Echoing of Power and Passion

60 (Road Trip)

They were awakened by the twins' call. When they opened their eyes and saw that the sun was shining brightly, they noticed the twins sitting in the center of the bed with their arms crossed.

"Gutom na ako, Mommy," Gavin pouted. Alicia looked at the clock, and it was 8:39 AM. She quickly got out of bed.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Anak," she said, tapping Risa to wake her up. "Theresia, wake up, anong oras na, Diyos ko, ang mga anak natin wala pang kain!" Risa, disturbed by Alicia’s voice, woke up, but as she stood up, she suddenly felt the floor.

"Theresia?" Alicia was worried and helped her get up. "Oh my God, Baby, I'm so sorry, get some rest muna, huh? Ako muna bahala sa mga bata." Risa just nodded and went back to sleep.

Alicia ordered food. May manual namang binigay ang Amalfi stating the info and all about the Amalfi, including the landline to the restaurant. She ordered bread, rice meals, fresh juice, and hot chocolate.

"Let’s eat na, Baby. Here, oh," she handed the bread to the twins.

"Mmmm, sarap po, Mommy. What kind of bread is this po?" Calvin asked. Alicia read the receipt and saw it was Pan Bisaya, a bread from Cebu.

"Mmmm," Risa groaned. Alicia moved closer to her, feeling so much worry dahil sa pagkakatumba niya kanina.

"Love, may masakit ba sayo?" Risa didn’t respond. Alicia helped her sit up. "Love?"

"Masakit ulo ko, Love," Risa held her head, which made Alicia even more worried.

"Anong gusto mo? You want hot choco—" Alicia was panicking, but Risa stopped her.

"I want you." Alicia was confused.

"Seryoso ka ba?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Anak, oh, si Mommy inaaway ako," Risa said, pretending to complain. The twins just looked at them while eating.

"Anak, focus on your food," Alicia instructed, and the twins focused on their meal while watching cartoons on TV. "Seryoso, Theresia, tell me, anong masakit sayo?" Alicia placed her hand on Risa's neck and checked her temperature, but it seemed fine.

"Okay naman ako, medyo nahilo lang ako kanina, but I’m fine. I just want you." Risa pouted and hugged Alicia, who hugged her back.

"If you feel tired, just tell me, Love, okay? Di 'yung nagpapanggap kang okay but deep inside pagod na pagod ka na," Alicia whispered. Risa lifted her head to look at Alicia’s face.

"I love you," Risa said, making Alicia feel kilig. Alicia pinched her cheeks.

"I love you too, kaya halika na at kumain," Alicia said, but Risa didn’t let go of her waist. "What?" Risa pouted, wanting a kiss.

"I want a kiss," Risa repeated, pouting. Alicia found it cute and rushed to kiss her, but before she pulled away, Risa held Alicia's head and kissed her even longer.

"Smack? Alam mo namang ayaw ko nun eh," Risa pouted again.

"Ikaw talaga, Love. Sige na, kain ka na." Risa nodded and went to the bathroom to wash her face. She ate when she returned to the bed, and they watched cartoons together. After breakfast, they showered and prepared to go to Moalboal, since Risa’s parents were already at the airport, waiting for their driver.

---

They waited on the ground floor of the Amalfi for Risa’s parents. The twins were playing with their toy cars while Alicia leaned on Risa’s body, watching the twins.

"Ganda pala dito, noh? Ba't di kaya tayo gumawa ng bahay dito?" Risa asked Alicia.

"Malayo ito, Theresia. Sa Banaue na lang siguro tayo magtatayo ng bahay." Risa just nodded and hugged her tighter. A few minutes later, the kids started running and calling for their grandparents, who had just arrived and were standing behind them.