NELINA
Marica came with me to the airport early in the morning the following day. She never accepted no as an answer even though I told her I’ll be fine since her driver will send me to the airport.
“What’s your plan? How many days will you be on vacation?” Marica asked. We were sitting at the back of her Black Chevrolet Suburban on our way to the airport.
“Probably a week or so, honestly I haven’t made a decision yet. I’ll take a look at mom and dad’s situation on how long they have to stay in Manila and ask the doctor about the progress of the therapy. I’ll see if I have to move them to a different apartment.”
“If there’s anything I can do, let me know. Nelly, I’m here for you,” Maria assured me, squeezing my hand.
“Of course, I’ll call you when I get there besty.”
“Send my regards to your mom and dad. Tell them I missed them so badly, I’ll make time to visit them probably next month.”
“Marica, don’t worry about it. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Before 10 in the morning, the airplane landed at the airport. I was so excited to meet mom and dad, I couldn't wait to witness their surprised faces at my sudden appearance. It took me half an hour to get to the condo.
Mom’s mouth agape as she opened the door for me. She was speechless for a second.
“Mom, it’s me.”
“Sweetheart, it’s you,” Mom said. She must have realized she was looking at her daughter, not just an illusion.
I wrapped my arms around her tightly. Only by then, did I realize how I badly missed mom. I miss her warm embrace.
“I missed you so much, mommy.”
“You have no idea how much I missed you, Nelly. This is a surprise. What brought you here?”
“Mommy, aren’t you happy that I’m here?” I asked, facing mom.
“Of course, I am happy. I mean, I’m not used to having surprises like this.”
“How about you invite me inside cause I’m so excited to see dad and the rest of the people here.”
“Yes, please, let me help you with your things. I’ll carry this paper bag,” Mom said as she lifted a bag of delicacies from our province.
“Dad…” I run to where dad is. Sitting on the couch watching the news on the TV.
Dad was surprised just as mom did. As soon as I was with him, he wrapped his arms around me tightly which was unusual to me. Dad was able to lift his arms easily, he was unable to do it when I left him for his therapy. It was a huge improvement.
“H-how a-are y-you?” Dad asked with a tear forming in his eyes. He must have been longing to see me as I do.
“Daddy…you can speak clearly now. A way better than when I talked to you on the phone.”
“We wanted to surprise you Nelly but the doctors told us not to go home yet as your dad hasn’t reached his full recovery. We will talk about this later in your dad’s therapy session.”
I embraced dad again, so elated to finally have my dad back. The legendary Arthur Cruz.
“I-I m-miss y-you,” Dad whispered. His face was so much brighter, the crease on his face was visible as he smiled.
“I miss you too, daddy… so much.”
“Mommy, I’ll come with you later so that I can talk to the doctors.”
“That would be better, sweetheart.”
I met the nurse and the driver before I headed to my room, the one I occupied the first time I stayed in the condo. Before my room was the master’s bedroom.
I can’t even open the door in Royce's room. Staying in front of his room brought back the crazy little things we did when we were together. I passed his room and went to the guest room and fixed my clothes on the wardrobe.
“Nelly, how’s Royce?” Mom asked as we were having lunch.
“Royce is doing great, as usual, busy running his companies. I didn’t ask him to come with me, it would be difficult to move his schedules.”
“I understand, sweetheart. He is a very hard-working young man. We owe him a lot for all the help he had, especially with your dad’s therapy.”
“I know mom but you don’t have to worry about all our debts, I’ve talked to Royce and he agreed to my terms on paying him. He knows that it will take time.”
“That’s good to know.”
I learned that dad needs to stay for at least 2 months for the therapy before they decide if he can go home.
The first thing I did when we went home was calculate how much the monthly expense they need while staying in Manila. From the daily food and toiletries allowance, nurse and driver salary, gasoline and car maintenance, plus the medical expenses. I made sure that I can sustain the expenses in case I decide to move mom and dad to a different apartment.
The number that appeared in front of me was huge. My monthly income wouldn’t be enough even if I triple it. This must be one of the reasons why Royce badly wants to help us. To keep me in debt which would be harder for me to leave him. Royce played it smart but there must be ways to get away from this trap. I thought to myself, staring at the spreadsheet in front of me.
I called Marica as I had promised. “Hello, besty, I’m sorry I called you late. I got overwhelmed, meeting mom and dad. I spent a day with them.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. I’m happy you’re having a good time with them. So how were things there? How’s uncle Arthur?”
“Marica you won’t believe dad can finally speak and walk a little with the help of his therapy and high-tech equipment. I was over the moon the first time I heard him speak clearer and saw him walk. All my sacrifices are worth it.”
"Seriously?"
"I'm not kidding, besty. Dad is near his full recovery, I can't wait to be back there with my dad back to who he used to be."
"You deserve it Nelly after the pain here in Angeles City, there is something you need to celebrate in Manila. Focus on the good things."
It reminded me of Royce again but as Marica said, I should be focusing on the good things. "Thank you, Marie. By the way, have you checked the organizers I replaced for the new Salon opening?"
"I did. I guess everything will be fine. Nelly, I'd like to let you know that I'm inviting Royce to the opening. I thought it would be better if you learn it from me instead of someone else. Royce is Leo's friend so I'm inviting the two of them."
"It's okay Marica, don't worry about me. I really don't mind. Thanks for letting me know."
"Thank you, Nelly. Send my regards to your mom and dad. Take care."
"Thanks for your time. Good luck with the opening event, besty."