Disclosed Identity

Chapter 7: A New Beginning

Elle's POV

While inside the car, Mama—sheesh, Mama!—shared the story of how I went missing and how hard she fought to search for me over all these years.

"I told your grandmother back then to let you sleep beside me because your brother Mat almost went missing too before," Mama explained. "But your grandmother said the security was tight, so they kept you in the nursery instead."

"Really, Brother? You almost went missing too?" I asked.

"That's what Mom told me! Girl, I was just a baby—how would I know what was happening in the world back then?" Mat retorted.

"Ma, if he wasn't my brother, I probably would have flicked his forehead by now," I teased with a giggle.

"I'm just kidding, sister! But yeah, Mom said I really almost got taken before," Mat chuckled.

"Sister Karen told me she found me outside the hospital back then," I recalled. "She was on her way home when she saw me."

"Yes, we saw it on the CCTV footage," Mama said. "The cameras inside the hospital malfunctioned at that exact time, so I knew it was planned by someone... I just never figured out who was behind it."

"What matters most now, Ma, is that I'm here with you," I said softly. "Plus, my dad happens to be the President—how cool is that?"

"Oh, I haven't even told your father that we found you yet," Mama admitted. "He's currently out of the country for an official trip. I think he'll be abroad for two weeks."

"I guess I have a lot of siblings to meet soon!" I smiled.

"By the way, sweetie, you weren't registered with the PSA back then," Mama added. "So if you want to update your full name, we can process it right away."

"Whatever you think is best, Mom! As long as 'Elle' stays in my name somehow."

"The original name I gave you was Monique Josephine, and your nickname was Monica," Mama reminisced fondly.

"Hmm... Monique Josephine Elle? Or Monica Elle?" I pondered out loud.

"Monique Josephine Elle is way too long, Mom. 'Monica Elle' sounds much cleaner," Mat chimed in.

"Nice, brother!"

"So... Monica Elle Marcos Villfuerte. How does that sound to my kids?" Mama asked.

"Sounds good, Mom! By the way, where are we enrolling Elle for college?" Mat asked.

"Where would you like to study, sweetie?" Mama turned to me.

"Honestly, Ma, anywhere works for me!"

"You're going to Ateneo, sister," Mat decided smoothly. "What year level are you currently in?"

"Hmm, I'm just about to graduate from Senior High, Brother. My schooling got delayed a bit," I admitted.

"What course do you want to pursue, my child?" Mama asked gently.

"I'm really into public speaking, Ma. I want to take up Law."

Mama chuckled. "Looks like Michael is going to have a new study buddy!"

"You don't want to become a doctor, Elle?" Mat teased.

"That's my second choice, brother!" I laughed.

"Think about it carefully, sister," Mat grinned. "If you want Law, you'll get along great with Brother Michael. If you choose Medicine, you and I will be inseparable."

"What about brother Borgy?" I asked.

"Oh, the four of you will get along just fine," Mama cut in with a sigh. "You all share the same favorite hobby: teasing me endlessly! Just don't let them influence you too much, Monica... I don't need another child making fun of me!"

"Hello, Mom? Who do you think we inherited it from?" Mat smirked back.

"Hahaha! You guys are so fun to be with," I laughed.

Mat turned back with a reassuring look. "I assure you, sister... your life with us is going to be so happy."

"Thank you, brother," I whispered.