Broken Promises

Chapter 12 - Watching from afar

My Viktoria, she thought silently. I hope you know how much Mommy loves you. I miss you so much, and I'm desperately wanting to hug you right now. As I secretly gaze at you on the screen, I hope you can feel my presence. I want to talk to you, but I know you don't want to, and I understand. You were God's greatest gift to me, my answered prayer, my rarest diamond.

As time passes, I feel like you're drifting farther away from me. I'm losing my place in your heart, and I wonder if you even still recognize me as your mother. Leaving and giving up on you is my biggest regret. I wish I had never left—maybe then we'd be okay now. But I did leave, and I'm sorry. I thought giving you space was the kindest thing I could do, but I didn't realize the consequences.

From being your best friend to now a stranger in your life, it hurts. But I know I have to accept it. I won't force you to forgive me, but I won't give up on you, my dearest Aya. I'll never give up on you. I love you, and I always will. No one can take your place in my heart, even if I no longer have a place in yours. I will always choose you, and I'll always be proud to have you as my daughter. I can't wait to see you soon, my love...

Irene's thoughts were interrupted when Janella spoke up, noticing her mom lost in thought, tears now silently streaming down her face.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Janella asked, her voice filled with concern.

Irene quickly wiped her tears, forcing a weak smile. "I'm fine," she said softly, not wanting her kids to worry.

Even though she wasn't okay, Irene had to say she was. She needed to be strong for her children.

The boys ended the call, and Alfonso immediately walked over, kissing his mother's forehead. He had wanted to do it earlier when he saw her tear up, but didn't want to draw attention while Kate was on the line.

"Everything okay, Mom? Is something wrong?" Alfonso asked gently, taking her hand.

Irene nodded, her voice soft. "She's beautiful. She's ethereal."

Alfonso smiled knowingly. "Did you hear what she said? She got the highest score on her exam."

"Wow, I'm so proud of her," Irene said, her smile weak but genuine. She missed Kate so much, every single day.

Alfonso and Luis knew they could never fully fill the gap in their mother's heart. Janella tried, but it wasn't enough. Only Kate could. Irene's laughter, smile, and happiness were incomparable when Kate was around, and they wished she wouldn't make it so difficult for their mom to heal.

"How is she?" Irene whispered, her voice tinged with worry.

"She said she's fine—just busy with schoolwork," Alfonso reassured her.

"Is she eating on time? She's getting thinner," Irene asked, concerned.

"Mom, you know she's always been like that. She got it from you. Her features are just like yours," Alfonso said with a chuckle, making Irene smile as she tapped his chest lightly.

"Silly! It's not just me—she's also got features from her dad. You're all his kids too," Irene replied, her smile softening.

"Miss mo lang, Mom!" Alfonso teased.

"Yeah, miss mo lang si Daddy," Luis added, grinning.

Irene raised an eyebrow. "You two better stop it," she warned, her tone stern, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"Mommy, nagba-blush ka!" Luis teased again.

"Nagba-blush? You better stop right now!" Irene said firmly, but Luis kept on teasing. That is, until...

"Luis Mariano Constantino Marcos Araneta, stop right now or you'll be out of this house!" Irene scolded, making Luis immediately shut his mouth.

"Deserve!" Janella shouted at Luis, but Luis simply sighed and ignored her.

"Janella Ivory! I'm not joking. Know your limits, or you're out. I mean it," Irene called as she walked towards the stairs.

"What are you two doing now? You got scolded," Alfonso teased.

Luis rolled his eyes, Janella following suit.

"Iniinis mo kasi yung dragon, bumuga tuloy ng apoy," Alfonso whispered as he laughed.

"Ma, oh! Sabi ni kuya—" Luis started, but was cut off when Alfonso covered his mouth.

The door opened, and Xandra stepped in.

"Ate!" Janella exclaimed, rushing over to hug Xandra.

"Hi, Xands!" Alfonso greeted.

"Hi, love!" Luis added, kissing Xandra on the cheek.

"Hello, I brought some coffee and donuts! Want some?" Xandra invited them, and everyone agreed enthusiastically.

"Are the kids sleeping, love?" Xandra asked Luis.

He nodded.

"And Mommy?" she asked, glancing at Irene. Alfonso chuckled.

"She had a little argument with them," he answered, still chuckling.

Xandra looked at Luis, curious.

"Naasar, si kuya kasi nauna!" Luis said, taking a bite of his donut.

"I stopped at the first warning. You didn't," Alfonso teased.

"Why don't you call her, love?" Xandra suggested to Luis.

"I'm not calling her right now. Maybe later when she's calmed down... I don't want to get hit with something," Luis replied, which made everyone laugh.

They continued eating, talking about random things, until the evening slipped by. The family may have its tensions, but the love between them was undeniable.

Sorry for the wrong grammars and misspelled words.
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