Chasing an Angel

C3.2

Alden enjoyed the familiarization-cum-orientation tour. Though the rounds had been exhausting but it was fun to witness their employees' pleasure when they saw him inspecting the area with his parents. He was touched at the enthusiasm they have shown in answering his queries and explaining to him details about things and processes that he is interested in.

"We are so glad to see you here Sir Alden said his father's secretary. "Sana maglagi ka na dito para lalong sumaya ang daddy mo."

He could barely remember the instances that he visited the place as he was not interested in his father's business. This being a rare occasion, almost all employees had been so delighted to see him and some are even vocal in asking him to be actively involved in the company's operation.

"Let's celebrate this wonderful occasion said his father who could not contain his joy," and he directed his driver to bring them to a fine restaurant for an early dinner. Alden felt light-hearted knowing that this time he had really made his parents very happy and that he made a sound decision.

"I'll be staying at Leo's place right after this, Mom, Dad."

"As expected" said her mom. "Give my regards to Leo and family. Tell him I miss seeing him for quite some time now," she added.

Alden laughed at her mother "Love you more mom, nothing to be jealous of, we're just catching up on lost times."

"Yeah, I know son, Leo and family are the persons we could least worry to bring harm on you. We had accepted the fact that you're bored at home with no one but our helpers to interact with as your dad and I are out most of the time. And, you need people your age and generation to spice up your life." "If only we were able to give you a brother or a sister."

"Mom, you and dad are more than enough. I am happy with our family, no regrets whatsoever. You have given me so much in life that I may have missed if you were not my parents."

"Don't take your mother seriously son. It's just her expression of love. You should have been used to it by now," said his dad and laughed.

It is already early evening so, Alden drove straight to Leo's house for the group are all surely home by now. He had with him two paper bags of foods for dinner ordered and paid by his father for Leo and his cousins. He stopped the car right in front of the house and a couple of minutes later the front door opened showing an excited Bing.

"Kuya RJ thanks you're here na. Kanina pa kita hiniintay, gutom na kasi ako," and ran to meet him. "Bait talaga ng kuya ko marunong tumupad sa pangako at wow from social na kainan pa ha."

"Bing umaandar na naman katakawan mo," reprimanded Leo.

Alden stretched his right hand to Bing's head to mess her hair and said.

"This came from your Tito Den and Tita Ellen and they are sending their regards to all of you."

"Kuya RJ please tell them thank you so much" and they walked together to the house.

"You are spoiling Bing too much," commented Leo.

"No, these are from mom and dad. We had an early dinner together and dad ordered these for all of you and are sending their regards too." "Mom says she missed you bro as you had not visited them for ages."

"Aw! Please tell Tita I'm sorry. It's just that work on weekdays and family concerns on weekends had eaten up free time for extracurricular activities."

"Oo nga kuya RJ kaya hindi magkagirlfriend si Kuya Leo masyado kaming ini intende eh malalaki na kami. Buti ka pa nagbibilang na ng girlfriends. Kailan mo ipapakilala sa amin ang nobya mo sa ngayon?"- quipped Bing.

"I have no girlfriend Bing as I am too occupied with my work," Alden vehemently denied and his eyes flew briefly to Meng partly hidden in the far corner of the room, busy on her laptop oblivious of everyone.

"What happened to Charice medyo matagal ko na siyang hindi nakikita, samantalang parang anino mo dati iyon laging nakabuntot. And the one who was with you last Christmas when you came to our house (Bing was referring to their home just outside of the city), I have already forgotten her name. And, also that lady whom you told us is an officemate in Cebu who keep on calling you during your last vacation here?"

"Stop that senseless blabber Bing, they are just friends and never my girlfriends. Isa pa uling tanong at wala nang pasalubong bukas," warned Alden who is clearly getting uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation.

Leo is just silently listening to the exchange of words between his cousin and his best friend while watching Alden's reactions surreptitiously.

Alden finding for a way to deviate the topic from his personal life turned to Leo and asked.

"Where is Theo, let's have dinner now while the food is still hot." He proceeded to the kitchen and set the food on the table. Leo instructed Bing to fetch Theo from their room, called Meng's attention and followed Alden to the kitchen. Meng followed them and helped Alden and Leo set the table.