I walk to the big oak tree in the secluded area of the park. There are not so many people come here or maybe they just afraid to explore. No one to blame besides this area is the borderline with the forest. Parents always say there are wild creatures in there, some even say there are vampires and werewolves who like to eat children. Are they serious? I would love to watch a crossover film from Twilight, Teen Wolf and Red Riding Hood.

The bushes are blocking my way. Some are leaving tiny holes on my red T-shirt and blue jeans.

Five more meters. I quicken my pace.

Four meters. I can feel my heart beats faster in my chest.

Three meters. I'm coming.

Two meters. Will you be there?

One meter. I close my eyes before getting rid the last branch.

I take a deep breath and open my eyes. I see the tree. After all these years, it only grows taller. I scan my surrounding. Taking in the beautiful scenery if not creepy for some people. Believe me, this place is the perfect place to shoot horror movie. You can practically hear a needle falls here. If you close your eyes and focus on your hearing, you will hear a small river flows. There is an open ground to my right. A perfect place to picnic. I used to take her here. Speaking of her, i remember my main objective.

Today is November thirteenth 2024. I will meet her again.

You keep telling yourself that phrase every year.

I will now.

Who are you trying to convince?

Myself.

You're pathetic.

I'm in love.

Will you ever give up?

Never.

She's gone. She left you. She forgot your question and proposal.

She's not. She will come back. She just needs time to think.

She deserts you.

No.

She...

Stop.

I will not let my conscience affect me. She will come, won't she?

Every year for the past ten years on the same date, i come here. My sanctuary. Our sanctuary. This is where our stories begin.

I just finished my last junior year day before thanksgiving holiday at school. I grabbed my bike and heading to the park. I parked my bike and run to the back of the park. I was excited. First, there is no more school for one week ahead. Second, i could spend my day drawing this beautiful place which i found out the day earlier.

I sit under the tree and open my sketch book. Drawing or painting, you name it, it's my passion. I draw portrait, landscape, flower, animal, everything. Every people who saw my drawing would be mesmerized. My mom said that i would be the next Monet. You bet.

"It's beautiful." Someone said. I startled which cause me throw my pencil. I groaned.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to scare you." The girl said. She took a sit beside me. "I'm Kate." She extended her hand.

"It's okay. I just don't think someone would be here. Oh and I'm Alessandra." I shook her hand.

"I'm kinda lost, actually." She admitted shyly. I giggled at her cuteness.

Half an hour later, i finished my drawing. It contained two deers eating the grass while their children running playfully. I put my signature on the left bottom.

"You're good." She commented. I thanked her. She spent her time reading Eclipse. "How could you draw them, they're not here." She closed her book and examined my work.

"I use my imagination. Do you like it? You can have it." I offered.

"Really?" Her face lit up. "I love deer. It's my favorite animal." I chuckled.

"That's uncommon. Here, take it." She took it and thanked me a thousand times.

Our encounter ended so quickly. She got a call from her mother who ordered her to go home. We bid our goodbye. She promised to meet me here the next day. I couldn't be happier.

I smile at the memory. It was our first encounter. Since then, we played together. Kate is a beautiful girl. She has the brightest blue eyes, sharp nose, full rosy lips. Her face screams perfection along with her medium black hair and slender body. She also has brains. One time, i told her to participate in Miss America. She told me that i'm nuts. Those are not the reasons why i fall in love with her. Not her beauty, her body, her intelligence, it's because of her kind heart, down to earth, fidelity and understanding. What i love the most from her is her warm smile. Every time she flashes her smile, my heart skips a beat and my knees go weak.

I stare at our initials name which planted on the trunk. I run my fingers over the heart that rounds a K and A letters. I was the one who did it. It was after i asked her to be my girlfriend. She gave me a Yes. I'm sure i was the happiest girl on earth that day. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

We've spent some time together. I knew i grow feelings towards her. I was scared. What if she doesn't like me, like the way i like her? What if she disgusted by me? What if she's not gay? Those were questions that run inside my head.

