Under A Different Sky

TWO

Jade entered their home and felt a deep longing. The house was quiet. It was far different from when her Dada was still alive. The Tanchingco Mansion wasn't the same anymore. Jade, being the closest to her father, can't help but recall all the memories they shared together.

She sees her father in every room. Remembers his smell every time she would walk inside the masters. How her Dada exhaled so much strawberry flavored smoke through his vape while sitting on his favorite spot in the garden. Everything reminded her of him. That basically was the reason why she went to different places around the world for months  - to cope up with the loss of her father. And to try to search for herself after she ended her long term relationship with her childhood sweetheart, David.

David was a good guy.

Jade told herself while trying to cook dinner for her family.

But I had to be honest with him. Things aren't the same anymore. I felt like I was starting to fall out of love. I just had to be fair - to him and to myself as well. It was the right thing to do.

She murmurs as she checked if the pasta less lasagna was ready in the oven. As she was about to slice the cake she bought, she noticed that someone was in the room with her.

Oh hi, Pearl! I wasn't able to notice that you're here now. How's the wedding coming? Do you guys still need anything?

Giving her future sister in law a warm hug.

The preparations are okay. In fact we're about to meet with our wedding coordinator later tonight. Would you like to come with us so you can check out the details as well?

Sure, sure! I want to be involved in my Dihya's wedding. I want this to be special for the both of you. And... I would love to finally meet your wedding coordinator who's behind all these.

Well of course! You are free to come with us!

Jade and Pearl continued to talk about how Jade's trip was and how the wedding is pretty much fast approaching. Pearl told her future sister in law how sweet her Ahiya Gab is to her. And how they are excited for their first baby.

Do you already know what the baby's gender is? What are you going to name it if it's a girl?

Well your Ahiya is insisting that it will be a boy.

They both laughed as they helped Yaya Luisa set up the table.

But Jade, we are to name the baby John Oscar if it would be a boy.

Jade smiled as she finishes setting up the table for their dinner. It was just in time as Amanda, Gab, and Paul together with his boyfriend, Gerald, arrived inside the dining room. It was very evident that Jade was trying to look for someone while sitting on her Dada's dinner chair. Amanda, asked if there was something wrong.

Uhm no, mama. I was just trying to look for-

David?

Paul said jokingly.

I was kidding, Shobe. We all have partners here, see. Gab and Pearl. Gerald and I. Mama and Dada - Well you are sitting in Dada's lap right now because you are in his chair.

Jade gave off a laugh that filled the whole room. They were all relieved to hear her laughter again.

No mama. I was actually trying to look for, Ama and Angkong. Okay?

said Jade as she gave Paul the stare.

Where are they anyway?

Added the lady in pink.

Shobe, haven't you received my e-mail? They decided to stay in our house in Batangas for a while. You know, to spend some time alone.

Answered Gab in a funny tone.

But really, Jade wishes to have a love like Angkong's and Ama's. A love so true. So pure, it withstands time, looks, and seasons. A love so big that it sometimes scares her. But at the same time it's the kind of love she wants to experience. To feel. The kind of love she wants to be in.

As the family is about to finish dinner while Jade continues to share her Euro trip, Pearl told Gab that Jade wants to come with them and help in the preparations of their wedding.

Ahh sure, Shobe. You should meet Althea. She's the one who really helped us in patching things up for our wedding.

Yes, this Althea girl. I have heard lots of things about her from Pearl. Well, I guess we'll just see who's a better wedding planner...

Be nice, Shobe. Don't get too competitive with her. Haha.

We'll see, Ahiya. We'll see....