State of Grace

Prologue

He was looking out the window from inside the car. As it was daytime, he could see the flurry of activity from the outside as they were making their way to their destination.

Sebastian Kairos Yvasco was not alone in the backseat. Beside him was his mother, gently patting the backs of his three-year-old twin brothers, who were snoozing peacefully on her lap. On the other hand, his father was driving their car. The stereo was playing acoustic instrumentals, which added to the calm and soothing atmosphere inside the vehicle.

Kairos is just like any other boys of his age. Mahilig siyang maglaro sa labas ng bahay at pati na rin ng video games. Makulit at pilyo din siya, kaya minsan ay pinagsasabihan siya ng mga magulang niya. Pero hindi naman siya nagbubulakbol sa pag-aaral. He could be a good boy if he needed to. Even in his young age, he can charm anyone effortlessly with his looks.

"Saan po pala tayo pupunta, Papa?" Tanong ni Kairos.

His father smiled while keeping his eyes on the road. "Bibisita tayo sa kaibigan namin ng mama mo. We'll spend the entire afternoon there. You will see your Ninong Gab again, and you will also meet new friends there. So you're expected to behave, okay?"

"Yes, Papa." Kairos' lips curled up as he nodded and then returned to the view from his window.

Half an hour later, they pulled up adjacent to this massive white gate. They alighted from their car and his parents carried the twins who had just woken up from their nap. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kairos. Ngayon lang siya nakakita ng ganitong kalaking gate. Sa laki nito ay hindi niya halos makita ang bahay sa loob. Ano kaya ang itsura nun?

As if on cue, the smaller gate opened and a couple emerged shortly. They were beaming the moment they saw Kairos' parents. He watched them exchange pleasantries and gush at his twin brothers. It didn't take long before he was finally noticed.

"Aba, mare, eto na ba ang panganay niyo?" Sabi ng babae na kasing-edad ng mama niya.

"Yes, mare! Big boy na itong si Kairos!" Masayang sagot nito.

"Mag-bless ka sa Ninong Gab at Tita Vangie mo, Kuya." Paalala naman ng papa niya.

Sumunod naman si Kairos at nagmano sa kanila. "Good afternoon po!"

"Bless you, Kairos." Sabi ng kanyang Ninong na si Gabriel Lucas. "How old are you now?"

"Six years old po, Ninong." He answered.

His godfather beamed. "Oh wow, big boy ka na nga! At kasing edad mo rin pala ang isa sa mga Gabrielle ko."

They finally passed through the massive white gate and Kairos' eyes widened again at the sight of a mansion in front of them. It looks more enormous than their house! They also toured around the lawn and garden area, where the grass was lush and flowers were in full bloom. There was also a large gazebo fit for al-fresco dining, a playground for kids, and a large swimming pool.

Finally, they went inside this massive house, which has a touch of rustic and modern. The parents were happily chatting while Kairos was in awe of the opulence of this place. Pakiramdam niya ay nasa loob siya ng isang palasyo. Ang pinagkaiba lang ay mas maaliwalas itong tingnan. Thanks to the enormous windows, the sunlight could easily brighten up the house's interiors. With so many expensive things displayed left and right, Kairos knew he needed to behave, as his papa had told him.

After all that walkthrough, they finally ended at the house's grand living room, which has a glass sliding door that leads to the lawn area. Aside from the plush auburn couches and fresh flowers placed in vases, there was a dark brown baby grand piano standing in one corner.

Kairos looked around and noticed there were other kids in that room. There was a boy who looked older than him, joined by two little girls. Akala ni Kairos ay kung ano ang pinagkukumpulan nila. Yun pala ay may isang maliit na crib at may baby na nakahiga dun.