Chance

Keith’s POV

I wasn’t expecting to see Jia that night at the Pragma fashion show.

I was forced to come by my father due to Laura’s tantrum.

I can't handle that woman. If it's not for my father’s request, I would have banned her from coming to our building. She is the cause of my stress in my everyday life.

She is the definition of a nagger. Living definition. My mom is a nagger. My dad is irrational about choosing Laura this time as my fiance.

Well, my engagement with Angela Fernandez 5 years ago didn't work. I tried to work things out with her, but its no use. There were no romantic feelings for both of us. Just mere business partners. We just didn't click.

We dated for months but we were so awkward. We don't know what to talk to each other and the relationship between the two of us became boring.

I liked her. I thought that feelings will last longer and go deeper but it was just a plain relationship.

I thought she’s the one.

What the hell was I thinking that time? Why did my feelings waver?

Did God test my feelings, Jia? If so, then God really punished me hard.

I'm a ****.

I'm a big ****.

After months of realizing it.

There’s no Jia anymore.

No Jia will come and throw tantrums.

No Jia will laugh at me on my childish acts.

Bully me.

Cry with me.

Smile with me.

Sleep beside me.

I miss her.

I didn't deserve Jia. I should hide my face from her. I should not try to contact her. I deserve nothing.

5 years ago after Jia broked up with me, I found the bottle and her farewell letter that Jia left on my pad. I kept it for 5 years.

And I kept it. I didn't throw the notes she put it there.

Before I went to Gio’s birthday. I searched the bottle and pull out one piece of paper from the bottle:

“Hang in there. You can do it!

- I love you. Jia”

I’m still holding the paper like it was my lucky charm.

Damn that weirdo, she already moved on but I'm still stuck here from 5 years ago.

Nothing happens to me.

No progress.

I'm still agonizing from what happened to me five years ago. From the what-ifs.

Every time I close my eyes, I see her.

On my dreams, it kept on bugging me.

Sometimes I dreamed we went back together again.

Sometimes I dreamed that I was chasing her back figure.

I didn't imagine that we have a son. That she was pregnant and I left her. She faced different struggles while being pregnant and giving birth to Gio.

I wish I was there for both of them.

How I wish I didn't leave her. I was wrong to doubt my feelings for Jia.

I can see she is still the same.

No awkward moments between us.

Should I pursue her or should I move on also and just support Gio?

Why she keeps on insisting that Gio is not my son? I can see my young self on this kid. Even the birthmark that only an Alford has. I, my dad and Katherine have that birthmark at the left side of our back, below the shoulder. It's like a small map of Liberty Kingdom way back 1800s.

Gio is wearing swimming shorts, I saw Luke is also looking at his birthmark while taking care of Gio then looked at me and nodded.

There’s no doubt that he is an Alford for crying out loud.

God, if years ago is a test, can you give me another chance to prove it?

Jia’s POV

“Have you seen Greyco, dear?” Mom asked me.

2 days had passed since Gio’s birthday party. I just came home with a lot of fashion magazines in my bag. I've been in the Pragma and Altaria for 2days straight and I decided to go home since I needed clothes.

“Who’s Greyco?” I asked her back.

“The grey kitty. Gio’s cat.” Mom shrugged and keep on searching for the cat.

“Oh. I think I've heard him in the kitchen.” I answered. “Where’s Gio, Ma? Its dinner already.”

“Well, he is already asleep.” She said.

“What? Its just 6 pm.” I exclaimed.

“Keith borrowed him today. They went somewhere. I think they went to the Zoo. Keith was really broken when Roberto’s gift was Gio’s favorite.” Mom explained.

Gio doesn't want to be showered with money, extravagant things. Or he is not into expensive things. He preferred to be cuddled, showered love and attention, that’s why I think he likes the kitty so that he will have a playmate or will not feel lonely if I’m not with him.

I went to my room and saw Gio sleeping soundly. I bathed and changed clothes.

“Mom. I think I’m full. I want to sleep early today. Tell Papa that I’m home.”

“Okay, dear. Here’s Greyco. He has his own bed beside your night table.” She handed me the kitty.

“Alright, Ma.”

“Goodnight, sweetie.”

“Goodnight Ma.”

Greyco started to cry.

“Shh. Gio’s asleep. So you have to.” I talked to the kitty.

I started to pat the small body of the cat. He looks fluffy. He started to purr on my touch. And when stopped patting him, he started to cry again.

“Mommy?” Gio said while rubbing his eyes.

“Hello sweetie. How’s your day?” I kissed him. I placed Greyco between us and the cat started to curl his body like he is sleeping.

“He liked to sleep beside me, Mommy. Is that okay?” He asked me.

“Then what about Mommy? I want to sleep beside Gio, too.” I faked cry.

He started to adjust himself and Greyco to give space for me besides me.

“There.” I positioned myself beside him.

“Mommy, why Mr. Keith is kind to us?” He asked me.

I choked.

“He said that I can visit him anytime in Liberty Manse. He even brought me to Zoo with Sister Kathie.” He said.

“When Sister Kathie saw me today, she hugged me and cried. It's supposedly happy when they meet kids like me. I didn't understand why she cried. And even Mr. Keith, I saw tears on his cheeks.” Gio hugged me on my waist.

“Is Mr. Keith my dad?” He asked me with longing in his eyes.

I swallowed hard.

“Gio, baby. You have to listen to me properly, okay?” I said.

I get off from the bed and went to my closet to pull out a small photo album.

I let him scanned the pictures.

“Mommy, is this you?” He pointed out a lady wearing a soft silk strapless emerald green gown.

“Yes. That was 8 years ago baby.” I kissed his head.

“Oh. This is Mr. Keith! and Uncle Wilfred!” He scanned the picture.

“Yes. I, Keith and William were classmates in high school.” I told him.

“Cool!!” He exclaimed.

“Cool. It is. Now. I don't know if you’re going to understand this since you’re still a baby.” I said.

“I just turned 5 mommy. I’m a big boy.” He said seriously.