TOTS: The One That Stays

Kabanata 8: Unexpected Encounters

Maya Montel POV

Saturday mornings were usually mine—slow coffee, catching up on work emails, and the occasional binge of random shows. But today, Mom insisted we go grocery shopping together. “Kaya lang, kailangan mo ring lumabas paminsan-minsan, Maya. Hindi puro laptop at bahay lang,” she said, smiling.

Trina was in heaven because grocery day meant she could sneak snacks and boss me around while Mom focused on the list. “Ay, finally! Out of the house tayo, ate! No laptops, no deadlines, just… shopping!” she cheered as we walked into the supermarket.

I rolled my eyes but laughed anyway. “Sure, sure. Let’s make it fun.”

Mom grabbed a cart, writing down her list on her phone. “Okay, herbs first,” she instructed, and Trina and I followed. Everything was normal. Ordinary. Comfortable. Just us.

---

While browsing the vegetable aisle, Mom suddenly gasped. “Adrian?!”

I whipped my head around and froze. There he was—Adrian Velasco, casually holding a basket, checking tomatoes like he was comparing prices.

“Oh! Hi! I didn’t expect… hehe… hello!” Mom stammered, clearly just as surprised.

Adrian’s grin was easy, warm. “H-Hi po, tita. Long time no see! tulungan ko na po kayo dyan.” he offered, stepping closer and gesturing toward the cart.

Mom laughed softly. “That’s very kind of you. Yes, please. Some of these bags are heavy.”

I blinked, momentarily hiding behind the produce. What the hell? He was helping Mom. Just helping her, casually, without any agenda, no awkward tension, no awkward “Maya’s here” energy. And I didn’t even know he was in town.

---

While Adrian loaded the heavier items, Trina whispered excitedly, “Ate, nakita mo ‘yon? Adrian! Parang childhood days ulit, diba?”

I just nodded, pretending I wasn’t hyperventilating a little. Childhood days… yeah, minus the awkward teenage crushes and heartaches.

Mom seemed genuinely happy, chatting with Adrian while they compared which brand of cereal to buy, laughing about how some items always get forgotten. Adrian was… natural. Gentle. Warm. And for the first time in a long while, I could see him not as “Adrian, the heartbreaker,” but just Adrian—the person who fit into our family rhythm.

---

I wandered to another aisle to give them space, trying to breathe normally. Honestly, it was a weird mix of relief and… jealousy? Not jealousy of Adrian for me, but maybe for the easy way he connected with Mom and Trina. He didn’t need to impress anyone. He just… fit.

I caught sight of him laughing at something Trina said—she was waving her hands dramatically while explaining a funny school incident. And Adrian… he laughed like it genuinely amused him. No hidden agendas. No hidden motives. Just him.

---

I wandered closer again, pretending to look at canned goods, trying to act casual. Adrian was still helping Mom pick up the heavier items, lifting them with ease while she instructed which ones to put in the cart. Trina was giggling nonstop.

For a brief moment, I forgot about the tension I’d been carrying for weeks. No texts from him. No Marco. No “What if” scenarios. Just… family. Just Mom and Trina bonding with someone who’d been part of our lives before, now in a safe, comfortable way.

Adrian glanced over and saw me pretending to check canned tomatoes. His eyes softened but he didn’t rush over or make it awkward. He nodded slightly, just acknowledging me. No pressure. No plans being pushed. For once, I felt like I could just… watch, breathe, and observe without feeling the pull he usually caused in me.

---

After the aisles were done and checkout was done, Adrian even insisted on helping Mom carry the groceries to the car. “It’s okay. I can handle these. You can go ahead,” he said with a smile.

Mom shook her head. “You’re too kind. Thank you, Adrian.”

Trina whispered again, grinning. “Ate, look at him. Parang hindi siya nag changed at all.”

I just shook my head, trying to hide my smile. He hadn’t changed. But this… this wasn’t about him chasing me. This was about him being… genuinely nice to my family. And for now, that was enough.

---

As we loaded the groceries into the car, I finally felt a small weight lift off my chest. Adrian was there, yes—but he wasn’t demanding attention or stirring up old feelings. He was letting the moment be about Mom and Trina, about ordinary life. About being present instead of scheming or planning.

