Daisy

It's like I just left the Philippines. I still remember when I left, because that was the day I was going to leave my family behind and venture temporarily to Australia. For several years I also persevered not to go home, because of my teaching that I could not leave behind. But because of my mommy, I have to go home to know her condition.

And now I'm in a taxi, and making my way home to my parents' house. Almost nothing has changed in the Philippines, traffic is still there and there are cars that suddenly appear somewhere, so the line of cars is getting more and more tangled. It will probably take two hours to get to us, so I'll take a nap first so that when I wake up, I'll be there.

A few hours ago the driver woke me up. Fortunately, I woke up quickly even if it was just a whistle.

"Boss, where is your house?" the driver asked me, so I pointed to the road where he would turn and stop.

When I arrived at the big gate of the house, I was immediately greeted by two of our house helpers. My suitcase was immediately taken and I was greeted.

"Welcome home, Sir!" the two greeted almost at the same time.

"Thank you!" I replied, turning to the Taxi driver to pay my fare.

When I reached the amount of my fare, he thanked me before leaving. So I faced the big gate of our house and observed if anything had changed.

"Still the same, still beautiful and clean." I started to walk in, but as soon as I opened the door, Mommy was already there in her wheelchair smiling at me.

"Angelo, son! My baby has come home," he said making me come closer. He hugged and kissed her on the cheek.

"Mommy, I'm not a child anymore. Really, how are you? Why are you still going out, I'm going in too. Where is Dad?" I asked Mommy,

"His son is still in the office, but he is going home. Your daddy knows that you are going home now. Don't you have someone with you?" Mommy asked as she turned to the gate.

"With? I didn't say anything that I was with someone," I responded with a frown that made her sad.

"Son... look, you're already thirty-one. You don't even introduce me to my girlfriend. Don't you plan to get married? It makes me sad that I don't have a grandchild yet. It's my son," he said, making me laugh as I pushed the wheelchair inside the house.

"Mommy, I didn't come home here to introduce you to a girlfriend. I am here to find out how you are doing. How are you, Mommy? Do I have to take you to Australia to get treatment there?" I promised here but the kid turned away with a snort.

"Son, you're changing the conversation. I will be stronger if you and your daddy are here with us. Don't go back there, you're our only child, you and your daddy are still leaving us."

"Mommy, are we going to argue about this again? My work is there, if you and Dad want it. You have also settled in Australia, it's total and our other relatives are also there," I suggested to Mommy but she was just sad again.

"It's impossible for your daddy to agree, he can't leave anything in his business. Who will manage your daddy's business, and you don't want to manage it."

"I don't like to cook, mommy. My passion is different, to teach. You are the only one who fell in love with Dad's cooking. That's why you can't avoid the forbidden foods."

Dad has his own business, a restaurant whose customers are always rich. It is spacious because at the bottom of it there are three large rooms where wedding receptions, debuts, or any other big occasion are held. Behind it there is a swimming pool that is wide, it can also be used as a venue but the rent is more expensive than inside.

Dad is a senior, but he is still strong because he takes care of his body in the GYM. And even though he is surrounded by delicious food, he is not tempted to eat a lot that could destroy his healthy body. Didn't I know about Mommy, the opposite of Dad, who is full of food and loves desserts. So here, it became even more painful, because of the uncontrollable food that is forbidden for his health. I think I need to hire a nurse for Mommy. It reminds him of what he should eat.

"Son, I'm going to invite someone over tonight. So that we can have a party," he said that I could see the strange smile on his lips again. It was as if he was planning to introduce me to something that he often did before.

"Hey, Mommy. You have nothing to bring, I don't like the women you choose. Too artistic and delicate in body. We don't fit because I don't like that kind of woman."

"Son, this is different... he just came back from Singapore. She is kind and beautiful, the truth is that she is the daughter of my classmate in college," he added,

"Mommy, that's what I don't want. You are very picky about the girl's family background. You shouldn't overlook their origins, because if I only marry her because of her good background in life, we won't be happy either." I explained to Mommy, but she was only saddened by what I said.

"Son, that's not what I want. Oh well, I won't tease you anymore. Can you just introduce someone to me," he continued to tease, which is why I just sighed.

"Okay. Fine. I'll introduce him to you soon, as long as you don't tease me because I'm here to see how you're doing, Mommy."

"Oh... my baby is really sweet, I'm fine son. As long as you are here, my pain seems to disappear." I stared at Mommy, she didn't seem to feel any pain. Maybe Mommy is just using herself, because she knows that my weakness is her and Dad's."Alright, Mom. I will go to the room first and rest. I'm a little tired from the trip so I'll sleep for a little while," I let her know,

"Son, won't you eat first? I prepared food for Manang..." he continued but I walked up the stairs. I just spoke while walking up.

