CHIARA POV
"Are you sure about this? You can leave next year," my mom's voice quivered with a mix of sadness and longing, tears glistening in her eyes. Dad stood unwaveringly beside her, offering support as we found ourselves standing outside the airport. The purpose of their presence here was to bid us farewell, as Xander, Ximara, and I were about to embark on a journey back to our homeland, the Philippines, for good.
A tinge of skepticism filled my heart as I responded to my mom's words, "Mom, how many times have you said that in the past? We've been living here for six long years, right?" The repetition of her promise had rendered it hollow and void of genuine meaning. It seemed as though she lacked the true intentions of actually sending us back, yet simultaneously, she was reluctant to remain in the Philippines. Italy had always been her preferred destination, a place that held her deepest desires and aspirations.

As my dad interjected, his voice overflowed with warmth and reassurance, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. "Take care, okay?" he said, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "And don't worry, sweetheart. I will take care of your mom and myself." His kind words washed over me, eroding the edges of my worry.
A gentle smile spread across his face, punctuating his words with a silent promise of steadfast support. Gratefulness welled up inside me, melting away some of the heaviness that had settled in my chest. I returned his smile, feeling the weight of our unspoken bond.
Without hesitation, I took a step closer to them, closing the physical distance between us. Instinctively, I embraced them both, craving the familiar embrace of their presence. As I leaned into them, their intertwined scents saturated the air, enveloping me in a cocoon of comfort and love. In that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had their unwavering love and support to rely on.
As we parted from the embrace, Dad turned to Xander, his expression filled with earnestness. "Take care of my daughter and granddaughter, Alexander," he said, placing his hand on Xander's shoulder.
Xander nodded, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Of course, I will," he assured Dad, determination shining in his eyes.
Then, it was time for Ximara to bid her farewells. "I will miss you, grandma and grandpa! Hug?" she asked, extending her tiny hands towards my parents.

Mom, still tearful, immediately embraced Ximara, holding her tightly. Dad joined in, enveloping her in his arms. They exchanged words of love and reassurance, trying to mask the sorrow of parting.
"Don't cry, grandma," Ximara said softly to her grandmother as they pulled apart, her own eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Mom nodded, understanding the weight of her little granddaughter's words.
After our final goodbyes, the three of us made our way into the airport. Xander took charge of our belongings, insisting on carrying everything himself. He wanted to spare Ximara and me from the burden, recognizing that we had been babied too much already.
As we walked through the airport gates, I couldn't help but glance back at my parents, standing there, their faces etched with worry and longing.

