The Aftermath of a One-Night Stand (Aragonza #2)

Chapter 20

Moira said yes, like Rose predicted. Vince would have to raise her salary again. Napakarami na niyang utang dito. Rose had been such a huge help, both in his professional and personal life. He would be in such a mess if not for her.

Rose likes to think ahead. It's one of her strengths. And he was thankful for that, dahil naisipan nito kaagad na ayusin na rin ang mga papeles ni Moira to travel with him. If she says no, then he'll have an extra business class seat for himself. If she says yes, then it's all already taken care of.

They will be gone until Sunday. And hopefully by then, nakapag-desisyon na si Moira. At sana, pabor sa kanya ang magiging desisyon nito.

The couple of days before their departure had been all right. Their interactions with each other had been pleasant. Dahil nasabi na nito sa kanya ang pinagdadaanan nito, parang mas nagkaroon siya ng dahilan para magpakita ng concern dito. At least he doesn't have to hide behind his half-assed excuses anymore.

Wednesday ng gabi ang flight nila. It's for them to have a few hours of rest before going to work the next day. Dala-dala na ni Moira ang maleta nito sa trabaho. Nasa trunk iyon ng kotse niya, next with his baggage. The thought of that made him smile.

Hanggang Linggo sila sa Newark, New Jersey, pero sinabihan nya si Moira na Tuesday na lamang bumalik dahil halos 18 hours ang flight nila. Aabutin sila ng umaga ng Lunes sa byahe.

Nag-early out sila at dumiretso na sa airport. Alas sais kasi ang flight nila.

"First time ko sa business class," Moira told him when they're settled on their seats.

"Really? How was it so far?"

Ngumiti ito at sumandal sa upuan. "It's nice."

Of course, it's nice. Bukod sa business class iyon, he also made sure that she'll have everything she needs.

"Have you been to New Jersey?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Hindi pa. Hanggang sa Florida lang ako."

"You lived in Florida?"

--

Moira shook her head. "Madalas kaming magbakasyon sa Disneyland noong bata pa 'ko, pero 'yong parents ko, sa San Diego nakatira with my sister."

Monica, who's seven years older than her, had been the apple of the eye of her parents since they were kids. Ito ang paborito dahil ito ang mas magaling, mas matalino at mas maganda. That didn't change over the years.

When her parents learned that she's pregnant, mas lalong bumaba ang tingin ng mga ito sa kanya. They took her to the states para doon siya makapanganak. Kapag nakapanganak na siya, iiwanan niya si Kelvin sa kapatid para makapagpatuloy siya ng pag-aaral. Monica will then raise Kelvin as her own child. Kasal naman na ito at stable na ang trabaho.

It would have been an easy escape. Pero hindi niya natanggap iyong ideya na imbes na maging ina, magiging tita na lamang siya ng sarili niyang anak. She didn't even know if she'd want Kelvin or not until she gave birth to him.

One look at her baby made her realize that she has to raise him as her own.

Her parents did not approve of her decision. So taliwas sa kagustuhan ng mga ito, bumalik siya ng Pilipinas para doon magpatuloy ng pag-aaral. Neri helped her get a scholarship. Tumulong din ito na mag-alaga kay Kelvin.

Those first few years had been really hard. Puyat na siya sa pag-aaral, puyat pa siya sa pag-aalaga ng anak.

"Did you live in San Diego when you went to the states?"