The family gathering was set in an upscale restaurant, one that boasted sweeping views of the city skyline. It was elegant, private, and perfect for what was about to unfold—the grand reveal of Maxene, the four-year-old bundle of energy that MJ and Aiah had kept hidden for years.
Inside the private dining area, a long table was set up. On one side were MJ's parents, Michael and Myrla Lim, both trying to keep their composure despite the excitement bubbling beneath their stern exteriors. Opposite them sat Dick and Malou Arceta, Aiah's parents, who were equally eager but maintained their usual air of authority. The tension was palpable—everyone knew they were about to meet the one person who had been a secret for so long.
In the center of it all were Aiah and MJ, holding hands under the table, sharing that familiar unspoken communication. But today, their attention wasn't on each other—it was on the little girl standing between them, her wide eyes scanning the room with curiosity and excitement.
Maxene, dressed in a cute, floral sundress, had a big smile plastered on her face. With her thick brows, MJ's eyes, and the same sulking lips her father made when Aiah didn't give him attention, she was the spitting image of her dad. But her personality? Oh, she had all of Aiah's loudness and over-the-top energy. There was no question about it: she was a mix of both her parents in the most hilarious way possible.
MJ knelt down beside Maxene, smoothing her dress nervously. "Max, ready ka na?" he asked gently, though it was clear from his shaky hands that *he* was the one feeling anxious.
Maxene gave her dad a big nod and an exaggerated thumbs up. "I'm ready, Daddy!" she beamed.
MJ glanced at Aiah, who gave him a small smile before squeezing his hand under the table. "Go ahead, love," she whispered.
MJ took a deep breath before standing up to formally introduce Maxene to her grandparents. "Mom, Dad... Mama, Papa... everyone, this is Maxene, our daughter."
All eyes were on the little girl. For a moment, the room was silent—before Maxene, with all her golden retriever energy, broke the ice.
She skipped over to Malou first, wrapping her arms around her grandmother in a big, warm hug. "Mama Lola, my Ninang Princess taught me well before this meet-up. She said you can be my personal confidant, and you will not judge me," Maxene said with the confidence of someone much older, her words flowing naturally.
Malou blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly. "Confidant? Anong pinagsasabi ng batang 'to?" she muttered under her breath, casting a bewildered look at Stacey, who sat quietly across the table. Stacey froze, her smile tight as everyone turned to her, suddenly realizing what *that* conversation must have been like.
"Sabi ko ba 'yan?" Stacey mumbled, clearly starting to sweat as she shot a nervous glance at Aiah, who raised an eyebrow.
"Max, anong sinasabi ni Ninang Princess sa'yo?" Aiah asked, trying to keep her face straight, but there was a hint of a laugh in her voice.
Maxene released her tight hug on Malou and spun around dramatically, landing straight into Myrla's lap. "Mommy Lola," Maxene started, looking up at her grandmother with wide, innocent eyes, "I've been told that you will spoil me with restaurant dates and dresses."
Myrla gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "Sinabi ba talaga ni Stacey 'yan?" she said, but she was already laughing, her hand smoothing over Maxene's hair lovingly. "Of course I will spoil you, apo. Sabi ko na nga ba, this little one will steal my heart," she cooed, planting a soft kiss on Maxene's forehead.
Maxene then turned to her grandfathers, Dick and Michael, both of whom were watching with amused expressions. "Papa Lolo, Daddy Lolo," Maxene began with a serious tone that was far too mature for a four-year-old, "kneel down, please. Eye-to-eye tayo."
