After Daylight

3. When Celestine Liked a Boy

Who missed this? Cheret. 

Good Evening! :)

LOUISE

"Mama, can I study here in Papa's hometown?" My ten year old daughter asked me one morning. We were in Sandro's family home today. Sandro is busy in the senate kaya ako kasama ang pangalawa namin na anak ni Sandro ang pumunta sa Ilocos for the annual feast sa orphanage na pinuntahan namin dati ni Sandro. Ever since we made it a thing to sponsor the orphanage, they have been holding small feasts for us every year.

I looked at my Celestine who was looking at me intently. "Why? Ayaw mo sa Manila? Are they bullying you?" I asked her. Sandro and I talked about the kids schooling before. He suggested na mag-aral sila abroad after their elementary but I insisted na kahit hanggang high school na lang because I know I would miss them badly.

Celestine shook her head. "No mama. I just want to study here. I want to stay with grandpa and grandma." She chirped. She is fond of her grandparents. She loves staying with them and going around Ilocos Norte whenever pops and mama Liza would go to towns. It either they are doing something such as ayuda programs or they get invited to events.

Celestine would always tell me she loves being introduced by pops as his granddaughter. I think she is fond of his grandpa as much as how Sandro is fond of her dahil magka-mukha kami.

I laughed. "Okay. I'll talk to your papa about it Celestina." I told her.

"Ihh. Celestine pangalan ko." She frowned.

I just chuckled and kissed her cheeks. Sandro is right. I am the splitting image of our daughter. Yung puti lang ang nakuha niya kay Sandro habang yung sumunod kay Celestina ay nakuha ang pagka-morena ko. She looks like Sandro though.

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"Dad, can I hang out with Elijah tomorrow?" Yllak spoke as we ate in the dining table that evening. I was back at home with my husband and three kids. Never have I ever imagined I would be able to experience something as beautiful as this.

Sandro looked at our eldest. "Why?" He asked.

"I love hanging out with him and Uncle Simon said he would take us to the cinema after his work." Yllak replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Sandro raised a brow but nodded. "I'm all right with it but ask your mom." He answered.

Yllak's gaze immediately turned to me with a paawa look on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "Be good Yllak and please call Elijah kuya. He is three years older than you."

Yllak grinned and for a second, I saw Sandro. "Nah he hates it that he is the oldest among us cousins. I mean between us, dad's family. He always tells me Ate Vea should have lived."

"What about me papa?" My four year old bunso spoke from her seat.

"Yes baby, what is it?" Sandro asked her as he wiped her cheeks na puno ng sauce.

"Can I marry kuya Alexander?" She asked innocently. I couldn't help but to laugh but Sandro frowned at me.

Sandro made a face. "Who told you that?"

"No one. I saw your wedding video with mama. I imagined me and kuya Alexandro being married in the future." Naomi chirped.

Sandro shook his head. "Naomi you are still four. You will get married when the man has the guts to face me or your mama. Understood?"

"But Alexander is facing you naman. He talks to you especially to mama. Is he qualified na?" Pagpumilit niya.

"No Naomi." Sandro argued.