Love Next Door

Bonus Chapter 3

Ten years later...

JERON

I was in the middle of my final meeting for the day when my phone rang.

Incoming call... Lady Boss...

I politely excused myself when I saw the caller. With that, everyone in the room already knew who it was.

They knew I won't make her wait that long.

"Hey love!", I greeted when I got outside.

"Hi baby, sorry, na-disturb ba kita?"

"No, not at all. We're almost done naman, just wrapping things up. Why, is there a problem?"

"Uhm... Nasa police station kasi ako ngayon-"

"What?! Anong nangyari?"

"Teka, teka lang. Kalma lang po, Mr. Teng. It's nothing you should worry about."

"Nothing to worry about? You just told me nasa police station ka! Saan yan? Pupuntahan kita."

"Hindi na, ano ka ba. Nakabangga kasi ako ng likod ng sasakyan and the owner was kind enough naman to settle things among ourselves. Pero baka medyo matagalan pa kami dito sa pag-ayos.", she explained.

"Are you sure? Kumusta ka? May galos ka ba anywhere?"

"Wala, promise. Minor lang talaga. I'm in good shape."

"You're not just in good shape. You're in perfect shape.", I responded naughtily.

I trust Mika when she tells me that she can handle it. One of things we learned through the course of our marriage is to always be honest with our feelings.

"Ay grabe nagsisimula na siya oh. Quiet ka nga jan, mahiya ka sa mga empleyado mo."

"Why? What's wrong with letting my wife know that she's sexy?"

"Jeron!"

"Haha, I'm not kidding though. Anyway, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Good you asked. Can you be the one to pick up the kids today? Dismissal na nila in an hour. I think ma-lalate ako ng bongga. Traffic pa cos it's Friday."

"Alright, ako na bahala. What time ka uuwi?"

"Not sure eh. Depende. Basta I'll be home as soon as matapos 'to. Make sure the kids finish their homework before dinner."

"Yes, Mommy."

"Thanks, babe! Baba ko na 'to."

"Ok! Update me ah. We'll be waiting. I love you."

"Thank you for waiting, sir. Haha. I love you, too! Mwaaahhh!"

Mika ended the call.

I'll always be waiting for her. No matter how long, no matter what circumstance.

I went back to the boardroom to inform them that I have to leave early to fetch the kids.

Dad and Papa never failed to remind me to prioritize my family over work. In the first place, they're the reason I'm working hard. If I lose them, all effort will just go to waste.

I drove to International Christian Academy, where our four kids study. Mika and I decided that they'll spend their younger years in an environment that will build their character. Sa high school na lang sila mag-hihiwahiwalay.