One day, i made a move. I took her to a picnic. I prepared everything by myself. We chat, eat, drinking(soda) haha. In the end, i sang a song to her when running my hand through her hair that she was putting her head on my lap. Once i finished, i said i like her in a romantic way and peck her on the lips. She froze for a moment. I started fidgeting and saying sorry. Then she burst out laughing. I was confused. Soon, she explained that she liked me too. A smile instantly formed on my face. It took me four months to finally ask her to be mine.

My phone goes off. I take it from my jeans pocket.

She shows up? It's my mom.

Not yet. I'll text you once she's here. I reply.

Okay.

Where are you Kate? I'm waiting for you. I can't wait another year to see you again. To kiss you. To embrace you. To say i love you.

I take a sit with my back leaning to the tree, placing my head in between my knees and silently crying.

She's not coming. She forgot you. She would never answer your question. She probably moved on.

No.

Stop hurting yourself. There are other females. Find another substitute.

I can't.

You can if you want to. Who would know that maybe she has family right now. A husband or a wife. Children.

No one knows.

Move on. You know you can.

I will get my answer first.

You're so stubborn.

I am.

What if she's the one who tell you to move on? To let her go? To forget her?

I will obey her. No matter how hard it is.

You're stupid.

Falling in love and to be loved are the best thing in the world. And to love her is not stupid.

I wipe my tears away and decide to make another drawing. Today i'm going to make a portrait. A portrait of her. I'm afraid the result would be far from reality. Ten years are a long time. She grows up obvioulsly. The last time i saw her was the day after our graduation day. The day where every thing turns downhill. I shake the painful memory away and begin my work. I start with her outline face, her eyes, nose and lips. End it with her hair.

"I love you." Kate says. We're currently cuddling on the grass. She has her head on my shoulder. I gently stroke her hair and inhale the sweet strawberry scent.

I smile from ear to ear. Every time she says the L word, i can't help not to smile. "I love you too." I reply.

I occasionally checked my pocket to make sure i bring the little box. Inside, there is a beautiful diamond ring only for her. I'm ready to propose her. We've been together for almost two years and with every day passed, we grow stronger. We have our ups and downs but our love helps us through. School is over. We just wait for our graduation day. Kate and i will go to the same university. She will take business and i'm majoring literature and possibly art. I'm not sure yet.

"What it is with you and your pocket?" Kate asked. I stare at her lovingly. It's now or never.

"Come on." I motioned her to get up. "I have something to tell you." A look of horror flashed on her eyes. "Relax, baby. I will not break up with you." I laughed.

"You better not." She pouted. I pecked her lips. I tried to pull away but she circles her arms around my neck and deepen the kiss. Our lips move in sync. When i tug her bottom lip, she moans. Oh god. She opened her mouth and i slip my tongue in. We fight for dominance but this time i let her win. She smiled between the kisses. She started moving her kiss to my chin down to my jaw line. I sighed. My arms securely wrap her waist. She moves her hand to my shirt and began to unbutton it. She kissed my collarbone down to my breast. I groaned.

"Stop." I said breathlessly. She looked at me confused.

"Something wrong?"

"No no no. Like i said before, i have to tell you something."

"What is it?"

It's my time. Take a deep breath. "When i think about you, i know that no one else will ever hold my heart the way you do. My life would never be complete without you beside me. I know you're the only girl i want to share my life with. I promise you no one will ever work harder to make you happy or cherish you more than me. Our love story is just begin. Let's make our happy ending."

I repositioned myself and kneel in front of her. I took the little box out of my pocket and open it. Looking into her eyes, i say "Katherine Marie Louise, would you marry me?"

She opened her mouth but i cut her "Kiss me if you accept my proposal. Slap me hard if you reject it." Come to think about it, it was so silly.

I closed my eyes waiting for her response. Will i get a kiss or a slap. I count to ten in my head. I receive nothing. I opened my eyes only to find a stoic Kate. She didn't move. Her face stands emotionless. I cannot figure out what's been running on her head. I saw a single tear falls down her cheek. Shit.

