HUNCH

As I recall the times when I first saw her in our home, to this day, I still cant believe my only dad did that in my life. What did Moma do to make Dad do that? Is it because I reprimand? Is it because she can no longer give the love that should last?

Moma has been a good Mother and Wife. Even though Papa was very tired then because he was the one working for the two of them. Dad stopped her from working. As far as I know, She is a Manager in a famous company, the ElCruise Company, where she has a big position there. I used to ask him why that he is always away because he was only seen once at home. Even about three birthdays, Francheska and I had without Dad.

We were accompanied by Tita Rondalia and Tito Keith, our substitute godparents. They are Moma's Single friends. Yes, single but now, not anymore. They already have children.

"Scarlette? It's time for us to go outside, let's go..." she just stared at me and didn't even blink and closed the door again. I just sighed. I almost gave my very best to go closer to her every single time but she didn't want to let me enter her world. She doesn't want me to be close to her, even Moma.

Well, let's just say that, after the incident and revelation, it was hard to accept the fact that she is part of this Family. And Yes, it was hard at first. It's very difficult. Sometimes when we eat with them, the table becomes quiet compared to the times when there are no problems, the four of us laugh happily and talk at the dinner table. You know what you really want to say to your parents for what they did wrong but I always imprint in my mind the word "Respect."

But, is my Dad worth the word "Respect"? Even if Dad betrayed?

Its Saturday. And when we say Saturday, we're just at home or window shopping with my Parents. I was in the room when suddenly something broke in downstairs. What on earth is happening? Our house used to be quiet so I was shocked, why is it noisy? Maybe Francheska broke another plate? My eyes widened and confusedly went down. Maybe Papa will scold me again. I saw how angry Dad was so I didn't want to see my sister cry.

I immediately went down and I was near the last step of the stairs when I saw Moma, sitting on the floor while holding onto the table that she was intently leaning on her strength on it.

Why does my mom cry? And take note, I seldom see her crying. She does that if someone did bad to her, well, she is really a happy person. I really love her smile. When she wakes me up and Francheska to prepare to go to school, her bright and beautiful smile is the first one to see in the morning.

Let's go back to the scene.

And I saw some broken pieces of plates, a thought that crossed my mind. My Moma was the one who created the sounds earlier and I thought it was Cheska... My eyes went in the direction of Papa, holding a backpack and a strolling bag.

After a few seconds, it was quiet because Moma didn't even utter a sound when one woman and a young child entered our house. A woman in her 40s holding a girl in her right hand. And they are crying too. Minutes passed, and my Dad breaks the silence. My heart starts beating fast. I heard a couple of sounds that someone is going down the stairs and I turn my direction and saw my sister happily walking down the stairs and hurriedly stop her. Her face looks confused.

"Ate, Let's go. We're going out, remember?"

She was just in fourth grade, but her communication skills are at A level. aS I hold her both hands and slowly walk towards going up to the second floor.

"Moma and Dad have something to talk about and it is very important." She was quiet until we reached our library. I saw Manang Gina and signaled her to come closer to us. "Manang, I'm sorry to say this but can you lend us to help our meals to be brought up here?" I leaned closer more to her and we walked a little bit far from Cheska who is now looking at us, intensely curious.

"What is it? Did you see your parents downstairs?" Gradually my tears flowed and I nodded. "Shh ... okay, okay, I'll take your food. It looks like you can't continue your walk now. " It just keeps wiping away my tears that are falling.

The moment I cried that time, I knew that things would go differently from what we have been since the very beginning. I told Manang to go to the Kitchen for our food and she went outside.

"Ate? What's wrong? And why are you crying? Did Dad scold you again?" she caressed my hair and she looks at me worried. I shook my head and sighed.

"Your Ate is doing fine. Something... is just going on in my head, that's why..."

"Hmmm, okay.

I'm just here for you, Ate. You know that you know already, right? " I nodded.

"That's good. Ate? Can you tell me where will we go this time? Tagaytay? Ahhh... That's quite amazing! I want to know where will we go this time. It's Saturday. "

I just smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "I'll just go downstairs to see what is happening there," she nodded. I walked near the shelves and touch one book as I look at Cheska. "For now, I want you to read some books while you are waiting for me and Manang. If Manang first comes here, I want you to eat the food that will be brought here and eat. You will not go out of this room as I said so, do you understand, baby?" She nodded with determination as she stands up and saluted at me.

I walked again near her and kissed her forehead. She immediately walked near our books and pick some books. I smiled faintly.

