I'm almost near our house when I noticed a luxury car in front of our house.
My eyebrows furrowed.
Do we have a visitor?
Who might that be?
It was not as if it's impossible for us to have a rich visitor. My family is kind of rich, I mean my parents has a stable job, we can have the material things that we want. We also have a car but not as expensive as that car.
I just shake my head as I was almost in our house.
What's the big deal Alli? Why are you that curious?! I scolded myself.
I was holding the doorknob when I suddenly felt nervous. This was so weird! Why I am getting nervous? Did something happen?
I slowly open the door. When I went in, I got all the people's attention. My mom, dad and my young bother was looking at me. They look shocked!
Wait?! Why do they look so nervous? What is happening? I then looked at our visitor. I don't know who they were. They look like a couple, younger couple than my mom and dad. They also look on my direction. They smiled at me but tears were visible on their eyes.
What is really happening?!
Can somebody tell me?!
Why my heart keeps on beating crazily?!
"Alli" my mom called me.
I went to my parents to greet them and give them a kiss.
"Mom, it looks like you have a visitor." I just said.
My mom just smiled at me but sadness was visible in her eyes.
"Alli we have a confession to make. Listen to us and try to understand everything that we were about tell you." My mom said in a serious tone..
I saw that their eyes were all teary. There actions make me more anxious. What is really happening? Why are their eyes teary? Did someone died?
"What is really happening? I'm so confused! And who are these people?" I said almost hysterical.
"A-alli they are your b-biological parents." My mom softly confessed.
My eyes widen and tears flowed from my eyes. I look at the couple who they claim as my biological parents. They were smiling at me. They don't know if they will come to me or what. While I just stay still, no emotion or what so ever.
"Alli sorry if we didn't tell you the truth..." my mom said, now crying.
"It's okay. I already had a hint."
They all got shocked by what I said. I wanted to laugh. Since I was young, people were always telling me that I'm just an adopted child. Even my dad teases me sometimes. I never believe that I was an adopted child because they never make me feel like one.
They loved me just the same as my younger brother. But as I grow up, the fact that I don't resemble my parents nor my younger brother became more visible.
"Since I was young, people always tease me that I'm just an adopted child remember? Though you always make it sound like a joke." I said coldly.
I honestly don't know what I will feel nor how I should react.
"Alli..." mom's calling me.
"Don't worry mom I did not take that against you. I'm actually thankful because even though I'm not your biological daughter you love me just the same. I even more spoiled than Dennis." I told her.
I can't stop myself from crying. I wiped my tears and look at my biological parents. I smile and greeted them.
"Hi!"
"Allison!" The woman said.
She went to me and hug me. She keeps on crying. The man beside him also hug me. He was trying to stop himself from crying..
We decided to have our dinner in our house and to tell me why I end up with my adopted parents.
They did not give me to my adopted parents. As per them, my mom had an early pregnancy because of that, my grand parents drive my parents out of their house.
My parents both came from a wealthy family but my father's parents did not approved their relationship because they already arranged my father to someone. My dad stop attending school and started to work for me and my mom. That was the time that they met my adopted parents.
My adopted mom and dad were having a hard time to bear a child. The frustration of having a child led my parents to be close with them. The reason why my mom were always on our house to take care of me while my parents were working.
At first my parents were still able to sustain our needs. Until I became sick. They need a huge amount of money for my recovery. At that time, my moms parents were out if the country. My dad went to his parents to asked for help. They did help us but they want my dad to go abroad to study and be trained for their business.
My dad had no choice but to agree to their condition. My mom can't accept it that's why she got mad at my dad. My mom thought of going back to her parents and beg to accept us. My mom left me first with my adopted mom because she kind of scared that her parents reject us. She doesn't want me to experience to be rejected.
Unexpectedly, my mom's parents accepted us with open arms. My mom went back to my adopted parents but they already left. My mom thought that they runaway from her to steal me because they can't have a child. My mom felt so miserable at that time. She hired a private investigator to look for them but none of the private investigators that they hired found me.
