Morning walks , biking at the park ..This is how the Valderama Family spent their morning.

Having a sumptous breakfast now in the nearby cozy restaurant.

Hindi mapakali si Maureen , palipat - lipat ang tingin nya kay Jun at  Alexa  habang masayang nag -uusap , " You  try   this  Sweetie , a croissant fully  loaded in ham and cheese and a chocolate mousse ..." as the waiter handed down their food on the table .
Pagkuwa'y bumaling ng tingin si Jun kay Maureen  , " how about you ... you ordered just coffee ? in a soft low tone . Waring nagulantang  pa si Maureen  sa tanong na yon ,  malalim ang kanyang  iniisip . Napag usapan  na kasi nila ni Jun  na sasabihin na nila kay  Alexa  ang matagal na  nilang inililihim dito ... na ang tunay nyang Ama ay si Jun .
" Ah. .Yes just coffee ...
I' m not starving "  sabay ang malamlam na tingin nya kay Jun . Marahan inilapit nito ang kape kay Maureen  ...sabay ang sweet smile na parang naintindihan nya ang rason nito ... " Don't  worry , I will handle  this  " ang mga titig  na yon ni Jun na nagpapagaan  ng kalooban  ni Maureen  , she just nodded .

As Jun drive going back to their hotel ... Maureen suggest ,  I think , it would  be better kung ihatid  mo na kami sa Apartment ,  then spent the  night with us ... Bukas  na ang flight mo going  back  to the Phillpines ,  right ?  They took  glances , staring at each  other .  " Yeah .. actually ,  naisip ko na rin  yan , spend  more time  with you and Alexa ."   Jun exhale a deep  breath , marahan namang  tiningnan ni Maureen  si Alexa at the back  seat .  " How about that   Sweetie  , is that okay ?   Tumingin lang si Alexa sa kanila , not saying anything  , kanina pa ito walang kibo ... Alexa is a smart girl , she sensed something ....
* something about her Mom and Tito Jun , *  but she prefer to remain silent ...she just nodded .
Long  minutes  of silence
Then  Jun  break the ice ,
by  saying " how about a quick  stop  to a grocery store  to buy some food stuff   and  I will  do the cooking  for  Dinner tonight ..."
Matamang  tumingin ng makahulugann  si Maureen  sa kanya , " Don't . worry  I' m a good  chef ... Jun winked one eye on  her . "  Yeah , I  know  but  why , you don't have to do that ..
I'll  do  the  cooking "  Maureen insisted ...  " "Okay  let us do the cooking ,  the  three  of us , a  kind  of family bonding "  Jun in a low tone .
" Hey ,   Maureen widened  her eyes , smiling .. parang sinasabing   baka marinig sya ni Alexa sa sinabi  nyang  Family bonding ... Jun chukles .
They  both looked at the back  seat ...Alexa  just stared at  them .

They stop at the Supermarket .

Bought some beef meat , some green veggies for the salad , some ingredients for the Fettuccine   pasta , a ready made  chiffon  cake and vanilla  ice  cream for dessert .. and  lastly  the Fruits ,  Alexa  always love  Fruit  shake of  stawberry ,  apple  and banana.
Jun  always  think  of something  that  Alexa would  appreciate ..He
wants  to get closer with her .

They are now in  their Apartment .