"Later, Mom. I'm still a little full."

When I went up the stairs, I met Manang Denia, the oldest servant in our house.

"Sir, I have cleaned and fixed your room." The old man turned when I was right in front of him. So I came closer to him and held him by the shoulder.

"Thank you, Manang Denia. I hope you don't do too much here. You can't lift a little anymore so you can rely on other helpers," I said to the old man who just smiled at me,

"Don't worry about me, Sir. It's my job to serve you. I can't do everything anymore because it's not like before... you're still young and I can still bathe you." I suddenly laughed at what Manang said, even though he is old, he still manages to make me laugh. Since he didn't have a family, we became his family.

"You really are, Manang. By the way, I have something to welcome you. Just take it from the bottom, there is a name written on it for whom it is for. I'm just going to rest," I said here,

"Thank you sir, you really welcomed me. Go ahead, rest and eat later. I'll just reheat the dish."

After saying that, I nodded before turning back. I really feel sorry for Manang Denia because he is too old to work anymore. It should be resting here. I will talk to Mommy and Daddy later to reduce Manang's work. So that it can have more time to rest.

I entered the room, smelling good and obviously cleaned thoroughly because they knew I was coming home. I'm not very picky about my body, but because of Mommy. He babysat me too much.

Looks like I really need to find a girlfriend to introduce. Mommy won't stop me until I introduce something to her. I have one more month here in Pililinas. Maybe he would bring me a girl to the house every day, if I didn't do it that way. But who is the woman I will introduce to him? I don't have many friends who-

I stopped thinking as I remembered the girl I once dated. But he bashed me because of his situation. How is it now?

I lay on the bed and comfortably stared at the ceiling. I smile again when I remember his gentle face that used to always disturb my dreams.

Daisy... the girl who is very difficult to court and achieve.

"What are you, Sister? That's just Sir! You can do that," he pinched my side so my face continued to turn red when Carla left me completely.

"Ah, sit down first, Daisy." It pulled out a bench for me to sit on, so I could do nothing but follow.

I can't look at him. While Angelo, smiling and staring at me.

"How are you? Nothing has changed in you after ten years. You are still beautiful and of course shy," he said with a smile, so I raised my face to him,

"Ah, why are you giving me flowers? Today is not the day of hearts."

"Nothing, it's a pity... you didn't finish this flower I bought before you rushed me here, anyways all of that is for you. You can sell it if you want," he said making me laugh.

"Why should I sell that? I'm a businessman, I'm going to sell that too?" I promise here that it also made me laugh.

"Just kidding, you might throw it away. It's a pity, isn't it? How are you?" it asked me,

"I'm fine, I'm still like that. Think about work and family."

"Why? Have you and your ex-husband gotten back together yet?" It was a sad question that I immediately denied.

"No! It's impossible for me to go back to that, he has one of our children. My youngest is the only one left with me." I don't know why he suddenly smiled at what I said. Is he happy that Anton and I never got back together?

"Good then," it replied briefly,

"When are you going home?" I asked him,

"Just yesterday, and I missed our place. That's why I go for a walk."

"Just yesterday? But you're here with me right away? I hope you go for a walk to the places you missed," I promised him,

"But I missed you," he said, stopping my world.

I blushed and felt my cheeks flush. did he miss me? Why will he miss me? I think Angelo is kidding me.

"Why are you silent? Didn't you miss me?" This question further explained our situation. What is this Angelo, too direct to ask.

"W-what kind of question is that, Angelo." My forehead was sweating, I felt a tickle in my stomach and I was restless.

"Hahaha. Common, you look nervous. Oh well, I won't ask anymore. I would like to ask you one more thing. I hope you can help me, please help me..."

"What help can I do? As long as I can, I can." Why would I reject him, for all the good he has done for me. Maybe it's not bad for me to help him.

"Can you pretend to be my girlfriend?" I was surprised by Angelo's question. Girlfriend? Why? Why me?

"W-what did you say?" I stuttered, unable to believe that he chose to pretend to be me. I guess I can't pretend. Now I'm getting a meme, that's all he can introduce me as his girlfriend.After saying that, I nodded before turning back. I really feel sorry for Manang Denia because he is too old to work anymore. It should be resting here. I will talk to Mommy and Daddy later to reduce Manang's work. So that it can have more time to rest.

I entered the room, smelling good and obviously cleaned thoroughly because they knew I was coming home. I'm not very picky about my body, but because of Mommy. He babysat me too much.