I exhaled slowly, feeling a quiet comfort. For once, I could just… let things be. I didn’t have to think about feelings or plans or heartbreaks. Not yet. Not now.

Even if tomorrow brought its usual chaos, today was simple. Today was just groceries, laughter, and seeing Adrian interact with my family without drama.

And for once, that felt… perfect.

We were almost done loading the groceries when Mom suddenly stopped and turned to Adrian. “You know… you should stay for dinner. We’ve got plenty, and it’s been ages since you’ve been here.”

Adrian froze for a split second, glancing at me. I could see the hesitation in his eyes. He didn’t want me to feel cornered or uncomfortable, and honestly, I didn’t even know what to say.

“I… I shouldn’t—” he started, but Mom cut him off with a soft laugh.

“Oh, don’t be silly! It’s just dinner. Maya, you’re coming too, right?” she said, turning to me with that gentle, persuasive smile I could never refuse.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Adrian beat me to it. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I… guess it’s okay. I don’t want to disturbed you guys.”

Mom waved her hand like it was nothing. “kailanman dika naging abala sa amin. Come on, it’ll be fun. You’ve been gone for five years. Let us catch up!”

Adrian finally gave me a look, this soft, almost apologetic smile. “Fine. But just… dinner. No sudden emotional confrontations, okay?”

I rolled my eyes. “Like I’d do that.”

---

Dinner at home was cozy, just like always. Mom cooked a mix of our usual favorites—adobo, sinigang, and some of Trina’s requested snacks. Trina was bouncing around the kitchen like a hyperactive puppy, insisting Adrian sit next to her at the table.

I took my usual seat across from Adrian, feeling my chest tighten slightly. He looked relaxed, like he belonged here—which of course, made me notice him even more.

“So…” Adrian started, trying to break the silence, “I see you still can’t cook rice without setting off the smoke alarm.”

I blinked. “Excuse me? That was one time, five years ago!”

He smirked. “Oh, right. And I also remember you insisted on microwaving the sinigang. Ended up with soup on the ceiling.”

I groaned dramatically. “You are never letting me live that down, are you?”

“Never,” he said with a chuckle. “You were so stubborn back then, you know? Still are, I see.”

I flushed, crossing my arms. “I am not stubborn!”

“Oh really? Let’s see… refusing to ask for help carrying groceries today? Stubborn. Avoiding me at the supermarket? Stubborn. Pretending you didn’t notice me helping your tita? Definitely stubborn.”

“Hey! That’s not—” I stopped mid-sentence, realizing I was already smiling. Typical Adrian, always pushing my buttons.

He leaned back, still smiling, eyes crinkling at the corners. “And I see you’ve gotten even more dramatic, by the way. Five years, and you’re still the same Maya Montel.”

I huffed, feigning indignation. “Dramatic? I am… not dramatic!”

“Uh-huh,” he said, shaking his head with mock seriousness. “I think the entire grocery store today would beg to differ.”

Mom and Trina were giggling quietly at our little exchange, not interrupting, just letting us be us—the way we were when we were younger. Adrian even teased Trina about exaggerating some of her stories, and she fired back with her own playful banter. I watched them, feeling a quiet warmth I hadn’t realized I missed so much.

---

After a while, Adrian leaned back slightly, looking at me with a softer expression. “You know… I almost didn’t recognize you. Not because you’ve changed,” he added quickly, “but because you’ve grown into someone even more… stubborn than I remember. But also someone who can handle life like a pro. And I… I missed seeing that.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond. That was exactly the kind of comment that made me defensive, even if it was meant to be sweet.

“I can handle life like a pro? Wow, thanks. I didn’t know grocery shopping could be an official life skill test,” I said, half-joking, half-defensive.

He laughed softly. “It’s a start. And you were great today. Calm, collected… mostly ignoring me. That’s a skill too.”

“Mostly ignoring you? That’s called self-preservation,” I fired back, unable to hide the teasing tone.

“Self-preservation, huh? Sounds like a very… Maya thing to say.” He grinned, the same infuriating grin from back then.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “Yeah, well, some things never change.”

“Exactly,” he said quietly, looking at me for a moment before glancing at Mom and Trina. “Some things… like family dinners… are worth just… enjoying. No plans, no agendas.”

I caught myself softening at that. For once, Adrian wasn’t trying to make me think about us or feelings or the past. He was just… present. Watching my family laugh. Listening. Being there.

