𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏- 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇

CHAPTER 3

The Ocampo family sat around the dining table, savoring their meal in silence until their father finally spoke up, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

"This weekend, your mom and I will be leaving," he announced.

Maricar's face lit up, barely able to contain her excitement. "Leaving? Where to?" she asked, her voice eager.

"We’re heading to Bacolod. We need to check out a resort there. We’ll be back by Tuesday since Monday’s a holiday," he explained. "Afterward, we’ll discuss the plans for your debut party."

"That means your dad and I expect you both to behave while we’re away," their mother added, her gaze fixed on Maricar. "Yaya Margie and Mang Leo will be here to look after you. I’ve already instructed Mang Leo not to let either of you go anywhere without permission."

She shifted her focus to Maricar, her tone firm. "I trust your sister, but can I trust you?"

Maricar's expression soured instantly. "Why is it always Allie you trust?" she muttered, resentment flashing across her face. "It’s obvious we’re not real sisters. I’m the only one—"

"That’s enough, Maricar!" her father snapped, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Mrs. Ocampo reached out to Allie, giving her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Allie returned the gesture, masking the heavy feeling in her chest. Her mother always insisted she was their daughter and Maricar’s twin, but Allie had known the truth for a long time. Despite the love she felt for her family, deep down, she carried the knowledge that she wasn’t truly part of the Ocampos.

She kept it to herself, though, not wanting to cause her mother any worry or upset. She played the role of a dutiful daughter, pretending she belonged.

After dinner, as was her routine, Allie stayed behind to help clear the table, a task she performed every night with ease. This habit had fostered her close relationships with the household staff, particularly with Yaya Margie, who treated her like a daughter. She even prepared coffee for her parents, who had settled in the living room. Maricar, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen, likely upstairs glued to her laptop.

Allie joined her parents, watching the evening news while sipping a warm cup of milk. With her homework completed, she felt relaxed and unburdened.

"Are all your assignments done?" her father asked, glancing at her with a warm smile.

"Yes, Dad. All done," she replied confidently.

"You’re such a diligent student, anak. I’m really proud of you," he praised her. "By the way, how’s yoga class going with your mom?"

Allie and her mom exchanged amused looks before bursting into laughter.

"Oh, sweetheart, it’s been a mix of fun and a bit of a struggle," her mom chuckled.

Her mother had recently taken up yoga, inspired by the need to shed a few extra pounds, though it was more challenging than she had anticipated.

"Mom’s struggling to even lift one leg," Allie teased, grinning.

Their father joined in on the laughter, clearly entertained. "More effort, sweetheart," he quipped.

"Why? If I don’t get my figure back, will you trade me in for someone else?" she joked, though her tone held no real edge.

Mr. Ocampo stood up, walked over to his wife, and kissed her tenderly on the lips. "Of course not. No matter how you look, it doesn’t matter. I love you, now and always," he assured her sincerely.

Allie watched her parents with a fond smile. Their gentle affection for each other filled her with love and admiration, and it gave her hope for her own future. She often dreamed of meeting someone who would love and cherish her the same way her father adored her mother. But she reminded herself there was time for that later. Right now, her focus was on finishing her studies and fulfilling her parents' dreams of her becoming a doctor—a goal they all knew was impossible for Maricar.

Unlike Allie, Maricar had a difficult time in school. Her interests lay more in socializing, hanging out with friends, and sneaking out to parties rather than academics. Allie was painfully aware of how much this distressed their parents, who struggled to bridge the gap between their expectations and Maricar’s rebellious spirit.

Sometimes, Allie noticed the silent pain her sister carried. While their parents placed all their hopes and trust in Allie, Maricar, their own biological daughter, often felt overlooked and cast aside. The distance between them grew wider with each passing day, and though Allie tried not to take it personally, she sensed her sister’s resentment simmering just beneath the surface.

For Maricar, every praise directed at Allie seemed like a reminder of her own perceived inadequacies. And for Allie, each reminder of trust only deepened her commitment to live up to her parents’ expectations, no matter how challenging it became.