"Oh no. Kate. Don't cry, please." I rushed to her side and cradle her in my arms. "I'm sorry. Just forget it." I whispered. "It never happens." She keeps crying. I fuck up.

After what feels like an eternity, Kate stops crying. I soothed her all the time. I cup her face in my hands "I'm sorry. I just think it would be the best for us. When i think of the future, I can see a reflection of the two of us and our children. I want to share the rest of my life with you." I pause. "I mean, we love each other. You are the best thing that ever comes in my life. You make me happy and safe. You love me. And i love you." I continue. "I understand if it's too soon. I'm sorry."

She kiss me on the cheek. "No need to be sorry. It's not your fault. If there is someone to blame, that should be me." She strokes my cheek and lay my head down to her lap. "I would love to say yes or to kiss you." She smiles weakly. "But i can't." I tilt my head, wondering. "There's a secret i keep hiding it from you." This statement takes me completely off guard. She always opens to me. What is her secret? Does she cheat on me?

"I have cancer. It's been in my body for six months. I know it just the beginning fase but it's killing me slowly. Slowly but surely. "There no needs a scientist to figure how seriously her disease is. My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach.

"I'm sick, Ale. Everyday i have to take pills which taste is horrible. I can feel my body slowly gives in." I hate this vulnerable side of her. She is a strong girl. I sit up and hold her shoulder. "You will never give up, Kate. You are strong. Fuck that cancer. You can beat it. You will recover." She sobs.

"It's hard. You don't know how i feel. How hurt it is." Tears are falling down her cheeks. She hugs me tightly. It feels like i'm her anchor.

"I'm afraid you will leave me." She says between sobs. How can she think like that?

"I will never leave you, baby. No matter what happens, i will always be by your side." I kiss her forehead.

Minutes pass between us. I can hear her steady breathing. She must be fallen asleep. I keep playing with the strand of her hair. My thought is everywhere. Our day starts great to the moment i proposed to her. I'm dying to slip the ring to her ring finger. In the end, it only happened in my imagination. Then, she drop the big C word. I'm shocked. How can i npt see it. She's in pain. I'm ashamed of myself. Stating that i'm the best girlfriend in the world. Claiming that i love her. Promising to protect her and keep her safe. Only to find, she's greatly sick all this time along. I want to punch myself or bang my head to the walls.

That night, i drop her to her house. I give her a goodnight kiss and head home.

I wake up to the sound of my phone. I must be fallen asleep. I yawn and stretch my arm. It's a message from my mom, again, questioning whether i want to have dinner together or not. I reply a simple No.

The sun goes down. I keep checking my surrounding for the sight of her.

She's not coming.

I can tell.

I'm done. I will not wait for her for another year.

You sure?

I am.

Finally.

Am i?

I stand up gathering my things and place it in my backpack. I take my drawing, examine it.

"It's beautiful." A girly voice says.

I turn around to find a little girl, probably seven years old.

"My name is Kassandra." She offers me her hand. I smile at her gesture.

"I'm Alessandra. Are you lost? Where are your parents?"

She shakes her head no. "My daddy's there." She points to my left side. There stands a man in a suit. He's probably thirty years old. He gives me a nod.

"It's my mommy." I arch my eyebrow in confusion. "The portrait. She looks younger and healthier." She whispers the last part. "But it's her."

What is she talking about? How does she know my Kate? Her mom? If she says that the man is her dad, does it mean that they're husband and wife?

I take my time to study her face. She has green eyes, pink lips and chubby cheek with a hint of rose. Her hair is black. And her smiles, it looks like Kate's.

"Excuse me, miss. Are you Alessandra Newman? I'm Michael Armstrong. I'm Kassandra's father." Wow. He's handsome. He has green eyes, blonde short hair, firm jaw and a build body.

"She is me. Do you need any help? Direction maybe. I never see you around here."

"That would be unnecessary." He seems hesitated before he speaks "Do you know Kate?"

