Chapter 17: A New Found Home
The bustling airport in Saudi Arabia was filled with travelers rushing to and fro, but for Nancy, Zabid, and Badi, this day was special. They stood at the arrival gate, their eyes fixed on the glass doors where passengers would soon emerge.
Nancy's heart raced with anticipation, her palms slightly sweaty. She glanced at Zabid and Badi, who were equally eager. Badi's excitement was contagious, and he kept fidgeting with a bouquet of bright, welcoming flowers he had picked out for his new sister.
Finally, the glass doors slid open, and there she was – Besilda, the missing piece of their family puzzle, walking towards them with a mix of uncertainty and excitement in her eyes.
Nancy couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She rushed forward and enveloped her daughter in a tight, tearful hug. "Besilda, my darling, you're here!"
Besilda, equally emotional, hugged her mother tightly. "Mom, I missed you so much."
Badi, unable to contain his enthusiasm, stepped forward and held out the bouquet to Besilda. "Welcome to our family, Besilda. These are for you."
Besilda accepted the flowers with a smile, touched by Badi's sweet gesture. "Thank you, Badi. It's wonderful to meet you."
Zabid joined in the warm welcome, extending his hand to Besilda. "I'm Zabid, and this is our home now. We've been eagerly waiting for your arrival."
Besilda shook Zabid's hand and nodded. "Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be a part of your family."
As they made their way through the airport and towards their car, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Badi eagerly shared stories about his life in Saudi Arabia, and Nancy and Zabid filled Besilda in on their experiences in the Philippines. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter.
Back in their cozy apartment, they gathered around the dining table for a meal lovingly prepared by Nancy. The Filipino dishes were a delightful mix of flavors and spices, a symbol of the merging of their cultures.
Besilda took her first bite and couldn't help but smile. "This is delicious, Mom. Thank you for the warm welcome."
Nancy beamed with pride. "It's our pleasure, Besilda. You're not just a guest here; you're family now."
Badi, who was clearly excited to have a big sister, shared his excitement about their new adventures together. "Besilda, you'll love it here. We have so much to explore and discover as a family."
As the evening settled in, the family gathered in the living room. Badi couldn't wait to show Besilda around their home, while Nancy and Zabid reveled in the happiness of having their family together.
Besilda looked around the room and felt a profound sense of belonging. "This is like a dream come true, Mom. I've missed you all so much."
Nancy hugged Besilda tightly, her eyes filled with tears of joy. "It's a new beginning for us, darling. We're going to create beautiful memories together."
**A Warm Welcome**
The apartment was filled with the tantalizing aroma of Arabian dishes as Nancy, Zabid, and Badi welcomed Besilda into their new home in Saudi Arabia. The dining table was adorned with a colorful spread of dishes, showcasing the rich flavors of Arabian cuisine.
Besilda, still adjusting to her new surroundings, couldn't help but be captivated by the tantalizing array of food. She looked at the dishes with a mix of curiosity and hunger.
Zabid, with a warm and welcoming smile, pulled out a chair for Besilda. "Please, have a seat, Besilda. We're delighted to have you with us. Let's enjoy this meal together."
Besilda sat down and returned Zabid's smile, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. "Thank you, Zabid. Everything looks amazing."
Nancy, who had been busy in the kitchen, joined them at the table. She placed a tray of fragrant rice in the center and began serving dishes onto each of their plates. "I've prepared some of our favorite Arabian dishes, Besilda. I hope you enjoy them."
Besilda watched as Nancy expertly served the food, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Mom, it all smells so good. I can't wait to try it."
Badi, who was bubbling with excitement, couldn't contain his curiosity. "Besilda, have you ever tried Arabian food before? It's delicious, and I think you'll love it!"
Besilda chuckled at Badi's enthusiasm. "No, Badi, this will be my first time. I'm looking forward to it."
With their plates filled, they joined hands, and Zabid offered a heartfelt welcome. "Let's share this meal as a family, embracing the warmth of our new beginnings."
They each took a moment to reflect on the significance of this meal, the merging of cultures, and the promise of their future together.
Besilda took her first bite of the Arabian cuisine, and her taste buds came alive with the blend of spices and flavors. She couldn't help but smile as she savored the delicious dishes.
Nancy, observing her daughter's reaction, beamed with maternal pride. "Besilda, how does it taste?"
Besilda nodded enthusiastically. "It's incredible, Mom. I can't believe I've been missing out on this."
Zabid shared stories about some of his favorite Arabian dishes and their cultural significance. Badi chimed in with his own experiences, making Besilda feel more connected to her new family and their home in Saudi Arabia.
As they enjoyed their meal and shared stories, the apartment echoed with laughter and the joy of togetherness. The barriers that separated their past lives were melting away, replaced by a shared sense of belonging.
Badi couldn't resist sharing tales of his adventures in Saudi Arabia. "Besilda, you won't believe the incredible places we've explored, like the bustling markets and the stunning desert landscapes."
Besilda listened with rapt attention, her heart warming at the thought of the adventures that awaited her in this new chapter of her life.
Nancy and Zabid shared stories of their journey, of how they had met and fallen in love, and the dreams they now had for their family. Their words were a promise of a bright and hopeful future.
As the meal came to an end, they cleared the table together, their interactions effortless and filled with the comfort of family. Besilda felt a profound sense of belonging, and she knew in her heart that she had found a second home in Saudi Arabia.
Nancy, looking at her daughter with a loving smile, said, "Besilda, we're so happy to have you here with us. You're not a guest; you're part of our family now."
Besilda's eyes shimmered with tears of joy. "Mom, I'm so grateful for this warm welcome. I can't wait to embrace this new chapter of our lives together."
Zabid placed a reassuring hand on Besilda's shoulder. "Besilda, you're home now. And we're here to make every moment as wonderful as it can be."
Besilda nodded, her heart full of love and hope for the future. The warm welcome, the delicious food, and the shared laughter were the perfect beginning of their life as a united family in Saudi Arabia.
Zabid joined in the moment, his arm around Nancy and Badi at their side. "We're going to cherish every day as a family, Besilda. This is just the start of our incredible journey together."
The room was filled with warmth, love, and the promise of a new beginning for Nancy, Zabid, Badi, and Besilda. As they settled into their roles as a united family, their hearts were full of hope and excitement for the future. This was the moment they had all been waiting for, and they were determined to make the most of it.