NELINA
The evening was fine when I got a call from Marica. She usually calls me every evening to ask how things were with me, mom and dad. “Mom, dad, it’s Marica, I have to take this call.”
“Sure,” Mom answered as she was cuddling dad, sitting beside her. We were watching a movie to let the night pass after packing out things for our trip tomorrow.
I excused myself and went to my room, knowing it would be a long talk again. I couldn’t wait to tell you my good news about Marica. “Hello, Marie, how was your day?” I asked happily.
“Oh, you seem so happy, what happened? Mine was great, by the way. And I have good news for you. I’m sure you’ll like what you’re about to hear.” Marica said confidently.
It stirred my excitement. “We have the same news. You go first.”
“You mean, you have good news as well?”
“Yes, but I’m beginning to think of making it a surprise. It would be more exciting wouldn't it?” I said with a hint of tease in my voice.
“Oh, Nelly, how about you be fair this time? I’ll spill the tea, and then you follow. Fair enough, right?”
I loved hearing Marica in anticipation. “Come on besty, spill the tea. After that, I'll decide if I'd share my good news with you.”
I heard a heavy sigh on the other line. “Fine. This is about Royce, I talked to him this afternoon.” Marica started with a little bit of hesitation.
I kept quiet trying to be as attentive as possible. I knew Royce would make a move to get close to me. I knew he would find me.
“Nelly, are you there?”
“Marie, I’m listening. Go on.”
“I was worried you wouldn’t want to listen. Anyway, Royce and I discussed the fake evidence that was sent to me. He already knows who is behind the fake photos and documents and you’ll never be surprised if you’ll learn who.”
“Who was the culprit?”
“No other than, Roxie, that bitch was the culprit."
“What? How did Roxie learn about that incident? That bitch will do everything just to ruin me and Royce."
“I had a hunch that she will never quit until she stops breathing. Thank God, Royce already made a move to get rid of her.”
“Marica, what did you mean?” I asked worriedly. “Royce didn’t kill her right? I mean not literally.”
I heard Marica laugh on the other line. “Do you seriously think Royce would do that?”
“Well, no. I believe Royce is not a killer. I was just worried he’d do something stupid out of anger. People could make haste decisions sometimes when they are angry. Though, judging by Royce’s behavior, he wouldn’t do just that. He is a calm man, someone who thinks clearly.”
“There you go, you answered your question. Looks like you have been thinking clearly when you are away these past few days, huh! It wasn’t a hard job to convince you about the fake evidence.”
“Yeah. I also told mom about what happened and she was confident Royce wouldn’t do such things."
"Oh, thank goodness.
“So, what’s the tea on your side?”
“You’ll learn tomorrow. You have to wait patiently.”
“Nelly that’s not fair.”
I laughed at her, stubborn not to tell her the good news. Marica couldn't force me to spill the tea, she had no choice but to just wait for my surprise the next day.
The following day, mom and together with the nurse and our driver went home without informing anybody. It was a breath of fresh air going back to my lovely hometown even though I didn’t stay long in Manila, I missed my city so badly.
The tree leaves were dancing to the wind blow. Looking at it makes me calmer on our way to our condo. Angeles City is my home and always will be.
“Dad, mom, did you miss this place?”
“I miss my hometown, sweetheart. I can’t wait to have a morning walk here every day. Wouldn’t it be beautiful, honey?” Dad asked mom.
“Absolutely. But honey, we should consider the situation first before going out too much. Some people wouldn’t want you back in your best shape.”
My heart was pounding hearing mom say it. She reminded me of how dangerous those people are who want to take us down. I will never let them succeed again, their time has come to an end. I promised myself.
Another 30 minutes have passed and we arrive at our condo. It was a relief. Mom and dad settled on the couch, having a cold drink and enjoying our home again.
The first thing I did was to call Marie. “Surprise.”
“What do you mean?” Marica asked with a trace of confusion in her voice.
“Why don’t you come over and say hi to mom and dad?”
“Besty... Do you mean you guys are home now?”
“Come and find out for yourself.” I heard the line was cut.
I was certain Marie would come to visit mom and dad and she did. It didn't take long before the doorbell rang. Just around 15 minutes. Too fast.
I opened the door for Marica.
“Hey!” Marica hugged me like she hadn't seen me for years. “I miss you so much. It was never the same without you here in the city,” she complained.
“Seriously? I bet you and Leo had a good time together. You guys had more time together without me.”
"Don't be silly, nothing compares to you."
"Marica, nice to see you again," Dad chimed in, sipping a lemon ice tea.
"We miss you, sweetheart," mom said, happily.
"Guys, don't make me cry." Marica hugged both mom and dad. I was quite emotional watching them. Marica is like a sister to me. I joined them to complete the family.
"I'm so glad to see you in good shape uncle Arthur. I'm so happy for you." Marica said with her teary eyes.
"Thanks to Nelly, my wife, and of course Royce. They made this possible."
"I'll get some food and drinks, we need more time catching up since we've been away for quite a long time," Mom said as she headed to the kitchen.
We had over an hour of talk before mom and dad excused themselves to fix their room and arrange stuff.
“Besty, we should celebrate tonight. Let's have dinner outside." Marie said when we were alone. "Besides, we need to talk about the projects we're handling now," she added.
“How about we have dinner with mom and dad here. They surely miss you as well.”
“Lunch here and dinner for the two of us. I will help you cook, we still have time, it’s not 11 in the morning yet. How about that?”
“That will do. Hurry up, we need to start cooking now. We should let mom rest even just for a day. She did all the housework when they were in Manila. Mom and dad should take this as their holiday.”
"Sure. You got me here." Marica said confidently like she was an expert in cooking.
I ended up doing almost all the work in cooking. Marica can barely cut the onions. She has zero experience in cooking. Despite that, we were able to prepare a good lunch for all of us.
Marica has to leave at around 3 in the afternoon when she got a call from her secretary while we were catching up in the living room. She promised to be back to have more time with mom and dad especially since dad can speak clearly again.
"Be there on time. Don't make me wait, I'll have the driver pick you up at 7, okay?" Marica said we're on our way out.
"Alright. Take care on your way home." I reminded Marica, kissing her on the cheek.
I was confused as to why she had to have her driver pick me up. Marica usually picks me up herself or I get to commute in meeting her. I shook the thought away, thinking she might want me to arrive safely at our dinner place.