We have already arrived in Manila. Daddy's driver picked us up. When Manang Imee found out that I wouldn't follow her instructions and that I had my own reasons for coming home, she told Dad, which made him angry. He directed us straight to our house in San Juan. He wants me to leave the children with him before I go home with Greggy.
Upon our arrival, the children quickly got out of the car because they were excited to see their Papa Macoy and Mama Meldy. When I got out, I saw how Dad turned and softened his gaze towards me. Mommy took the kids first and brought them inside while Dad and I stayed at the entrance. When I approached him, he immediately hugged me tightly, and I broke down.
"I am so sorry, my princess" He said with tears in his eyes. In all this time, it's only now that I've seen Daddy cry again. The last time was during my wedding because he didn't want me to marry Greggy. He didn't want me to get hurt.
Everybody knows that Daddy's weakness is his children, especially me as the youngest. Among the three of us, I am the most vulnerable, so many have tried to hurt me to bring down my dad from his presidency. Well they may not have succeeded, but someone did.
After Dad and I talked about what I wanted to happen, he eventually agreed, saying it was for my own good. He also explained everything to Manang Imee, who then apologized and hugged me.
"Mami, why kami iwan ni Lulu?" Tiel asked, I just smiled at her and gently patted her on the head.
"She's right mom, why? Gusto namin sumama ni Tetel" Luis interrupted.
I looked at Manang Imee, and she quickly understood. She nodded and came over to us.
"Ay mga chikiting huwag na kayo sumama sa mommy niyo, parating na dito si Ate Riela niyo, dito nalang kayo" Manang's persuasion caught their attention, causing them to look at her and then at each other, exchanging smiles.
Imee invited them to come inside, so they followed her. Before they entered, she looked back at me, so I whispered "thank you" to her. She smiled in response.
After an hour of driving, as I drew closer to my destination, my emotions weighed heavier and heavier. Upon arrival, I took a deep breath before finally getting out of the car. I surveyed our house, now quiet and melancholic unlike before. Leaves scattered around from the trees. Wala ba kasama si Greggy dito? Bakit ang kalat dito sa labas?
With my spare key, I was able to open the gate and enter inside. I suddenly felt nervous as I approached the entrance of the house. When I opened the door, the first thing my eyes landed on was Scarlet sitting on our sofa. She looked up, surprised, and quickly stood up.
"I-irene" She stuttered, I looked at her emotionlessly, but inside, I wanted to confront her and drag her out.
Greggy came out of the kitchen, and even though I didn't take my eyes off Scarlette, I felt Greggy's surprise and gaze on me. He approached me and hugged me. Kasama niya ngayon ang babae niya tapos yayakapin niya ako? Nakakadiri..
"Get your filthy body off me." I whispered, He didn't listen and stayed in his position. I saw Scarlett slowly leaving her seat, so I smiled.
"Oh, you're not going anywhere, darling!" I shouted, but calmly. I could feel Greggy's fear in his hugs.
~
Seeing Irene being so calm makes me scared. Yes nakakatakot ang nag aapoy na galit na Irene pero mas nakakatakot ang kalmadong Irene. Because of her extreme calmness, I don't know what's running through her mind. I'm unsure of what she might do.
"Scarlette, sit down" Irene demand, Scarlette faced Irene, and you could really feel her fear, just as I am starting to feel nervous about Irene's actions.
