"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
True to his words, he did not bother me. My meeting with the client was peaceful and I was able to leave the restaurant without seeing his presence again. It's a good thing because I am free to look for a house without him following me. But maybe I was unlucky for a bit because I didn't like any of the available houses that I went to. If they are not too big, they are too crowded, and not safe for the twins. I let out a sigh as I got into my car. Later I suddenly remembered the apartment I lived in before. There was a little hope in my chest somehow. Yeah, it doesn't have much space. But I can make it bigger while we stay there. Well, that's only possible if the owner sells the house to me. I looked at my watch. I just shook my head because I knew I couldn't fit going there into my schedule anymore. In the end, I decided to get back at the office. I was walking calmly to my office when I was stopped by Mama's presence. She was holding a food tray in her hand with two juices on it—
"Are the kids asleep?" Mom greeted me when I got down the stairs. She worries for the twins, and I know that. Because of the kids' idleness, even Mommy and Daddy couldn't resist paying attention to them. I immediately canceled my following appointment after what happened in the office and took my kids home. I had a strong desire to make it up to them.I replied with a stern nod and moved over to the couch where Mom was seated. Then she offered me hot tea right away. I thanked her and kept my gaze fixed on the screen even it was switched off."I am sorry. I also did not expect the twins to see their father . . . and his family," Mom broke the silence. I turned to her and smiled for a moment. "It's okay, Mama. I had been eagerly anticipating our chance to meet before then.""What are your plans for now?" she was curious. I delayed my response. In an attempt to find an answer to a subject I didn't even know how to address, I simply lowered my eyes to the cup in my palm and stared at i
I saw her smile. "I'm glad you still know me." I'm not sure how to respond. Even today, I'm not sure if her being here is genuine or sarcastic."What are you doing here?" I asked formally, trying to ignore some of my feelings. "Well, I'm with someone. We would like to hire you as the architect of the house I'm going to build," she answered. She will do it herself? I couldn't help but arch my brows. As if on cue, a woman in her fifties approached her. I blinked many times as the adrenaline in my chest thumped.I didn't even ask because I already knew who she was. Her looks were similar to his. Her eyes, nose, lips, and facial expressions remind me of Agustine."Anyway, meet Aunt Rosella, my fiance's mother. Aunt, meet Khrystal. One of Agustine's business partners," Lhea formally introduced. I tried to smile as she looked at me. Serious and not disrespectful, but even so a bit of anger that I saw from her eyes did not escape from me. I swallowed involuntarily and then gently poin
I don't know how many minutes I was in my office. Hiring me as the architect of the house, being invited to the engagement party, strange looks from Agustine's mother—all of that is a puzzle to me. They are not terribly ill, right? In the end I let out a sigh and then put my things away. I intend to go to the old apartment I lived in; I hope that the owner will sell it to me. If my plan doesn't work out, I have no other choice but to find a condo unit for us. I hope it's available. After finishing the arrangement, I said goodbye to my secretary and left some instructions before finally leaving. A few minutes later, I got into the car and was about to put on my seatbelt when I was surprised when the car door opened. It's like deja vu. Agustine deposited himself on the passenger seat as he closed the door. "Let me have a ride again," he said (in hard Tagalog). I don't know whether to smile or be annoyed. I blinked twice before emphatically pointing to the outside of the car. Coldl