Living in the Shadows

Escape

We prepared early so we can have all things ready for our trip. I tried making some California Maki, as my boys love them. Arthur loves my California Maki that he can finish three rolls in one sitting. It was a lovely sunny day, I know that this will be a great day for all of us!

"Are we all set? Did you pack extra pants and socks? How about our water bottles? Have you checked If everything is in the bag?" I asked as I check the bags we packed for our family weekend getaway.

"Macky, we are not going camping. Besides, the boys are no longer babies, so relax. Loosen up, babe. Just enjoy this trip." Arthur answered.

"I'm excited to see the elephants and monkeys!" Austin exclaimed. "What??? Are you not used to seeing one every day???" Art joked, "Look beside you, Sydney sounds like a chimp, eh?" gave Austin a high five.

"So, you are the father of monkeys? I am your spitting image dad." Sydney folded his arms and looked away from both his dad and brother.

"Oh my!" I laughed hysterically. I was so red laughing I thought I'm gonna die. Art just gave me a sharp glare.

"Oh my goodness, honey, I am so sorry. Mommy just can't stop laughing. Daddy that is so mean. Don't tell your kids that they look like monkeys, or you'll get burned because you look like them." And I continued laughing.

"Okay, enough of these jokes, let's hit the road." Art being a buzzkill, he was about to hop on the car when I stopped him.

"Nay-nay, mister! I am in Straya and I am driving." I confidently hopped on behind the wheel.

"No babe, we need to get there faster, besides, you just got your license a few months ago. Are you sure about this?" Art replied worriedly.

"Babe, my overseas license can be used for 6 months in Victoria, so I am legally allowed to drive around Melbourne, why worry eh?" I answered with conviction.

"Alrightie, buckle up. Make sure the car seat for the boys are in place." I ordered. Art just followed and off we went to our itinerary.

"Watch out, eyes on the road when driving!" Art exclaimed.

"Don't change radio stations while driving!" he ranted

"No singing while driving! Focus!" he continues

"What? No singing? Don't be such a buzz kill babe. RELAX!" I exclaimed.

"Signal light, when turning... Don't change lanes... Stick to your lane.... Look at your side mirror..." Art just keeps on coaching me the entire trip.

"I felt so dizzy! I should drive back home!" Art scolded me like a little kid.

"DID YOU DIE?" I sarcastically answered.

"Maria Cristina, you are a non-pro so you should still practice more!" he grunted.

"BUT DID YOU DIE?" I rolled my eyes, and unbuckled, I hopped off the car and got the boys ready.

We went to Melbourne Zoo, Austin and Sydney enjoyed seeing different animals. Then we went to see some museums which I guess the boys did not really enjoy as much as I did. I love art! Art appreciation is just something that makes me bring back to my younger years and make me remember all the happy memories I have in my memory bank.

We capped the day at Yarra River Cruise.

"What is your favorite part of the trip buddy?" Art asked Austin.

"I love the mingos! And the seals and the fishy fishies!" Austin answered excitedly.

"How about you buddy?" Art asked Sydney.

"Hmm.. Anywhere with you and mommy, and Austin would be my favorite." Sydney answered seriously. "Next weekend we'll go to the Adventure Park," Arthur told the boys as we drive home.

"Yaaaay!" both boys exclaimed.

"We have to go home early as we can't leave grandpops that long at home." Art added.

(Happy by Pharrell Williams playing)

I just don't want this day to end. It is like an escape to the realm. This is the first time that we had this kind of trip. Feels like it is just us in this world, no intruders, no worries.

We never had a family getaway back home. We always have to stay hidden and avoid any instance that Arthur would be seen with me or the boys.

We have to endure that for years for Arthur's sake, for his career. I felt sorry for my sons, as they are experiencing all of these just now.

I know Art is trying his best to make up for the lost time, to the times he should have bonded with our children and made them feel that we are a family.

I just can't contain my happiness right now. I am pretty exhausted because of the endless walking and driving. Why did I ever volunteer to be the driver for the day?

Ugh. I would not be such a showoff next time. Just want to flex my driver's license and driving skills, now my body aches, my feet hurt. "Urrgh." I let out a loud sigh. I'm going mental because of exhaustion.

When we arrived home, I told the boys to clean up, change clothes, and then hit the sack.

I checked on Dad, and his caregiver was there, everything was in place, the meds were given on time.

I appreciate health workers so much! Truly grateful for these people taking good care of strangers, their dedication, patience, and hard work is truly amazing.

She looks like someone who's been in the industry for more than 10 years. She seems very knowledgeable and speaks eloquently. Dad's nurse is really professional. I just hope that she could stay longer, but she had to leave for the day.

Once St. Vincent's finds a permanent caregiver for Dad, we might need to fly back to Manila. Sometimes I wish that they will not find a permanent caregiver anytime soon so Art and I can stay here a little longer. So, we can live normally a little longer.

We tucked the boys to bed. Art and I read stories and made sure they are all comfy. "Thank you, mommy and daddy." Syd gave Arthur and me a kiss. Such a sweet boy.

We may not be the perfect parents, but I know that we are raising good, fine, young lads. "I love you, mom and dad, I can't wait for our next adventure!" Austin exclaimed as he yawned.

"Oh sweetie, my boys. I love you Syd and Austin, my babies." I showered each of them kisses on their cheeks.

"I love you too buddy, both of you." Art gave each a kiss on their foreheads. "Don't forget to say your prayers." Art added before turning off the lights, it went dim and I turned on the switch for the night lamp. "Sweet dreams my babies," I whispered as I closed the door.

(Come Away With Me by Nora Jones playing)