Miggy's POV
"It means she never intended to break up our family. She didn't want attention from Dad—at least not financially. What was their life like, really? Did they live okay? Did they have enough to eat? What kind of future did she hope for her daughter if she hadn't graduated from college?"
"Son?" My uncle's voice, along with his light tap on my shoulder, pulled me back from my thoughts. I'd been drifting, caught in the storm inside my mind, forgetting I was still in the middle of a serious conversation about Teresa and her daughter.
"What do we do if we find them, but they move again to avoid us?" I asked, still shaken, after a few moments of silence.
"Don't worry," Uncle said. "I'll help you talk to them. I'll explain everything—why we're looking for them—clearly and calmly."
"But what if she never told their daughter who her father is?" The thought suddenly struck me.
"Isn't it natural for a child to ask about her father while growing up?" I added, trying to reason it out.
"We can't say for sure," Uncle answered. "We have no idea what she told her daughter about your dad. She might have said he's dead, or that she doesn't know where he is."
"I think she's scared," Willie joined in thoughtfully. "Scared that this whole thing would reach your mom's attention, or worse, the media. She probably knows who your father's wife is. She's trying to protect her daughter from all the chaos—staying away to keep her safe."
"That just proves she's a good woman with dignity," Uncle said softly.
We talked for a while longer before we finally broke up. Uncle and Willie headed home, while Meynard and I went straight to the hospital.
***
We arrived late. I missed the chance to speak with Mom's psychiatrist because the meeting had run long. Mom was asleep when we got there. Carla told me she was just resting, so I didn't want to wake her.
"How is she?" I asked Carla quietly as we stepped outside the room, careful not to disturb Mom.
"Your mom's condition is improving, sir," Carla said. "She just had her second session with the psychiatrist. I tried to talk to the doctor after, but she was in a hurry. Another patient was waiting."
"That's what I wanted to do—talk to her—but we arrived too late. Things just… happened," I sighed.
"The doctor's secretary said you can set an appointment on Saturday," Carla added.
"That might be the best option. I can't leave work early right now; there's too much to do."
"Also, the doctor mentioned your mom might be discharged tomorrow. All her lab tests came back normal. But she'll need to come for therapy sessions three times a week."
"That's good news," I said, trying to sound hopeful. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't want her going back home right away—she might fall back into old habits. I'll call Uncle Manuel soon to figure out what to do. My condo's too small—just two rooms—so maybe she can stay with them temporarily. It'd be easier for you, too, and a change of scenery might help. Most importantly, it might keep her from drinking again."
Carla nodded gravely. "I'm worried she'll relapse, sir. After everything that's happened… I don't know how I'd handle it."
"Don't worry. We'll find a way." I dialed Uncle Manuel and was relieved when he agreed not to send Mom home just yet. He promised she could stay with them for now while continuing her sessions. The shorter travel would help, especially after the worst of the traffic.
"It's settled then," I told Carla. "Aunt Beth and Uncle Manuel will pick you up tomorrow afternoon. We'll meet you there after work. You can stay with them, or if you want, go home—but you still have to come with Mom to her sessions."
"Do you think Ma'am Barbs will agree to that?" Carla asked, clearly uncertain.
"I'll talk to her. Plus, Aunt Beth and Uncle Manuel will help explain everything so she understands."
Meynard agreed, "It's good for her to be somewhere different. She can talk to new people."
"Yeah," I said. "I don't see why Mom wouldn't agree. We all want what's best for her. It's only temporary."
Morning came, and Meynard and I were busy at the office. Time flew until lunch break, when I decided to leave work early to talk to the doctor and explain things to Mom. I told my bosses I'd be off for the afternoon—this was too important to miss. Carla needed my help to sort out arrangements for Mom. After all, she's my mother, and it's my responsibility to care for her.
Mom's only sibling lives far away and has her own family, and they hadn't spoken in a long time—they weren't close.
When Meynard and I entered Mom's hospital room, Aunt Beth and Uncle Manuel were already there.
"We brought some food!" I announced.
"Oh, you eat with your mother. Your uncle and I are done with lunch, so don't worry about us. We brought food too, but she said she'd wait for you to eat together," Aunt Beth smiled.