At that time my adopted mom received a news that her mother was severely ill. They rushed to went to Mindoro where her mother was. They can't wait for my mom at that time because they were so worried about her mom. They decided to bring me along with them.
Unfortunately, her mom died. They can't go back to Manila at that time because they need to take charge of her mom's wake and some properties that her mom left behind.
My adopted mom tried to asked for my biological mother from their neighbor but as per them my mother did not return. When my adopted parents went back to Manila they did not stay in their old apartment. That made it more hard for my mom to trace them.
After 4 years my dad went back, he went straight at my mom's place to win us back. And that's the time that he found out what happen to me.
My dad didn't know who to blame at that time.
Will he blame himself or my mom? He just chose to just blame himself. My dad did nothing but to study and work hard for me and my mom so that we don't need to worry about money anymore.
It took a while before my mom decided to accept my dad again. Love always win. She chose to gave my father a chance. They got married and they had 2 more child.
Even though they already have my siblings, they didn't stop to look for me. And this was the day they were all waiting for because finally they found me.
My mom already told my adopted parents that they will bring me with them. They thank them for the love and care that they gave me. They also apologize for thinking ill of them. They even offer them a financial help, a business or anything as their way to thank them. But my adopted parents refused to asked for anything. As per them, they were happy that I came into their life. I completed my mom's dream which is to have a complete family.
My mom also believe that I was their lucky charm, because when I came into their lives, they finally know the feeling of having a complete family. And maybe because of the love that they gave me, God bless them a child of their own which is Dennis.
I started to cry when I heard my adopted mom telling my mom all my favorites and the things that I don't like. My mood, and attitude that they need to adjust or understand.
"Sis you take care okay? Don't be so moody and snob. You go here and visit us okay? I will miss you even though we often argue." My younger said while crying.
"I will miss you too. Especially whenever you annoys me." I hug him tight.
I face my adopted parents.
"My daughter be good to your parents and siblings okay? You come here and visit us. We will miss you. We love you so much." My mom said getting emotional again.
"Yes mom. I'll go here and visit you guys." I said while crying.
I know that this day will come but I still find it hard to accept it.
Alonzo is my real surname.
Allison Alonzo that is my real name. It was only my surname changed.
My adopted mom said they decided not to change my name so that my family could easily find me.
We are now in the car on our way home, my new home.
My siblings and my cousin are waiting for me in our home. Mom said that they were all excited to see me.
They never hid my existence from my siblings. They knew what happened to me. Even without my presence, they said they would still celebrate my birthday.
Lance was my cousin and just my age. When his parents died, he decided to stay with my parents.
They both need each other at that time. My parents in longing for their lost daughter, which me, while Lance is longing for his parents.
Two years after their wedding, my mom gave birth to Angelo. Mom thought that after Angelo, she would not bear a child anymore. It took them 12 years to have Tanya, our youngest sibling.
We already arrived at my parent's house. It looks more like a mansion than a house.
This place is too grand. It looks like the mansions featured in magazines and television. That's how grand and luxurious the mansion is.
When we entered the mansion, we immediately saw a row of helpers in uniform at the door. I also two boys and one little girl. The tallest handsome man was Lance, the next one who looked like the younger version of my dad, was Angelo and the cute little girl was Tanya.
I just smiled at them. They look happy and welcoming. My mom started introducing me to them.
"Everyone meet my eldest daughter Allison." My mom proudly said, looking very happy as she held my shoulder.
Daddy, on the other hand, hugged mommy.
"Hello, Ma'am," greeted the helpers.
Lance went to me and hugged me. I was shocked by what he did. He looks happy to see me. And that warmed my heart.
I can't help but to noticed his looks. He looks so handsome. I can't I have a cousin as handsome as him.
His hug, though, was so tight. But of course, I shouldn't think of any malice about it. I just let him hug me.
