=DUSTINE DAVE’S POV=
“Happy Birthday!” Everyone shouted to greet Dustle. The invited children applauded and Dustle also applauded.
Honestly, I don’t know the other kids here. Almost all of them are children of Dane’s friend. The only one I know of them is Eagle, the girl I once fought with because she was the one who was often with Dylan to play with Ace and Dustle.
There are also children that Erika has invited from the orphanage where Lileth came from. Erika said Lileth requested it when she was still alive.
I have already introduced Erika to my family. Mommy and daddy have no complaints. They welcomed her and Dustle’s open arms. They even offered her in the mansion but I told her not to.
We live together, we are already together while waiting for our wedding. I wanted to get another house for them but Erika said that Lileth asked her that if we get back together we will live in our house. Lileth said that she wanted Erika and me to replace the painful things that happened there with joy. And because I love them both, I agreed.
My family knows about my plan to marry her and I have their support. They want me to be happy, though I myself had still a doubt if I am deserving.
But Dylan is right, nothing has changed. Even if I mourn for the rest of my life, even if I risk my life Lileth will never come back. I should have to move on. Because I knew this was also what she wanted for me.
The children ran and went one by one. Ace, Dustle, and Eagle ran to the same place at the same time as Dylan chased them. Everyone is happy with their kids.
“Dustine.”
“Yes?” Erika came to me and sat beside me. “Something wrong?”
“Nothing, I just want to say thank you for making Dustle happy on her birthday.”
“What are you talking? Dustle is my daughter so I will give everything to her.”
“Dustine.” She holds my hands and put them on her lap. “Are you really sure that I’m the one you want to be with? I mean, are you ready to be my husband? Dustine, I can’t give Dustle a sibling anymore because I can’t be hurt badly. My life could be in danger if I got pregnant and gave birth.”
“Erika, I am contented in Dustle. Did you see your daughter? That’s the equivalent of a hundred.” She gives me a smile and then looks at Dustle.
“I wish Dustle became a man so that someone would follow your last name.”
“Dy can’t be cut.” I look at her. “I am happy with her. And I’m happy to be by your side.”
“Dustine, I know my ability. I also know my shortcomings. When the day comes when you want to have children with someone else —– ” I give her a kiss so that she can’t talk.
“I won’t ask for more. I was given too much for what I asked for. I want you and Lileth at the same and I thought it wouldn’t happen. And here you are, both of are given to me with Dustle. I have nothing more to ask for Erika. Nothing because the three of you are already there with me.”
“Thank you for the love, Dustine. I promise you that I will let you know that you did not make a mistake in loving me. I will keep my promise to Lileth that no matter what happens I will take care of you, make you happy and love you. She will be my guide.” I grabbed her closer to me and kissed her head.
“Thank you, Erika. And I will also fulfill her wish that I be happy with you. I will not disappoint her and her sacrifice to grant me my wish that I will keep you.”
“I love you so much, Dustine.”
“I love you so much too.”
Our moment was interrupted by a loud laugh. I look at Dylan who laughed while Dustle, Ace, and Eagle paint something on his face. He did nothing but laugh and laugh and just barely rolled on the lawn. While the three children laughed at him.
If his son lived I am sure he was a good father. And she will do everything for her son.
Dustle sat on her stomach screaming ‘boom boom.’ Eagle kiss Dylan while Ace continues to draw on his face. I smile seeing them, especially with Dustle. Maybe if Erika and I hadn’t met again and without Dustle I would have been completely hopeless. Maybe I’m out of my mind now.
But God gives me another chance to live, to move forward, to give what exactly I want and I will not waste it. I will make them happy.
Dylan wiped his tears as he stood up and then kissed Dustle. He cupped her face and kissed her on the forehead. He hugged her tight and even the two children hugged as well.
How does Dylan get over the pain? How could he get up every day with the hope that someone would return? How does he handle his pain and silent tears? How does he manage to remain calm? If only I could not handle everything. While he remained calm. Or maybe he’s just showing he’s ok but the truth isn’t really?
“Dustine.”
“Yes, mom?” I got up quickly when mommy approached us. Erika also stood up.
“I am happy for you, son.” She took my hand and caressed it gently.
“Thanks, mom.”
“Erika,”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for bringing back my son’s happiness.”
“The pleasure is mine, and besides, I love your son.” Mom knows everything about Erika and I passed. As well as what happened when Lileth was still alive. Even dad and my siblings.
Mom caressed Erika’s face.
“You are my son’s hope. I know Lileth will be proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
“Daddy!” Dustle scream while running. Dylan followed her.
“Run!” Dylan screamed so Dustle’s scream got louder and came closer to me. She immediately hugged my knee and loaded up. Dylan chases her breath and one after the other Ace and Eagle arrive.
“Grandma, kiss,” Dustle said. So mom kisses her.
“Grandma, me too,” Ace also said.
“Hello, eblewan!” Eagle greeted us.
“Hi!” we greeted her at once and she did not answer.
“I’ll go ahead, Erika, let’s talk some other time for wedding preparations.”
“Yes.”
“Damon, you haven’t been to the mansion for a few days, I want you to visit me tomorrow,” mom said as Dylan passed by.
“Yes mom, I will.”
“Dede,” Eagle teased him.
“Don’t tease me. Come on and I’ll take you back to your father. Ace, let’s go and I’ll take you back to your dad too. Help your father watch over King.”
“Ok, bye, Live.”
“Bye.” And everyone left. When there were only three of us left in our seats I hugged Dustle. Using the other hand and I hugged Erika as well.
“I love you. Daddy.”
“I love you, too, baby. You and mommy,” This is what happiness means. To have your dream you. Everything you want.