I finally smiled, a small, real one. “You know… I guess it’s kind of nice having you here. Just… normal, like old times.”

“Old times, huh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Careful, Maya. You know what happened the last time we tried ‘normal’.”

I groaned, but I couldn’t hide the laugh that slipped out. “Adrian Velasco, you’re impossible.”

“And you, Maya Montel, are still stubborn as ever.”

---

The evening ended with laughter, playful teasing, and even some shared stories from when Adrian and I were younger—stories I’d forgotten but Mom and Trina hadn’t. I realized then that this… this moment wasn’t about rekindling anything yet. It was about seeing how much he genuinely cared for my family, how naturally he fit in, and how much my heart could feel safe just watching that.

For once, Adrian wasn’t a problem. He was… part of the ordinary chaos of my family life. And it felt… right.

After dinner, Mom and Trina were busy clearing up the dishes. I stayed at the table, trying to focus on my laptop because yes, I still had work emails piling up even on a Saturday. Adrian had gone to help Mom carry the leftovers into the fridge, and for a few moments, I could breathe normally. No tension, no expectations.

I opened my laptop, replying to client emails and finishing a small design mockup. Pero kahit gaano ako ka-concentrate, every now and then, my peripheral vision would catch Adrian laughing with Trina over some joke I didn’t hear. And kahit gusto kong i-ignore, I couldn’t help but feel a small warmth in my chest.

“Seriously, Maya, ang tagal mo na di nag-update sa client,” Trina teased, leaning against the doorframe. “Kasi lagi ka naman nasa laptop. Pero parang today, ang fresh mo ha. May kaunting glow.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile. “Okay, okay. Chill ka lang, Trina. I’m working. Glow comes with caffeine and deadlines.”

Adrian poked his head in from the kitchen, holding a tray of desserts Mom had made. “Can’t let you two starve after all that work talk,” he said, setting the plate down.

“Adrian, you’re spoiling us,” I said, slightly annoyed but secretly touched.

He shrugged, that easy grin still on his face. “I just think you guys deserve it. Kaya lang… don’t tell Maya’s clients I’m here making her distracted, ha?”

I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “Distracted? Me? Never.”

He smirked. “Uh-huh, sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

Trina giggled and whispered, “Ate, look at you. Kahit busy, you keep glancing at him. Admit it, you’re curious.”

I groaned, hiding my face behind my hands. “Shut up, Trina! You’re so wrong. I’m focused, okay?”

Adrian leaned against the counter, watching the bickering with amusement. “Curious, huh? Maybe… a little stubborn, like old times,” he teased, eyes sparkling with mischief.

I froze. That tone… I knew that one. That teasing, nostalgic Adrian tone that always got me riled up. “Stubborn? Me? I’m… disciplined. Yes, disciplined!”

He laughed softly, shaking his head. “Right. And I guess I’m disciplined too… disciplined in noticing that stubborn streak of yours.”

I rolled my eyes, but a part of me couldn’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. Five years, and he still had this effect on me. Still knew exactly how to push my buttons without making it obvious.

---

After the mini-banter, I returned to my work. Adrian quietly helped Mom and Trina finish tidying up, giving me space but still present. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel the usual pull of panic or guilt when he was around. Instead, I could work, sip tea, and occasionally glance at him without my chest twisting.

At one point, I looked up from my laptop, noticing how natural he was with my family. Trina was teasing him about a childhood prank he’d pulled on me—something I had totally forgotten—while Mom laughed, shaking her head. Adrian didn’t flinch or look uncomfortable; he just laughed along, genuinely, warmly.

And I realized… this was the Adrian I’d missed the most. Not the one who stirred up drama or pushed me to face unresolved feelings. Just… Adrian, part of our little family world, easy and familiar.

---

Finally, as the evening wound down, Mom insisted Adrian stay a bit longer for coffee. “You can’t leave just yet! Stay for a while. Maya, don’t pretend you’re busy.”

Adrian hesitated, glancing at me again. I could see the flicker of worry—he didn’t want me to feel cornered, and I didn’t know if I should push him to stay or just let it be.

But Mom’s smile was impossible to resist. “Adrian, please. We haven’t had dinner together like this in ages. For old times’ sake, okay?”

