Miggy's POV
On Saturday, I woke up early and went to the gym. It had been weeks since my last visit—too many things had been weighing on my mind. I spent an hour working out, just like usual, then went back to my unit to shower and get ready for work. But today, I planned to stop by the office briefly before heading straight to Bulacan to visit Gabriella.
As I was coming down, I saw Meynard wiping a car in the parking area.
"Have you eaten breakfast?" he asked without looking up.
I shook my head. He kept wiping, giving me a quick glance but staying focused on his task.
"Let's just swing by the office for a bit," I said. "I have some things to do there, then we can push the Bulacan trip later."
"There was a commercial shoot today," Meynard said. "Neri told me."
"Yeah, I already spoke with Andrew. No need for me to be there."
"Their team's killing it — top performer this month."
"Andrews really hardworking. I admire how dedicated he is. He motivates the team differently. I see myself in him sometimes — almost too focused on work," I chuckled.
"Yeah, you were the idol back then. No wonder you don't have a love life," Meynard teased.
I knew exactly where he was going and ignored it, fiddling with my phone instead. I sent a message to Gabriella, hoping to avoid the subject.
The whole drive to the office was quiet. Meynard saw I was busy on my phone and didn't push. I wasn't in the mood to talk about marriage or anything like that yet.
At the office, I finished the report my boss requested. I reviewed it carefully to make sure there were no errors, then asked someone to deliver the folder to the President's office. After that, Meynard and I left for Bulacan.
"Do you think she'll accept the stuff we bought yesterday?" I asked, referring to the laptop and printer.
"I'm willing to use some money from my trust fund to provide for her. The condo I'm planning to buy for her graduation gift here in Manila will keep her close to me."
"Of course! Willie said she's finishing her thesis. I asked him after we talked about the things we were buying for her."
"I just hope she doesn't get offended."
"She won't," Meynard reassured me. "If you did nothing, she'd never understand why."
"Yeah, I hope so."
"Are we going home after, or are we meeting him somewhere?"
"We'll meet him at a coffee shop. She's supposed to be coming from a classmate's house. They're finishing a project," I explained.
"That's probably the thesis she's been hiding. She told Willie it wasn't research, but Willie caught her slipping. That's why she's always at the internet shop," Meynard said.
I was shaken.
"Why didn't Willie tell me that last time?"
"She said Gabriella begged him not to, because she was embarrassed, especially after you offered to give her a monthly allowance."
"But Willie didn't tell me when I called. I thought she was the only one I could ask. I even got angry when I called him. I never expected it would be like this."
"Good thing you called her. At least now we know the truth — she didn't want you to know."
As we neared the coffee shop, I told Meynard where we'd meet her. It was easy to spot her — standing outside, staring at her phone like she was waiting for a call.
Meynard went out to call her over. There was traffic, so we couldn't easily U-turn. He parked the car and crossed the street.
I watched as Meynard approached her, pointed to the car, and helped her inside.
"Good morning," I said, turning to her.
"Good morning. Have you been waiting long?"
"No, just got here."
"Have you eaten lunch?"
She didn't answer but shook her head.
We ate at the nearest restaurant. I felt like she was uncomfortable around me, but she was trying. That gave me hope — we were meeting halfway.
I didn't mention the gifts during lunch. I didn't want to ruin the moment.
After we finished, I hesitated but finally said, "Gab, I have something for you. I hope you don't mind."
She blinked a few times, surprised, then bowed her head shyly.
"What's that?"
"I know you need it for school. I bought you a laptop and printer, and bond paper too."
He looked embarrassed. "You didn't have to do all this. Thank you, but it's a lot. We've only just met."
"No, you deserve it. You deserve a better life," I said firmly.
Tears welled up in her eyes. I stood and hugged her sideways while she was still sitting.
"Thank you. Thank you so much," she whispered.
"Shh, it's okay. Don't cry. You're not alone anymore. I'm here to help, whatever you need."
She nodded softly and hugged me back. I patted her back gently.
We didn't stay long after that. We paid and left.
"You look thin. Are you eating enough?" I asked, worried.
"I'm eating," she said.
"Is it okay if we stop by the grocery store before we take you home?"
"I'm not really feeling up to it."
"I insist. These are small things I can do. If Daddy were alive, he'd do the same."
She didn't say anything but nodded, then pointed the way to the grocery store.
"If I were you, Gab," Meynard said as he parked the car, "you'd better get used to our older brother. He looks scary when he stares, but that's just his stone-cold heart. Still, he's not blood-related to me either and he hasn't punched me yet, so I think you're safe."
I didn't say anything. I just listened, thankful that Meynard was naturally talkative. He kept the conversation going when I was too quiet—something I appreciated more than I could admit. It helped put Gabriella at ease.
"You two have known each other a long time?" Gabriella asked as we entered the grocery store.