You were wondering why did I bring up my sister here in the library? It's because this room is soundproof. I don't want Francheska will hear my parents shouting and screaming their lungs with each other. I want, at all costs, to put in her mind and heart, that we are a good family. A good family that she will look forward to and will be an example when she will have her own. I walked near the door and open it and take one last look at my sister, who is now happily reading her all-time favorite, J.K Rowling's book entitled Troubled Blood, and saw a Harry Potter in front of her that is put on the table. I closed the door and immediately, walk down the stairs.

"I'm sorry, Melanie. But Celestia's Daughter is my Daughter too ..."

Daughter too ... Daughter too ---

"Wait---What?!"

I can't believe what I just heard. Dad looked at me in horror. I gained back my strength and heaved a sigh as I walked toward Moma. I immediately hug her and make her feel okay. She's crying like it's just the end of the world. I looked at her meaningfully.

"Darling, what are you doing here? Did your Daddy and I wake up? We're not leaving yet because we're just talking n-n-your Daddy. Go back to your room. I saw Manang Gina preparing earlier in the kitchen, they will deliver your food there." She tries to take me up the stairs but I refuse.

"Mom! I don't want to! And what did you say, Dad? Is he your daughter?" Dad can't even look me in the eyes. He didn't answer back instead, he talked to my Moma.

"Melanie. I'm really sorry for what I have done for the past eighteen years in our marriage life. I know it's a sign from God and in our Family. I'm very sorry ..." I was shocked when she took a walk toward Papa and almost stopped him by slapping but she just messed up her hair feeling so annoyed. My heart... I can't see Moma like this.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?!! Desmund!! For all those sacrifices we have done in our marriage, this is what you give in return?! A Mistress?"

Mistress? No... I can't... Dad... Why...

"Don't say to my Mama like that."

I get to see who this girl is, and I froze. As I change my direction, I was more frightened to know. Is she my---

"Scarlette? Is that you? Are you my step-sister?" She didn't look at me. More like she ignored me as if I was just a stranger. Why? Why her? Why of all people, she will be my other---?!

I was startled again when she tries to stand up straight. I was taken aback when I see some droplets of blood. No, Mom! I didn't see that before as she drove me away. I immediately looked for a cloth to wrap in her hand. And when I found a cloth, I immediately went back to her who is now struggling to stand straight, so I hold her free hand while wrapping the cloth to her wounded skin.

"Melanie, I'm so sorry for what I have done. I... can't take seeing my daughter growing up and not even meeting her Biological Father. And I-I know, we are best friends since child-childhood. And at the same time, I d-did this to you, I'm really... sorry. I know that right now, it's ha-hard to accept, and please fo-fo-forgive me, Melanie. All I did these years w-was to si -silently pray and have the courage to tell you about me a-and your husband. "

Then my dad started to explain things after the woman speaks to Moma and finally, Moma speaks up. "When did this happen?" My father went silent. Even Celestia too. "I...said...when...did...this...happened!" I froze, again.

I never thought of Moma being this angry. She is the sweetest. She never slaps me or spanks me but she disciplines me in words. Although she sometimes, spanks our hands or shoulders, she is sure that we will have a good sermon after that. We know her as a sweet and loving Mother and Wife. She doesn't even act at us being irritated and moody. Celestia answered for Papa. I looked at her while having pains that are being daggered to my heart.

"After your Victory Party of your successful convenience store."

"You did seeing each other in my back? Really?" Celestia shook her head in disagreement.

"No, it's not like that. I was devastated when Henry broke up with me. And I called Desmund over the phone to come to see me in the Hower's Drink Bar and after that, I went blackout. I rose up and I see Desmund beside the bed and I realized, I was naked. Please, Melanie... Whenever loved each other. It-It was the alcohol who brought us into a one-night stand." Ms. Celestia said as she moves toward Mother and tries to hold her hand but she did not want to.

"Don't touch me, Celestia!" Mom angrily moves away from the hands of Ms. Celestia.

"Honey, it was the alcohol who brought us up, naked. I didn't think nor planned that I will make out with Celestia." Dad insisted and I heard Mom scoff.

"Whether planned or not, still, you two did not do good with our Family, Desmund."

"Please, I'm really sorry. I'm really, really, sorry ..." I was looking intently at Scarlette and she has the aura of a cold person.

God? Why does my Family have this kind of problem?

Then suddenly, the place became quiet. I still heard Ms. Celestia trying to talk with Moma and didn't move. And later on, her face slowly lifts up.

