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Ana has always enjoyed grocery shopping. Ana is not very domestic when it comes to household jobs. Shopping for the things Alta needs to ensure her family are well fed and items for the rest of the house to keep it well stocked is how she can contribute. It also helps her wind down from the hecticness of her job. So this afternoon, she is walking down the aisles while pushing the cart buying groceries. She was in the cleaning supplies section looking for the lavender cleaner for Alta to use. Found one and was busy reading the label when she heard her name being called and looked towards the voice coming from right beside her.
"Ana?"
"Daniel?" she said slowly when she recognized him. "I would have never expected to see you here. Especially in the cleaning supply aisle." She looks around as if she can find clues that might help her figure out why Daniel is in front of her. "Aren't you supposed to be on a book tour or something?"
"My hotel is close by and I needed some air and also decided to grab a drink." Daniel raises his hand with the bottle and shakes it. "I was on my way to the register and turned around and suddenly saw you. Beautifully standing here - what a sight for sore eyes. I can recognize you anywhere, Ana. I can't believe my luck." Daniel looks at Ana with such amazement.
Ana, on the other hand, realizes that she hasn't completely thought of him since the cancer scare, the christening and her marriage falling apart and Mariana leaving with Regina. Doesn't know what to say and changes the subject. "What are you doing in town then?"
"I just finished an interview for a talk show." He pauses and looks down as if trying to decide something. He looks back at Ana and decides to go for it with hopefulness in his eyes. "I heard about you and Juan Carlos, are you really leaving him?” He says with baited breath.
“Yes, I am,” she admits dejectedly. Because it still feels like a failure with her family breaking apart. “The proceedings are still ongoing so I don’t really want to…” she was cut off by her phone ringing. Looks at her phone and sees Cynthia calling. “I’m sorry I have to get this.” Unfortunately, she accidentally clicks on the end button. “Crap!” Daniel sees the mistake she made.
“I’m sorry, I will need to call her back”
“I will need to get going as well for my next appointment. But I would really love it if we can have dinner before I leave town again this week.”
Ana doesn’t know what to say. Trying to formulate the words but nothing is coming out. “I really need to call Cynthia back.” She points at her phone.
“I understand. I’ll give you a call tonight.” He gives her his best smile. “I’m very lucky to see you here.” He says with his eyes twinkling then gives Ana a kiss on both cheeks. “Goodbye, I’m looking forward to seeing you again for our dinner” he says and looks at Ana intently before turning around and walking towards the registers.
Ana follows him with her eyes as he walks away and mumbles “Unbelievable” while shaking her head. Then realizes that she needs to call Cynthia back. She grabs the lavender cleaner and puts it in the cart with the phone on her ear and pushes the cart on to the next aisle. “Cynthia, any news?”
Ana doesn’t see Marianna at the opposite end of the aisle, looking at her worriedly and teary eyes while holding packs of diapers on both hands.
It’s been a few months since the launch party for the app when they declared their “upgraded” status of their relationship, from co-moms, to friends, and now to lovers. The divorce became a bit contentious after the announcement but eventually simmered down between Ana and JC recently. She has been good at “playing” along to help with Ana’s case. Marianna agreed to this arrangement despite her budding relationship with Ferran that has great potential because she can’t bear being away from Valentina for more than 6 months and also separating Regina from Ana, among other things that she can’t yet admit to herself. This outweighs whatever was about to happen with Ferran. Her daughters come first (and Ana). So it wasn’t really a choice when Ana asked her if she’s willing to help her.
Not surprisingly, it was not hard to pretend to be in love with Ana. Especially when Ceci and Rodrigo and even Alta seem to be supportive of them when they found out. It was so natural for her that Mariana needed to check herself often to stop herself from “pretending” when the situation didn't require it. It was hard because Ana doesn’t make it easy, especially when Ana initiates the PDA to show off their relationship when necessary. Although temporary, her happiness is sky high lately, living in cloud 9 until she witnessed that interaction between Ana and Daniel.
It was like a pail of water was dumped on her head and woke her up from a perfect world in her dream and was brought back to reality. The reality that this is not real. That the divorce is going to be final soon and Ana won’t need her to pretend anymore. What’s going to happen to her and Regina after? Is Ana going to go out with Daniel after? How will she compete with someone like Daniel, who is a best-selling author? This was all going on Mariana’s head while she was watching them. She decided to turn around and walk at other aisles to calm herself down before joining Ana and finishing their shopping. She can’t show up like this because Ana will figure out that something is going on and she’ll be too weak and spill everything. She has to be strong and keep everything in for her sakes and Ana’s. She ended back in the baby aisle and stared at the shelves of diapers.
