It's been five days since the press briefing. In these five days are the busiest ones for the incoming First Family, lalo na kay Anna.
Bongbong continuosly held meetings with incoming cabinet members, sunod-sunod na pagbisita ng mga foreign ambassadors, and choosing the ones who'll serve in different departments; with Sandro gearing up as the incoming congressman, and the rest of the family are also preparing for the transitioning period.
Anna is also preparing herself for this coming change in her life; and she'll be adjusting as Maria Annaliese Thalia Araneta-Marcos. Although it began from the shooting incident and the times she stayed with the family in the hospital, she's thankful that no one is pressuring her and she'll be taking this process one step at a time.
Ever since the press briefing, her inbox exploded with notifications, mainly from her churchmates and classmates—except for Reese, Luanne, Yanne, Hero, Joey, and Ka. Eduardo's primary helpers— are asking questions na totoo ba na siya ba'y isang Marcos, and paano kaya niya sasabihin na siya ay isang Iglesia Ni Cristo.
And after some time of overthinking; with some advice needed thanks to the Manalos and her church buddies, a plan already hatched in Anna's mind.
༺ ･ ❀ ･ ༻
It's almost lunchtime and the employees in M&A Associates held a little gathering in thanking Liza for all of the work she had in the law firm for years. In the midst of the smiles and laughter, is an atmosphere filled with emotions.
Staff members couldn't hold back their tears as they shared a moment of gratitude with heartfelt goodbyes, messages, and hugs for Liza for as long as they can remember. She'll be leaving her quiet life; to being all out and about to support her husband's role as the incoming First Lady, in her best ways she can.
⋯ flashback ⋯
"You don't have to be like me, Liza. You don't have to dress like me, talk like me... anything like me. Make something that the citizens will remember from the heart, something that they'll never forget that you helped the Philippines in one way or another." Imelda stated, recalling her days when she's with Ferdinand with their one goal; to have a progressive Philippines.
"But what if..." Liza sighed, was about to ask a question that her mother-in-law never had before. "I'm not that manhid from these attacks as all of you are. W-what if-"
"Liza, naintindihan kita. I cannot blame you dahil ganyan din yung pinagdaanan ko dati." Imelda said, solemnly; held her daughter-in-law's hand. "Kahit alam mo sa sarili mo na you're not stepping on other's shoes, or done anything bad to these people, you can't avoid critics and doubters. That is something I have learned ever since I took the role; just like you."
"The journey you and my son will take ain't always a walk-in-a-park. There are times that it felt like a burden, na hindi niya dapat kailangang harapin 'to na siya lamang. And now that he has you, I'm certain that the two of you will help each other. And I'll do what I can to help you both."
"What's important is, you play your part as the First Lady, my son and grandchildren's source of strength and their shoulders to cry on. And if there are still people who would blabber any lies about you, Bongbong, my grandchildren, and even the rest of this family; whatever choice you make to clear up the misconceptions, we'll always have your back." the old lady smiled, a smile that gives Liza reassurance.
YOU ARE READING
Where My Heart Lies Between
Fanfiction| revised version & under editing | Annaliese Thalia is known for being an active member in the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Growing up from the conservative, yet a big, happy, and a loving family of the Executive Minister; her life revolves around school, ch...