"Okay. Your other daughter will stay here." I see that Scarlette and Ms. Celestia froze. "Only your daughter is allowed in this house. No more, No less." What?! No Freaking Way!

"But Moma---"

She caresses my hands with her soft palm. I shook my head while she is smiling at me. Oh common on, Mom! Don't smile at me like that!

"It's alright. Moma is strong. I and your Father will get through this." She gently caresses too my hair and kissed my forehead. She always does that to calm me.

"Did I hear it correctly, Melanie? Are you sure it is okay that my daughter will be living in your house?" she changed again her facial expression from happy to serious face.

"Yes. I don't have any choice but to accept the fact that my Husband impregnated another woman. And Hey! It's my best friend."

When Moma is being in a Sarcastic? You better hide because it's frightening to see her like that. I did see that Ms. Celestia knows well about how she is as a person. Her smile did fade away as she started to be Sarcastic.

"Thank you, Melanie. Thank you, Honey." she just nodded to Papa's words. But Father's smile immediately faded away too when they heard this.

"I will be sleeping in the guest room. While you, Desmund, Honey, will be sleeping alone in our room. And your daughter --- What's the name again of your daughter?"

"Scarlette Denise, Maam."

"Alright. Do you see that room over the left side, the second room? That's your own room, now. I'll go to sleep. I'm tired of this." Scarlette looked far from her position to the room that Mom told her that will be her room from now on. Papa immediately went to Moma as he guided her to the guest room while Ms. Celestia and Scarlette went to the room.

Me? I walked slowly to the sofa as my legs starts to be jelly. What a day today. The mere fact that your Father did cheat on your Mother, and she did have a step-sister. Did I do something bad to happen to be like this? In her family? A tear fell on my cheeks. I'm sorry but I felt my body go numb as the thought again that I have a Step-Sister. I thought I and my sister are the only daughter of Dad but no. Maybe I'll accept her when the right time comes.

"Scarlette and Elizabeth! Let's go! We're leaving!"

Mom called us and we immediately went downstairs and saw Francheska holding her IPad and my baggage is already outside of our house. Dad signaled us to go outside because we will have our trip to Siargao today. I smiled and together, we silently went outside each of us put the bags in the compartment and went inside the car. Dad and Mom are on each other's side while Scarlette and Francheska are at the back.

"Ready, girls?"

"Yes, Mommy and Daddy! Let's go!" Francheska shouted and my Parents laughed at how excited Cheska is.

Me and Scarlette? We're just silent as Dad starts to drive.

We're in a hotel now and it's another Saturday because we're on vacation. We just finished the sixth year of college, so now Daddy is treating us because, on Monday, I will be going to another year of college, as well as Scarlette. Francheska is a grade 12 student in the HUMSS strand and is always in the Top 3 in class. Consistent honor student also, while I, dean's lister in Architecture and also Scarlette in Engineering.

"Ate, how is it like to be a sixth-year college student? I'm nervous. You know, Moma and Dad are expecting me higher because, You, Dean's lister, while I am ---" I looked at it because its mind was starting to play again until it started to cry and think of things.

"Dad is not like that, okay? and Moma, you know them." It was quiet. I stroked her hair to calm her down. "They are just expecting you to be good in class, not overdue yourself by forcing you to be on Top. They may sometimes scold you for anything, but always remember, that Moma and Dad are very proud of you." she looked at me and there were tears in his eyes. Francheska has been like this since a month ago. She has been reading all kinds of stuff for her last school year in high school. In short, pressuring herself. I hushed her and smiled. "Cheska, listen to Ate... You are already doing fine and great in school. Sometimes, be friendly with your classmates... like, have fun! Go to Malls, befriend someone, have some little social activities so you not to have pressure." I smiled as I see Cheska is now calming. "Always think that our Parents are not pressuring you. They will still appreciate you for doing great in classes. Like, look at you! You are excelling in the class. Most of your teachers are giving me good smiles when I meet them in the Alma Mater."

Francheska is studying at Manila International and she has been consistent in the top ten overall students in her batch.

"Darling? Hello... What are you talking about?" We stopped talking and when Moma saw us she was confused. "Oh? Why are you crying? Who made my baby Cheska cry? Hmm? Talk to Moma, baby..." I smiled. See, Cheska?

"Moma... I'm scared for this school year..." she sighed and smiled. She kissed her forehead and held her two hands.