Jun and Maureen busy preparing  and  cooking Dinner , Halata  namang mas  marunong  sa kusina  si  Jun kesa kay Maureen .
He  did  everything so easy ,  casual and organized  like a master chef.
" Wow ... You cook like a Pro... " Maureen teasing him ,  Jun smiled giving her a quick kiss on her lips ... " You just slice and  cut the vegetable for the  green  salad ... honey ,   and I will  prepare the Vinaigrette dressing .
Okay ,  Maureen  turned to  the chopping board  , this is all I can do ...." She giggled ... nang bigla nyang nahiwa ang kanyang daliri  , " Ouch !
Jun abruply  came to her .. its just a mild cut .. its okay , lagyan ko lang ng band- aid yan ..." 
He turned to the medicine cabinet nearby ...  " O , wag kang malikot ..it will stop the bleeding ,  matamang nakalapit ang mukha ni Jun  kay  Maureen habang  inilalagay  ang band - aid  sa kanyang daliri   na  nakalagay naman  ang  kamay ni Maureen  sa  kanyang dibdib ....  " O, akina yang kamay mo , paano ko mailalagay ito ng maayos .... Halos magkalapit na ang kanilang mukha , kulang  nalang  ay maghalikan ,  as  they staring  at  each  other ... Then , the  kitchen  door swang  open ... pareho silang  napalingon , It 's Alexa ,  capturing  that moment , seeing  them in an awkward position.
" Hmmm ... Can I offer some help ?  Ignoring them as if she sees nothing .. dagli  namang naghiwalay ang dalawa .
Then Alexa noticed  her Mom' s finger  wrapped in band - aid , What happened Mommy ...
Uhmm , again you cut your finger ...you are not for the kitchen Mom ,you are always clumsy . "  Alexa giggled , turned her look to his Tito Jun , " I want to  help  setting  the table Tito Jun , can I ?
" Of course Sweetie , and your  Mommy will just sit  and  relax .             They both laughed  while Maureen smiling .

At masaya silang nagsalo sa masaganang dinner .
They look as a happy family indeed, everything is quite perfect.

While.Maureen remain in the dining room to
clean up .
Nagpunta  naman sila Jun  at  Alexa sa  living room .,  they tend to watch a Movie in Netflix
Minamasdan lang sila ni Maureen  habang nakasilip  sa naka bukas na pintuan , she's hiding behind the wall  .
Just enough to see them engaging in a small talk.

Bahagyang inihina ni Jun ang sounds ng Television , marahang tumabi  kay Alexa , parang  nakakuha naman  sya  ng  tamang tyempo  sa  isang eksena doon  sa  pinanonood nila ,  saktong nagkalayong  Mag-ama ang  eksena  ,  marahan nyang  kinuha  ang atensyon  ni  Alexa .
" How would  you like to have  a  father like him ?
Jun  ask  straight  to the point ,  Alexa  seemed surprise  to  that question  ,  wondering why he have said that ..
" What  do  you  mean ... We  are not father and daughter "   in casual tone ,  Alexa get some chips on the table ..
" And how would you feel if I am your Daddy?   Jun  keep  asking  the question   that  Alexa seemed  annoyed .  Jun continue ..                     " "Just  like  that  scene on T.V.  ,  Is  it  possible  to have  a close relationship  between a father  and a daughter even  from  many  years and  many  miles away from  each other ?
Jun  exhales  deeply as Alexa  skeptically avoiding  his  looks.
Jun  make  every  effort to  have  a  good conversation open ..
" And why do you ask ..." Alexa  in  a  whispering tone  , without  looking at him ... standin up and walk  into  the  Fridge to get  some  bottled milk .
Marahang  inilagay  ni Jun  ang  mga  kamay sa kanyang  mukha  at hinagod  ito ,  na waring nag  iisip  ng  mga susunod  pang sasabihin kay  Alexa .
Pagkuwa'y  ... " Well  , I like you .... And I want you  to  become  my daughter ... do you like me ... become  your daddy . ?" 
Nakangiti ito kay Alexa , waring  kinakabahan sa kung  anumang isasagot nito ..  Nagulat  pa sya sa biglang  pagtayo  nito mula  sa  kinauupuan  sabay  tanong  ng ...
" Are you in love with Mommy ? "
Jun  got stuck  , hindi nya alam kung ano ang isasagot ,  hindi nya inaasahan  ang  tanong na  yon sa isang ten year old ... she is so smart  , he sighs .
Muling  nag salita si Alexa  ,  " You are cousins  , Mommy told me that ,  I don't understand ... "  Muli hindi  nakakibo si Jun .
While  Maureen  bit  her lower  lip ,  maraming beses  nilang  napag usapan  ni Jun  kung paano  sasabihin  kay Alexa  ang katotohanan .
She  never  knew  that it would  be  too  hard .

