Tú Eres Mi Sol

LXXIX

Richard was at work and Dei had been asked by her grandparents to oversee something at their subsidiaries. Ricardo was out for some business meetings, too.

"Mama, Papa. How's your food?"

"Muy bien, Mi Amor."

"Très bon (Very good), Ma Cherie"

"Is there anything that's bothering you, M'ija? Tell your Mama and Papa." Her father said

"Mama, Papa. I feel terrible sometimes, I think I want RJ and Dei to end up together that Ricardo is saying maybe that's why I'm feeling that there's something going on with them."

Adrienne coughs.

"Mama, are you alright?"

"Oui, Ma Cherie. It's just the food. I'll drink water."

Jose Franco helps Adrienne to drink some water.

"Mi Amor, Why do you think you are terrible?" Rose's father asks her.

"I know I'm becoming such a meddler." Rose sighs

"Ma Cherie, how can you say that?"

"I'm rushing Dei and RJ to be together. Sometimes, Rob and Lia opens more to their father than they do to me. I really just want to be in their lives more. I miss them, Mama, Papa now that they're all grown up."

Adrienne moves to the side where Rose sits and gives her daughter a hug.

"Missing your kids, it never goes away, Mon Amour. Your Papa and I, we miss you everyday but we know that you have a family of your own now and they make you happy."

Rose nods.

"Mon Amour, Remember when you wanted to go to the Philippines as an exchange student? And Your Papa and I wanted didn't want you to go?" Adrienne says

"I went to a travel agency booked my flight using all my savings and showed you my ticket."

"You did. So we almost interrogated your teachers about this exchange program which we have never heard of and how safe it was. Your papa even wanted to go with you." Her mother continued

"I remember. I was stubborn. And he did go."

"Mi Amor, you cannot blame me for going with you. You are our only child." Her father said

"No, Papa. I don't at all and now I understand. Every parent only want the best for their kids and that they don't want them to be in harms way."

"Si, Mi Amor. Si."

"Papa, Mama, Do you think I'm meddling too much?"

"Mi Amor, do you remember when you first joined a school play?"

"Yes. I was six, I think."

"You were the sugar plum fairy, Mi Amor. Your teacher said that any dress will do for your portrayal. But your mama (he reaches for Adrienne's hands) and I wanted you to look like a sugar plum fairy. Abuelita Maria taught us how to sew. So we did, everyday during siesta, we would work on your dress and your shoes." Her father said.

"Papa, I had the most beautiful fairy dress and I had wings, too. Everyone said that it was the most beautiful dress they have seen in years." Rose added

"Ma Cherie, you know what I was most scared of?" Her mother asked

"What Mama?"

"You fell a few times during the entire performance, I wanted to run and help you one time, that it took you longer to stand up but your Papa said, no, she can do it. She is our daughter. We wanted you to stand on your own and you did."

"Papa, Mama, sometimes I feel I have not thanked you enough for letting me be on my own, for letting me grow even if it meant to be away from you. Muchos Gracias, Papa. Merci Beaucoup, Mama."

***

"Nakakainis naman yung lunch na yun, sobrang bitin!"

"But you wanted a lobster roll, Dei." 

"I did, RJ. Pero ano yun parang 4 inches of bread and lobster for 17 dollars. Highway Robbery kaya yun!"

"I would agree, bitin nga. Pero I love these lunches with you. Feels very adult."

"You know we've never really gone out for a date date so I really love meeting you for lunch."

"Dei, are you happy?"

"Always. Wait what are you asking?"

"With us? With this?"

"RJ, Love. I love every freaking time I spend with you. I am very happy."

"Good. I feel the same."

"Why do you keep asking if I'm happy?"

"Because I always want you to. I will make it my life's mission to make you happy all the time."

"Awww.. Baby boy. You're a sweetie, aren't you? I love you and you make me happy."

"Dei, Love. I love you. Thank you for making me happy."

"Aray, Aray!"

"Dei, bakit?"

"Kinakagat na ako ng langgam, ang sweet mo kasi!"

"Date night tonight, baby girl?"

"I want to but I'm not sure with your parents and your grandparents around. But you know, I love spending time with them."

"I know. When they are there, you don't talk to me anymore."

"Nagseselos ka ba, baby boy? I love your family but I love you more."

She gave him a hug in the middle of Madison Square Park. Richard was grinning like a fool. He kissed her on the lips. "I love you, Dei." He kissed her again on the forehead and hugged her.