“Where is she?” Ana mumbles to herself, looking for Mariana. She’s finished with the list except for the diapers that Mariana volunteered to get. Ana pushes the cart in the baby aisle and finds what she’s been looking for and a big smile breaks into her face.
Marianna doesn’t notice Ana closing in on her until she feels Ana’s signature touch of her hands touching her shoulders and sliding all the way down to Marianna’s wrist,
“Here you are” Ana greets her warmly and sweetly. “I’ve been looking for you. I finished grabbing everything on Alta’s list. Is everything ok, you’re staring at the diapers so intently?”
There goes my plan. Marianna thinks. Luckily, she has calmed down enough that she was able to divert from her real answer and mask her face with a half smile. “Oh, I was just thinking about a new feature for the app. Was trying to work it out in my head. Not sure if it will work though”
“That's great! Why don’t we go to the register and finish this up. Ramon can bring all of these home after he drops us off back in the office.” It was after their lunch break and they decided to go grocery shopping after they’ve eaten.
“Yes! I can’t wait to tell you about it.” Mariana then tries to make something up as their items were being rung up in the till and the drive back to the office. She remembers that somewhere she has notes on future features of the app and decided to use one of those for when they discuss back in the office.and goes back to worrying about what will happen after Ana’s divorce from JC.
Back in their office, both sitting at their desks. Marianna is busy typing and actually working on the new feature to back up her lie earlier - which turned out to be a good idea because she can avoid worrying for now.
Ana on the other hand can’t help herself because she can feel some uneasiness radiating from Mariana and asks, “Are you sure you’re ok? You’re unusually quiet and less excited at the grocery store and now here.”
Marianna is still focused on work and still typing doesn’t want to stop in the middle of the sentence.
“Is it because of Ferran? Do you miss him?” Ana asks cautiously, guiltily.
Ana can’t seem to look at Mariana and looks down on her twiddling thumbs while waiting for a response..
“What? Did you say Ferran?” She’s surprised why Ana is bringing him up.
Ana saw Mariana and Ferran at the bistro earlier today and they seem to be in the middle of a somber conversation.
She feels guilty for separating them. But she has to do what’s right for her daughters and their business..
“Don’t worry, the divorce will be final soon and you’ll be single again and back to Ferran’s arms”
“What are you talking about?” Mariana can’t believe what she’s hearing coming out of Ana’s mouth. How can Ana think this? She barely even mentions Ferran or thought of him. Then she remembers what she saw at the grocery store. And that Ana will be having dinner with Daniel and most likely reconnect with him after her divorce.
“Yes, yes because of Ferran.” She lies to convince Ana and hopefully drops the subject. “I don’t think it will work out with him though.” Which is the truth because she might still be hung up on the woman across from her, not taking into account what Ferran really feels.
“I promise, after everything is finalized, I will speak with him and make sure he understands that nothing was real between us.” Ana says with a brave fase although her heart was breaking inside saying this.
Mariana was so disappointed hearing this. “Yeah you’re right. Nothing was real between us. Thanks' says sarcastically. She might cry soon so she abruptly stands up. “I need to go to the bathroom.” and leaves the room right away before her tears start falling.
Ana wipes her eyes before her own tears fall down and contains herself. She can’t break down here in the office. She doesn’t understand why she’s upset. The divorce proceeding is going well and will be finalized soon. She should be happy about that. As soon as she collects herself, she gathers her things and writes Mariana a note then leaves their office. She stops by Cynthia’s office on her way out.
“I’m going to be with my kids today. I wrote Mariana a note saying this as well. Call me if something urgent comes up. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.” Ana leaves before Cynthia can even respond.
–
Regina, Valentina and Ana were on the floor in the nursery. Being around her daughters was slowly assuaging her broken heart. Ceci and Ro are currently on their trip to Tomorrowland and didn’t want to bother them. Her daughters are growing up so quickly. This is probably the last time she’ll be experiencing this until Ceci or Ro if they decide to have their own family. Valentina was a welcome unexpected baby that comes with another welcome unexpected baby, Regina. How lucky is she? “As long as I get to be with you, I think I’m going to be alright. I promise I’ll try my best in being your mother, especially with the help of your other mother, Mariana.” She whispers this in the nursery, only her daughters could hear. Ana’s phone softly rings, she sees Ceci’s face, it was a video call. “Look! your older sister, Ceci, is calling us!” She tells the babies and answers immediately.