"I and your Dad are very proud of you. Don't think as if we are pressuring you in your studies. I can see that starting last month, you've been into reading, and take note, all night." She shook her head. "I don't want you to get sick. It's not good for you." Cheska sat up.

"Moma, I don't want you and Daddy to get mad at me if I have low grades because ---"

"We care for you and your academics, baby. If you failed this quarter, you still have three more to excel. Don't pressure yourself. Always remember that I and your Daddy will not scold you just because of such grades. We know you did your best and we saw that since you were young. Loosen up the grip, baby. Okay? We will not be angry at all if you fail. We know you will stand up and try it again." They both smiled and I stood up so they could talk for a while longer.

I felt the strong wind blow here outside the small house like a nipa hut and walked towards the shore. The real taste of the breath of the sea. This resort is owned by my Uncle George and Aunt Leslie who are now looking at me, smiling, and walking in my direction.

"Well, hello there, my dean's lister, Keirra." She kissed me on the cheek and I did the same thing.

"Hello, Auntie. How are you?" I was prompted to follow them and I was in the middle as we walked.

"We're good. Hansel and Jelliana are here." Auntie said as my heartbeat quickened due to the excitement. My grin widened even more. So that's why, last week, they asked where we were going today, and then I found out that it was here at Uncle's resort.

"Really? Can I join them here?" Uncle laughed.

"Of course, it's possible. I know you three are waiting for this together." Auntie and I laughed.

"That's why they asked. Later, I will give a sermon to those two."

Hansel and Jelliana are fraternity twins and we are in the same course and dean's lister too. When we got to their room the two suddenly stopped laughing. Kuya Yman stood up and hugged me.

"Hi, beautiful cousin. What can we do for you?" it's a meaningful question and I smiled.

"Because Auntie saw me earlier, so they took me here and I'm not mistaken here are these two twins." Suddenly the two of them approached me and hugged me. I laughed again at what they did.

"I'm sorry, Eli! We want to surprise you," said Julianna. Hansel nodded.

"Yes, Kei, please don't be mad at me nor my twin..." he suddenly bowed. As well as Liana.

"Huh? Why? Did you do anything to make me angry?"

"Because..."

"Because what, Hans?"

"Because... Uhm..."

I'm getting pissed. I acted as if I was going to hit him when I found a man holding a towel and when he looked in front of me, I suddenly stopped and his smile gradually disappeared.

"Elizabeth?"

"Evan? What are you doing here?" I looked at the twins first and then looked at him again.

"Uhm... Eli, can we talk?" I looked at Kuya Yman who now seemed embarrassed while the two twins seemed to be crying unknowingly. What did I do to be punished like this?

"So, how are you, Eli?"

He looked still fine until now and I didn't know that I will still have a conversation alone with him.

After the breakup three years ago? I didn't seek for having a conversation with him. Never. Never in my wildest dreams.

"I'm fine," I said while stealthily sipping the shake it freed me here at a drink shop. "You? How are you?"

"Me, I am fine too. I am also in my third year of college. Aren't you too?" I nodded at what it said.

"Yes, it's close too. It's only been two years and I'm a graduate."

What I don't like at all is the silence. I could hear the wind even louder than the two of us talking. My hand is also starting to tremble so I caress my two hands to keep them warm. The drink we ordered arrived so I smiled immediately. He smiled and the silence continued.

"Uhm... mind if I ask if you have a boyfriend?"

I would have coughed again when he asked this. I was still a little suffocated, so I coughed. In a daze, he searched for water. While still coughing, I felt it caress my back and it was as if someone had called to it. Later, I saw a hand with a glass full of water. I slowly took it and drank.

"Are you okay? Are you shocked? Sorry... I did not say it intentionally..." I was shaken. I drank some water and sat down. Sigh and place the glass on the table.

"No, I don't have a boyfriend. Why?"

"Can... Can we start anew? I mean, yes, I'm bad timing, because it's, you're graduating, and in today's time, especially, for those of us who are close to graduate and at the peak of our career..." he held my hand. "I want you again, Elizabeth Keirra. You will still remain even if I meet someone else, you will still be..."

Elizabeth, Evan Dave is your first love but the first guy you broke your heart with. Will you take risks? Will you accept him again after all those misunderstandings and quarrels?

"But Evan... what you did before hurts. I don't want to involve my life with you again." He straightened up his sit.

"But Eli---"

"Evan Dave Canales..." I didn't want to say that but he pushed me with this.

