Last Photograph

Chapter 172: Remember when...

     Vince arrived at the hospital early since it was his first day working as a neurosurgeon back in Manila again.

     He does have time to tidy up his table.

     And, because he was still an engineer in California, he made sure to devote time to that profession even if he was out of the country. He does have his team and he was always available if they required him.

     *knock knock*

     Vince instantly looked at the door, expecting Emman, however as he unlocked it he was taken aback.

     "G-morning, old bean!" Halley exclaimed, simultaneously greeting and hugging her father.

     "Anak! What are you doing here?" He wonders, returning her embrace and inviting her inside his office, "Aren't you supposed to be on your way to—"

     "I know, I'm on my way to the studio," she interrupted him abruptly, "but I just sincerely wish you luck on your first day, old bean!"

     "Naks! Thank you so much, Anak!"

     "Please don't be a grouchy old man."

     "I won't, I promise," Vince chuckled.

     The mag-ama conversed for another few minutes longer—it seemed as though Halley was reminding her Papa of all the do's and don'ts he must follow—until Halley bid goodbye for she had to go to work.

     Quite soon after Halley had departed Emman and Audrey arrived.

     "We met Halley on the way," Audrey told her brother as soon as they walked in.

     "Ah, right. She dropped by to give a few words," Vince replied once he settled into his chair.

     Emman looked around, "Where's Trish? She didn't come with you?" He inquired.

     "She was meant to, but morning sickness struck so I requested her to stay home and rest again."

     "Aw, what a nice hubby," Audrey tickled her brother, throwing her arms around his neck as though as the old times, "did you miss being such a lovely honey bun?"

     Audrey frequently annoys her brother Vince, thus Emman was used to seeing the two throughout this behavior.

     "Oh come on, Auds! Don't you have work to do?" Vince said sharply.

     "Easy, jeez! Thought Trish was the one preggy, why do you have her temper? And ooohhh! Is that a bump?" She mocked him again by slapping his belly before hastily standing and grabbing her bag.

     "Audrey!" He glared at her, "why are you so an—"

     "Nah! You realize I'm just messing with you, right?"

     "You're the same old you, lil' sis! You're still obnoxious!"

     Audrey couldn't help but embrace Vince tightly, saying, "Just so you know, I'm overjoyed to see you happy, as that's what I've always wished for you."

     Vince could not even deny his satisfaction at his sister's words, "sige na, go ahead now."

     "And I miss seeing you smile a lot," she smirked at him.

     "Uhm, little assistance? C'mon Emman, do your job," he says to his pal.

     "Go now, babe, that's enough; it's still early to annoy your brother," Emman said as he approached his sweetheart.

     Audrey merely giggled before saying goodbye to the two and heading to work.

     "Psst! What are you giving her, and why is she so active?"