ALICIA

Victoria pushed and pushed. She was almost getting tired but the nurses and her husband were urging her own. She could feel her breath leaving her little by little. She felt like she was about to die. The room was suddenly feeling too hot and she felt dizzy. Her husband was standing beside her, still holding her hand. She looked up and gently squeezed his hand.

"Franco, I'm tired. I can't push anymore," she whispered, making Franco kneel down beside her.

"Baby, just try one more time. The baby will be coming out anytime soon. So, just push one more time okay? Our baby will be right out, you will see," Franco said to her.

Victoria nodded and started pushing on her next contraction. She pushed harder as the nurses urged her on. After one big push, they heard the cry of the baby. One of the nurses quickly cleaned her up with a clean towel after her cord was cut. The baby just cried and cried throughout. Then, the nurses handed the child to her parents.

"Congratulations. You have a baby girl."

Both mother and father began to smile at the bundle of joy in their arms.

"Baby, look. Our baby girl is so beautiful. She has your eyes and face. And her hands are so cute."

"She is beautiful because her father is the most handsome man in the world." Victoria said and began to yawn.

"You seem very tired. I think you should rest. You will see our baby right after you have rested well enough."

Victoria yawned one more time and nodded. She kissed her daughter and closed her eyes. The midwives continued to work on both mother and daughter as Franco left to go and tell everyone else waiting in the living room about the good news.

Christian and the other workers, with Victoria's mother, were all waiting in the living room when Franco came down with a smile on his face.

"It's a girl!" Franco screamed and everybody started laughing in happiness. They all hugged the new father and all wanted to see the child.

"The Midwives are still cleaning her up. They will soon put her in her crib and everyone will be able to see her. For now, why don't we just celebrate. Actually, I will be throwing a party for my daughter. I want the whole world to know that I am now a dad."

Everybody congratulated Franco for his daughter. Christian hugged and congratulated him as well.

"So, what are you going to name her?" Christian asked when they were alone while everyone was happily chatting with each other.

"I'm going to name her Alicia." Franco proudly said.

"Just like your mother?"

"Yes, just like my mother. How I wish she was here to see her granddaughter."

"Well, she would have been happy to see her as well. Anyway, how is Victoria?"

"Victoria is fine. She is just tired so she is resting now."

"That's good. Congrats, man. You really deserve all the happiness."

They were soon joined by others who were so happy for the couple.

Later that day, after Christan had closed from work, he went to the bar and met up with his cousin. He owned the bar. Christian did not like to drink but that did not stop him from going to visit him every now and then. He was his best friend, the one who always listened to him without judging him.

He went into the bar and sat down on one of the stools. His cousin, Belmont, was in his office. He was told Christian had come over, so he went out to meet him.

"Hello, cousin. You did not tell me you were coming over. What do you want me to give you?" Belmont said and walked over to the bar.

Christian just rolled his eyes. "You know I don't do well with alcohol, yet you want to tempt me."

"You sure?"

Christian just rolled his eyes again and gave out a small laugh.

"So, what brings you here?" Belmont poured out a drink into a small glass for himself. He bent over on the counter, to get closer to Christian.

Christian was quiet for a while. He had been sad throughout. Ever since Victoria got married, he had really not been himself. Belmont knew of the great love Christian has for Victoria and had always advised him to try and move on from her. But, he was ever ready to listen to Christian, whenever he had a problem.

"Well, I came here to see you and spend some time with you."

"I wish I could believe that. I know Victoria gave birth today and I am sure that is why you are like this, isn't it?"

"You know me too well. You know how much I love her. And I really wish I was the one beside her everyday, but that is not the case. I don't know what to do with the feelings I have for her."

"Listen, Christian. You are my cousin and I care about you very much. But I sincerely believe you should move on from Victoria. Yes, she is the woman you have loved all your life. But, I think it's time for you to move on and find another girl. Look around you, there are so many good girls out there who are waiting for you to just say yes to them. So, give yourself that chance and move on with your life."

"But how? She is everywhere. Anytime I see her, my heart skips a beat and does a thousand flips. I try to be calm around her but inwardly, I want to kiss her passionately. I just don't know what to do."

Christian looked defeated. He knew he was asking for the impossible. Yet, he did not want to give up hope.

"So, what do you want to do? Are you going to fight for her?"

"Franco makes her happy. So, I will just step aside and let her be happy with the man she loves."

"And what about you? Will you be happy?"

"I will be happy once I know she is happy with the man of her dreams."

"Wow, man. Your love for her is deep. But, I don't want to see you hurt."

"I know, Bel. And thank you. Thank you for listening to me."

Christian went back home thinking of Victoria and her new born.

"I wonder who she looks like. Her mother, or father? Well I guess I will have to wait to find out tomorrow."

He laid down in his bed, and fell asleep right away.