It had been decades since Teddy last entered this property in Cebu. What was formerly the Faulkerson residence was now turned into a corporate office for Vantaggio Brews Inc., the company that owns Vantaggio chain of coffee shops started in New Jersey and spread across New York, California and now Cebu and Davao.
There were a total of 14 shops in the US, five in Cebu and three in Davao, the Philippine branches used to be restaurants that Richard Sr. owned and were converted into Vantaggio outlets for easier management and to capitalize on the brand that was now famous for its Italian brews and lush desserts.
When Dei passed away, Teddy and Richard Sr. agreed to run the businesses jointly, with Teddy taking charge of the outlets in the US while Richard Sr. running the operations in Cebu and Davao. It was a good partnership, until Richard Sr. passed away from cardiac arrest, a few days after his wife passed away due to pneumonia. Since then, Teddy concentrated on the business after Richard Sr. transferred guardianship of assets and accounts meant for Alden to him.
The original house structure was kept intact, giving the corporate office a homey feel. Alden stepped out of the van, and assisted Maine to get out, after which they took down Granda and his wheelchair. Maine looked at the old house, feeling as though she had been here before.
"Something wrong, Maine?"
"Den, I've never been to Cebu but I seem to have been here before. There's a tree here that has the names of your parents carved on it, I don't know why I know that but I know for sure."
"Yes, there, it's that tree by the guardhouse."
They entered the part of the house that served as living quarters for management, a smaller portion of the former house that now maintains only two bedrooms, a small den, a kitchen/dining area and two bathrooms.
"Dei, do you remember when I first came here to get you? We talked on the swing......you were just 14 then."
He reached for her hand, holding on to it tightly, also reaching for Alden's hand. He clasped them together, looking from Alden to Maine.
"Richard, I want you to show Dei where you found her. Bring her there later. Promise me....."
"Yes Granda, later while you take your nap. Are you hungry? I told them to have food prepared for us. The food smells good, Granda, let's eat. Promise me you'll eat a lot, ok?
"Dei, eat with me."
"Yes Granda, I will."
Lunch was a hearty feast of grilled seafood, mixed vegetables and of course, Cebu Lechon. The three enjoyed a laidback lunch, regaling Maine with stories of the past. Maine remembered to have Granda take his meds and some hot tea before his nap. She wheeled him to his room which he would be sharing with Alden later. As Maine was helping him into bed, he raised an unsteady hand to her chin and focused his rheumy eyes at her.
"Maine, don't forget to visit the church courtyard later with Alden. Please. I promised Dei I would help her. Please?"
"Yes Granda, now take your nap and rest, ok?"
Within minutes he was in deep sleep, her hand clasped in his. She gently pried her hand away, getting up to fix his things and then proceed to her room to hang her clothes. She heard a soft knock on her door. It was Alden.
"Hey, want to go for a drive?"
"Are we going to that spot your Granda was talking about?"
"Yes, but only if you want to."
"You know he finally called me Maine just now. But something he said puzzled me. He said he promised to help Dei."
"I'll tell you about it when we get there."
