lilies.

95

Kabanata 95

We woke up early. I slept well. I wouldn't be so afraid with my thoughts and the nightmares that I used to experience because I felt safe that Rai is sleeping beside me.

I cook breakfast for us. His secretary came in with a few sets of clothes. My helper arrived early so she arranged those for us. I wore a comfortable dress. Rai chose it for me. It's white.

When we went out, I thought that we're immediately going to Tagaytay but we parked inside their hotel in Pasay.

"I need to communicate a few things with the people here, I already booked an appointment with the nail salon here in the facility. Can you stay for a short while there as I do things here? I promised it won't be long. I'll meet you at the nail salon even before you finish."

I nodded, not wanting to be a hindrance to him and his work, "Don't rush. I can wait. Just update me."

He then kissed my cheeks. He dropped me off at the salon and he sprinted off. I don't usually do my nails so I kind of find it a hard time to choose a design that I want. In the end, I just ask them for a recommendation.

"They're here," I immediately saw Rai's sister's Fei as we entered the hotel's premises.

Lumingon ako kay Rai. Hindi niya nabanggit na narito ang kapatid niya. Ginala ko ang mata ko at sa bukana nang pinto kung saan nakasulat ang malaking karatula ng restaurant ay nandoon ang mom niya at nasa likod ang malamang tatay ni Rai.

My stomach churned. It's not so bad though. I met them already during the wedding. I kind of feel shy right now and kind of intruding as I feel like they have a family event.

Then I saw Fei as she held his son's hands and beside him was his husband.

Sinalubong kami ng kapatid ni Rai na hindi ko na maalala ang pangalan.

"Kuya Kal," He greeted. Tumango ang Kuya niya sa kanya, "The other side?"

I heard him ask. I don't quite get it though.

"Later," Rai told him, "Why is the whole family here?"

Oh, hindi rin alam ni Rai.

Kal looked at Rai puzzled but still answered, "I don't know. You texted me last night. I mentioned it during breakfast before I left. They asked if you're bringing someone. I said yes. I didn't have to lift a finger to bring them all here. They just went."

Lumapit na si Fei sa amin. "What are you guys talking about? Let's have brunch," She said and then leaned to kiss me on my cheeks, "Hi, Lily!"

"We have a meeting, Fei," Kuya Kal said.

"Sure, I don't need you two to come join us," Hinawakan ni Fei ang braso, "I only want Lily to join us though. I'll keep her entertain. Go now, bye, shoo, shoo," Pagtataboy niya sa dalawang kapatid.

Tinulak niya pa ang dalawa ng mahina lang. Sinukbit niya ang kamay sa braso ko at hinatak papunta sa table nila.

"No funny business, Fei," Rai warned. Fei only made a face and rolled her eyes after that.

"Hayaan mo na si Kuya Rai. I'm more fun than that monkey."

Everyone's eyes are fixated on me as we near their table. She lightly tapped her fingers on my arm. I'm not sure if she's doing that to make me comfortable but that's what that made me feel, "Sit beside me."

"Let's eat," Masiglang sabi ni Tita Alice. They started to get the food and put it on their plates. Denver's busy with their son so Fei is free. She helped me with my food instead.