Evan Dave can be impulsive sometimes. That's why once, in the three years I've been in a relationship with him, I'm more confident that I'm not with him because he's being ignored. Do you know it? Do you look like you're choking? Then, he doesn't seem to want to let go of the rope that was strangled around my neck first? That's how I feel about him, unlike, about Hon, it's different.

Hon isn't the type of man who holds my time, he holds and controls what I have? He's not like that. Bernard knows how to be more respectful than Evan. As I saw him, the pain did not return but, my difference in behavior returned. Even Moma back then was angry with me. Because when I was in high school, I wasn't on the Top List. Those without such honor? So now, I tried harder to study when we separated until I went to college, I met Bernard. He is senior to me but he is in Engineering and I am in Architecture.

"Six years ago, we're done, we're over. Are you still unable to move on? Wake up, Evan!" I almost stopped talking about it so other people are already looking at us. I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath. Elizabeth Keirra, inhale, exhale, okay? You can do it! You will win too. Just talk nicely. I looked at him. "We are friends, yes. But if you're still asking the Lord to be us again, snap out of it! That will never happen again!" I sighed and drank the shake again. "Besides... I just see you only as my past and not my present and future partner in life, so what are you saying?" I shook.

"I will reject it." Its body that was near me was now leaning back in its chair and breathing deeply. It closed its eyes and smiled. "Okay, if this is what you want, I will respect it. "

"Actually, I already have a boyfriend." If before, I was the one who was drowned, now, he is. I want to laugh at what I said.

I saw the man in the shirt and shorts smiling at me. That's right Dad, he's here. He approached in my direction when it saw me. He automatically smiled at me. "Kei! I missed you so much, Babbiii." He gently kissed my forehead and hug my side, took a seat, and sat next to me. "Are you having some little privacy here?" I just smiled as he took my hand and kissed the surface of it while looking at me. I nodded and he laughed.

"Did I mention, I shouldn't have carved Tita earlier and Scarlette to ask them where I will find you." Scarlette?

"Did you ask Scarlette?" His face seemed unbelievable.

"Yes, Scarlette. I asked her a while ago."

"What did she say?" I hold my breath.

"As always, ignore me. But, it's okay. I saw Aunt Leslie earlier, that's why, they pointed the way to it, saying you were meeting someone... And I didn't know that it's a guy." I let out my breath and laughed.

"Babbiii, I would like you to meet, Evan Dave Canales, my ex-boyfriend when I was in high school." The smile of my boyfriend right now is not a smile but rather, let's say, he is grinning. He sat up and faced her and shook hands. Evan also shook hands.

"Don't worry bro, Babbiii didn't tell me about you. She didn't share with your past. Suppose I just saw you and met you, so, take a deep breath." he smiled beautifully while Evan? I don't know but he smiled too and his eyes looked angry.

"Is that so? That's nice to hear. Anyways," he suddenly pulled something out of his pocket and motioned to a waiter. The waiter approached and talked to someone. He stood up and Bernard spoke.

"Oh? You're leaving? It looks like Babbiii hasn't finished talking to you yet." He looked at us for a long time before smiling and turning a blind eye. He opened his eyes and shook Clinton's hand.

"I am leaving. The conversation we had earlier was okay. Besides, didn't you say, you miss him so much." Hon nodded. "So, yeah, you need more time. Kei, thank you... thank you for three years of being together. I hope you and him will last long until your last breath. Okay, I'll go now." My boyfriend and I waved at him and so did he. I sat down and he as well.

"So, why didn't you tell him the truth---"

"Did you really share him with me?" Babbiii smiled and held my hand. "Babbiii, I overheard your conversation. And to feel that guy needs closure, that's what I did. It's not about being talked behind his back but giving him the reality, that you already found someone better. And better than him, and it's me, right?" we both laughed. I jokingly tapped his arm.

"You, really, the height of confidence is taller, huh?"

"Of course! We've been together for three years but you see? Still us! So, my confidence is really high, especially in height, of course." Suddenly my mood changed and I jumped to my feet and left.

"Babbiii! Please! Oy! I'm just kidding!" I was walking fast and I knew, so did he. I turned to him and smiled. He also smiled and leaned over me and held my hand. "Sorry. You are tall. Sometimes, guys really have high heights to girls. Also, you're at the average. You're 5'4, so don't get upset." We both laughed.

"Of course, as well as height, will we fight? Not anymore!" We were just walking together here on the shore. Fortunately, it is not too hot and shady. "Didn't you say earlier, you talked to Scarlette?"

"Hmm"

"Is he still ignoring you?" he tightened his grip on me even more.

