The familiar heat of the weather touched my skin when I came out of the airport. I was wearing a black crop top shirt underneath my denim jacket that was hanging loosely on my back shoulders, paired it with my ripped fitted jeans—which made me look sophisticated. I roamed my eyes around and a small smile plastered on my lips when I saw my father. He was standing by the side of his car, waiting for my arrival. He didn't notice me yet because he was focused on typing on his phone so I started walking. My heels made a noise every time I stepped on the cement as well as the wheels of the suitcase I'm carrying, so when I was only two meters away from Daddy, he looked up at me. He quickly straightened up and greeted me with a smile. "Welcome back," he murmured as he gave me a hug. I let go of my suitcase and hugged him back. "Thanks, Dad." Daddy slowly let go after a few minutes and then stared at me blankly. He caressed my cheek for a moment before smiling again. I couldn't help but ch
"Are my babies behaving while Mommy is away?" I asked my children softly as we sat in the kitchen—preparing food. I'm sitting between the twins. Gio was on my left while Gia was on my right. They both know how to eat on their own, so I don't have too many problems when it comes to feeding. "Opo," they answered together in Tagalog slang. (Yes) I was stunned for a few seconds when they spoke Tagalog. Ever since the twins grew up and learned to talk, I never heard them like that. Even though I occasionally speak to them in Tagalog, their English is perfect for me. That's why I couldn't help but be surprised, adding that I suddenly remembered someone. I tried to smile at my children and then looked at my family who were watching with a smile. It seems that they have heard the two speak Tagalog because they are no longer shocked by it. I just shook my head and dismissed the memory that entered my mind. It is also good for them to learn to communicate with other children. We started e
It felt like deja vu. How I now ogle the structure as I stand in front of our workplace. The heartbeat I had experienced in the past was still present. The amazement as well as anxiety. I breathed in and out. I took one look at myself before deciding to walk. I can't deny that my nervousness doubled when I entered the company. When I was at home, I had already prepared for the employees' scrutinizing looks, that's why I was surprised when all I saw in their reactions was pure shock. Some of the employees are still familiar to me. There are some that I don't know, maybe they came in when I was gone. I tried to plaster a small smile on my lips. "Good morning," I greeted formally. The employees quickly returned to their respective ways and greeted back. Some of the staff who is wondering about my presence also did the same, maybe they felt that I was one of the higher ups. After that, a woman came right up to me and introduced herself as Daddy's secretary. "I will take you to your
"Mommy? Are you still there?" I couldn't speak. I could not even move. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat as I slowly ended my daughter's call. "Mr. Revelar," I uttered, acknowledging his presence. I almost had several saints to thank because I didn't stutter when I spoke. I composed myself and stood up from my seat. I adjusted my coat before looking at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be distracted. Anyway, you are here for the meeting, right?" I asked the obvious and glanced at my watch. Since this is how he actually was before, I cannot say that he is too early in the meeting. Before or during the meeting's scheduled time, he unexpectedly showing up. I attempted to put my internal dialogue aside and pay attention to him."Have a seat." I pointed to the visitor's chair with an open palm. He went over without saying anything. His legs were crossed as he sat in front. The stress I was feeling in my chest loosened gradually. He was acting professionally, which put me at ea
"K-Khrystal." I looked up at Mama who I didn't notice was already by my side. "Yes?" She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she just diverted her eyes from me to what I was doing. I'm currently preparing eggplant for the torta (fried eggplant with egg) I'm going to make. That's the twins' favorite. "Dear, are you planning to grind that eggplant?" she wondered, hesitation was in her tone. Only then was I able to focus on the eggplant that I was mashing with a fork. It's a mess. I don't know if it's eggplant or avocado because the flesh is so fine. I tried to laugh to get rid of the shame I felt and then put down my fork. "To mix well with the egg, Mama," I excused myself. I bit my bottom lip when Mama raised her eyebrows. She obviously didn't believe what I said. Later she grabbed the end of the stem and lifted it. "Do you hate eggplant?" I don't know whether to be ashamed or laugh because the branch was removed by the vegetable.In the end, I just grabbed the stem and then put
"Mommy?" A tiny familiar voice was trying to wake me up from my deep sleep. I let out a whimper before slowly opening my eyes. "Gia." I smiled after seeing her in front of me, tightly holding her stuffed toy—Stitch. Her head moved slightly to look at me. Later she came closer and placed her little hand on my forehead. "You are not sick, Mommy," she uttered. I couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "Of course, baby. Why would Mommy get sick?" I gently asked her. Instead of answering, she softly pouted her pink lips. She was about to speak again when her twin, Gio, came in the room. He was carrying a glass of water and was carefully bringing it towards me. I couldn't help but smile because at their young age they are able to take care of me the way they know how. "Thank you," I said. "Are you okay, Mom?" Gio asked when I finished taking a sip from it. I nodded and then placed the glass I was holding on the bedside table. "Is there a problem, babies?" "Mommy, is it your rest
I don't know how I was able to drive despite my deep thoughts. What happened earlier made me feel hurt and lonely. Not for me but for my children. It's been almost three months since I told the twins about their father. That was not easy for me, if only I could hide the truth I would do it. But I also know that my children do not deserve to be lied to. They were three years old back then when they started asking about their father. Like normal children they also looked for a father. But at their young age, I know they won't fully understand everything yet so I better not mention anything. I did promise them that when they reach four years old, I will introduce them to their father. And I did it. I let out a deep breath as I finally parked my car in the company parking lot. Again I remembered the faces of the twins before I left the house. The sadness and regret in their eyes. For a moment I felt like I wanted to go back to Vista Querencia and comfort them as much as I could. But
"Have you lost your mind?" I asked in a rather high tone. His jaw clenched. "I just want a progress regarding the hotel." I stopped and closed my eyes tightly to calm down. I don't care if he's in front of me, if he sees my annoyance. "I'm coming with you," he said firmly (in Tagalog) . My patience seems to have run out at that moment. I quickly grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into my office. Then I closed the door and stared intently at him. "Once and for all, let's talk," I stated. He raised an eyebrow. We were only about a meter away from each other. I could clearly see him staring back, but unlike me he was calm. "What are you doing, Agustine? Why are you doing this?" I spat, removing the formality. Slowly, amusement was written all over his face. "Do what?" I gritted my teeth. "You are pestering me," I pointed out. His side lip slowly rose. He stared at me for a second, then let out a chuckle afterwards. "Why would I, Khrystal?" he said playfully despite his seri