Ellie-chan (COMPLETED)

Thirty-Nine - Family

Hayato and I didn't talk about divorce anymore. It will come in due time. Right now, I'll just let things be.

Just like what he wanted, we brought Shin to a Catholic church in Kyoto and have him baptized. Although the original plan was to bring my family to Japan to witness the said event, we just had it video-taped so we could share the moment with them. It wasn't because he changed his mind about it. It was more my decision than his. I love my family and I would do everything for them, but I also didn't want them to take advantage of Hayato's generosity.

I haven't heard of Rika in a long time. The twins said she moved to the US for some business and I do hope that she would stay there and never bother us anymore. I was just glad that she withdrew her investment in the company. It meant a lot to me.

As I was preparing dinner that night, I saw Hayato laid out a blueprint of something on the dining table. That made me wonder. It looked like a building plan. Is he venturing in construction business this time? Before I could ask him a question, his cell phone rang and he went to the veranda to answer it. That puzzled me. Obviously, he didn't want me to hear his conversation with whoever was on the other line.

My mind was brought to reality when I saw our extension line in the kitchen blinked and beeped. I went to pick up the portable phone and when I knew it was my mother, I got a little nervous.

"Anak, much as I didn't want to disturb you, I – I went to a doctor for a check-up."

As soon as I heard it, I got so worried. I bombarded her with questions.

"Don't worry, it was not something to be scared of. It was just a minor lung problem. The doctor said I just need enough rest and of course, some fresh air. You know how it is here in Tondo. The air we breathe stinks. There's pollution everywhere. Your father and I were actually thinking of relocating."

I thought about it for a moment. Yeah, she had a point. Manila is not good for people with lung problems.

"Your sister Nene is into real estate now. She actually has this house somewhere in Cavite that doesn't cost much. But I said I have to consult you first."

A house in Cavite! I froze. I knew what was coming next and I braced myself for it.

"We can acquire the house for just 650,000 pesos. It's a two-story house with four bedrooms. It's a little worn out but we can fix it. You know your brother is good at carpentry."

I sighed. Here we go again. Do I have that money? Yeah. But it was the divorce money that Hayato had not gotten back, yet. It was not for me to keep since our divorce plan was postponed. I didn't want to spend it because I don't want to give him the impression that I was too eager to get my hands on the money. What should I do?

"Nay, d'you know that I am currently on leave because I had to take care of Shin? I actually don't have that amount of money with me right now."

There was silence.

"Nay? Are you still there?"

I heard her sigh. "Okay, anak. Sorry for bothering you. I just thought that you would be interested. Please give my regards to Hayato and baby Shin." And there was a click. She hang up on me. I had to talk to Ate Nene.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Hayato asked when he came back to the kitchen.

I shook my head and continued cutting the vegetables for dinner.

"Was that Nanay?"

I nodded.

"What's wrong with them?"