At the mention of her name, my face lits up. "Of course i know her. She's my first girlfriend." I reply without any hesitation. I see a little uneasiness on his face before he covers it. "Where is she? Is she okay? Can i see her?"

"Right now, she's laying on the hospital bed." His face holds so much sadness. He reaches to his briefcase and pulls out a letter. He hands it to me.

"What is this?" I ask him.

"Just read it. Take your time." With that he grabs Kassandra's wrist and out from my sight. What the hell. I shrug it off.

I open the letter.

Dear Alessandra,

It's been a long time. I miss you day and night.

How do you do? I hope you're fine.

I cannot say the same for me. You know, i'm starting to lose hope. I thought going to Germany and having the best medical treatment will heal me.

My treatment started well. I regained my strength, i felt great. I also finished my study. What about you?

I asked my mom several times to come back to California. To you. She never allowed me. Saying that i'm weak.

You have no idea, how many times i spend my life thinking about you. I miss you, your kiss, your hug, your sweet voice, your body. I miss your presence by my side.

You must be wondering how could i miss you when i never contact you. To leave you hanging. The problem was my mom took my phone away. She basically cut you from my life. I tried countless time to reach you but my mom always has her ways.

One day, i relapsed. My mom took me to the hospital. That's the place i met Michael. He's my doctor's assistant. He takes care of me well. Until now. He's a good guy. He supports me all the time. I found protection in him.

We grew closer. My mom noticed it and 'force' us to married. He loves me. He expressed his feeling to me once. But i don't love him like i love you. It's more platonic.

This didn't stop my mom. Three months after my twenty-first birthday, we married. Soon we have Kassandra. Have you seen her? She looks just like me when i was a kid.

Have you moved on? Find another girlfriend? Have you forgotten me?

Do you still love me?

'Cause i do.

I'm so sorry of what happened between us. I know i hurt you badly. I never thought it would be like this. I thought my decision to leave you is the best for me, for us. I was wrong. I rather die young in your arms than being thousand kilometers away from you. I was stupid. I always obey my mom. I should be there by your side, cherish our moment, make happy memories.

I can't say i regret my marriage. Michael is a gentleman. A good husband and a best dad Kassandra ever has. He loves us. And Kassandra, i would never trade her. She's a nice girl. I'm sure she will break many boy or girls heart in the future.

I break my promise. I was never there. Every year, i tried to go back to our sanctuary but i couldn't. Whether it's because of my condition or my mom. I hate to leave you. I hate to give you my promise. I hate to make you waiting for me.

I hate myself to never give you my answer.

I understand if you loathe me. For leaving you clueless.

My time is running low. I don't know if i ever meet you one more time.

I beg your pardon. For my mistakes.

I always love you, always have and always will.

Your baby,

Kate.

I stare down at the letter in my hands. The paper is slightly soak cause of my tears. I cannot help it. I fall on my knees. It's getting harder to breathe. There's a big lump in my throat. I choked and gasping for air. My arms hug my body tight.

What does it mean? Is she leaving me?

She cannot do this to me. Not like this. I have to see her.

"Aaargghh" i scream. I get up. Running through the bushes. I turn my head side to side. There, i spot a black Audi. I practically run to it. Knocking on the window, Michael opens it.

"Take me to her." I demand him. He just nods and motions me to get in.

I sit on the back with Kassandra. Michael in the passenger seat and his chauffeur drives us to the hospital. We exchange no words. The only sound you can hear is a soft hum from Kassandra while she plays with her Barbie doll.

"Are we visiting mommy, daddy?" Kassandra breaks the silence.

"Yes, princess." He smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"Is she going to die?" This question caught us. He seems kinda lost for words. "I don't want to lose her. I want her strawberry pancakes, her kissing my cheeks and reading me bedtime stories. If she's gone no one will wake me up from my sleep, i will late to go to school, daddy." She pouts. I prevent my tears from falling. "What if i have a nightmare? She won't be there for comforting me."

