Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C39 - Louise's Birthday

Louise's POV

It's my birthday today. Everyone's already planned to celebrate it at my condo later tonight, but for now, it's only 8 a.m., and Stacey and I are on our way to the mansion. Dad told me to drop by because my little sister Vienn has a gift for me, and they want to see Stacey again after all these years. 

Driving through the gates, the guards greeted me with the usual courtesy but added a warm, "Happy birthday, Ma'am Louise!" I smiled and nodded in thanks before parking the car outside the house. I didn't let them park it in the garage since we'd be leaving soon anyway. 

Walking into the house, we immediately saw my family in the living room. Their attention turned to us as soon as we entered, and they smiled warmly. 

"Happy birthday!" they chorused before their eyes landed on Stacey. 

Vienn, of course, was the first to rush over, practically throwing herself into Stacey's arms. "Ate Stacey!" she squealed, clinging tightly to her. 

Stacey chuckled, ruffling Vienn's hair gently. "Ang laki mo na ngayon ah! What are they feeding you, hmm?"

Vienn giggled, pulling back but staying close. "Just food." she said shyly, earning a laugh from everyone. 

Kevin, my older brother, stepped forward next. He hugged Stacey briefly before pulling back and asking, "How have you been? Ang tagal na rin."

"I've been good." Stacey replied with a warm smile. "It's nice to see you again, Kuya Kevin." 

Then it was my parents’ turn. Mom hugged Stacey tightly, her emotions getting the best of her as she teared up. 

"I missed you so much, Anak." Mom whispered. 

Stacey smiled softly, hugging her back. "I missed you too, Tita."

When they pulled away, Dad stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Stacey's shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss, Stacey." he said sincerely. "I know how hard this must have been for you, but I'm proud of how strong you've been."

Stacey nodded, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you, Tito." 

The warmth in the room was overwhelming, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like everything was back to how it used to be— before everything fell apart. 

Finally, Vienn bounced over to me, holding a neatly wrapped package in her hands. "Ate Lou! Here's my gift!"

I opened it carefully, revealing a cute shirt with a drawing of our whole family. It was messy and colorful but filled with so much love that it made me smile. I bent down and kissed her forehead. "Thank you, Vienn. I love it." 

Her face lit up with joy, and I couldn't help but smile back. 

We said our goodbyes shortly after, promising to catch up more soon. As we walked back to the car, Stacey glanced at me, her expression soft and nostalgic. "Hindi pa rin nagbabago family mo, kahit na maraming nangyari." she said quietly. 

"Neither have you." I replied, squeezing her hand gently before we got into the car. 

Our next stop was Stacey's mom's house to pick her up. It wasn't far from here, and Stacey had mentioned her mom was staying with some maids and guards in the house, occasionally visited by her siblings. I was glad to hear her mom wasn't alone, but I knew this visit wasn't going to be easy.