BP2: When I Was Your Man

CHAPTER 38: Life Begins at 40

A/N: 

This chapter contains series of flashbacks so it might confuse you, and it's a really long update which I made on purpose so please read carefully. 

Also, SPG.

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DIANNE's

WHEN Harry told me that he will wait no matter how long it takes, he meant it. Lumipas ang mga araw, linggo, buwan, at mga taon simula nang bumalik ako sa kanya at muli kaming nagsama kasama ang mga anak namin.

Isa.

Dalawa.

Tatlo.

Apat.

Lima.

Limang taon.

I turned 40 years old and Harry turned 41 years old eight months ago. Hardy's now 20 years old and Arianne will turn 11 three months from now.

Sa loob ng limang taon na iyon, napakaraming nangyari, napakaraming nagbago. Wrinkles started to form on my face, Harry's hair started to grow gray, my knees are aching in the morning, Harry's waist is aching by just standing too long.

Pinagmasdan ko siya sa kinaroroonan niya. He's a meter away from me here in the grocery store and we're in the alley kung saan naroon ang mga napkin and pantyliner. Ang dami niyang hawak sa magkabilang kamay at magkakaiba ang brand. He looks confused sa kung ano bang dapat niyang bilhin.

Unti-unting umangat ang magkabilang gilid ng labi ko habang tinitignan ko siya. At sa sandaling iyon, isa-isa kong naalala ang mga nangyari sa loob ng limang taon.

5 years ago

KATATAPOS lang ng 7th birthday party ni Arianne dito sa Jollibee. Ang iba ay nagpipicturan, ang iba naman ay naghahanda na pauwi. Then I saw Harry talking to Arianne's teacher; it seems that they're having serious conversation.

Nang nakauwi na kami ay kwinento sa'kin ni Harry ang pinag-usapan nila ng teacher. Arianne's teacher noticed how intelligent Arianne is and she even labelled my daughter as gifted. Her teacher offered us to have Arianne be enrolled in a prestigious school kung saan lahat ng mga estyudyante ay gifted. This school daw will help these children to enhance their ability and ma-maintain hanggang future.

It's true. We had Arianne's IQ tested and it's really high for a 7-year old kid.

"Let's tell this first to Arianne," I said. "I know she's just a kid, but we still need to know if she's okay with it."

Harry agreed so we called Arianne in our room and told her about it. Honestly, I expected her to get excited...but she's not. She's pouting and she looks sad.

"Why baby? Ayaw mo ba doon?" I asked.

"I just want to play, Mommy," she answered. "Sending me to that school po is big responsibility, but I'm just a kid."

Something tugged my heart.

"I just want my childhood, Mommy. I just want to study normally then I will play with my classmates and Kuya." She sniffed. "I'm sorry po."

Then she's now crying.

"It's okay, baby," I said before hugging her.

"Don't be angry with me po please," she continued.