---
"What if you saw him?" Xander's question caught me off guard, his voice hushed as we sat in the privacy of first class on the airplane. Ximara had already dozed off, oblivious to our conversation. I knew exactly who he was referring to, but I chose to feign ignorance, focusing my attention on the meal in front of me.
"Who?" I asked casually, still avoiding eye contact, trying to keep my emotions in check as we delved into a topic that had caused tension between us before.
"Maximo," Xander uttered his name gently, his gaze fixed on me. I could tell he had stopped eating, his focus solely on our conversation. I paused my own eating, locking eyes with him, waiting to hear what he had to say.
"Honestly, Xander, I don't know," I began, my voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and sincerity. "I understand that you're afraid of us going back in the philippines because of Luis but we can't keep running away from it. Believe me, Xander, I've moved on. I've chosen you, and you are my present. Don't you trust me?" I continued.
Xander shook his head slowly, his expression filled with both fear and regret. "It's not about trust, Chimi," he confessed, his voice barely audible. "I trust you, but I'm scared. I'm scared because deep down, I know that you still harbor feelings for him. You may deny it, but what if he still loves you? It's not hard to love you, Chimi."
I was at a loss for words, torn between the desire to reassure him and the pain of knowing that my past still haunted our present. "I love you, Xander," I finally managed to say, offering him a heartfelt smile that conveyed my sincerity and devotion.
"Don't cry," he whispered softly, reaching out to wipe away tears that I hadn't even realized were falling. "Maybe later, our little Chimi will wake up and wonder why I made you cry." His tender gesture reminded me once again of the incredible person he was, and the immense love he showered upon me. I couldn't help but feel unworthy of such a partner.
"I'm sorry, Xander," I sobbed, my tears betraying the overwhelming guilt I felt for any pain I had caused him. "I genuinely apologize for hurting you. You don't deserve to be hurt like this."
Xander silenced my desperate apologies with a gentle shushing sound, his thumb gently wiping away my tears. "Shh, don't cry," he comforted me, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You know I never want to see you cry, and please don't worry because I don't blame you."
His calming words eased my sorrow, and I found solace in his embrace. In that moment, I silently thanked whatever forces had brought us together, realizing that I was incredibly blessed to have someone like Xander in my life.
"Are you going to tell Maximo?" Xander's question pierced through the quiet cabin, and I turned my gaze towards Ximara who was peacefully asleep. I knew exactly what he was referring to, but uncertainty filled my mind as I searched for the right response. When I finally looked back at Xander, he was still fixated on our sleeping daughter.
"I don't know, Xander," I replied, my voice tinged with apprehension. The thought of facing Maximo, our complicated past resurfacing, left me hesitant and anxious.
"He deserves to know, and deep down, you know it too," Xander insisted, his voice a mix of conviction and concern. Despite the strained friendship between him and Maximo, Xander remained mindful of how Maximo would feel. After all, Ximara was our daughter, conceived during a tumultuous time in my relationship with Maximo. But Xander had stepped in, becoming her father figure, and together we had created a stable life for her. The tumultuous chapter with Maximo had long been put to rest.
"Of course, he deserves to know about Ximara," I agreed, my voice laced with uncertainty. "But maybe not yet." I wasn't prepared to face Maximo, to reopen wounds that had gradually healed over the past six years. The mere thought of it stirred up memories and emotions that I had buried deep within. I silently added, "And maybe never," acknowledging my own fears and reservations.
In those six years, I had heard nothing from Maximo or my close friends, Alexa and Sanya. As days turned into months, and months turned into years, I couldn't help but yearn for the guidance and companionship that Alexa, and Sanya had once provided. Their absence created an overwhelming void in my life, exacerbating the challenges and doubts that accompanied motherhood and living in a foreign country. I couldn't help but miss them both, longing for their presence and guidance during this uncertain time.
Each passing day became a reminder of the deep connection we once shared, and the irreplaceable role they played in my life. Memories of shared laughter, late-night conversations, and the inseparable bond we had forged replayed in my mind, making their absence unbearably painful.
"Always remember that I'm here by your side," Xander reassured me, a warm smile lighting up his face. "I will support you in all your decisions."
As Xander spoke those comforting words, a sense of relief washed over me. His genuine concern and heartfelt promise to stand by my side bolstered my confidence in the decisions I was about to make. With a warm smile gracing his face, he radiated a sense of reassurance that I needed in my conflicted state.
With newfound solace, we resumed our meal, savoring each bite as we savored the moments of respite in this bustling airplane. The aromas of the in-flight meal filled the air, temporarily distracting us from the weight of our upcoming choices. It was a rare moment of tranquility amidst the chaos that surrounded us, but our contemplation still lingered.
The weariness slowly crept over me as the meal came to an end. The exhaustion of the journey we were about to embark on started to settle in. Thoughts of the long hours ahead, the uncertainties that awaited us in the Philippines, and the challenges that lay ahead weighed heavily on my mind. It was in that moment that I sought refuge in my seat, hoping to find solace in slumber.
As I closed my eyes, the anticipation of the arduous journey ahead lingered in my thoughts. But amidst the sleepiness that slowly enveloped me, there was a sense of comfort that I found knowing that Xander and Ximara, my companions in this unfamiliar undertaking, would be right beside me. Their unwavering presence added a sense of stability and reassurance to an otherwise uncertain expedition.