile ran down the steps of the house and engulfed her friend in a big hug. "Salamat at nakarating kayo."

Fred followed behind his wife at a slower pace. When Cecile and Leah finally let each other go, Fred greeted Leah warmly.

"It's nice to see you again, Leah," he said, giving her a hug.

"Hello Clark!" Cecile said, hugging him. "This is my husband, Fred. Fred, this is Clark."

They shook hands. "Its nice to meet you," Clark said.

"Nice meeting you. Let me help you with that." Fred took one of the bags Clark was carrying.

"Halika, pasok kayo," Cecile said, leading them into the house.

"I'll take these to your room," Fred said, taking the suitcase from Clark.

"I'll help you," Clark offered but Fred waved him off.

"Hayaan mo na si Fred, Clark," Cecile told him. "Halika, nandito si Elena."

Leah clapped her hands. "Excited na ako makita inaanak ko!"

She pulled Clark along as they followed Cecile to the living room. The baby was lying in a rocker, an elderly lady in a uniform standing next to her.

"Sige Manang, ako muna dito," Cecile said. She lifted the baby out of the cradle and held her for Leah and Clark to see.

"Hi baby!" Leah cooed. "Mars, ang cute niya! Oh my gosh."

She took the baby from Cecile's arms. "Ang cute ng cheeks! Ang chubby. Tapos mestisa, manang mana sa daddy."

"Hoy Mars, parang sinabi mo na maitim ako," Cecile protested. "Wala bang namana mestisa sa akin?"

"Syempre kasing ganda siya ng mommy niya," Leah placated. She held the baby for Clark to see. "Tingnan mo hubby, o."

Clark smiled and took her little hand in his, watching as Elena closed her tiny fingers around his pointer finger. "She's beautiful," he said.

Leah looked up at Clark and met his eyes. What she saw there made her heart beat faster. He looked back down at the baby and the tender way he was staring at Elena made Leah's heart melt. But at that moment, Elena twisted a little in her arms and started crying. Leah smelled something putrid that made Clark let go of the baby's hand and take a large step back.

"Uh, Mars? Kailangan niya na magpalit ng diaper." She held Elena out gingerly to her friend.

"Naku." Cecile took Elena from her. "Diyan muna kayo ha. Make yourselves at home. Magpapalabas ako ng iced tea, sandali lang."

Cecile rushed out of the room with the crying baby. Leah looked up at Clark and they started laughing. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.

~

"Mars, mukhang nagkakasundo ang mga asawa natin," Cecile said.

The baby was fast asleep in her rocker and the women stood out on the balcony overlooking the sea, drinking mango shakes and watching as Fred showed Clark a yacht tied up on the dock below.

Oo nga eh," Leah smiled.

"Salamat at nakadalaw kayo. Alam ko na kababalik niyo lang galing sa honeymoon niyo."

"Ito naman. Dapat nga dati pa eh. Naging busy lang sa kasal."

"Napasabay kasi si Elena."

"Oo nga. Sobrang alala ako noong nalaman ko early delivery ka, Mars," Leah said. "Salamat sa Diyos at okay kayong pareho ng inaanak ko."