Chapter 24 Triggered
1086 Words
Lucio stayed for four days with his family in the province and took a chopper flight right after. The triplets are used to this kind of setup. Instead of having bad feelings towards their father, they would divert their attention to their grandfather, who showered them with a lot of love. Even if the Head Master is quite busy with his farming activities, he never forgets to be with the boys, even for a short time. Sometimes he will take the triplets with him to the farm. On the other hand, Keila has never even tried to get closer to her nephews. Strangely, Keila joined them today, going to the farm. She even volunteered to become today's driver. Aria also makes sure that she is around to look after the triplets.
"Mom, look!" Lucky shouted in excitement when he saw the farm animals in free range.
"They are so incredibly amazing!" Fortune cried while holding his mouth.
"I want that one! That huge carabao can carry me on his back. Can I ride on that one too?" Charm pointed out the only carabao in the group.
"Wait until you are a big man. You can do anything you want in this broad area," Alexander said.
They go straight to the nipa house near the pond. It is surrounded by mango and dwarf coconut trees. Nearby was a deserted forest. Keila parked the vehicle in front of the house and helped the kids go down. The kids look comfortable playing around. Their nannies come after them and make sure they won't be harmed. Aria also ran after the kids, who were now free to flee around the wide property. The whole lot was securely fenced, and trespassers were prohibited from entering.
"Wait! Be careful! Take it slowly, kids!" Aria keeps on reminding the naughty ones.
Keila was standing still and was very observant. She moved closer to Alexander and started talking. Aria looked back and saw Keila in negotiation with her father. They seem so serious when in a strong discussion. It's too far from her that she cannot hear or get whatever they are talking about. But based on Keila's facial expressions, it says that she would do anything to win the debate. It was the first time that she heard them talking that way because, on most occasions, Keila was like a puppy whose manners were to please its owner.
"Honey, don't do that again. Please! Just play and do not hurt anyone, okay? You make Mommy worry," Aria said in a louder voice when Lucky unintentionally pushed Charm and almost stumbled.
The kids continue playing with their nanny, Mayi, as Aria watches them from afar. She is quietly observing Alexander and Keila. They aren't done yet in their discussion, and she notices that Alexander is quite confused and undecided while Keila is still talking. She is trying to convince the Head Master about something. She has no idea at all.
"Grandpa! Come play with us!" Lucky was shouting at Alexander, who was still paying full attention to Keila.
"Honey, don't do that. Grandpa is still busy. Just wait, alright?" Aria warned Lucky.
The boy ran back to the playing ground with his brothers. The three have the same looks because of their brown eyes, pointed noses, and blonde hair. Their fair skin is already a combination of their Brazilian and Filipino blood. She was smiling while watching her boys and forgot about Keila. Suddenly, Alexander joined the boys on the ground while Keila was waiting in the truck. She looked intently at the playing kids. She doesn't like how she stares at her children. She needs to become more observant. She knew all along that Keila was a bit insecure about Lucio. She was afraid that she would take it to her children.
"Time is up! It's getting dark," Keila called to the attention of the boys.
"Alright, kids. About time to go home! Come on, we still have plenty of time tomorrow." The Head Master yelled.
The triplets ran towards the waiting vehicle and stood by for the others. The kids are wild and active most of the time. It's a good thing that they have hired nannies to help her. They went straight to their rooms to clean up and change clothes before going down for dinner. Aria, who was going down the stairs, heard that people were having a hard discussion in the library.
"I am trying to help out. You know that this is the only way to sustain the wealth that we have. We cannot afford to lose it," Keila is the one talking while there is no word coming from Alexander.
He was like a deep thinker.
"Father! You needed to do something! The clock is ticking, you gotta decide," Keila added.
"I know. Don't put too much pressure on me. I know what to do. You don't have to teach or preach to me," Alexander said in his thunderous voice.
Keila stopped talking, and that's when she noticed that someone was at the door. Aria slowly walks away from the door and goes to the kitchen.
"What can I do to help?" she would ask.
"We can manage all of this, Madam! Just go to the dining table and wait for us to deliver your food," the kitchen staff said.
"Let me just help you. I wanted to do something," she insisted.
"Alright, please take this. Be careful. It's hot!" the staff told her as she handed the baked buttered chicken.
She brings the food to the table and fixes the table set up.
"What are you doing?" Keila asked in an unhappy tone.
"I just want to help them. I didn't do anything the whole day and I just want to do something!" Aria replied.
"They are paid to do their job and you are not supposed to meddle. They are skilled and they know their job roles here," Keila blurted out.
The Head Master yelled at Keila, "Enough! Keila, why are you in such a hot temper today? Why don't you just sit down and wait for the food to be served."
"Wow! Lucky, I'll have that one. It looks delicious," Fortune said.
"It doesn't look yummy. I want the wings instead!" Charm had spoken in delight.
The kids become busy with their plates as they enjoy the dishes. Keila did not say a single word until they finished their dinner. Aria was in deep thought about what she had heard in the library earlier.
- Writer