Minabuti na lang nya na pumasok  na sa salas para puntahan ang mag -ama .
" Uhmm , are you okay .. mukang  seryoso ang pinag  uusapan  nyo ah.. she  arch  an eyebrow , waring  inosenteng tanong  ni  Maureen , habang  patuloy  na walang  kibo  ang bawat isa. 
" Alexa ,  are  you  not sleepy , its  getting  late , you told me you want to go  to bed early .. hmm? "
malambing na tanong nya kay Alexa . " Yes Mommy , goodnight , " sabay halik sa pisngi ni Maureen , makahulugan  naman ang  tingin  nito sa kanyang  Tito Jun ...
" Goodnight  Tito  Jun  , she smiled a bit and kiss him too .  " Goodnight Sweetie .. sleep  tight " and wink one eye to her.

At  malungkot nilang tinatanaw  si Alexa habang  papunta  sa kanyang  kwarto.

Marahang  inilagay ni Maureen  ang ulo sa balikat  ni  Jun ... Do you think  this  is  the proper time  to  tell  her everything ? ..
" I guess so " Jun hug her and  kiss her forehead .

"Don't  worry  I will talk to  her tonight ...  Kung malalaman  nya  ang totoong  nangyari  , eventually  ... she would understand  .  Maureen in  a  deep  breath .
Then  they  kiss as if it would  the  last... deeper this time .

They are in a deep kissing  moment when suddenly  the door bell rings ...
Marahang  binuksan ni Maureen  ang pintuan ,
" Hi Dad , how's your day... ? "
" Well , nakakapagod pero  masaya .. O, nandito  pala si Jun .." nakangiti itong lumapit kat Jun .
" Good evening po Tito ..uhm ,  paalis  na rin po ako  , I have to prepare  for my flight  tomorrow . " Bahagyang napatingin ito kay Maureen then kay Jun ..
" O , hindi ka ba ihahatid ni Maureen at Alexa ?
Si  Maureen  na ang sumalo  sa tanong , " Of course Dad , but ... we have  to  fix  something with  Alexa , kaya bukas na  lang kami sa hotel ni Jun  pupunta ,  deretso na  kami sa airport .
Parang  naramdaman naman ng Daddy nya na sinabi na nila kay Alexa ang  totoo
" Hmm ,  I  hope maintindihan  ni Alexa ".
" Hmm .okay .. cge po tuloy na ako " sabay pisil sa kamay ni Maureen na kanina  pa  nya hawak .. malamlam na tumingin lang ito sa kanya .. " I will take care of this ... I will talk to her..okay ? "
" Just call me ... I won' t sleep  until  I got  your call ... "  She  nodded .
Muling  tumingin si Jun.sa  Daddy  ni Maureen .
" Bon  voyage  Iho .. ingat sa byahe ' "
At  humakbang na si Jun palabas  ng  pintuan .

Naiwan  naman  si Maureen  at  Daddy nya na  nag  uusap ang mga mata ... then , tinapik - tapik. ang  balikat  ni Maureen .
" Go  ahead Iha , Alexa is a  smart girl , alam kong kahit  paano ay nararamdaman na nya  ... that 's there is something  sa inyong dalawa  ni Jun , ayaw lang  nyang magtanong .
Tumango  - tango lang si Maureen ,  exhales a deep  breath , and then go   straight  to Alexa' s bedroom .
She  found her in her bed  but surely not sleeping  because  the light  is  still  on .  And she's   holding  the stuff toy  that  Jun gave to her a  week ago .

Maureen  silently  walk towards  her ... a little bit  nervous , don 't know  where  to  start  a conversation  with  her.
Alexa  look  at  her  as if waiting  for her Mommy to  say  something .
Maureen   slowly  get up to  her bed  and  slide. herself  into  the blanket  where  Alexa comfortably  wrapped.
Hold her hands , she can feel  the  coldness ,  she gives her comfort by kissing  many times ..
Alexa  hug her , putting her arms around her waist  .. " Is it my ..Tito Jun my real Dad .?"

