My Last And My Only

Chapter 143: Questions Kept in the Heart

The living room slowly filled with neatly packed suitcases.

Backpacks leaned against the sofa. A few paper bags containing dried mangoes, keychains, shirts, and other souvenirs were stacked beside them, each labeled with the name of the person who would be receiving it back in Manila.

Chico stood in the middle of the room, hands on his hips.

"I'd just like everyone to know that this van carried all of you here with room to spare."

Christine raised a finger.

"And?"

"And now I'm not entirely sure it'll survive the trip to the airport."

She looked at the mountain of bags.

"I regret nothing."

"I'm aware."

"I supported the local economy."

"You single-handedly boosted it."

The room erupted in laughter.

"I appreciate your sacrifice," Gwen teased.

"It wasn't easy," Christine replied with a solemn nod. "But someone had to buy all those snacks."

"You mean six packs of banana chips?"

"They were on sale!"

Outside, the late morning sun bathed the garden in warm light.

Mr. Alicaya was checking the tires of the van while Dean helped secure the larger luggage in the back.

Lou was inside the kitchen, carefully packing containers of homemade pastries that Mrs. Alicaya insisted they take home.

"You've already given us so much," Lou said.

"And I'll feel better if you take these too."

"These are—"

Mrs. Alicaya smiled.

"Please."

Lou laughed softly.

"I've learned it's impossible to win an argument with you."

"Now you're catching on."

They both laughed.

Near the driveway, Chico bent to lift one of the heavier suitcases.

Before he could close the rear door of the van, he heard his mother call his name.

"Chico."

He turned.

Mrs. Alicaya stood a few steps away.

Her expression was gentle.

"Can you help me for a moment?"

"Of course, Ma."

They walked toward the side garden where flowering plants lined the stone path. It was quiet there, far enough from the others that their conversation wouldn't be interrupted.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Mrs. Alicaya looked toward the backyard where the string lights from the previous evening were still hanging.

"They looked happy last night."

"They were," Chico replied with a smile. "I think this trip was exactly what everyone needed."