“Hola mi amor! I’m so glad you called!”
“Mom! We miss you too!”
“Me too!” Ro’s face shows on the screen.
“I hope you’re enjoying your trip. How is it going?”
Ro and Ceci started giving their mom an update on their trip. They are a week into their 3 week long trip. Once JC and her have started to reconcile and be more civil with each other, they both agree that the kids deserve to go on their trip and distract them from the divorce.
“I can’t wait to bring Valentina and Regina here to show them around once they are old enough to travel. You too Mom!” Ro excitedly shared.
“Aww Ro. You’re a great older brother. You too Ceci! I’m so proud of you that you decided to go with Ro. I’m the luckiest mother!”
“We miss our baby sisters!”
“They miss you too! Here they are. Look how big they are getting while you're away!” Ana shows the babies lying on the floor with her.
“You take care over there. Be safe! And I’m really thankful you called. Please call me anytime.”
“Ok Mom. I love you!” Ceci gives her an air kiss.
“I love you too!” Ro says right after. “Oh and say ‘hi’ to Mariana as well.”
“I will. Bye!” Ana grabs one of the babies’ arms and makes it wave until Ceci hangs up the call.
Still lying on the floor with one baby on each side, she squeezes them both towards her. “I love all of you.” Feeling her heart so full.
Ana was so preoccupied with the video call she didn’t notice Mariana standing by the door. Mariana was at the door about to knock when she realized that Ana was on a call with the kids and didn’t want to interrupt. She ended up watching her daughters cuddling with their other mom looking adorable while Ana was smiling and happily talking to her other kids. It was such a beautiful sight to see. Everytime she sees Ana being so sweet and motherly to their kids, she falls deeper for her. And that is why, she’s so confused and taken aback when Ana mentioned Ferran earlier out of nowhere.
Mariana didn’t want to startle her girls and walked back to the landing and made more noise than usual so Ana could hear her coming.
“Knock, knock” Mariana says gently without actually knocking on the door.
Ana turns her head towards the door.
“You guys look cozy. Can I join you guys?” Mariana walks into the room towards where Ana and the babies are and kneels down.
“For sure. The babies missed you.” Ana sits up and puts the babies together in between them. She lies back down on her side, head resting on her bent arms and hands facing Mariana and the babies . Mariana copies the position and tickles the babies and talks to them. Once she had greeted the babies, Mariana slowly looked up towards Ana. “Hey” Mariana said softly.
“Hey” Ana whispers while looking back to Mariana
“You were gone when I came back from the bathroom.”
“I’m sorry about that” Ana looks back down to the babies. She didn’t want to elaborate so she apologized instead. She left because she didn’t want to say the wrong thing about Ferran. She’s still trying to accept that when this is over Mariana will probably go back to him and she’s trying hard to do what’s best for Mariana and be supportive as much as possible. Her supportiveness was waning down while they were talking about Ferran in the office after the grocery run that she had to leave.
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Ana says honestly after her kids have unknowingly given her comfort. “Ceci and Ro just video called me. They wanted me to say ‘hi’ to you from them. Are you okay?”
Mariana smiles as she hears Ana relaying the message from the kids. Then answers Ana’s question.
“I’m not okay” Mariana admits not looking away from Ana.
Ana, hearing this, immediately sits up. Before she can say anything, Mariana quickly adds, “I don’t want you to talk to Ferran. I don’t want to go back to him.” Before she left the bathroom to go back to their office, she decided in the bathroom that she would be honest with Ana. They promised each other before that they will be honest and not keep secrets. But by the time she came back to their office, Ana was no longer there. No time like the present.
Ana was speechless. She was trying to say something but nothing was coming out. After a beat, “Then why were you upset and quiet this afternoon? Did I do something?” Ana asks calmly.
Mariana swallows then proceeds “I saw you talking to Daniel at the grocery store and I realized that after all this, you won’t …” (pauses) Marianna looks back down at the babies.
“And that you won’t need me anymore. You’re going to have dinner with Daniel and it will be you and him or someone else just not with me… I’ll have to figure out where I’ll go, where I’ll fit. It really hurt me to hear you say that this is not real because…” Mariana exhaled and paused, and didn't want to finish her sentence.
Ana actually forgot all about the dinner invitation. This revelation from Mariana gives her hope.
Ana reaches across the babies and tucks Mariana’s hair behind her ear and caresses her face. “Look at me”. Once Mariana was looking at her, she slowly slid her hand from Mariana’s cheek to her arms, down to her wrist, and to her hand, then intertwined their fingers before she spoke.
