"You can't travel to the province right now, son. It's too far, it's an eight-hour journey, to be honest," said Aurora while they were on their way home.
Now he knew where Mia was, and he didn't want to waste any more time. He was eagerly anticipating seeing her. He wanted to bring his future wife home so he could take care of her, especially in her current condition.
"But Ma, I can't wait until tomorrow. I want to see Mia," she replied, keeping her gaze fixed on the road.
"But Erik, why don't you rest for a while?" Fidel interjected. "And besides, your mother and I would like to accompany you, the two of us together," he added.
Erik couldn't contain the joy that quickly filled his heart upon hearing his father's words. He couldn't hide his feelings as he responded.
"Really, Pa?" he asked, briefly turning to look at his father.
He heard his father let out a soft laugh before answering, "Of course. We also want to be there to help you sort everything out."
"And besides, it's not safe for you to travel alone. The destination is too far, so you need someone to take over driving in case you get sleepy," Aurora explained.
Everything they said was enough for him to listen and follow what his parents wanted. After all, they were right. And besides, even though Mia and Aurora had already made amends before Mia left, it seemed better for Mia to see that there was no longer a reason for her not to come back with him. Because everything was fine between them.
Erik's heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. He couldn't wait to see Mia again, to hold her in his arms and let her know how much she meant to him. This was the start of a new chapter in their lives, a chapter filled with love and the promise of a brighter future together.
And since their plan to leave for the province was in the early hours of the morning, he decided to sleep at their house. After all, his parents would be traveling with him as well.
As he found himself alone in his room, the overwhelming longing in his heart consumed him. Why not, when that room was filled with joyful memories and intimate moments he and Mia had shared together?
"Just a few more hours, Mia. I will be able to hold you again," he whispered before succumbing to the intense fatigue and weariness he felt.
In just a short while, they would be reunited, and he couldn't contain his excitement. He knew that the moment he saw Mia again, all the longing and yearning would be replaced with the warmth and love they shared. It was as if their love had the power to erase all the distance and time that separated them.
As he drifted off to sleep, his dreams were filled with visions of their passionate embrace, tender kisses, and whispered promises. In his dreams, he could feel Mia's presence, her soft touch, and her loving gaze. It was a temporary solace, but it fueled his desire to be with her even more.
*****
"Why are you still awake, Mia?"
As usual, it was late at night, but sleep still eluded Mia. So, just like she used to do, she decided to spend some time on the terrace. The air there was refreshing and invigorating, hoping that being in such an environment would bring sleep to her. But perhaps because her mind was preoccupied, she was still unsuccessful.
"I can't sleep yet, Ma," she replied, glancing at Elena, who was standing near the doorway.
The lights on the terrace were turned off, and the only illumination came from the faint glow seeping through the thin curtains in the living room, where the ceiling light was still switched on.
"Can I sit next to you?" Elena asked, referring to the vacant part of the long bamboo bench Mia was occupying.
Mia nodded. "Sure, Ma," she said.
For a moment, silence enveloped them before Elena broke it, gently holding Mia's hand.
"I know I've already said this earlier," she began, "But Mia, I want to ask for your forgiveness again. I know that between you and Nathaniel, you have suffered the most."
Mia stared at Elena's face after hearing her words. "I-It's okay, Ma," she replied, and it was the truth.
At that moment, Mia could see the sincerity and remorse in Elena's eyes. The weight of the past began to feel lighter as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
"I forgive you. I understand that we all make mistakes, and what matters is that we learn from them and grow. We have a chance now to rebuild our relationship, to heal together as a family."
Elena's eyes shimmered with gratitude and relief. She pulled Mia into a tight embrace, and in that simple gesture, a bridge was formed—a bridge of forgiveness, love, and reconciliation.
As they sat together on the terrace, mother, and daughter, they shared a profound connection, one that had weathered storms and emerged stronger. They knew that the journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face it together, armed with forgiveness and a newfound understanding.
In the soft glow of the moonlight, Mia felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that healing took time, but they were on the right path. With love as their guide, they would rebuild what was broken and create a future filled with joy, laughter, and endless possibilities.
As the night carried on, Mia finally felt the weight of exhaustion settle upon her. She leaned her head on Elena's shoulder, finding solace in her mother's presence.