I walked ahead to grab a cart, giving them space to talk.
"Get whatever you need, don't be shy," I told her when Meynard and I caught up.
"Oh no, you heard him!" Meynard said with a dramatic gasp. "Let's obey big brother. He knows what's best for us, being so old and wise and—"
I smacked him on the arm before he could finish. He winced and exaggerated the pain.
"Ouch! Big brother! That actually hurt!"
Gabriella let out a soft laugh. I glanced at her and smiled, relieved.
"Don't listen to him, Gabriella," I said. "You'll learn more nonsense from him than anything useful."
"Bro, I'm telling Mama you hit me," Meynard muttered as we walked toward the meat section.
"As if she'd take your side."
Our bickering continued like that, light and ridiculous. I could hear Gabriella chuckling under her breath. It felt good—normal. Like maybe we were becoming a real family.
"Gab, don't be like your big brother. He's violent," Meynard joked, faking a pout.
She just smiled and shook her head, amused.
"Do you cook?" I asked her as we moved down the aisle, Meynard now pushing the cart.
"I do," she replied. "It's cheaper. Plus, I'm usually drowning in schoolwork, so I barely go out."
"Got a fridge?"
"There's an old one from my grandma, but it's usually empty."
I nodded. That was all I needed to know. I made sure we stocked her up with enough food to last. She wouldn't have to worry about that—not while I was around.
We ended up helping her carry the groceries into her place. I also helped set up the printer I bought for her so she wouldn't need to spend on internet shops anymore.
"You don't have to hang out at those computer cafes anymore," I said, pointing to the printer. "It's safer here."
She turned to me and took my hands in hers.
"Thank you... for everything. I didn't expect this, any of it."
"Don't mention it," I said. Then, without thinking, I pulled her into a hug. She was crying again.
"One of these days, I'll take you to visit where Dad's buried."
She nodded. "Thank you for accepting me, even though I messed up."
"Don't think about that anymore. We'll talk about it eventually, but for now, what matters is you're not alone anymore. I'm here. Once you graduate, in Manila I'll help you find a place to stay. I'll visit whenever I can, and I'll explain things to Mom—just give me time, okay?"
"It's okay. It already means a lot that you're here and that you accepted me. I'm just... scared of what your mom might say."
"She's not that bad," I admitted. "But I haven't told her yet. I'm sorry I can't bring you home right now."
"It's okay, really," she said with a soft smile. "I understand."
It was late afternoon when we said our goodbyes. I was surprised at how much lighter I felt. I never expected things to go this well. Despite everything, we were starting to feel like family.
"Mission: Gabriella—completed," Meynard declared as we drove off. "Now, on to Mission: Gabie."
"She accepted everything we bought without any drama," I said.
"She's easy to talk to. And imagine how sad it would've been if she'd refused just to be polite."
"I was worried," I admitted. "She's a lot like her mom—used to pushing through hardship on her own."
"I get why Teresa did what she did," Meynard said. "She knew the chaos she'd cause if she confronted your dad. She didn't want to ruin your family."
"I know. And I get it. But Dad still had a responsibility. Gabriella deserved better. They both did."
"True," he said. "But you said it yourself—what matters is today and tomorrow. The past is gone."
I sighed. He was right.
"So... what's the update on you and Gabie?" he asked with a grin.
"Still the same. She has a class every Thursday that ends at three."
"Jhay mentioned she has a shoot next Thursday. If it runs late, they'll move the wrap-up to Friday."
"I'm planning something next week, so I won't bug her the week after."
"Nice. Did you tell her yet?"
"Not yet. I didn't want to disturb her while I was at the office. Then I was with Gabriella all day."
"Well, text her now," Meynard said. "Recharge your love battery. Whether you admit it or not, she makes you happy."
"You really should host a gossip show," I muttered. "You spread rumors faster than the internet."
He laughed. "I'm just stating facts. Been there, done that. I know how it goes."
"You're so full of yourself," I teased, and we both laughed.
"Where are we going next?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Need to pick up my motorbike. I'll take you home too—it's safer than commuting. Last time, Shane and I got stuck in a jeep with some creep."
"What?! Why didn't you tell me?"
"You were busy. Slipped my mind."
"What happened to the guy?"
"Driver helped bring him to the precinct. But it ruined our date—we left the station so late."
"Next time, use my old car. I've been telling you—it's just sitting in the garage."
Well, I'm ashamed. People might think I'm rich."
"Let them think what they want. They won't be there when you're stuck in the rain or in danger."
He didn't respond right away. Just stared out the window, thoughtful.
"I'm going home tomorrow," I said. "Swing by. Bring Manong so he can check the car. He knows more about it than I do."
He nodded, still quiet.
It's been parked for too long anyway. I don't plan to sell it. I'd rather it goes to someone I trust. Maybe later I'll just give it to him when I see that he takes good care of it.