Chapter 12
1009 Words
Elise POV
"HOLD ON, ELISE!" he shouted, his voice laced with urgency."Hold on tight!"
Even though I was strapped in, the sudden jolt of the brakes sent me crashing forward, my heart racing. Thankfully, the airbags deployed just in time, cushioning me from any serious harm.
He parked the car, his eyes searching mine. "Are you okay?" Concern etched deeply into his features, his voice trembling slightly.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," I gasped, struggling to regain my breath. "What just happened?" I asked, my voice still shaky.
"A wild animal," he replied, relief flooding his tone. "Thank goodness we didn't hit anything or anyone."
Once he was sure I was alright, he resumed driving, but the tension lingered in the air.
Suddenly, I felt the car sway, and my seat shifted slightly.
"Relax," he urged softly, his voice a soothing balm.
We were currently crossing a large river. This was the only way to get to the other side, to our barangay. During this month, the water level was low, allowing any type of vehicle to cross. However, when the water level is high, vehicles are transported by a small open motor boat to cross. A large rock in the middle of the river served as the central post for the footbridge that was being constructed.
"We're here," he announced, and my heart leaped as I recognized the towering gate of our ancestral home.
He honked three times, and the gate swung open immediately. Nanay Meding, our beloved housekeeper, stood there, her eyes glistening with tears of joy as she rushed to embrace me the moment I stepped out of the car.
"Oh, my child! I'm so glad you're back!" she exclaimed, her grip tightening around me.
"I'm being squeezed, Nanay," I joked, trying to lighten the moment.
"Sorry, dear, I missed you so much," she said, wiping away her tears with a smile.
"I missed you too, Nanay. Come on, let's head inside," I said, leading her toward the main door. The man, still handling my bags, trailed closely behind.
"Daddy Mayor!" Allen shouted, bursting with excitement as he sprinted toward the man, followed closely by Jude, who leaped into his arms.
"Easy, Jude," the man chuckled, his laughter warm and inviting. "Hey there, buddy," he greeted Allen, who clung to his leg with all his might.
I raised an eyebrow, nearly laughing at the sight. With my backpack slung over his shoulder and plastic bags in hand while balancing Jude and Allen, he resembled a giant Christmas tree, adorned with little boys.
"These kids, really," Marie, my cousin's wife, remarked, stepping out from the kitchen with a knowing smile.
"They're still in their playful phase," I replied, grinning. "What’s up with that guy? My nephews didn't even notice me!" I pointed at the trio, amused.
"Oh, who knows! He and your nephews seem to have a little secret," Marie laughed.
Nanay Meding hurried over to the man, taking the backpack and bags from him before heading to the nearby sofa, where the boys began to play.
"I'll take your things to your old room, Elise," Nanay Meding said, her voice comforting.
"Sure, thanks, Nanay, but leave the plastic bags," I replied.
"For the kids," I added, handing the bags to Marie.
"What's this now?" Marie asked, peering into the bags. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously, Elise? Your nephews' teeth will rot with all these candies!"
Her reaction made me burst into laughter, catching the attention of the three on the sofa.
"MOMMMMMMY!" Allen shouted, sprinting toward me, with Jude hot on his heels. They were inseparable, like two halves of a whole.
"Oh, they're here!" Marie said, bustling around, organizing the sweets and other stuff in the plastic bags.
"Hmm, I almost got mad," I teased.
"No more being mad, Mommy! Jude and I will give you unlimited kisses and hugs!" Allen declared, positioning themselves on either side of me, wrapping their small arms around my neck.
"Time-out, kiddos! Mommy's getting choked!" I joked, but they seemed oblivious, showering my cheeks with kisses.
The joy enveloping me felt infinite. Suddenly, a flash of a camera illuminated the space. I looked up to see a cellphone pointed our way.
"Wow, picture! Picture!" Jude exclaimed. "Take lots of pictures of us, Daddy Mayor!" he pleaded.
"No problem, man," the young man replied, his smile brightening the room as the phone flashed.
“Mama, take four pictures of us with Daddy Mayor!” Jude chimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“No, baby,” I interjected quickly.
“But why, Mommy?” Jude asked, his surprise evident.
“I just don’t want to,” I said softly. “If you want, I’ll just take pictures of the three of you.” I smiled, hoping to redirect their enthusiasm.
“Please, Mommy!” he begged.
“Oh, come on, Elise,” Marie urged, “Just one picture.”
With a resigned sigh, I relented. “Okay, let’s take a picture so we can get it over with,” I said to my cousin-in-law.
“Okay doksss!!!” Marie beamed as she approached the man and took his phone. “Alright, ready?” she said. “1, 2, 3…” She counted down. “SMILE!” and the phone flashed.
“One more, Mama!” Allen insisted. To my surprise, he took one of my hands and one of the man’s hands, effortlessly clasping them together as he stood between us. Continuous flashes lit up our world. “Look, Mayor, you look great here!” Marie exclaimed after capturing several shots.
"He stood up, examining the photos, and I could see the happiness in his eyes. They crinkled at the corners as he smiled, even though his mask hid the full expression. 'PERFECT,' he said, his voice full of joy."
“May I?” I asked, reaching for the phone.
But instead of handing it over, he playfully tucked it into the side pocket of his slacks. “Get it… come on,” he teased, grinning.
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HAPPY READING ♥️
_TAGAiLoCosNak
- Writer
