The first thing Chico noticed after stepping out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport was the familiar warmth of Cebu.
Home.
He adjusted the strap of his backpack and looked around until he spotted a familiar SUV waiting near the pickup area.
His father leaned against the driver's door, one hand tucked into his pocket.
The moment he saw Chico, he smiled.
"There he is."
Chico smiled back.
"Dad."
His father gave him a brief hug before taking his duffel bag.
"How was the flight?"
"Smooth."
"Good."
He opened the back of the SUV, placing the luggage inside.
"Come on."
"Your mom's already waiting."
The drive home felt comfortably familiar.
The roads.
The buildings.
Even the afternoon traffic somehow felt different from Manila's.
His father glanced at him.
"So..."
"How was Manila?"
Chico smiled.
"It was good."
"Just good?"
"It was really good."
His father laughed.
"That's better."
His mother was already standing by the front door when they arrived.
"There you are!"
She hugged him before he could even take off his shoes.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too, Mom."
She stepped back, looking him over.
"You lost weight."
"I was only gone for a few days."
"Still."
His father chuckled.
"Your mom says that every time."
"And I'm usually right."
Dinner that evening felt like it always had.
Comfortable.
The dining table filled with familiar Cebu dishes Chico hadn't realized he'd been craving.
His mother served him another spoonful of rice.
"Eat."
"I am."
"More."
"Mom..."
"More."
His father laughed.
"Just let her win."
"I always lose this battle."
"You do."
"So," his mother began.
"Did Aiah like everything we sent?"
Chico nodded immediately.
YOU ARE READING
My Last And My Only
FanfictionIf it's not you, it's not anyone, Aiah. Remember that.