"I love my mommy." She's crying now.

"She loves you too, Kassandra." Michael erases his tears. He motions her to sit on his lap. She puts aside her Barbie and cries on his shoulder.

"We're here, sir."

We're out of the car. Michael carries his daughter that's sobbing and probably falls asleep. We reach room 413.

"She loves you." Michael blurts out. I freeze. He knows.

"She talks a lot about you. Every time she said your name, her eyes would sparkle and smile appears on her face. I know she doesn't love me like the way i love her. I talked to her mother to cancel our wedding. Being a bitch she was, she threatened to destroy my career. I don't know what to do. So, i married her."

"A year later, Kassandra was born. She brings happiness to our family." He smiles. "We're fine until one night, i caught her crying in our room. She held two papers in her hand. I took a step closer. I could see one is her medical report, she was getting worse. In the other hand, there is a drawing of her smiling in your embrace while you kiss her cheek." I remember. It was my gift for our first anniversary along with a silver necklace i bought for her.

"I couldn't take that sight. I held her. She opened up more to me. She told me about her wish. She wants to meet you. If she found out that you're already move on, she's going to be okay. She especially wants to give you her answer. I asked her about it but she never responds me."

"Since that day, i work three times harder, to make her better. So, i could take her here. To give her closure. Two years ago, she went to operation desk. It didn't help much but prolong her time." I listen carefully.

"I'm useless. I cannot save her. Kassandra will blame me. She misses her mother because of me." He cries softly. I shake my head no.

"You do better than your best, Michael. As for Kassandra, she is a clever kid. She'll understand. She will grieve, yes. But you will be there for her and be the best father in the world." I reassure him. He nods his head.

"Go. She's waiting for you. Her time is not much."

I take a deep breath and heading to the door. I place my hand on the knob and turn it. I open the door wide and close it behind me.

There she is, sitting on her bed and eyes focus to the television. Her body is much thinner than i remember. Machines are glued to her body. There are no longer her black hair on her head. I sob.

Kate turns off the tv and turns her head to me. "You're here." She gives me her trademark smile. My heart skips a beat, even after all this time.

"Come here." She pats the empty side of her bed. I drag my feet slowly. Is this real?

"It is." As she can read my mind. You can touch me. I don't bite." She says playfully.

I sit in front of her. I take in the sight. Her eyes are not as bright as before, there are bags under them, her lips are no longer rosy. Her face is pale. She looks older than she should be.

"Don't cry Ale. I'm here. I'm real." She cups my face and brings it to her shoulder. I cry hard, soaking her hospital clothes. I hug her tightly. After ten years, i can feel her body again. She is real. She is here.

"You left me." I mumble to her shoulder. "You break your promise. You never come." I hit her back. "I wait every year for the thirteenth November. Just to meet the love of my life. I always pray and close my eyes before i take a step to our place. In hope that i would see your beautiful face, your heart melting smile."

"I'm sorry." She says.

I bury my head in the crook of her neck, my body is shaking. "God never answers my prayer for i always find an empty space. There are times when i refuse to go there, it would break my heart a little more knowing you never appear. But i never lose my hope. My love for you is so strong. I always hold on to your promise. For you will be there, waiting for me. Smiling at me and kiss me." Kate rubs my back. I can feel her hot tears falling down her face. It hurts her as badly as it hurts me.

"I'm sorry." She repeats.

I shake my head. Telling her that it's not her fault.

"I miss you." We say on unison. I look up to her face down to her lips. God knows how would i kill a man just to taste her lips again. So, i lean in. The moment our lips touched is breathtaking. Memories of our first kiss replay in my head. Followed by our first time making love. Everything was great if not perfect. I want to turn back the time. Where i always have her by my side. I feel the salty of our tears but it doesn't stop us. We try to pour out our feeling. It's still there. Love.

We break apart gasping for air. "I love you, Kate."

"I love you too, Alessandra."

We're lying on her bed. I hold her in my arms kissing her head.

"Does it disturb you?" She asks.

"Huh?"