Looks like I really need to find a girlfriend to introduce. Mommy won't stop me until I introduce something to her. I have one more month here in Pililinas. Maybe he would bring me a girl to the house every day, if I didn't do it that way. But who is the woman I will introduce to him? I don't have many friends who-

I stopped thinking as I remembered the girl I once dated. But he bashed me because of his situation. How is it now?

I lay on the bed and comfortably stared at the ceiling. I smile again when I remember his gentle face that used to always disturb my dreams.

Daisy... the girl who is very difficult to court and achieve.It's another DAY to go to work. At 10 o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, Carla was already busy selling and taking care of the restaurant. While I was busy giving my Dad a bath.

"Dad, rub it with what you have to get rid of the rash. And when I rub that, your skin will also come off," I promised with a laugh,

Dad shyly turned away, and gently rubbed his groin.. He was wearing shorts, so I was able to bathe him without being counted. That's natural, but it's still different because Dad is a man.

After I soaped it, I poured warm water. We do that every day, that's why Carla says that Dad always smells like a baby.

Yes, that's right. I make Daddy a baby, because I love him that much. I don't want him to experience what happened to him in the province again.

It was ten thirty when Dad and I finished. I got dressed, before I took her out in a wheelchair. I will feed Dad, before taking the medicine. When I came out, I saw my son Elisha, he was in the case and was busy paying back the buyers. Alas, it's the first day of school, so in the morning he even helps me.

"Grandpa smells good again," Elisha said with a smile,

Dad's response was just a smile, he was not silent especially when Elisha praised him.

"Son, are you okay with that? Aren't you going to do any activities at school?" I asked Elisha, but he shook his head.

"No, Mom. I did it last night. I'm fine here, Ma. Understand Grandpa first," he promised me, so I nodded and took Dad's food.

That's why Dad ate solo. So after I gave him food, he ate. I first helped Carla in giving and serving customers.

"Sister, my boyfriend and I have a walk later, maybe I'll leave this afternoon. I'm going home tomorrow morning," he said goodbye to me,

She already has a boyfriend, they have been going out for a long time and sometimes Carla has a long day off. I can't do anything because everyone around me will get married and start a family. I'm just sad because when that happens, I will be reduced by a loyal staff member who I consider to be a brother.

"Alright, as long as you come back tomorrow, and we don't have an assistant tomorrow. Earnings will be stronger tomorrow and in one day."

Who is it really from?

"Sister, there is another flower!" Carla said to me, so Elisha and I turned outside together. A boy again, but a different boy.

"Someone is giving me these flowers," he said to me,

"Where did you get it, Toy?" I asked here, so it looked back and pointed to the far road.

"Did that give you a lot?" I asked again but he shook his head,

"I don't know, I just passed by. He said I'll just hand you this flower, he said he'll pay me 50 pesos."

Having said that, I feel like rushing outside to find out where these flowers come from.

"Sister, do you want me to go? Maybe that's Kuya Anton, I'll return the flowers he gave." Carla was about to leave when I stopped her,

"Wait a minute, I'll just go so that I myself will throw these flowers at him." I took the flower from Elisha but he stopped me.

"What if Papa isn't the one giving the flowers?" Elisha asked us,

"Who would have thought of it? He's the only one who likes to mess with us, Son." I walked out to see who that man was, Carla followed me, but Elisha didn't follow because there was no one there.

"Sister, take care of yourself! Maybe it's not Kuya Anton," Carla stopped me, but I didn't stop. I kept walking until I reached the corner where the boy pointed to, but I didn't see Anton there. Opposite the Church, there is a coffee shop standing there. My eyes caught a boy who came out there with a flower, so I frowned.

The mokok must be inside! I quickly went inside, at the opening of the door I looked around. Until my eyes caught a pile of flowers on the table. There was a man sitting there, wearing a hat but with his back turned. But the question was answered in my mind that it was not Anton who was handing me flowers. And because it was turned away, I couldn't recognize him. So I approached to ask him personally if he was the one who handed me the flower? It's the same as the flowers I've been receiving so it's really impossible.

I was about to walk when an arm suddenly stopped me. I turned around and saw Carla.

"Sister, is that really him?" it's a question, but I can't answer because I'm not sure yet.

"I don't know, that's why I'm asking." I pulled my arm and approached the man who was sitting on the chair, but he stood up just in time so I didn't have to face each other anymore.

My eyes widened when I recognized who was the man giving me the flower. It was the same, it was surprised to see me.

"Daisy..." he said, taking off his hat.

"A-angelo? W-what are you doing here?" I stammered,

"Ayyy! Well, I'm going back to our store, it looks like I'm in the way here." It wanted to turn around, but I stopped it.