"Wow! So sweet of you, Mom!" I said as I kissed her forehead. She chuckled and squeezed my hand.
We ate happily together with Meynard and Carla, chatting with Uncle Manuel and Aunt Beth.
"Mom, you agreed? It's for your own good," I said, smiling at her.
"If only my condo was bigger with more rooms," I continued, "I'd want you to stay with me. But this is just temporary—while you have your sessions. Carla will be with you, and it'll be a good change of environment. You and Aunt Beth will have time to bond."
"Mom, I promise—once everything's okay, you'll come home again. But you have to promise me you won't drink and that you'll take care of yourself. When I finish these big projects, I'll take a leave, and we'll go on a vacation. Just the two of us. Okay?"
I was speaking like I was talking to a child, but she didn't respond—just frowned.
"Oh man, this is harder than I thought," I thought.
"Okay, here's the deal," I said. "You agree to stay there temporarily, and I'll ask Uncle and Aunt if it's okay for me to stay with you, too. How does that sound?"
I caught the slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"I got her to agree at last."
When Uncle Manuel and Aunt Beth went back to the cafeteria to get bottled water, I told them about our agreement.
"This is going to be fun! Beth and I have been alone with the helpers for a long time. Harvey and his family rarely visit since they're busy with work and their own families," Uncle Manuel said happily.
"I'll call home to prepare another room," Aunt Beth added excitedly. "I only asked them to prepare two."
"Bro, are you sure it's okay for you and Beth to stay there for now?" Mom suddenly asked Uncle Manuel.
"You don't have to ask," he said warmly. "We're family. Our house is always open for you. I know my brother Gabriel would be happy we're together, even if just for a while."
"Thank you," Mom said shyly.
"You shouldn't hesitate. We want you here. We even help others. We're happy to have you, and at least you'll always have someone to talk to—Beth and Carla. You can bond with them anytime," Uncle said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"You won't have time to hide away. And you can avoid drinking—think about Miggy. He's worried about you, and so are we."
Mom didn't say anything, but she nodded. I knew she was embarrassed, but she understood we were only doing what's best.
"Okay! Everything's set!" Aunt Beth announced as she returned with the water. Uncle laughed at her enthusiasm, and Mom and I smiled.
I felt lucky to have these people in our lives. Daddy's gone, but it didn't feel like we'd lost everything. Aunt Beth and Uncle Manuel were becoming a real presence for us.
When we arrived at their house, Aunt Beth had prepared so much for us. After dinner, we sat in the garden drinking tea. I even ate more than usual. It felt different—good different—being surrounded by people who cared. Mom ate well too. There's something healing about sharing food and laughter.
"Sis, I think I'm eating more than usual. I'm going to get fat while I'm here," Mom said with a soft laugh.
"That's good," Aunt Beth said. "Your body needs to recover. And you won't be sad here—we've got plenty to do. We can bake, or I can show you how to care for my flowers in the garden. We can even go to the salon or spa. That'll be fun for the three of us, right, Carla?"
"Yes, ma'am! That sounds great!" Carla said, smiling.
Uncle, Meynard, and I quietly listened to their happy chatter.
I hoped this peace would last.
"Mommy, I hope this is the start of us healing—of us getting past the grief of losing Dad."
Gabie's POV
"Mom, where have you been? I came by earlier but didn't see you."
"I was just around the neighborhood collecting payments from my customers. Why? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. I just wondered why you weren't here when I arrived. Did Jhay come by earlier?"
"Yes, he stopped by. He said he'll pick you up tomorrow since you have an audition."
"Oh shoot! I completely forgot about my audition tomorrow!"
"Do you have other plans or something?"
"No, I don't have anything else planned. I was just going to stay here and work on my research paper. But it's okay—I still have time since the deadline is next week."
"Gabie, just make sure your gigs don't get in the way of your studies. It wouldn't be worth it if you fail because you're too busy working. You're about to graduate—don't let all your hard work go to waste," Mama said gently, her voice carrying that familiar, caring warning. She often reminded me not to end up like her—she never finished her degree because life got in the way.
"Mom, let's eat. I'm starving!"
"Good! I'm glad you cooked for us. I was worried we'd end up buying food again."