"Yeah, still. But you know? There is an improvement because she turned around." I slapped him on the arm softly again, so he laughed again. I don't know but, when I'm with Bernard Clinton, he always makes me laugh and I feel my security in the relationship if he's my partner.

"Babbiii!"

"Just kidding... I mean, she answered, because before, No. Can you try to approach her? You know, the wind blows differently. It has been a long time since her mother died."

"Yes, you're right! It's been a long time since I've known her as my half-sister." I leaned my head on its arm as I walked. "Until now, I still wonder why Daddy did that. Yes, I just found out because I tried to find out. But until now it still hurts."

"The resentment, it has no destination, Babbiii. Remember, you can be in danger when you harbor something in your heart. It's not good to look at someone with secret anger because it has consequences and I don't want you to experience that." We stopped walking first and realized that Moma and I were in the front. "So now, what you do this year is to get closer to your other brother. Trust me, you will love the results." Clinton smiled and kissed me on my cheeks.

I also smiled as I see Scarlette watching me and Babbiii. She was holding the plates and looks at me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her smile for the very first time. I was even more impressed when she started to talk.

"Ate? Let's go? Tita said that we will start eating. Kuya Clinton! Come and join us too!"

I turned to Hon, who now had a big smile on his face, and kissed me on the forehead again. "My Advice, Elizabeth Kierra. Try again and again... And, you saw that before. She did smile, in no time? You will be close to each other." I nodded and we went inside and eat together.

"Oh, Bernard? Have you seen my daughter yet?" Dad asked who immediately broke away from my hug and waved to Dad. "Yes, Dad. She talked to Evan earlier."

Wrong move.

Dad immediately turned to me and his expression could not be painted. Moma noticed, so she grabbed Dad's arm and forced it to shift its focus. Hon immediately looked at me and apologized. I just shook my head and smiled. The dinner continued and exchanged laughter and giggles because of my cousins' jokes. I never really thought that Dad and I planned to take them on our vacation this year. We used to be just family and now Scarlette is with us.

"Darling..." I turned to Moma who was now next to me and held my hand. "Are you okay? Does it seem like how much is he thinking about? Isn't it beautiful here?" I smiled and kissed her cheek.

"No! It's nice here, Moma. Honestly, I'm calming down while we're here and I don't think we'll be on vacation at Auntie's resort." I tightened the grip on my hand. "Thank you, Moma, for this work that we have. You know we have family bonding even before. Thank you very much." she smiled and hugged me to the side.

"Moma! Why are you the only ones hugging there, hmm? Why am I not involved?!" said Francheska. Laughing, she encouraged Cheska to come next to me and hug her. A giggle filled the room. As the three of us hugged my eyes caught Scarlette who was simply staring at us. But when he saw me looking at him he turned in the other direction and walked quickly.

"Are they really sweet, Tita?" I heard Liana say and hugged Hans who was also looking at us. Moma and I laughed when we saw Aunt Leslie pretending to hug them but kicked the children a little. "Oh my gosh, you really are! Just hug me because I like receiving hugs too!"

Sometimes I don't know if I even know Mama's siblings because Aunt Leslie used to be, the formal but now, it's becoming the same as her children's behavior. After the meal, everyone rested. I was just near our cottage house and I was carrying my ukulele while under a tree. As my hair was spreading everywhere I took the hairclip that was attached to the back of my dress and arranged it in my hair. There! All set.

I moved my hand on the ukulele and got close to the sweetness of its sound. Oh, how I miss this sound. So comforting... I started to strum the introduction of LaVie En Rose while watching the sea.

"You're here, I've been looking for you."

"Come on, Daniel! Good to see you here!"

Kuya Daniel Troy is my cousin and his batchmate is my boyfriend. He was the reason Bernard and I met each other.

"What is it that people are looking for me now?" it laughed and I laughed too. He sat next to me and it was only then that I realized he had something to drink.

"Drinks?" I nodded and first placed the ukulele in the sand and accepted the coconut.

"Mmmm! Delicious, Brother! Are you the one who climbed it?"

"No."

"Eh who?"

"I."

"Hon?" I laughed heartily while they were laughing too and Hon kissed my forehead.

"It's been three years but you see, my classmate is still sweet." The two-fisted.

"What about me? I know how to take care. It's you, you can try to what---"

"Stop me, Bernard Ethan Romero. Maybe I'll step on you there even if you're next to my cousin." Babbiii and I laughed.

