"Aeris, baka mauna pala akong umuwi. Vista just called, asking me to report already to work on Monday"
He is driving. We are on the way now to his parents' house here in Galera. Doon din daw nakatira ang pamilya ng kanyang Ate Valerie. She's the one taking care of them since nasa seventies na sila.
Today is Wednesday at sa Sunday pa dapat ang balik namin ng Manila. Ipapasyal daw ako ni Aeris dito kasama si Jacob.
"Alright Love, when do you plan to go home?"
"Sa Friday sana"
"We'll go home together"
Nilingon ko siya, umiiling.
"I can manage, Ae. Madali lang naman ang byahe. Spend time with Jacob, minsan ka lang umuwi dito"
He sighed.
"I insist, Sariel"
Tumango na lang ako.
I mentally prepared to meet his family. Pakiramdam ko ay kalawang na ako sa ganito. I hate to admit it but being in a relationship again is a big adjustment for me.
It's just that I am so used of being alone for couple of years. With only work and myself to worry and take care of. Now, it's different.
"What are you thinking? Don't tell me you're nervous, Atty.?"
This senior mocked me. Inirapan ko siya.
"Yes I am, Engr.! They might have an impression that you are my sugar Daddy! Senior!"
He laughed out loud.
"Grabe ka sa akin, Love! Your colleagues in the firm said that we look so perfect together, hindi nga daw halata ang gap!"
I scoffed bitterly.
"Feel na feel mo naman!"
Those comments make me wonder sometimes if he looks young or I look old.
Fifteen more minutes and he's parking the car in a spacious garage. Nakabukod pa ito sa malawak na bakuran at agad kong nakita ang puno ng mangga. Natanaw ko rin ang malaking three story house.
Carrying our bagpacks in matching white shirt, jeans, and black sneakers, we walked holding hands towards the house.
"Papay!"
There's no doubt that this kid is Jacob, he's a carbon copy of Aeris!
Bumitaw ako sa kanya so he can hug his son properly. I watched them and this is the first time I saw him this happy, it's a different kind of joy.
Hmm. Really fascinating, Engr. Aeris.
"Bless ka kay Tita Attorney, 'nak"
Nagmano sa akin si Jacob. He smiled shyly.
"Hello po. Parehas po kayo ni Tito Atty. Pael?"
Have I mentioned that Engr. Ae's younger brother is also a lawyer based here?
"Yes little boy. I am Tita Sariel, your Papay's friend"
Tumango si Jacob at hinila na ang ama papasok ng bahay. Kunot ang noo ni Engr., probably because of my introduction to his son.
I actually consulted Rachel on this. She advised not to tell him yet that I am his girlfriend, baka raw mabigla ang bata.
The house is quite modern, mukhang nakailang renovate na. Sumunod ako sa kanila sa kusina at sinalubong ng babaeng kamukha ni Aeris. Niyakap niya si Engr.
"Ae! Halika kumain na kayo"
Paanyaya niya agad.
"Ate Val, this is Atty. Sariel. Sari, si Ate Valerie, kapatid ko"
