Break Fresh Ground

33: A NOT-SO-HYPOTHETICAL THING

My eyes remained fixed on Artemis, completely engrossed in the way she absorbed every detail of the houses surrounding us. As we sat together in the back seat of Mamila's sleek LX 600 F Sport SUV, her eyes lit up with curiosity, scanning the exquisite architecture of each passing residential building. It was as if she was mentally capturing the unique features and designs, her excitement evident in the way her eyes roamed from one structure to another.

Feeling her uneasiness, I reached out and gently clasped her hand, sensing the slight tremor that betrayed her nervousness. With a tender touch, I tried to convey my support and assurance. I offered her a reassuring smile, meeting her worried gaze and softly calling out her name, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

"Don't worry," I whispered, my voice filled with confidence and empathy.

She glanced briefly at me before shifting her gaze to the driver in front, a fleeting trace of concern passing through her eyes. "Pero kinakabahan ako," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Why?" I asked.

Curiosity welled up inside me, but instead of prying for a verbal explanation, I focused on her eyes. They widened, silently revealing her fears and uncertainties, as if they held the answers she couldn't quite express. "Dad mo ang pinunta natin dito. Paano kung--"

"Hush," I soothed her, my voice soft yet determined. "No 'what ifs,' okay? We'll enjoy the weekend after the consultation."

The car glided smoothly through the streets of the subdivision, the passing scenery a blur, but my attention remained fixed on Artemis and the emotions swirling within her. This journey meant more than just seeking my father's expertise for her Design 8 plate—it signified stepping into the unknown, facing potential judgment and critique. However, I believed in Artemis's talent, and I wanted her to believe in herself too.

Violet's voice interrupted the intimate moment we shared, a mixture of playfulness and concern lacing her words. Seated beside the driver, she interjected, her eyes darting between us and her cousin. "Ako ba, hindi ninyo tatanungin kung kinakabahan?" Violet chimed in, who's seating beside the driver.

Artemis, still guarding her vulnerability, quickly redirected the conversation, her tone carrying a touch of protectiveness. "Hindi ka naman kasi dapat kasama," she retorted.

"Hoy!" sabi nito sa pinsan, but a mischievous glimmer danced in Violet's eyes as she refused to be dismissed so easily. She playfully tapped Manong Manny, our driver, hoping to make her point. "Kuya, stop the car, ibababa ko lang 'tong pinsan ko," sabi niya dito.

Manong Manny chuckled at Violet's antics, amusement twinkling in his eyes, but he continued driving, paying little attention to her request. "Manong, I said stop--"

"Lila, mahiya ka naman. Parang ikaw nagbabayad kay Manong ah," Artemis chided her cousin, her voice affectionately scolding.

Napapahiyang ngumuso si Violet. "Eh, gusto ko lang naman ma-try 'yong 'stop the car' na line," she explained, mischief evident in her glinting eyes.

Unable to contain my laughter, I shook my head, thoroughly entertained by their dynamic. Artemis's genuine smile emerged, a testament to the strength of their bond and the comfort it provided her in moments of unease.

After a few minutes, we reached our house, a sense of familiarity and comfort washing over me. The car engine hummed to a halt, and the stillness settled in. Manong Manny effortlessly retrieved his work ID and swiftly scanned it on the gate's scanner. With a soft beep, the gate obediently swung open, granting us passage into our home.

"Whoa..." Violet's voice exclaimed in awe as we stepped out of the vehicle, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her.

Ate Luz, one of the cherished helpers in our household, greeted us with a warm smile, her hands reaching out to take Violet and Artemis' bags, a gesture of familiarity and care.