Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Chapter 1 - Come Back When You Can

A/N: Getting this out of the think tank because may makukulit na friends.  I don't proofread kaya sorry for any error in the work.  Happy reading, I guess? Sumusulat para tuluyan ng lumaya.

It was never a question of how or why but when; Aika knew that from the beginning. She knew it was bound to end one day. 

If only it didn't have to, but she never had the courage to break the norm. 

She always thought of the family above her own wants and needs. Family first. That's the example her parents always set. No matter the circumstance, family comes first.

Even in her dad's last moments, he chose his family, hence the chartered private plane. Sometimes it makes her wonder if he wasn't too keen on this particular rule, would things be different for them? 

But time has passed, and no amount of what-ifs would bring her dad back. He was gone, and it was her turn to make difficult decisions for the family, regardless of the cost.

That's how Jessica ended up in her current situation; going out to dinners with their family friend while hiding her real relationship.

Being the eldest child and second parent to her siblings was a role she has embraced since her second sister was born. 

She strived to become a good role model to her and her youngest sibling. It wasn't always the easiest, but she knew it was the right thing to do, at least that's what she promised her parents. 

Even when she had to live in a different city in college, she always made sure to only do good. Occasionally, she broke the rules. Who hasn't, anyway?

For her, it was her responsibility to look after her siblings, more so when their father passed on. 

She never forgot that call that changed her life - the call that forever put her family name on her shoulder. 

It's on her to keep their family name pristine for as long as they shared their lives with the people who needed them and with the cause they valued so much.

"Aika, anak, are you sure we have everything we need for the 18th? Should you need your help, magsabi ka lang. USec. Torres is always at your disposal alam mo yan." they were on their final rounds of preparation for her father's 15th death anniversary, and her mom, thorough as she was, was making sure every detail was perfect. 

As the chairwoman of JMRF, Jessica worked closely with everyone involved. It was on her to make sure the whole event unfolded flawlessly.

"Don't worry ma, everything is in order. Katulong ko naman ang mga volunteers sa foundation, and si Cassie sa lahat. Patty and Jill also got themselves involved with some areas ng planning. All good tayo, Ma. Don't worry." Of the many events she has planned, this one she really can't afford to fail.

"I don't doubt that, Aiks. Naniniguro lang" her mom responded before turning to everyone else in the room. "I guess that ends our meeting for today. Thank you, everyone, for your time. May inihandang meryenda daw sa dining room, magkitakita nalang tayo dun."

Everyone thanked her mom and went on their way, leaving Aika, her mom, and her mom's assistant inside her mom's office. She figured her mom still had a few notes for her since it sounded like she wasn't dismissed to leave just yet.

"You still need anything po?" she asked politely. Her mom's assistant was helping her mom clean up the materials and equipment they used for their meeting earlier.

"Wala na sana but since na-solo na kita, sasabihin ko na sayo to ngayon. Aiks, ayaw mo pa bang mag boyfriend ulit?" Her mom's question threw her off. Well that was a surprise.