In Another Universe

Reminders of Him - (Grace x Mar)

Summary: Grace and Brian attended the SONA only to see a familiar person.
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"We're here, Mom."

I was alerted by Brian when he exited the van and opened the door. As he extended a hand to assist me in getting out of the van, I nodded and waved him on. This SONA made me feel light and enthusiastic as soon as my feet touched the ground. As the first sona of the Robredo Administration, I'm eager to see what kind of government the president will put in place.

"Is my hair and dress okay?" I asked Brian as I smoothed out any wrinkles in the dress I was wearing and ran my hand through my hair.

"Of course, Mom. As usual, you're stunning. " I giggled at his comments as he smiled.

"Bolero ka talaga parang Lolo Ronnie mo." We entered Batasang Pambansa together, and he laughed. I was immediately bombarded with questions by the media and the flash of cameras. CNN journalist Pia Hontiveros called me.

"Senator, what would you like to hear from President Robredo this afternoon?" Pia asked with a polite smile as she gestured her mic in front of me.

"Unang-una, magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat." It was live, so I greeted the camera

"Well, apparently our country men would like to hear how the administration will increase the salaries that had been promised and that is possible with increased jobs in the country." I said, keeping my gaze fixed on Pia.

Yet when I decided to look around while Pia was preparing the following question, I recognized a face I hadn't seen in the last decade. The last time I saw him was when we were both running for the senate in 2010 and back then Brian was still in the states finishing his studies.

"Last question, senator. What are you expecting from the Robredo Administration? " Pia asked, and it snapped me out of my trance. As I did my best not to glance at Mar as he walked down the carpet, I fixed my gaze on Pia.

"The fulfillment of the promised projects, pero malaki ang tiwala ko sa ating Presidente dahil pinakita niya naman na tumutupad siya sa usapan kahit noong Vice President pa lamang siya." It's true. I have faith in this administration, and I especially have faith in Leni as the head of this administration. After the interview was over, I thanked Pia and went in search of Brian, who was nowhere to be found.

When I turned around, there he was. Just seeing Brian and Mar together made my stomach churn. Brian and Mar were both beaming with happiness. I am feeling a little bit nervous because Brian was really getting along with him. I snapped out of my trance, remembering that cameras were everywhere and that people were taking countless photos of everyone.

I could swear my heart was pounding loud enough for the whole Batasang Pambansa to hear.

Mar appeared to be having a good time with Brian, and I couldn't help but gaze at him. He was wearing a simple barong Tagalog with his slick side hair and his glasses. It was as if time had stopped and butterflies were fluttering about in my tummy.

I exhaled and walked to where they were standing.

"Secretary Mar, it's good to see you here." It was a friendly greeting before I extended my hand for him to shake. It was as though the world had slowed down when our hands met. I recognized the scent of his perfume from our time together. This guy just won't let me move forward so easy.

"Senator, it's good to see you. Nagkausap lang kami and he's your son pala." He gave my son a modest smile and pointed at him with his hands.

"Ah, yes, this is Brian, my only son and chief of staff. He just finished his masters and wanted to help me." I introduced him.

"Kamusta ka?" He asked me, looking straight in my eyes. "

"Good. In my last 3 years as a senator, you? " He nodded as I replied.

"I'm good. I feel better now that I'm back at work. " He had a big grin on his face.

"Secretary Mar and Senator Poe, we should pose for a photo since the photographers are irritated." Brian waved for us to glance at the cameras in front of us, breaking the uneasy silence that had been building up. Brian had taken a position to my left, while Mar had taken a position to my right. Before posing for a picture, I ran my fingers through my dress and tucked an ear hair behind my ear. With my right hand, I clutched my handbag by my side and rested it on the ground. Mar also positioned his left arm to the side. It felt dangerously close, and I was tempted to ran away from there.

"Tingin po dito." A photographer said

"Smile at the camera," he said. While I was fighting the urge to mumble how much I miss him, I managed to keep a smile on my face. Afterward, I turned my attention to him. He had a serious look on his face. When I felt his hand delicately brush my wrist, I drew a deep breath. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and the shivers ran down my spine in unison with them. I was still affected by him. Even though I'm aware my face is a combination of emotions, seeing your ex after so many years drives you nuts.

Afterwards, he bowed slightly and walked ahead of us, saying his goodbyes.

When I regained my composure, I noticed Brian's expression was filled with concern.

"You okay with seeing him, Ma?" He leaned into my ear and asked. I nodded, "Yes, I'm okay, Bri. How about you? " He shrugged his shoulders when I asked for an answer.

"It was good to see him face to face. That's what he looks in person pala." Brian answered.

"I think we should go in." He continued, and I smiled at him and held his arm as we walked inside. Glancing at my son, he looks so much like him that it serves as a daily reminder of him.

There was the 'before' of Mar and the 'during' of Mar. For some reason, I never thought that there would be an "after" Mar.

But there was, and it was heartbreaking and painful, but Brian was among the afters of Mar.

A daily reminder of him that somehow there's still him that's forever attached to my life.
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🤍💛

part 2?