"We finally found you. Welcome back to the family, cousin." Lance said while still hugging me.
Angelo went to us. He looks at me and then Lance. He taps Lance's shoulder.
"Big brother, give us also a chance to talk to our sister." He coldly said.
We all laughed at what Angelo has said. I can see that my brother is a bit snob and cold. He was very different from my adopted brother Dennis.
Dennis was so sweet, especially if he needs something, and he was still a bit immature. He was still you, so I guess being immature for now is acceptable.
When Lance releases me from his hug. My brother went to me and hugged me.
"Welcome home, sis!" He genuinely said.
I smiled at him. I can feel the longing in his hug. It only means that they already love and accept me.
I furrowed when I feel like someone is pulling my clothes. I look down and saw my younger sister Tanya pulling my clothes. She's so cute.
"I also want to hug you, big sis!" She pouted.
My sister looks adorable. I want to pinch her cheeks. I went to her and gave her a warm hug. I love her already.
"I'm so happy I have a sister now!" She happily said.
Her words are so genuine, and it touches my heart. These people accepted me. I felt their love and longing for me.
After the welcome me, we entered the mansion. My eyes widened at the beauty of the mansion, as in this, it is a mansion!
From the long chandelier due to the height of the mansion to the pieces of furniture, the furniture is not actually that many, but you know that that furniture costs a fortune. It looks like their sofa can already pay our rent for a year.
Since we already had dinner, mommy showed me my room. She wanted me to rest for tonight because I had a long and emotional day.
I feel so drained but happy.
Since tomorrow is Saturday, we all don't have work. They plan to tour me tomorrow in the whole mansion.
I was overwhelmed by how big is my room is. It looks like a house because I have my own living room.
The room was very simple yet sophisticated. Just perfect for my taste. I like simple things, the minimalist type. Though I'm a bit girly but in things like this I prefer minimalist than girly style.
The next day, we all agreed to go to the mall after breakfast. They tour me in the mansion before we ate breakfast.
This is our very first family bonding. I easily got comfortable with them.
Unlike last night, I can now joke around with my siblings and even to my mom.
I already love them.
Lance will not come with us because he already has a schedule. He will meet his friends today.
When we got home Lance was already there with his friends.
It seems like ugly guys are not allowed to join their group! They are so handsome that they all look like a celebrity.
Wait! I think I know that guy.
"Vince Conscio?" I said without thinking.
I think my voice was so loud because they all look at my direction.
Vince smiled at me. He looks so hot. I feel like I will melt from his stares.
"You know each other?" My mom asked.
"No mom. I know his name because he is an actor." I said shyly.
They all laughed. Lance went to me and put his arm around me.
"You're already famous Vince. My cousin knows you. Cousin meet my friends this Vince the actor, Mike and this is Andrew he will teach you how to drive." He said then gave me a winked.
My eyes widen. "Drive?"
"Drive?"
I furrowed. Why do I need to learn how to drive?
"Yes. You don't know how to drive, right?" Lance said
I nodded. But I still don't get it. Why do I need to learn how to drive?
"Yes, I don't know how to drive, but why do I need to learn that? I don't even have a car?" I asked.
"We will buy you then." My cousin cooly said.
I shook my head. "Wow! You say things as if cars are cheap!" I told him and rolled my eyes.
They all laughed.
You are in sales. That means you always go on the field. And do you expect us to allow you to commute? It's not safe." Lance explained.
I sighed. "I have no problem in commuting. I have been doing that for years, and nothing bad has happened to me. So you don't need to worry."
"Do we wait for something bad to happen to you before we get you a car?" He asked me seriously.
I wasn't able to give him an answer.
I am getting shocked by this cousin of mine. He acts so comfortably with me. He acts now like he is my father, deciding things for me. While my birth parents are asking me first before they do something.
Mommy also asked me earlier when we had breakfast if I knew how to drive because they wanted to buy me a car.