"I'm bald." She pouts.

I peck her lips. "You're beautiful. With or without hair. I love you just the way you are. I'm certain you are the most beautiful bald woman in this entire universe." She giggles.

We cherish this time. No need for words. We speak to each other hearts.

"It's always been a Yes." She speaks out of the blue. I stop my track. What is she talking about?

"I will kiss you." She pauses. "To answer your proposal."

My jaw drops to the ground. Am i hearing right? I get up and stare deep into her eyes.

"Cat got your tongue?" She chuckles. I shrugged.

"You know, i always bring the ring." I admit sheepishly. "In case you show up. I will get down on my knees and asking you the same question until i get my answer." I lower my head.

Kate holds my chin up and say "Do you bring it today?" I nod. "Then propose me. This time, i will give you my answer."

"Now?" She smiles.

"But you have a husband and a daughter, a family. I can't do that."

"I'm dying, Ale. This is my last wish before i die. Michael understands. We have this talk before." She insists.

"Just do it." I see something in her eyes. You know what they say, people get something in their eyes when time's running out.

I pull out the box. Open it to reveal the same ring from ten years ago.

"I'm sorry if this is less romantic but i just want to say that i love you. I love you from the bottom of my heart. You..."

"Skip the cheesy talk."

I roll my eyes. "Katherine Marie Louise, will you marry me?" She instantly put her lips on mine and kisses me deeply. I guess i have my answer.

"I love it." She admires the ring.

"I thought you're already move on. You have a beautiful Latina girlfriend. Or do you remember when you always talking about your girl's type? Brown eyes, long wavy hair and have to be a brunette. I'm not qualified. It annoyed me so much." She seems sad. I never know she thinks that way. Then again, i haven't fall in love with her.

"No need to worry. Look at you now. You're the one in my arms. It's always you. And i would never trade you for any attractive brunette." I assure her.

"Even for Kate Beckinsale?"

"Hmm, let's see." I tap my chin and thinking, just to tease her. Kate seems in shock, she thinks i'm gonna answer right here and there. I decide to play a little bit. "I'm her biggest fan. I admire her beauty. She's a bad ass vampire." She frowns. "It would be great if i ever kiss or have s..."

My eyes bulge out. Kate's trying to get rid of her ring. I stop her just in time. "I'm just kidding, baby. No one can ever replace you." I kiss her deeply and she responds back.

The door creaks open revealing Kassandra.

"Mommy." She runs to Kate and bouncing on the bed. I slid out giving their some place.

"Look at this." She shows her my drawing. "It's you, right. Aunty Sandra draw it and gives it to me. She's good."

"Sandra huh." Kate asks her daughter.

"Her name is so common." I raise my eyebrows. "I already have uncle Alex and aunty Alexa. I might be confuse." The little girl pouts.

"It's fine." I giggle.

Kate stares at he portrait. She seems sad and happy at the same time. "I miss my hair." I sigh. Way to make her sad. "It's okay though. As you say, i'm beautiful." She smiles lovingly at me.

"You are, mommy. Will i look like you when i get older?" She asks.

"Of course you will. You're my baby." Kate answers. "And why do you ask?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

Kassandra hids her face on Kate's shoulder. "I like Danny. He has dimples. It looks good on him. Oh and he gives me candy." She says in a very small voice.

I chance glances with Kate. She chuckles. "Now baby girl, you have your first crush."

Michael opens the door and steps in.

"Thank you." I tilt my head. "She's happy. I can tell." I nod in agreement. "Beautiful ring, i see." I blush.

"You're very understanding. I can't thank you enough."

He shrugged. "She deserves to be happy. I make her happy but you complete her. She needs you."

"Michael." Kate calls out.

"Yes, dear."

Kate flashes him her ring. "It's beautiful." He kisses her forehead.

"You must know this." Kate points her finger to Kassandra. "Our little baby here, she likes Danny." Kassandra crosses her arms and pouts. Her little secret revealed.

