// April 1, 2018 - Manila, Philippines //
My heart began a drum roll the minute my mother sat down across from me and Anthony and let her stare travel over us. We’ve been waiting for her, in the family house in Forbes.
In those lengthy hours of us waiting, I could feel Anthony’s nervousness, but he managed a shaky smile at my mother once he saw her coming to join us.
The day we arrived in Manila, Yvonne volunteered to pick us up at the airport. She was all smiles when she saw Anthony and I in the arrival area. And came rushing to bestow us her warmest congratulations before we even managed to get our luggage.
The huge relief I felt the moment I saw Yvonne cordially received my husband’s hugs and accepted him as part of the family. I could feel Anthony’s relief, too. It is different now, and those heartaches I felt when Yvonne did an investigation on him suddenly washed away. We all felt more forgiving now. And just focus on what lies ahead.
On our way to the family house that late afternoon, I couldn’t help but ponder on how Mom would face us. I yearned for her not to send any blame or accusation to Anthony.
But here, as the three of us faced each other, in the family living room, Mom’s mood was affable than I expected. In her eyes, I sensed some lightness, like she has loosened up and just decided to get along with my marriage to Anthony, and that there’s no more sense to go to all the troubles of resistance.
“I heard you got married,” Mom cautiously commenced the conversation. Then slowly, a subtle smile emerged despite her freshly botoxed face. I could see she was caught between maintaining her pride for rejecting Anthony and that maternal love, that no matter how much I defied her, she would still support me no matter what.
“So, what are your plans now?” It was a question unexpected, not only for me but also for Anthony. Before responding to Mom's query, we already gave her our sincerest apologies for our hasty decisions back in Australia. And that we’re planning another wedding in Manila. Only this time, with everyone around.
“I am sorry.” I faced Mom again the moment I found sufficient courage. Anthony was more than apologetic too, the two of us fighting for composure, anticipating for that affirmation that Mom would bestow us her warmest blessing.
From afar, I could see Yvonne peeking at us from the kitchen. She must have been anticipating for that moment, too. That Mom would pardon us and accept Anthony as her son.
For very long, Mom stared at us, taking in the sight of apologetic couple right in front of her. It was too long Anthony and I sat very still, staring down at our holding hands.
“Well, obviously one has to move out.” At last, Mom spoke again, crossing her arms, and gave us a more serious and wondering look.
Before this face-to-face conversation, Anthony and I already rehearsed on what to say. We knew people won’t fail to ask it, especially Mom, so we came to a final decision that I am the one who will move out and reside in Australia while he fights for custody of Junior.
Clearly, I witnessed the disappointment in my mother’s eyes upon telling her. Like it was something added to the pile of disappointments I’ve given her since childhood. Quietly, she took a deep sigh, closed her eyes tight, and for a moment, passed me this unmistakable look, that I let her down. Yet, there was also that warmth in her eyes. The kind of unfading faith all mothers have for their children.
“Okay…” Now Mom leaned back in the chair and let a whoosh of air come out of her mouth. “So just like that. You are giving up your hold in the company,” she whispered under her breath and looked at us again, assessing if it was all worth the sacrifice.
“I love your daughter more than anyone else in the world.” Finally, Anthony faced Mom with more bravery. “With your blessing, you will make us the happiest couple in the world.”

After hearing Anthony spoke, Mom slid her gaze downwards. For a moment, she was silent, unmoving, as though she was processing everything in her mind.
“So when is your wedding here?” At last, Mom uttered the words. They are so comforting it felt like a broken glass was just removed from our throats. Anthony and I looked at each other, beaming, and shared the marvelous moment right before our eyes. Finally, Mom approved our relationship, and that she seemed anticipating for our second wedding.
Not long after, Mom stood up, not failing to look at us. And then… tears started to leak out and roll down her cheeks. Softly, she neared and embraced me… and then Anthony.

“It’s okay… I forgive you.” Mom faced us with fondness and pride. And I… I could just watch this moment in awe. More so when Yvonne joined us, and we gave each other our earnest hugs.
Officially, Anthony is part of the family. And there’s nothing more reassuring than to see everyone’s blissful faces.