To Love Again

Lander

"Thanks again for the take-out and the gifts, Lander." Liv said as she made her way out of my car. I unlocked the trunk to gather the gifts that I've bought for Cassie and Oli; a coloring-book set for the former and a Lego set for the latter. I learned that Cassie is a born artist, something that she inherited from her father. Oli, on the other hand, loves to build things and aspires to be an engineer in the future.

"It's no problem. Thanks for accompanying me today. I really appreciate it." I told her as I handed the paper bags to her. She gave me a smile in return.

"Mommy!!" We turned around as we heard little shrieks coming from the door. Oli and Cassie. Liv opened the gate and held out her arms for an embrace. The two little kids ran to their mother's arms. I watched with awe. Wesley is one lucky man.

"Batihin nyo ang Tito Lander nyo, dali. He bought you guys pasta and gifts oh. Go say thank you." Liv prodded her children. Oli and Cassie shyly turned to me and uttered a barely audible thank you.

I broke into a wide grin. They're adorable.

"Oh sya, Liv. I have to get going. Thanks again. Oli, Cassie, enjoy the food and the gifts. Sige, see you soon!" I said as I headed inside my car. I gave them a wave and drove off to my peaceful and lonely condo unit.

"Wow naman Lander! Matching cookware talaga? Ang thoughtful mo naman bro!" biro ni Yohann.

Kasalukuyan kaming nasa bahay nina Seb at Celeste, nag-iinuman. I decided to bring my gifts for all of them, na natutuwang tinanggap ng mga babae at ng mga bata. Pinagtawanan lang ako ng mga leche kong kaibigan, di man lang nag-thank you.

"Pasalamat ka binigyan ko pa kayo ng wedding gifts!" sagot ko naman bago uminom ng beer.

"Pero ang ganda nung cookware ha, mukhang mamahalin. Pati din yung mga barbies, mahilig ka pala sa mga ganun." biro ni Alonso,

"Confirmed!" sabat naman ni Riley. Nagtawanan silang lahat. Gago 'tong mga 'to.

"Mga ulol! Hindi ako ang pumili ng mga yun. Nagpasama ako kay Liv." pagkla-klaro ko naman.

Natahimik sila sa sinabi ko. "Liv, as in Wesley's wife?" di makapaniwalang tanong ni Micah.

Tumango ako. "Oo. I'm currently working with her, to find the perfect place to put up my new restaurant." pagpapaliwanag ko,

"Siguraduhin mo lang for business lang yan dela Vega ha." makahulugang saad ni Seb.

"Oo naman. Nothing more, nothing less. And I respect Wesley enough to know my boundaries when it comes to Liv. Wag kayong mag-alala." sabi ko bago uminom muli.

"Lander, come to my office ASAP."

I read Dad's text again before I got out of my car and headed inside DVC, or dela Vega Corporated. I wonder what he'll tell me that's so important that I have to go to his office personally. Dad is a man of few words, if he has something to say, he either just sends a short and concise email or text message. He doesn't like calling people because it takes up too much of his time. If he does, however, he tries to keep the call under 10 minutes, whether it be business or family matters.

I made my way towards his office which was located on the very top floor. A woman probably in her late 20s greeted me and asked if I have an appointment with Mr. Lucas dela Vega. I told her my name and she apologetically let me in to my father's office. I just gave her a smile.

"Lander, come in." Dad said, looking up from his desk. He straightened himself and put away the forms he was currently working on.

"This must be really important Dad. What is it?" I asked as I took the notion to sit on the chair in front of his desk.