A minute of long silence

Maureen  clear her throat , kiss Alexa's. forehead .

Yes , Sweetie , but I want you to listen to  me first before  you  think of something  else.
Alexa  nodded .

" Your  Tito  Jun and I were  cousins...  that's true.  We  grew up together ...  In  our grandparents  house , Our  grandfather         Lolo  Romulo  and grandmother  Lola Marlyn..
Tito  Jun 's family  live with  them ...  ,My Tito Ruel and Tita Theresa and my cousin Jasmine.
And  ,  me  as  their favorite  grandchild  use to  live with  them  too .
We  studied  the same school ,  we  have  the same  interest .  As we grow  older  we  become closer  to  each  other until  such  time ,  we feel  the  same  way ... That  this  is  not  an ordinary  closeness  that we  had ,  but  we romantically  linked  to each  other...  and we fell in  Love .
We  hide  it  from  our parents ...  until  I  got pregnant ,  and  that is You  my  baby...
When  my  Mom ,  your grandmother  Lola Irene , found  out  about this ,  they  tried  to separate  us ...
And  that  night ,   the night  that  I  will never forget  in  my  whole life.
My  Mom ,  Tito Ruel and  Tita  Theresa ,  your Tito
Jun's  parents , and  my Auntie  and  Uncle  as well  , they  got  into heated  argument ,  they were fighting vigorously over  that  family scandal ... because  I became  pregnant .
And  I  accidentally  hit by  a  big  blow  in  my tummy ,  I  threw myself on  the  floor ,  got my hips  in  too  much pain , it  is  beyond  my control that  causes  bleeding .
I  was rushed to the hospital .  Everybody including  your  Tito Jun ... thought  that ...  I lost  my  pregnancy  but the  doctor  saves  you.
My  Mom   don't  bother to  tell  anyone  about this ,  except  to  her  sister  Tita  Olivia .

At   that  instant moment ,  
Our    lives  went  on  a different   directions .
Mommy   send  me  to Australia   where  Tita Olivia   lives  with  her own   family  ,  she 's working   there  as a Nurse.



It is in Australia that you were  born ..  Your  Tito Jun  or  I  should  say..... your  Daddy  ,  knew nothing  about  it  all , that  you  survived  and were   born  inspite  of that  tragic  accident . That  I  gave birth to you in  secret.
I am  bitterly  longing for  your  Daddy   but ... Mom  was  so powerful ..nobody wants  to  adhere  in  her decision   , to   keep it secret  to the entire family .  Mom wants you to  be  adopted  by somebody ..  that  I can comeback  to  the Philippines  without  my baby ...  To   start a new life  and  forget everything .

I  decided to live a life of my  own  here  in  New York .
With  so  much  pain in my  heart  and desperately   hurt by my Mom 's  decision . I hate her  so much ..I moved here  not telling anyone from  my family where I am  ... even Tita Olivia that  I  love  more  than my  own  mother.

It   was sad and awful but  it  was the best thing to do .
I've  been  single parent for  ten years ...

I  thought my whole world  was over ,  until I have  you .
Maybe  everything does happen  for  a  reason .
But  if.  there's   something that I will always  cherish  in  my life  is  you ----- Your are so precious to me.

And   your Tito  Jun married  someone not to start  a  new relationship  ...              But  to  start   his  life  anew .
Marrying  someone  is not  all  LOVE  that means...

Life  is  strange  enough to  have  brought  us together  again .
Yes  , your  Tito Jun and I met  again  in a  little weird  situation  when my  Mommy ,  your grandma  died.
I  have to  say , there are beautiful  things  within the  unexpected .

Maureen take a breath..

We  are  always  close with  each  other ..  we became  friends  again ., But  knowing  I  have  a Daughter  , your Tito Jun
kept  asking  me who's your  father ?
At that time , I skip from telling   him  the truth , because   as  you  have said  ,  he  had  a  family and   I don't want to be an  Intruder in their fine marriage   life..
But   your  Tito  Jun brought   up  to his mind ,.   that  you are his daughter .
He  did  his  own investigation  , made  his  own way of getting a Paternal  DNA  test ...
That  ironically  reveal the  truth ...