And as they sat in silence, surrounded by the serenity of the night, Mia knew that their journey of healing and redemption had just begun—a journey that would lead them to a brighter and happier tomorrow.
Elena nodded. "Perhaps for you, it no longer matters. But as your mother, it is not easy for me to forget everything. Even though I know deep down that I have regretted what I have done for a long time. All of that weighed heavily on my conscience. That's why I came back, hoping to see and reclaim both of you," Elena continued to explain to Mia.
Mia initially didn't want to open up or discuss that matter. However, she sensed that it was what Elena wanted. And perhaps Elena was doing it to lighten her own burden.
She understood that. In a few months, she would become a mother herself. And she believed that no mother could ever stop loving her own child.
"I know, and I believe that you were forced to do it because you were struggling to support me and my brother," she replied, smiling at her mother.
Even in the darkness, Mia could clearly see the glimmer of tears in Elena's eyes. It touched her deeply, and she felt herself being swept up in those emotions. But she didn't want to cry. So, she held back and succeeded in doing so.
"It hasn't been easy for me either. But if given the chance to live again, I wouldn't change a single thing. Because all of those experiences led me to meet the father of this child," Mia said, her voice filled with love as she gently caressed her stomach.
At that moment, Mia felt a sense of acceptance and understanding wash over her. The past, with all its trials and mistakes, had shaped her into the person she was today. And she wouldn't trade that for anything.
Elena reached out and held Mia's hand, their connection strengthening. Despite the hardships they had faced, they were bound by love, forgiveness, and the shared desire to build a better future.
As they sat together, surrounded by darkness, their hearts were filled with hope. They knew that healing was possible, and that love could overcome even the deepest wounds.
In the silence, they found solace in each other's presence. They didn't need words to convey the depth of their emotions. It was a silent understanding, a shared journey toward forgiveness and redemption.
The night stretched on, but Mia and Elena remained on the terrace, their hearts entwined. They were no longer defined by their past mistakes but were instead embracing the opportunity to create a new chapter in their relationship.
As the stars twinkled above, Mia felt a renewed sense of strength. She knew that together with her mother, they would face the challenges that lay ahead. Their love would be the guiding light, illuminating their path toward a brighter future.
At that moment, Mia made a promise to herself and her unborn child. She would break the cycle of pain and create a legacy of love, forgiveness, and resilience. And with Elena by her side, she knew they would succeed.
Mia saw Elena wipe away her tears with a smile before caressing her head and kissing her hair.
"Go ahead, tell me what the lucky man who captured your heart looks like," Elena said.
Now, there was no sadness in Elena's voice. She smiled sweetly at Mia, infecting her with the warmth in her tone.
At that moment, Mia felt like she was transported back to the past, especially as she began her storytelling. It was as if the beautiful and vibrant world of her love for Erik was right in front of her. She couldn't explain it.
"You know, sweetheart, you have to be brave and fight for him," Elena said after recounting the whole story of her and Erik’s love story.
"I want to do that, but I'm afraid that Bernie might harm him. I'm afraid he'll get involved. That's why I thought of getting away. “Because it was really me that Bernie wanted revenge on, but Erik got caught up in it because of me," she explained at length, her words carrying both sadness and longing. She followed it with a deep sigh.
"You weren't wrong, my child," Elena said while gazing intently at her.
Mia's eyebrows quickly furrowed upon hearing that. "What do you mean?"
"Do you know that even when you were young when you were running a fever or feeling unwell, you would often stay quiet and cry silently? I thought that you were a kind and patient child. Perhaps that's why you endured and sacrificed so much, just to ensure Erik's safety. But Mia, not all the time do you have to surrender and endure. Because there will come a time when you'll need to stand up and be courageous. You'll need to fight," Elena explained.
Mia's eyes widened at what she heard. "What do you mean by that?"
Elena paused for a moment, her gaze filled with love and determination. "There comes a point in our lives when we realize that we can't keep running away or hiding. We have to face our fears and confront the challenges head-on. It's time for you to be brave, Mia. Fight for your love and stand up against the threats that come your way. Trust in yourself and in the strength of your love."