Michael laughs out loud. "Danny. As in Daniel?" Kassandra nods. "Oh boy. He's the one who always plays with you in the sand box, right. He will run in full speed with his little feet when he hears the ice cream truck."

"He is, daddy. Don't make fun of him." Kassandra hits his shoulder. Michael just holds up his arm.

"Michael, i want cheeseburger, french fries and milkshake." Kate speaks.

"You can't. They're unhealthy." He reasons.

"Come on. Give this dying woman her food." I cringe at the word dying.

"I'll go." I volunteer. Michael wants to speak but suddenly winced in pain. I look at his arm which pinched by none other than Kate.

***

I walk down the corridor. I hold the paper bag in my hand. She loves McDonald. I even asked for extra mustard cause i know she likes it.

I see doctors and nurses running with panic face. I pass through them and ask what's going on. They just say a patient in critical condition. I asked for their name and i run in loghtning speed as i get the answer.

No. This can't be happening. She's fine. Even Michael admits that she's in the best condition for as long as he can remember.

With every step i take, my heart beats faster.

I enter her room. It's chaotic. Doctor and nurses are surrounding her. They give her some injection. I look at her heart monitor, it's beeping loudly.

Kassandra clings her arms around her father, crying. Michael just stands there with a stoic face and rubs her daughter shoulder. Trying to be strong for his daughter. I don't miss the silent tears though.

After several minutes, her body seems better. Kate's trying to remove her oxygen mask. She wants to say something. She motions us to come closer.

"I don't want to die." She says in between tears. I don't know what happens to me. But in that very moment, i know she will leave us.

"You won't, Kate. You're strong." I say trying to push away any bad thoughts.

"I don't want to lose you, mommy. I want your pancakes." Kassandra hugs her mommy's body tightly. Kate crys more.

"I'm sorry, baby. But my time has come. To make you better, i already leave my secret recipee to your father."

"You never teach me. I will screw up." Michael no more trying to hold back his tears.

"It's so simple and easy. No need to worry." Kate says. "Michael, protect our daughter, please. Love her and make her happy. Don't let any person breaks heer heart." He nods.

"And always know that i love you. Truly." Michael places a sweet kiss on her lips.

"I bring your order." She smiles.

"With extra mustard?" I nod.

"You heal me. Not phisically but emotionnally and mentally. You make me life again." In this very moment. Every thing stops. It's just me and her. Tears pouring down her face.

"I'm sorry for leaving. I'm sorry to make you wait. I'm sorry to give you false hope. I'm sorry to..."

I kiss her. "Don't be sorry. Every thing happens for a reason. If there is one to blame. It would be me. I'm not done enough for you. I just wait for i can search you. Hire a private investigator maybe." I chuckle.

"My heart's belong to you, baby. It beats for you. It's yours and only yours." I place her hand on my chest.

"Thank you for loving me, Ale. I'm really happy to have you in my life." She chokes on her words. It's getting harder for her to speaks.

I kiss her forehead and smiles warmly depite the tears that running down my face.

"Sing me a song." Kate demands. I think for a few second to find a perfect song. I intertwine our hands and starts to sing. I even cough a little bit to check my sound. Kate chuckles a bit.

Once all alone

I was lost in a world of strangers

No one to trust

On my own, I was lonely

You suddenly appeard

It was cloudy before but now it's clear

You took away the fear

And you brought me back to the light

You are the sun

You make me shine

Or more like the stars

That twinkle at night

You are the moon

That glows in my heart

You're my daytime my nighttime

My world

You are my life

Now i wake up everyday

With this smile upon my face

No more tears, no more pain

'cause you love me

You help me understand

That love is the answer to all that i am

And i'm a better man

Since you taught me by sharing your life

You are the sun

You make me shine

Or more like the stars

That twinkle at night

You are the moon

That glows in my heart

You're my daytime my nighttime

My world

You are my life

I feel her breathing get slower and slower. Her eyes half closed.

"I love you, Alessandra." She manages to say.

"I love you, Kate, my baby."

