Tú Eres Mi Sol

IV

One would think that, with the Faulkerson's wealth, they would have snagged themselves a mansion in the city. Well, they do have one, but they all go back to a place in the South, they call home. It's a 700 sqm combined lot, in one of the exclusive subdivisions in Laguna. It has been the family home for 30 years. Everyday, when possible all of them go back home from their offices in BGC or Ortigas. 

Their mother has made it a rule to have a family dinner every wednesdays. She also expects the kids to be home for Sunday Lunch and Church Services. It's a family tradition, unless there's an emergency or one is out of the country. 

Earlier in the day, Rose called his son to tell him that she wants him home in time for dinner. It was unusual, as it was a friday. 

Maybe Mom is just missing Rob and Lia and the having people in the house. He tells himself.

Finally, he's home after enduring the terrible friday traffic, it was 6pm. He could take a quick nap and wake just in time for dinner.

"Johnny, pahinga ka na. Wala na tayong lakad today", he tells the driver as he alights from the car.  He was walking towards the double doors when he sees two vehicles parked. Looks like we have guests.

The moment he opens the doors, Mandy, one of their helpers, meet him. "Ser RJ, buti andeto na kayo. Kanena pa kayo henentay ni Ma'am Rose", she tells him while getting the coat and his bag from him.

"Sige, salamat Mandy. Paakyat na lang ng mga gamit ko sa kwarto. Pupuntahan ko muna si Mama."

He could hear faint sounds of laughter from the foyer. He walks briskly to the living room. And he spots her immediately, her clothes is screaming. She's wearing a bright pink and silver shirt and red pants. Oh god, he tells himself. I think I still have time to back out. He was going to walk back when his mother calls him. 

"RJ, anak. You're here na pala. I didn't hear the doors. How was your day?" Rose asks his son as he gives her a buss on the cheeks

"It's okay, Ma. The usual. I'll tell you tomorrow." 

"Valerie is here, Hijo" 

"Riccchaardd.. " He gives her a very quick buss

"And Dei is here", he turns around quickly. There she was in a blue plain shirt, white shorts and white sneakers. He gives her a buss longer than the usual.

"Ma, Valerie, can you excuse Dei and I? We just need to talk about something. We'll head to the library"

***

"So Faulkerson, what have you gotten yourself in?"

"Uhmmm.. Errr.." The guy scratched his head, trying to feign innocence

"Come on, spill!"

He proceeds to tell her about coming to her aid for one awards show and that she took it as a sign and has always tried to get him again. Sometimes, not just to an event, to a party, to dinner, name it, she's thought of it.

Dei laughs heartily during the conversation, that laugh that he's missed hearing, the trademark asthmatic laugh.

Valerie can be called relentless in pursuing one RJ Faulkerson, but only for one very good reason, she thinks. Valerie's parents, several years ago, hit gold, not literally, an old relative of her father left them a sizeable fortune. She, from the 7 year old kid who was walking to school in mismatched slippers because they couldn't afford new ones, was now going to an exclusive school. She's also joined the entertainment industry, being invited as a guest or a judge every now and then in certain shows. Their family business is doing quite well, but Valerie wanted more. She wanted to be looked up to, and the Handsome RJ Faulkerson was the key, coming from an old rich, well respected family, if she ends up with him, her position in the society will be cemented, everyone will die of envy.