"Defensive oh! Oh hey, how are you two? Are you married yet?"

"Not yet/Not yet in the plan." We said at once and we turned to each other and both laughed again.

"I still have a long way to go, Brother Daniel. Before that, I will build my house and help my siblings with their studies." The two men nodded at what I said. "And, dude, I respect what plans do, Babbiii, have. We're not in a hurry yet and I want to, when we're both ready."

"This is the reason why I introduced you to my cousin eh. I know you will last. You two are a walking green flag couple of Manila International University."

"Thank you, Kuya Daniel. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know this man." I looked into Babbiii's eyes and we both smiled.

"Well... I just want to see you happy, Elizabeth Kierra. Besides, I know that dude. So it's easy to kill him when he does something bad to you."

"Kuya naman!"

"Anyways, is Scarlette with you today on your vacation?"

I fell silent. I don't know but when I hear his name, I'm still not used to it but I encourage myself to get close to her because I'm not forcing myself on her but, I want to have peace of mind.

"Yes, Kuya Daniel. She is with us, a few years before she joined us because, since the death of her mother, she hardly spoke to us." I saw Babbiii take my ukulele and start playing my favorite song, "Close to you."

"Is that so? How is she?"

"She is okay. She doesn't miss meals but she doesn't talk to us more often so, I was surprised that Babbiii noticed it earlier."

As we were talking, we suddenly saw Scarlette smiling while reading a book not far from us. It is like a bed with a thin tent roof and it can be used as a shelter. This is just for another person. You can also sleep here.

"Haven't you heard from her classmates, Hon?" I shook.

"But I think she looks fine, oh..."

# # # # #

"Elizabeth? Are you inside?" Dad? Why is he here?

I opened the door and it spat out Dad's face furiously. I was overwhelmed when I remembered Hon's sudden mention of Evan earlier.

"Da-Dad... what are you doing here?" I was nervous about Dad's appearance. Mom, I hope you come out of Dad's room. He suddenly grabbed my hand and pushed me into the room.

"Why did you talk to that beaten man? Why?!"

"Dad! It hurts!"

"Didn't I tell you to avoid that man? Why are you so stubborn?!"

"Moma! Moma! Its D-D-Dad! He-He's hurting me!" I was almost screaming until I opened my eyes.

"D-Darling? A-Are you okay?"

Dad? What's that? A dream?

I looked at him and hugged him. "Darling... What is happening? I heard you screaming and your Moma was sound asleep. Dad just turned around... Are you okay?" I nodded and tears slowly flowed down my cheeks.

"Oh, why? Tell me, what's the problem? Did Dad do something or say while you were crying?" I was more moved to tears.

"Da-Dad... in my dream... you're mad at me because I talked to my ex-boyfriend..." I sobbed before speaking again. "Dad... we just really met... I'm sorry I didn't follow---"

"Darling... hush down, okay? I will not scold you. The one you saw me bored? That's because we were looking for you before but when I saw Bernard earlier, he was the one who volunteered to look for you. Sorry for my actions... Dad was just so stressed at work and you can still see that. I'm sorry, Darling..." I nodded and hugged Dad.

What pleased Dad after I learned that we had another sibling was that, instead of changing everything, he did his best not to change what we were used to. Even telling Francheska that we have another sister? He didn't say that but he introduced it as adoption from his friend and we went out more often. We would go to the Mall or Restaurants that Francheska and I love and then the father-daughter relationship between the three of us got even closer.

Sometimes when we are not together, Scarlette was with Dad. That's not a problem with Francheska and me.

"Dad..." I stroked Papa's back and smiled. "Thank you and don't say sorry. It's okay. Aren't we okay? Are we Mom? So smile." I persuade my Dad. I felt it a nod and slowly break away from the hug.

"Your boyfriend is also here." I smiled at what Dad said. I still get some butterflies in my stomach and my heart still beats fast when I hear my boyfriend. "Your smiling, Anak." Dad teased me and I saw Moma enter.

"Moma! Did I wake you up? I'm sorry, Mom." she shook her head and hugged my side.

"No, Darling. I felt that your Dad was gone so, I looked for him and saw the door open so I thought. Did something happen?" I shook.

"She was having a nightmare earlier, Hon. I was shocked earlier and I heard it screaming so I went to his room." Dad explained and I saw Dad hold Moma's hand and they both smiled.

"You are 24 years old but you are still having nightmares." Moma teasingly says while I'm complaining. "Haha, okay, okay. We're not kidding anymore. Will you go back to sleep?" she kissed my cheek and Dad kissed my forehead. At the same time, they stood up and walked to the door, and turned around.