“I’m so thankful for you agreeing to do this with me for my divorce. And now that things are winding down, I started feeling guilty on how I selfishly abruptly ended your blossoming relationship with Ferran. I remember you saying that you were looking forward to being serious with him. I saw you talking with him at the bistro this morning and you both looked so sad. It was because of me you’re no longer together.”
“Please don’t think that” Mariana sits up and puts her other hand on top of Ana’s hand in their entwined hands and sandwiches Ana’s hand.
“So although it's hard, I want to be supportive of you. Supportive of what you want even if that means being with Ferran. It’s so hard though because I don’t want this to end. I… I… I think… no, I know that I am in love with you. You have made me a better person, a better mother. And knowing that, I don’t want to hold you back. You deserve all the good things. You said before that you only care for me as a friend during Ceci’s graduation party. Which I completely understand and accept, it may take me a little time for the pain to go away but you don’t have to worry about me. Plus you deserve so much better than me anyways. You’re young and there’s a lot of exciting new things ahead of you. In short, I will be a supportive friend in any way you need.” Ana exhales, then wipes her tears and tries to laugh a little to lighten things up.
“You love me?” Mariana says slowly, with wide eyes open, and can't believe what she just heard.
Ana nods. Their hands are still holding each others’.
Mariana stands slowly still holding Ana’s hands. Ana follows suit. Mariana leads them away from the babies. They were standing closely, face to face, less than a foot in between them.
“You really love me?”
“I do. I love you.” Ana takes one of her hands and caresses Mariana’s cheek.
Mariana holds Ana’s pretty head between her hands and kisses Ana.
Ana reciprocates the kiss with such relief and pulls Mariana closer.
After some time, they slow down their kisses. Ana rests her head against Mariana’s neck and embraces her. Mariana kisses Ana’s head and embraces her tightly.
“I only said that at Ceci's graduation because I was trying to get over you. When you said that we can’t see each other for 6 months, I realized I didn't need to be with Ferran. I was only with him because I want our relationship to be as they used to be before I confessed during the christening. And being with Ferran helped me. I just wanted to be around you, as long as I have you, Valentina and Regina I will be okay. So when you came up with this plan, it was a no brainer for me, there was no other choice.”
Ana looks up lovingly to Mariana. Both are still embracing each other.
“I love you too” Mariana looks into Ana’s eyes “I’ve been yours all along”
Ana reaches up and kisses Mariana. “How am I so lucky?” They are back to kissing each other again.
This is how Alta finds them when she is about to notify them that dinner is ready and that their guest has arrived..
Altagracia stands by the door and smiles seeing her boss be actually happy and in love without trying to be someone she’s not. Without tamping down her ambitions to satisfy her ex-husbands demands after guilting her for working too hard. She has known Ana for a long time now and Ana is definitely flourishing as a mother, as an individual, and now being loved by Mariana.
Altagracia clears her throat loudly. She really needs to get them to stop because Laura is waiting for them downstairs.
Alta tries it again, much louder this time.
Ana finally notices, Mariana looks towards the door as well. When she realizes it’s Alta, she ducks her head down on Ana’s shoulder trying to hide. She’s a bit embarrassed.
Ana pretends that everything is normal. Marianna is hugging her, head still on her shoulder, Mariana’s back facing the door. Ana is now looking directly at Alta.
“Yes, Alta?”
“Senora Laura arrived and is downstairs waiting.”
“Thanks, Alta. Tell her we will be downstairs soon and tell the nanny to come back to the nursery”
Alta nodded with a smile and left.
“Crap! I forgot we were having dinner with Laura.” Ana admits.
Ana and Mariana finally separated and each got a baby off of the floor. Wow the babies behaved the whole time she and Mariana had a heart to heart talk. She giggles.
“What’s so funny?” Mariana asks.
“The babies behaved so well while we were confessing to each other.”
“Of course! They’ve wanted us to get together, they know not to interrupt. You and your sister are so smart!” Mariana talks to one of the babies as they put them back on their cribs.
Once both of the babies are settled, Mariana walks towards Ana. She takes Ana’s hands and asks “are you ready?”
Ana nods. Mariana leads them out of the room. As they were about to descend the stairs, “we’re not lying anymore” Mariana said with relief.
“No we’re not” Ana smiles genuinely. She looks at Mariana, “I love you” she confesses again and kisses one last time then goes down the stairs holding hands.
-fade to black-