"I cooked as soon as I got home because I was already hungry, and I knew you'd be hungry too. Come on, my stomach's growling already."
Mama went to her room to change, but I couldn't wait, so I started eating ahead of her.
"By the way, are you doing anything this Saturday?" I asked.
"I was planning to work on my research, but I can do it another time. Why?"
"I'm inviting you to come with me. I need to buy some supplies for my online store and pick up some orders."
"Sure! I'd like that."
We had our usual dinner chit-chat. Mama and I often ate together unless I had a photo shoot with Jhay.
Later, as I sat outside the door to our house, trying to relax and get sleepy, Mama noticed my quiet mood.
"Why so quiet?" she asked.
"I'm just thinking about tomorrow... I'm nervous."
"Oh, don't be nervous! You can do this. Just show them what you've got—be yourself. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. And if you don't make it, it's okay. More opportunities will come your way," she comforted me.
"To be honest, at first, I didn't like this whole gig thing—it's so different from what I'm used to. But now I see how much I could earn. It's a big help for us, especially with next semester's thesis expenses coming up," I admitted, suddenly feeling the weight of it all.
"Oh, sweetie, I told you—we're in this together. I've saved some money for you. I knew you'd need it, especially now that you're almost done with your degree," Mama said with a warm smile and hugged me tight.
"Mom, I know you have savings, but please keep it. That's your money. I'm saving up too—from my gigs and my scholarship allowance. I don't want to be a burden," I explained.
"You're not a burden. Never think that. You're my daughter—it's my responsibility to help you get through school. You inspire me to work harder on my online selling. Thanks to social media, my business is growing, and I can save more now."
"Just please don't wear yourself out. You stay up late and wake up early to take care of your customers. That's not good for your health."
"I'm fine. Really. You're the one I worry about—you're always exhausted from school and gigs. I may not hear you complain, but I know how hard it is for you."
"I do get tired, but when I get enough sleep, I'm okay. Trust me, Mom, I'm strong!" I said, flexing my arm playfully. Mama laughed, and I laughed with her.
We're like this sometimes, just teasing each other. I miss her when I'm busy. It's just the two of us since Dad passed away. Our relatives are in the province, but we haven't been back since we moved here to Manila. Mama said we were there when I was a baby, but after Dad died from lung disease, she had to work hard to support us.
I know she's tired, even if she doesn't say it. That's why I started working every summer—to help and save for school. I don't want to rely on her because I feel sorry for her.
Just then, the door opened, and Jhay greeted me loudly, "Good morning!!!"
"Hey! You're so loud! It's still early!" I snapped. Why does he have to shout like that every morning? It drives me crazy.
"Ouch! Someone's cranky this morning! You must be happy—remember, positive vibes attract positive things!" he teased.
"Could you tone it down? It's early, and the neighbors are still asleep. Aren't you ashamed of making so much noise?"
"Yeah, yeah, chill out! I'm just being my fabulous self, my lovely best friend," he said with a grin.
"Good morning, beautiful auntie! I love your daughter, but I hate how grumpy she gets so early," he added mockingly.
"Good morning. Have some breakfast," Mama offered kindly.
"I'm good, thanks. I already ate at home. I woke up early and cooked," he said.
"Hurry up! Let's go before the traffic gets bad," Mama urged.
"I'm ready! Let's go!" I said, kissing my mom goodbye.
"Be careful. Good luck!" she called after us.
Mama and I hugged before we left. We took a jeepney to the hotel to get there early for the call time.
"Besh, have you memorized the lines I gave you?" Jhay asked quietly in the car.
"Yes, I studied them last night. They're short and easy to memorize."
"Good! Even if you're nervous, don't show it. Stay calm and act natural. Be confident."
"I will. I can do this—for my future."
"That's the spirit! Brave and resilient!"
"Of course! We have to fight for what we want. When you give up, you lose," I said. We high-fived and giggled.
Luckily, we left early and avoided heavy traffic. We quickly arrived at the hotel where the second screening would take place—same as the first one.
"Wait, besh, let's go to the restroom first. I want to freshen up," I said, dragging him along.
"Relax! You don't have to pull me," he complained.
"Well, I also have to pee. Hurry up!"
"Alright, alright. I'm following you," he said with a smile.