He sighed, finally giving in with a small smile. “Okay, fine. But just… coffee. I don’t want to make Maya feel… weird.”

I shrugged, pretending I didn’t care. “It’s fine. Chill lang.”

---

We ended up sitting in the living room, coffee cups in hand. Trina was bouncing between us, giggling nonstop. Adrian and I slipped into a quiet rhythm, talking about small things, joking like before. And then… of course, he brought up something from the past.

“Remember that time you refused to let me help you with the science fair project? You wanted to do everything yourself, and you almost cried when the volcano exploded?” he said, smirking.

I glared at him. “That was… a disaster! And I was… passionate, okay?”

He laughed, leaning back. “Passionate. Sure. You mean stubborn and dramatic. Exactly like today.”

I groaned, flopping back on the sofa dramatically. “Adrian Velasco! You are impossible!”

“And you, Maya Montel, are still stubborn as ever,” he replied, eyes sparkling, teasing me exactly the way he always did.

For the first time in years, I felt… at ease. This wasn’t about old love or unresolved tension. This was about being present, laughing, teasing, and letting life happen—ordinary, messy, and perfectly normal.

By the time Adrian finally left, gabi na. Trina had fallen asleep halfway through her sugar rush, naka-curl up sa sofa with her favorite stuffed toy, at Mom was tidying the kitchen. I stayed at the table, laptop open, pretending to catch up on emails, pero kahit gaano ako ka-focus, every now and then I found myself looking at the door, parang expecting Adrian to walk back in.

I shook my head, laughing quietly to myself. “Chill ka lang, Maya. He’s gone. Just coffee and laughs. Nothing more.”

I typed away, finishing a small client design, habang iniinom ang tea ko. Ang bango ng aroma, halo sa leftovers ng dinner—comforting at nakaka-ground. Weirdly, it felt… normal. Walang drama, walang texts from Marco, walang thoughts about Adrian trying to stir feelings. Just… work, home, at the quiet ng gabi.

Mom came over with a small tray of leftovers. “Maya, take some. Ang mukha mo, pagod na pagod ka na,” she said softly, placing the food beside my laptop.

“Thanks, Mom,” I murmured, smiling. Kinuha ko ang pagkain, habang medyo tinitignan ang door. Not because I wanted Adrian back—more like… I wanted to savor tonight. The way he joked with Trina, helped Mom, at hindi ako pinipilit into anything. For once, he let the moment be about family, hindi siya or me.

Trina stirred a little in her sleep, mumbling about the dessert Adrian brought. I chuckled. “Grabe ‘yung girl, she’s gonna remember tonight forever.”

I leaned back, stretching, and let out a quiet sigh. Weirdly, it was… comforting. Adrian was there, pero hindi komplikado. I didn’t have to worry about my heart or making decisions. Tonight was just… ordinary. Cozy. Normal.

Even as I cleaned up a bit, putting dishes in the sink at wiping the table, I kept thinking about something Adrian said during dinner. That little joke about my stubbornness—teasing, harmless, pero… reminded me of everything we had back then. Siguro, that was it: walang tension, walang pressure. Just a nudge to remind me who he was, at paano kami nag-fit sa family rhythm namin dati.

I finally shut my laptop. “Okay, work na bukas na lang,” I muttered to myself, walking into the living room. Mom was settling Trina into bed.

“Thanks for inviting him tonight,” I said quietly.

Mom smiled, brushing back Trina’s hair. “He’s a good boy, Maya. At ang saya makita kayong lahat tumatawa together ulit. Minsan, kailangan natin ng reminder ng mga taong care sa atin.”

I nodded, feeling a small warmth in my chest. “Yeah… I guess. Nakalimutan ko lang what it felt like to just breathe. Without worrying about everything else.”

Mom chuckled softly. “Life isn’t always ganito simple, dear. Pero moments like tonight… hold on to them. Precious ‘yan.”

I smiled, looking at Trina sleeping peacefully, and realized… tonight wasn’t about Adrian or Marco. Hindi talaga. Tonight was about family. Laughter. Simple, ordinary moments na nagpapaalala kung sino ako at what I value.

At kahit tomorrow may usual chaos ulit, for tonight, I could just… let it be.

I exhaled slowly, curling up on the sofa with a blanket, feeling quiet contentment. For once, ang lahat felt… right.