Mia was taken aback by Elena's words. It was as if a spark had been ignited within her, awakening a sense of courage she had long forgotten.
"You're right, Ma," Mia said, her voice filled with determination. "I can't let fear dictate my actions anymore. I have to face Bernie and protect Erik. I will fight for our love, no matter what obstacles come our way."
Elena smiled proudly at Mia. "That's my brave daughter. I know you can do it. And remember, love has a way of overcoming even the greatest challenges. Believe in yourself and never underestimate the power of love."
With those words resonating in her heart, Mia felt a newfound strength surging through her veins. She knew that the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face it with unwavering resolve.
At that moment, Mia made a silent vow to herself and to Erik. She would no longer allow fear to control her actions. She would stand up for their love and fight for their happiness, no matter the cost.
Mia recognized that there was still a wealth of wisdom she needed to glean from Elena, and thus she remained quiet, allowing her mother to continue speaking.
"I don't believe it will come to the dire circumstances you fear, especially now that you're carrying a child and Erik remains oblivious to your condition. Your child deserves both parents," Elena asserted.
Elena's final words resonated deeply within Mia's heart and mind.
Her mother's insight struck a chord. Erik had a rightful place in their child's life, and Mia should not deprive him of the opportunity to be present during this significant period. She had to grant Erik the chance to witness their child's birth and to actively participate and support her throughout the pregnancy.
"I am aware that many women nowadays claim they can handle the role of a single mother. However, my dear, between you and Erik, you need not assume that responsibility alone. He loves you. He wants to marry you. Sometimes, in love, sacrifices are necessary. True love is often arduous and intricate. Yet, if you ponder upon it, all these tribulations may merely be tests you are destined to undergo. Genuine love knows no bounds, but you have the power to demonstrate it. And that can be achieved by overcoming the hardships," Elena expounded.
A torrent of emotions surged within Mia as she absorbed her mother's words. She realized that her love for Erik and their child was a force capable of transcending any adversity. She could no longer allow fear or doubt to dictate her actions. It was time to wholeheartedly embrace their love and have faith in its capacity to navigate their journey.
With newfound resolve, Mia made an unspoken vow to herself and her unborn child. She would offer Erik the opportunity to assume his role as a father, to actively participate in their lives. She would open her heart wide, allowing love to conquer all obstacles.
As the weight of her decision lifted from her shoulders, Mia experienced a profound sense of peace and clarity. She understood that their path forward would not be devoid of challenges, yet she was prepared to confront them courageously.
Love possessed an uncanny ability to transform lives and defy all odds. Mia was determined to allow their love story to unfold naturally, believing that their shared voyage would ultimately serve as a testament to the enduring power of true love.
And so, with her mother's words resonating in her thoughts, Mia embarked on a new chapter of her life—a chapter imbued with hope, courage, and unwavering faith in love's guiding light.
She knew that the road ahead would be riddled with trials, but she was resolute in her commitment to face them head-on. Mia understood that their love had the capacity to transcend every hurdle and transform their lives in remarkable ways.
Armed with the knowledge that love, when nurtured and embraced, possesses an indomitable strength, Mia set forth on her journey—a journey where love would guide her every step, and where the triumphant power of their love would redefine their destinies.
The meaningful word spoken by Mia's mother resonated within her, and she felt a sudden surge of courage. As a result, she found it easier to come to a decision that she believed would bring an end to all the hardships she and Erik had endured.
"Thank you, Ma," she replied, leaning her head affectionately on her mother's shoulder.
Her mother kissed her forehead once again. "On your wedding day, you won't have to walk alone towards Erik, who will be waiting for you at the altar. Your brother and I will be here to accompany you," she responded.
"Oh, yes, what a thought! It only just occurred to me," Mia exclaimed, unable to contain the excitement in her voice.
"See? Everything that happens in our lives has a beautiful reason behind it. Perhaps, that's why God wanted you to come here so that on your wedding day, your family would be complete."
Mia chose not to comment further on Elena's words. Instead, she closed her eyes, and as darkness enveloped her world due to her actions, the image of her Nana Rosita came alive in her memory.
She had felt an immense longing for her all those years, even after meeting her biological mother. Rosita would always hold a special place in her heart, and her feelings would never change, forever.