Yes, they are my parents, and if you think about it, a car is nothing to them. I can even collect cars if I want to, and it will not affect their wealth.
But I just met them last night. I am still not that comfortable with them. Also, people might think ill about me.
Yes, I am very conscious about what other people will think or say.
I know they will question me because I quickly accepted my parents. And I know that no matter how hard I explain myself, they will just believe what they want to think.
The truth is that I agreed immediately because I did not want to prolong our agony. I also know that I will still accept them in the end, so why should I prolong it? And as if they really abandoned me, right?
I came back from reality when my feeling close cousin speaks again.
"It's settled then." He said.
This guy is a control freak. I laugh at myself.
"But wait, why will he teach me? Can't you be the one to teach me instead?" I asked Lance.
"Well, that's one of my friend's businesses. You're so lucky because he will teach you for free because of me. And usually, he doesn't do the teaching because he has other people to do that. But because you need to be safe, I asked Andrew to teach you. He is harmless, so you don't need to worry. " He said with a wink.
I looked at the guy he was referring to. In fairness, he looks so handsome. Well, the four of them are all stunning. As I said a while ago, they look like a celebrity. But this guy, I knew why he did not pursue showbiz because even if he is so handsome, but he looks cold and a snob. He has no PR in itself.
"Wait, looks like Andrew was the one who is not safe from you?" I heard Vince saying that I glared at him.
They all laughed. Do they see me as their clown? They always laugh at everything I do or say.
I just shook my head. I just went to my room to changed clothes.
When I got out of the room, I saw my brother, who had also changed his clothes.
"Angelo, you should have worn the shirt that I bought you." I tease him.
He was being sweet to me and asked me to buy him a shirt. I am buying him one, but I thought of teasing him.
I showed him a shirt that is not so bad but based on how he dresses, it's obvious that he does not like those styles. I still bought that for him. And because it was my first gift to him, he had no choice but to accept it.
"You know I don't like that kind of style, but you still bought it to teased me." He hissed.
I chuckled. "You know what? If you are confident with how you look, it doesn't matter what you wear. Even if I asked you to wear rugs, you would still look handsome wearing that."
"Whatever!" He said, a bit irritated.
"Cute" then I pinched his cheek.
My brother blushed.
"Looks like you guys are having fun there."
I look at the guy who spoke. It's Lance. He is with his friends, and I think they will go to his room. He went to us.
"It's nice to see that you are getting comfortable with us. You don't feel shy anymore." Lance said.
I just smiled at him.
"Anyway, do you like bands?" Lance asked me.
"A little. Why?"
He shrugged. "I just want to ask if you want to watch us play? We will have jamming now."
"Sure." I just said.
"Nice. Let's go."
He put his arm around me, and we went to a room next to his.
And my eyes widened when I saw the inside. It's like the one I see in the band's practice room that I saw on TV. This room also looks soundproof. And I love the brand of their instruments. Well, I know a bit about instruments and brands.
"Can you play?" Mike, their drummer, asked me.
"What kind of instrument?" I asked.
"Anything." He said.
"Hmmm ... Bandurria. I was a member of rondalia when I was in high school." I said.
"Cool," Vince commented.
I just smile at him.
"Are you still practicing it?" Vince asked.
Honestly, I was a bit shy talking to him. He is a celebrity! I can't believe that I am talking to him casually!
"Not anymore. I miss playing bandurria. I originally wanted to learn guitar, but I am finding it hard to learn that. I am planning to learn how to play the bass, though. I think I can play that instrument because it's pretty similar to bandurria." I explained.
"I can teach you if you want," Vince said.
My eyes widen. Is this real?!
"Wow! But aren't you busy?" I said instead.
But deep inside, I was screaming.
"I think I can still find time to teach you. I don't have an everyday taping, so I can still find time to do this." Vince answered.
"Okay," I said, trying to be just cool with it.
