Mirror Mirror

Chapter 22: Parent Trap

She stopped herself, glancing back one more time at the trio before slipping out of the office. "Di man lang ako ginawang ninang ah," she murmured under her breath.

It was already late and the twins prepared to leave. The cozy warmth of Alex's office was hard to part with, and Martin wasn't taking it well. His tears started to flow, much to Martha's amusement.

"You're so maangas pa kanina, tapos ngayon you're crying because you don't wanna leave Papa," Martha teased, her laugh ringing through the room.

"Stop it!" Martin wailed, his little arms wrapped tightly around Alex's leg like a stubborn koala refusing to budge.

"Martin, come on. Let's go, anak," Martina said, crouching down to try and coax him into letting go.

But Martin only hugged Alex's leg tighter, his face buried against her. He shook his head furiously. "No! I'm staying with Pareng Alex!"

Martina sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. It had been a long day, and she was clearly at the end of her patience. Alex, however, remained calm, gently patting Martin's head.

"Maybe I should just follow you all in my car?" Alex suggested, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Martina shot Alex a raised eyebrow. "Did you hear that, Martin? Let go na. Alex will follow us."

But Martin wasn't having it. He lifted his tear-streaked face and glared at his mom. "No! I'm riding with pare!"

Martina sighed in defeat and gave Alex a look that clearly said good luck. Alex chuckled softly, crouching down to meet Martin's eyes. "Alright then, buddy. If that's what you want, let's go."

Martin sniffled and nodded, finally letting go of Alex's leg, only to grab her hand instead. As they walked toward Alex's car, Martina rubbed her temples and shook her head. "I don't know what magic spell you put on him, Alex, but I'm not sure I like it."

Alex laughed lightly, buckling Martin into the car seat. "It's not magic. It's just... us."

Martina rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, us better not keep him up past bedtime. I'll see you both at home. Sundan mo nalang car ko."

As Martina and Martha drove off, Alex started the car, glancing back at Martin in the rearview mirror.

It was quiet for a while. Alex smiled to herself.

"You're smiling," Martin said suddenly, his small voice breaking the calm.

Alex glanced at him in the mirror. "Is that a bad thing?"

Martin shrugged. "No, but... I still didn't call you Papa."

Alex's smile grew softer. "I know."

Martin tilted his head thoughtfully. "You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?" Alex asked gently. "You can call me whatever you feel like. It's your choice."

Martin's brows furrowed. "Even if I call you something weird, like... Bulbolito Bayagbag?"

Alex let out a genuine laugh. "Bulbolito Bayagbag? Where did that come from?"

Martin giggled. "I don't know. Tata Sab said it and it sounded funny."

"Parang pare nalang. Baka pagalitan tayo ng momma mo sige ka," Alex replied, shaking her head in amusement. "Basta be a good boy para payagan tayo sa camping ah."