Forevermore

Del Fuego's Ancestral House

Echo decided to bring Maria to their Ancestral home. Though his parents knew her already, he will introduce Maria to his grandfather, Mr. Julio Del Fuego. The old Mr. Del Fuego is a very strict man. He was once the well-known governor in the city of Batangas. He was the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Del Fuego. His only son is Echo's father. Echo is his only grandson, the only one who carries and will spread the name Del Fuego. He wished to have so many great-grandchildren from Echo to cut the fate of having only an heir in their family. He always wanted to have so many children to play with and Echo is the only remaining man in his clan.

"Wait, I am a bit nervous," Maria almost pulls Echo's arm when they are about to knock on the front door of Del Fuego's ancestral house.

"Hey! You don't need to get worried. My Grandpop is great. He might look like a strict one, but he is very kind. I'm spoiled actually," Echo laughs while talking to her. He wanted Maria to be relaxed when he introduced her to his grandfather.

Maria's palms were almost wet with her sweat. She can't help but be worried. She knew the background of Echo's grandfather. When he was still the city governor, there were so many issues in terms of land transfer of ownership and land owners being washed out. There were bloody rallies before and the said former governor was the one behind it.

"I know what you are thinking of grandpop. When you meet him, everything will change. I guarantee you. Those were just gossip. He is a good person," Echo wanted to convince Maria and he sensed and felt how tense she was. He held her hand and engulfed her in his large palm.

Maria then felt a little comfort from Echo's hand. Echo smiled at her and said, "Let's get inside. He is waiting for us in the dining area already."

Upon entering the main door, Maria felt suffocated already as she can smell the strong tobacco smoke inside the living room.

She noticed the old man who is sitting on the couch with tobacco in his mouth. She can't help but cough.

"Cough! Cough!" she even put a hankie to cover her nose and mouth.

Her actions caught the sharp attention of the old Mr. Del Fuego.

"If you can't take my smoking inside my home, you are free to go out," old Mr. Del Fuego shouted to her.

Maria felt so humiliated and reacted awkwardly.

"My apology Sir. It wasn't my intention to offend you," Maia apologized to the old Del Fuego right away. It wasn't her intention to react that way.

The old Del Fuego smirked and said," Jericho, why did you bring her here?"

Jericho who was also in deep thought said," I would like to introduce her to you. Grandpop, she is Maria, my girlfriend."

"Your girlfriend?" the old man stares at Maria from head to toe. "She seemed to be like a high school student," he said without smiling.

Echo laughed and said, "She is already in her early twenties. She is a teacher Grandpop."

"Hmmm. A teacher. Does she knows your background?" the old Mr. Del Fuego asked his grandson as if Maria.

Maria created a negative image from the view of the old Del Fuego already and as much as she wanted to correct it, it was too late already.

Jericho felt Maria's sweat palm in his palm and he gently squeezed her hand. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Look Grandpop, Maria didn't intend to offend you. She happened to have an allergy to smoke that's why she reacted that way. You will surely love her," Echo explained to his old man. He wanted the two to know well each other.

He is assured that his grandfather will love Maria.

Maria wanted to cry. "Hey, it's alright," Echo comforted her.

"Hmmph," the old man said.

"Well, let's see. Can you play chess Maria?" the old man doesn't want to offend his grandson as well. He had spoiled him since he was young. Jericho grew up with him and he knew that his grandson will not introduce this young lady to him if he has no good intentions for her.

It's the first time Echo brought a lady to their ancestral home.

Maria though feeling awkward, smiled at the old man. Perhaps she can make it up with him.

"My apology again Sir. Yes, I can play chess. Thank you," Maria sincerely and politely respond to the old man's request.

Echo smiled at Maria as if saying to her, " Come on impress my old man. He will like you."

Maria felt that the old man is staring at her so well when they are about to start their game.

Maria on the other hand loves playing chess. Her father thought her how and she is good at it.

Jericho doesn't even know that his girlfriend knows how to play chess.

He watched Maria and his old man playing the game. At first, they were both serious about it but later on as the game is becoming too intense, both are doing their best. Luckily Maria gave way and she let the old man win.

"Wow, congratulations Sir. You've won," Maria praised the old man.

The old man was now smiling and said," You don't need to play if you allow your competitor to win over you. I know that you made me win but it's okay," he tapped Maria's shoulder and started to lead the way to the dining table.

Maria was left speechless.

"He knew that you let him win," Echo whispered in her ears.

"He knew?" Maria asked Echo.

"Of course. See I told you, he is a good man. He might be strict, but he is nice actually," Echo told her and gave a peck on her lips.

The couple then went back to Echo's condo. They were both happy on their journey home. They even dropped by the supermarket to buy some groceries.

Maria seemed to forget her problems with her family for a while. She's deeply enjoying the company of Echo and being pampered by this handsome man.