Will you believe that? The very famous Vince Concio will teach me to play bass?! I want to scream with excitement, but I need to control myself. I can't make him notice it. I'm a Filipina, so I should be tamed. Wait, Alli, what are you thinking? He will just teach you to play and not courting you. Don't be so assuming.
"Vince, let's be clear here. You will only teach her to play, and you will not court her." My feeling close cousin is trying to be protective of me.
"Don't worry, bro, I will just teach her." He said while winking at me.
I just smiled. I can't make them notice my giggling.
They started their jamming. Vince on bass, Mike on drums, Lance on rhythm, and believe it or not, their lead guitarist and vocalist is none other than Mr. Snob with no sense of PR in his body.
Music
'Oh Love of my life
Destined forever
I will be right here
by your side'
I am getting goosebumps when I heard him sing. They are playing 'Love of my life' by south border. He has a cool and beautiful voice. You will fall for it.
Music
'No falling tears
When where together
You know the joy you bring to me.'
Oh my gosh! I didn't expect that Mr. Snob has such a beautiful voice. His aura is also a bit different when he sings.
I suddenly wonder why they didn't pursue this career. I mean, they can produce an album, and I'm sure with their looks and talent, it will be a huge hit. They will surely have sold out concert and platinum album.
And they don't look like a rugged band. They look so clean. They are like FT ISLAND and CNBLUE, my favorite band in Korea. They all look handsome and clean but outstanding when they are performing.
I was in awe when I heard Mr. Snob reach the difficult part of the song. He delivered it so well. He is outstanding in singing. It would be a waste of their talent if only this room and I could hear their music.
After that song, they played again but a rock song this time; they are so versatile. I want to apply as their manager if they allow me, but I know I can't.
On Monday, I will file my resignation to start working for daddy's magazine company.
I'm okay with it since I finished Mass Communication. That is also one of the mediums I want to enter after graduation, but of course, TV Network is my first choice.
But it's hard to apply for a TV Network if you don't have a backer or experience in media. I didn't know why I did not do an internship in a TV Network; maybe I will have a chance if I did.
My work was okay. It is still in line with what I studied. But of course, it is still different when you got your dream job. That's why I am very thankful because now, I will finally work in my dream job.
I was back to reality when they finished playing.
"What do you think?" Lance asked me.
"You guys are so good! But it is just a waste because it was only me and this room hearing you guys performed!" I couldn't help but tell them.
He chuckled. "As much as we want to pursue this, we can't. We were too busy with our family business."
I frowned. "Why can Vince do it?"
He patted my head. "That is because they owned the TV Network. His celebrity status is one of his training ground when it's time for him to manage it."
"Is that so?"
He nodded. "Yes."
An idea suddenly popped into my head. It's now or never. I want to experience working in media.
"Hey, Vince," I call his attention.
"Yes?" He said.
"Are you in need of people like, for example, Personal Assistant?" I asked him.
"Why? You want to apply?" He teases me.
"Yes, if you are still hiring." I honestly said.
Their jaw dropped from what I said.
"What kind of joke is that, Alli?!" Lance butt-in.
"I will pass my resignation on Monday because dad wants me to work on his company," I explained.
"Then why do you still want to apply to Vince?" He asked.
"Because I can ask dad to delay it for a month or two. I just want to experience working in a TV Network, especially in a shoot for a movie or TV drama. If the TV network only gave a chance to those applicants who have no backer and experience, I could have a chance to experience working there. Sometimes those people who has no experience are more talented and skillful than those who they hired!" I can't help but tell them my frustration.
I heard them chuckled well, except, of course, Mr. Snob.
"I already have a PA, and so far, she is doing good with the job," Vince said.
I just sighed and feel sad about what he said.
"But I think my stylist will need a stylist assistant; she can not accompany me always because of the load in her work." He added.
That gave me hope. But I remembered I don't have any experience in that field.
"I have no experience in that field." I honestly said.
"Don't worry. I can handle that." Then he winked.
Why are you so nice, Vince?