I turned to Carla with a smile. "Stay here, don't leave me," I promised without even opening my mouth."What are you, Sister? That's just Sir! You can do that," he pinched my side so my face continued to turn red when Carla left me completely.

"Ah, sit down first, Daisy." It pulled out a bench for me to sit on, so I could do nothing but follow.

I can't look at him. While Angelo, smiling and staring at me.

"How are you? Nothing has changed in you after ten years. You are still beautiful and of course shy," he said with a smile, so I raised my face to him,

"Ah, why are you giving me flowers? Today is not the day of hearts."

"Nothing, it's a pity... you didn't finish this flower I bought before you rushed me here, anyways all of that is for you. You can sell it if you want," he said making me laugh.

"Why should I sell that? I'm a businessman, I'm going to sell that too?" I promise here that it also made me laugh.

"Just kidding, you might throw it away. It's a pity, isn't it? How are you?" it asked me,

"I'm fine, I'm still like that. Think about work and family."

"Why? Have you and your ex-husband gotten back together yet?" It was a sad question that I immediately denied.

"No! It's impossible for me to go back to that, he has one of our children. My youngest is the only one left with me." I don't know why he suddenly smiled at what I said. Is he happy that Anton and I never got back together?

"Good then," it replied briefly,

"When are you going home?" I asked him,

"Just yesterday, and I missed our place. That's why I go for a walk."

"Just yesterday? But you're here with me right away? I hope you go for a walk to the places you missed," I promised him,

"But I missed you," he said, stopping my world.

I blushed and felt my cheeks flush. did he miss me? Why will he miss me? I think Angelo is kidding me.

"Why are you silent? Didn't you miss me?" This question further explained our situation. What is this Angelo, too direct to ask.

"W-what kind of question is that, Angelo." My forehead was sweating, I felt a tickle in my stomach and I was restless.

"Hahaha. Common, you look nervous. Oh well, I won't ask anymore. I would like to ask you one more thing. I hope you can help me, please help me..."

"What help can I do? As long as I can, I can." Why would I reject him, for all the good he has done for me. Maybe it's not bad for me to help him.

"Can you pretend to be my girlfriend?" I was surprised by Angelo's question. Girlfriend? Why? Why me?

"W-what did you say?" I stuttered, unable to believe that he chose to pretend to be me. I guess I can't pretend. Now I'm getting a meme, that's all he can introduce me as his girlfriend."Please... I'm begging you, Daisy. Just once, so that he can stop me and not introduce me to anyone. Please... you are my only female friend. So I can't think of anything else to introduce to him."

As Angelo said, I still could hardly speak. I already have a child, why me? Maybe his mommy will be especially angry with him when he finds out that the girlfriend he is going to introduce has a child. And I'm older than Angelo, his mommy might be inquisitive. And what will I say? Am I going to lie?

I WALK back to the store; the mind floats and the smile on the lips cannot be hidden. Elisha and Carla greeted me at the entrance, so I pulled back the smile on my lips that didn't escape the eyes of the two.

"Mom, what happened?" Elisha immediately asked,

"Sister, what did Sir Angelo say? Lover again?" Carla asked,

I snorted and went straight inside. The two who were interested in what Angelo and I talked about followed me.

"Wait, where's Dad?" I asked the two,

"He's inside, watching TV. I took care of Grandpa. It's your story, Ma. What happened?" Elisha asked smiling,

The joy on my daughter Elisha's face was obvious when she found out that Angelo had returned. Does this mean it's okay with him? It's the opposite for Samantha, because she thinks that I kicked her father out, because of Angelo.

I sat down before telling the story.

"Angelo is asking me for help, Son. It's just that I haven't made a decision yet, because I might make the wrong decision. I said, if you agree. Maybe I'll agree."

"What kind of help is that, Ma?" Elisha asked frowning,

"He said his mommy is nagging him to get married. He said he is not ready yet, because the girl he likes is still not ready. He said that I should help him, that I would just pretend to be his girlfriend, so that his mommy would stop him. He said it was sick, so he couldn't refuse."

"Nike! Why pretend, Ma? And if it can be true?" said Elisha which surprised me,

"What are you doing, Son? Didn't you hear what I said? He likes a woman, but he is not ready to get married, so he can't introduce her yet," I promised Elisha,

I don't know why I felt a pain in my heart when I found out that Angelo already likes someone. After our last conversation, I suddenly became sad and could not speak. I shouldn't feel this way. Who am I to stop him from liking someone else? I did bash him then, what I did to him was more painful then.

"Mom, you agree. Tito Angelo is your friend, it's not bad to help a friend. Also... I feel a chemistry between you two, Ma. I have a feeling... you're the girl he's talking about, hmmm?"