Now , he  had  plan  of getting  an * Annulment of  his  marriage *...             a  kind  of  permission
of getting married again legally ...
I  know you don't understand  it for now ., but  in time you will.

Alexa  remain silence...
not a single word escapes her lips .

Maureen continue...

We have plans of getting married soon ,
For  the sake of you...
Alexa turned her face to her ,  " for the sake of me , or  for the sake of you  *Both* ..? 

Maureen in a soft tone
" I know it is hard for you to understand ..."
nearly avoiding Alexa"s eyes , but in the corner of her eyes she sees Alexa's face  quite annoyed.
Alexa finally stare into Maureen 's light eyes that nearly into tears.

It' s a family matters of course ! That we became apart.
I know it is not easy for you to accept  the  truth
between you and your Tito Jun , 
But .... despite an awful situation that we are in.,
he  is  always  spending every  minute  of his life to  get  closer  to  you  , that 's  why he is here in New  York .

Silence *-----*----*---*

Maureen  step out of the bed .  Minabuti  nyang iwanan  muna  si Alexa , hayaang  mag - isa ... to give  her space .
" Look ,  If you don' t feel like  ready to accept him as  your  Daddy .... I can understand .

A long minute of unnerving .... Silence!

Then Alexa stand up in bed walk into her  , hug and kiss her . " Goodnight Mommy .." and she turned to her bed ,
The silence of a kiss is probably what makes it so intimate .
A silence of a kiss does say it all ....
The silence in the moments after.

Marahan  nang lumabas ng  kwarto si Maureen , malungkot  nyang muling  tinanaw  ang natutulog  na  anak .

Pag  bukas  nya  ng pintuan  ay  nandoon pala  ang  Daddy  nya , matamang  nakikinig sa kung  anuman pinag usapan  nila ni Alexa.
He  opened his arms at marahan  naman lumapit  at  yumakap si Maureen ,  as saying
" Ang  hirap Dad  ng pakiramdam  ng ganito " she  said  in  between sobs ,  Marahan naman tinapik - tapik  ng Daddy nya ang kanyang balikat
re - assuring her that everything will be fine soon .
" I  am nervous Dad , she might  hate me "  yakap - yakap nya ang Daddy nya habang umiiyak ,
" No , Of course not ... just give her enough time , nabigla lang si Alexa ... she is so kind sweet girl ... "

Marahan na inihatid na sya ng Daddy nya sa kanyang kwarto.
Ok ..mabuti pa matulog ka na... Let' hope for the best . "
At marahan na nitong isinara ang pintuan .

Her phone buzzed... tiningnan ni Maureen ang cellphone nya madaming  miss calls si Jun ..
" Hi ... Sorry ngayon ko lang nakita ang mga miss call mo.. nasa kwarto   ako  ni  Alexa.
" It's okay...now what happened , "  waring nasasabik na tanong ni Jun.
"Let  us hope for the best Hon.. hindi sya kumibo  ,  I told her everything   .. "
" Hmm , ok that' s fine..  don't  worry  too much , " Jun 's comforting words is enough for Maureen .
" Go to bed now Honey..see you tomorrow " jun in a soft tone .

           *********

Ngayon ang flight ni Jun pauwi ng Pilipinas .. papunta sya ngayon sa Apartment ni Maureen ..hoping to see Alexa in a good smile .

Mahaba  ang  traffic ., mamaya pang alas tres ng  hapon  ang  exact hour  of  his departure .. He  want to spend every second  of  the hour to be   with  his  Family .. para kay Jun , pamilya na nya sila Maureen at  Alexa .



               *******

Not  long enough and he's  now in the parking lot  of  Maureen 's  Manhattan  Apartment .

Tahimik ang Apartment.
He punched the door bell.. as it open ... He is totally surprise  !!

(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠❤(⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)⁠♥(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

Teaser :

Let us find out in the next chapter ..

Will   Alexa finally accept  Jun as her Father? 

Goodnight everyone ..thanks for reading ❤️💋🌛