Emancipating The Love (On-going)

Chapter 30

Revelations

Children, teenagers, adults, elders. No one could ever resist Jobilee. It has been a part of every Filipinos lives. The joy it brings is incomparable.

Whether celebrating an achievement or searching for some comfort after a long day, the fast-food chain has been a savior. It has watched children grow up and has been the audience of life stories.

With kids wearing party hats and adults accompanying them, they clapped their hands as they sang a song everyone knows.

"Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to you!" Exuberantly sung by the children surrounding Elli.

Elli's smile was stretching from side of side of her face. The rendezvous that once nurtured her was painted with her favorite colors as banners. She was standing on a seat and beside her were her parents.

She couldn't ask for more.

"Happy birthday, Elli!" They shouted as they clapped and giggled while waiting for Elli to blow her candle, eager to taste the well-known food that they haven't tried but have heard is good.

"Happy birthday, honey. Go on, make a wish and blow your candle." Lea whispered as she assisted Elli who was trying to stand up on a chair to blow her cake.

It was a simple celebration. They have asked Elli how she wants to celebrate her day, wanting to grandly plan it. It was the first time they would celebrate it as a family; the first time Elli would celebrate it with a family.

However, the child who was not fond of spending too much despite her mom being a billionaire, had requested for it to be intimate and fun. It was her first official celebration of her birthday as long as she could remember, and there's nothing else she could ask for with her parents already making everyday a gift.

Elli closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath. Everyone were patiently waiting for her to blow her candles.

"Nanay, tatay, come on, blow it with me po." She politely said as she reached for her mom and dad.

They encircled each of their arms around Elli's back as they leaned together.

"1, 2, 3." Elli counted as the fire of the wax flickered then turned to smoke. People who were surrounding them clapped their hands as they were ushered by some of the carers to follow her to where the food was.

Aga, Lea and Elli were left together with the birthday celebrant being in the middle, still sandwiched by her parentals.

"Happy birthday our princess!" Aga carried Elli as he twirled her around and peppered her with kisses.

"Tatayyy!" Elli groaned as she wiggled from Aga's embrace. She leaned onto him when he stopped, hugging his neck. Lea just watched them in awe of the view, her heart melting every second of their cuddling.

"Thank you for coming to nanay's life po. Thank you for coming into our lives." Elli whispered to him as she kissed his cheeks.

She can't help but display her appreciation for Aga's presence. She is aware how he's not her "real" dad. Biologically, "she's not his", but his affection towards her and the love he provided has been fulfilling the gap of not having a father-figure.

Indeed, when she said that he was enough for them- more than enough- genuinely reflects her sentiment towards him. If her "real dad" doesn't show up, or can't be found, then she'll be content with having him.

Her curiosity about her biological father can be set aside. Not that he's relevant, is he? Other than knowing his identity, Elli can't find any other reason on why she's searching for him.