"Good night, Darling." I smiled as they spoke together and giggled as they walked out of my room.

I remember before...

It was raining hard and I heard there was a typhoon, so Dad and I were with him at that time. Suddenly my cellphone rang and I saw Evan calling.

"Hi, Baby... How are you? Are you okay there? Have you eaten? Have you prepared your equipment yet?"

"Baby... Haha! I am fine. We have eaten. We're just okay here. Are you okay? " I heard it sigh.

"Are they there now, Tita?"

"Yes."

"Just call me when something bad happens again like a nightmare or what, hmmm?" Sometimes, because my parents are not with us all the time, Aunt Amarie and Uncle Zyd were there to calm me down because they were the first to discover I was having bad dreams. Then they found out that I was having such a dream but they didn't laugh at me.

I went back to reality with a knock on the door. When I opened it, I was shocked to see Scarlette carrying milk.

"Uhm... I brought you milk. I remember what Mama told me before that when someone has a nightmare, milk can make you calm. Here..."

I was dumbfounded as he handed me a cup filled with milk that I think is hot, yet warm. Here, I saw even more of Scarlette's side. She is not greedy at school but smart. She's not friendly, so you can see she doesn't really have any friends even before.

"Ahh... thank you," I said as I held the cup and nodded. She bent over so I couldn't see her reactions.

"Uhmm, Elizabeth? Can I come in?" I turned to the front and saw a woman embarrassed as she held this cup.

"Sure..." she entered and I just noticed that he was carrying a tray.

"I heard you shouting again so, instead of coming to your room immediately, I went to the kitchen to prepare it for you."

The tray she was carrying had a cup containing milk and a sandwich.

"I don't know what kind of sandwich spread you want so I just put the original. Here, drink first..." he presented the cup with only milk in front of me and I took it. "Just be careful because it's still warm." I smiled.

"Do you still remember? You did this before when I was having nightmares. When Moma left me, you will come to my room with a cup of milk and a sandwich. Thank you... for being thoughtful..." I looked into her eyes and she suddenly smiled. She has a nice smile...

"You are always welcome. Besides, I feel like I missed someone to take care of me. Earlier, I talked to Francheska and she is very talkative." Talkative? Is she already hanging out with those we know?

"So how are you, Scarlette?" she sighed and looked the other way.

"I'm fine. I really enjoy it. I feel fresh and the calm sea. The wind, on the other hand, makes me very sleepy. Then earlier, Elaine, Rexall, Hansel, and Liane, and I talked to while in the floating cottage earlier... it's a pity because you weren't there earlier. Francheska was still missing you earlier." I laughed. "Elizabeth? Why are you laughing?" I shook my head while Scarlette was very confused because my actions were different.

"N-No... You know, I don't know but, people have been looking for me for a while? Is that how I often leave and you all can't always find me?" Something came to her mind.

"Really? Kuya Bernard was looking for you earlier too. Wow! ... what do you have that people are looking for you?"

I don't know if I'll laugh or even think about the question of it. It seems... it seems like it has a different meaning and it came to me... I was surrounded...

"Huh? Ahh... nothing. You just can't see me right away---that's why you're always looking for me..." I tried to smile properly even though I knew I looked stupid because of how I looked now. He smiled.

"Go ahead. Consume that milk of yours, it might get cold and it might come back your nightmare again." I nodded and just stared at it as I drank. I don't know the reason but my heartbeat suddenly quickened.

I know it's bad to think of things because it starts a misunderstanding but I wonder, why does she suddenly become talkative? Seems like she suddenly became open to conversation? It looks like she's ready to be friends with us. I'm not saying I don't want to, but all of a sudden?

"I have something to tell you..." I looked at her and seemed embarrassed to say so I smiled and held her hand.

"What is that? Just tell me, I will listen." she smiled and tightened her grip on my hand.

"Can I... Can I be your friend? It's not just the friends ... like so close to each other? I wish I could get to know you better. Sure, you're my sister and I've been here with your family for a few years but I didn't plan to be close to you then. So now, if... it's okay with you... let's be friends?" she says with full sincerity.

I don't know but when she spoke, I understood why she didn't want to be close to us. She was scared. She was afraid I would not accept her offer.

"Sure. Of course. I agree. I am willing to be your friend. Not just a friend but a close friend and a sister." I said this while smiling. I hugged her and that's where our closeness began.