Break Fresh Ground

59: CREATION OF STARS

"Pappy!" August's eyes widened with excitement, their twinkling gaze reflecting the pure joy that surged through her. Without a moment's hesitation, she launched herself forward, her small feet barely touching the floor as she sprinted toward Dad. Laughter spilled from her lips, a lively melody that reverberated through the hallway, filling it with the infectious energy of her enthusiasm. The sound of their heartwarming reunion enveloped the room like a warm, comforting embrace, a testament to the deep bond they shared. Dad, standing tall, held the door open for us, his smile as radiant as August's spirit.

"Augustine," Dad's voice, filled with affection, called out my daughter's name, and he enveloped her in a tight, loving hug.

"Well, hi, Dad," I replied, feigning nonchalance with a playful tilt of my head. How could I not? It was clear that August was the one he yearned to see the most. Dad's gaze briefly met mine, but it quickly shifted to the companion by my side.

"Good evening po," Artemis greeted Dad politely, her voice carrying a respectful tone.

Dad's grin widened. "Good evening, Sienna," he exclaimed, his eyes shifting to our intertwined hands, an even broader smile forming on his face. "Hon, Sienna's here," he proudly announced.

Mom emerged from the kitchen, adorned with an apron, and hurriedly approached Artemis. "She really did bring you! It's nice to see you, Sienna," she exclaimed joyfully, wrapping Artemis in a warm hug.

"Hello po," Artemis greeted Mama, her smile radiating genuine warmth.

I couldn't help but smile as I observed their interaction, knowing that it would only grow more heartfelt as the evening progressed. "Okay, I'm invisible," I teased, feigning a playful pout.

"Ang bilis namang magtampo ng baby ko na 'yan," Mama playfully remarked as she hugged me tightly and planted a kiss on my cheek.

I pouted further. "Ganiyan kayo, Mama." Laughter rippled through the room at my comment, even August joining in as though she understood every word.

My smile widened as I watched Artemis, who now wore a genuinely joyful expression. Earlier, before we left her condo, she had been stressed about facing my parents without any business-related agenda. It was a typical Artemis, always overthinking things, but now, all her worries seemed to melt away in the warmth of our family's reception.

Inaya kami ni Dad sa may pool area, kung saan nakahanda na ang gas grill niya kung saan siya magluluto. While Mama is left inside, the kitchen, dahil may niluluto daw siyang dessert. She didn't tell us what kind of dessert but for sure masarap 'yon.

"Can I swim?" August asked Artemis, tugging at her shirt.

I raised both my eyebrows with amusement nang lumingon sa akin si Artemis. "Can she?" she asked.

I nodded, and before I could finish my sentence, August leaped for joy. But I interrupted, "But," pausing the young one in her tracks, "you need to change your clothes."

"Okay!" Sagot nito saka naupo sa upuan, sa tabi ni Dad.

I excused myself para pumasok sa loob at kumuha ng swim dress ni August. May mga gamit kami dito. My parents made sure of that. Whenever they want us to have a sleepover here, hindi na namin kailangang magdala ng mga gamit namin.

Before I decided to go back, I make sure na nakalabas na ang pantulog ni August, at ng mga damit namin ni Artemis. Naglabas din ako ng swim wear, in case na baka gusto ring magbabad ni Artemis sa pool mamaya after kumain.

Habang pababa ng hagdan, nakita kong nagmamadaling pumasok si Mama pabalik sa kusina. Hindi ko 'yon pinansin at bumalik sa pool area para ipasuot kay August ang swim dress niya. And when she saw the design, mas lalo siyang natuwa.