With our final kiss. She lets out her last breath.

***

Today is the funeral. I wear my simple black dress that falls to mid-thigh. I hold the flowers in my hand. Kate loves carnation.

Michael and Kassandra are sitting in the front row. They save a place for me. I quickly settle in. There are not many people present. Just relatives. I can see her mother crying softly in the back. I already talk to her, giving her my condolence. She accepts it well. She even surprises me when she hugs me and saying sorry for giving me the hard time to meet her daughter. I'm glad we're fine now.

"Today, we gather here to..." i block my hearing. My eyes settle on the white casket where her body's lying.

Soon the funeral ended. I give her my last tribute and place the flower.

I stand in front of her tombstone. Caressing her name that carved into it. I sigh.

She is in the better place. No more pain.

"Aunty Sandra." I look back behind my shoulder. Kassandra with her little pink dress comes to me.

I pick her up. "Hello, beautiful." I smile.

She giggles. "This is for you." She hands me an envelope.

I put her down and open it. It's a letter and a necklace. Kate's necklace. I decide to read it later.

Kassandra is now looking at her mother's grave.

"She leaves me. She said she loves me but she... She lied to me." Her voice cracked.

I quickly embrace her. "She leaves you, yes. But that doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She loves you, Kassandra. She fights for you, for us. She wants to see you in your best dress going to prom with..." What's the boy's name again?

"Danny." She replies.

"Yes, him. She wants to make you pancakes, read you bedtime stories and fight the monster from your nightmare." She smiles while wiping her cheeks.

"Don't ever let anyone, especially yourself convince you, that Kate doesn't love you. Okay." She nods.

Michael soon join us. He doesn't say much. I understand him. Not just he lost his wife, his friend, but he lost his daughter's mother too. Being a single parent must be hard but i know he can do it.

I place a hand on his shoulder. "She's gone for good, Michael." He smiles weakly. "If you or Kassandra ever need me, just call me okay. I will be there for you, guys."

"Thank you, Alessandra."

"Oh i need you already." Kassandra says. "I want you to make strawberry pancakes. Daddy tried it this morning. They're burnt." She pouts. Michael smiles sheepishly.

"I'll be there." I say cuckling.

"Kassandra let's go home." Her dad's command her.

She nods and tug my arm. I lower my body to come face to face with her.

"I love you, aunty Sandra." She kisses my cheeks and smiles at me.

Somehow i see Kate's face in Kassandra. It must be her smile. Damn you, Kate, inheriting your smile to your daughter. Now, i need to be worry, cause i know she will have many suitor. 

"I love you too, baby girl."

She hugs me and wave her little hand. As she being picked up by her father and get in to their car.

I open the envelope again. I put the necklace around my neck. I cannot believe she gave it to me. Inside the locket i see our picture with eyes focus on the camera and smiling ear to ear.

The letter.

Dear Alessandra,

If you read this letter, that means i'm already six feet under.

No need to be sad. I am finally happy.

I'm at a better place where i can feel no pain, no more tears and no more fear.

I can watch you and my family from above. I will protect you all.

Ale, baby. I know you love me.

But i'm no longer there to kiss you good morning, to rock your body when you cry or congratulate you when you finally become the next Monet.

Let your heart open for someone else. Someone new.

You're free.

I will not mad.

In fact, i'm curious, will you end up with a Latina.

Don't forget i will haunt you in your dream if you ever pick someone less pretty than me.

I know the standard's too high but oh well. It isn't a easy task.

I LOVE YOU

Your baby,

Kate.

I wipe my tears away. This time it's happy tears. I don't know when she write this letter but i'm glad. Now that she said it, i can date Kate Beckinsale.

As soon as i said that, wind pass through my body, giving me shiver down my spine. I look around me. Nothing.

I guess Kate doesn't approve it. Hahaha. No need to worry, baby.

I look up to the sky and say my little prayer.

Goodbye my love, goodbye
I always will be true
So hold me in your dreams
Till I come back to you

I love you Kate. Always and forever.