Johannah was surprised to see Emily in the kitchen so early because she's not really a morning person.
"My, anong ginagawa niyo dito?" She asked.
Emily raised the spatula she's holding. She was obviously cooking.
"Bakit pa? The maids can do that. Isa pa, hindi ikakatuwa ni daddy na pinapagod mo ang sarili mo." Johannah muttered taking the high chair beside the countertop.
Emily heaved a sigh.
"Hindi ka parin kinakausap ni dad?" Johannah guessed and when she didn't answered, the young lady went on her side and gave her a quick but tight hug.
Right. Marco's not talking to her. He's actually mad at her because of what she did two days ago. She leaved the house without everyone's knowledge. Worse, driving the two weeks old car Marco have bought for her. The issue was not the car but her, driving it alone. Marco enrolled her for driving lessons and even taught her himself but she's unfortunately a terrible driver. She can drive but not that enough for Marco to allow her especially all by herself. At least not yet.
"Hindi ka rin matitiis non, My. Sigurado akong mamaya, okay na yon." Johannah said to lighten her mood. The young lady even helped her in preparing the breakfast. Johannah kept on talking and busying her so she couldn't think about it too much till they finished setting the table and called everyone for breakfast.
Manang Henya, Donya Margarette, and the rest was already there except for Marco.
"Mauna na kayong kumain, Ma. Tawagin ko lang si Marco." She said when they asked about him. She was about to leave the dining when Marco walked in, already dressed for work.
Emily opened her mouth to say something but shut it back the moment Marco looked away from her. But he still did gave her a quick hug and pecked her lips before taking his usual seat.
Of course everyone in the room have noticed it. And they obviously knew that there's something wrong but just pretended like they didn't.
Emily was obliged to sit when Marco looked at her and told her to sit. He was still attentive though, putting a spoonful of fried rice and strips of bacon and scrambled egg on her plate. Without saying a word.
Everyone can feel the tension so to ease it a little bit, Johannah started talking, mostly to Emily.
"Ah, My? Gusto mo, labas tayo mamaya? Let's go shopping?"
Emily immediately looked at her side when Johannah asked her. Marco remained immobile. Just sitting there, silently eating. Marco also forced her for a two day leave from work or in other words, she's not allowed to go out unless with him or anyone in the house.
"Aahh. Sa susunod na lang siguro, Johannah. Parang gusto kong magpahinga lang ngayon." She answered cautiously picking the right words to say.
"I need to go." Marco suddenly muttered getting all their attention. He finished his coffee and then stood up from his seat. "Johannah, call me kung may lakad kayo ng mommy mo." He said and then leaned and kissed the top of her head whispering, 'I'll leave now' before leaving the room.
Emily watched him till he was finally out of her sight. With a loud sigh, she turned to her food and didn't eat but only stared at it because she already lost her appetite. She was not sad because of what happened. She was sad because Marco forgot it.
27th of September.
**
After breakfast, Emily shut herself in their room. Her emotions started to mess up and she was afraid that she might break down in front of their family. She's down and frustrated. It's the first time Marco didn't talked to her. And she's not liking it.
Almost lost in her deep thoughts, she jolted when the door suddenly squeaked to open. She turned and saw Johannah with a big smile on her face.
"My, may naisip ako." She said closing the door behind. "Why don't you go to the rest house and surprise him? I'll help you with the decorations and food."
Excitement filled Emily's eyes. That's right. Why don't she make the effort this time? For the past years, Marco has always been the one surprising her and treating her so why try it herself?
"So ano? Game?" Johannah asked which she answered by a wide smile.
Johannah just told her to change into something beautiful and she'll do the rest. So after changing, she went downstairs and found Johannah already waiting for her. She almost dragged her outside and into the car joyfully, saying how excited she was for their plan. They kept on exchanging ideas while on their way and just stopped when they finally reached the rest house.
"Ay, My? I forgot to buy the cake pala."
"Ha? Oh, eh sige. Tara, bumili muna tayo." She said and opened again the car's door but Johannah stopped her.
"My, ako na. Mauna ka na sa loob. Pick a good spot for our surprise." Johannah didn't let her to speak because she immediately dashed inside the car and leaved.
"Johannah talaga." She murmured shaking her head. She smiled and then turned to the door. Slowly, she opened the door and stepped inside. A loud gasped immediately escaped from her mouth. She was the one who should surprise him, right? she asked herself.
"Marco?" She breathed. Unable to say a word, Emily roamed her eyes around. Flowers on every corner of the room. Scented candles scattered on the floor. Hanging heart balloons above with petals on the carpet just near the table for two at the center. Then a bottle of wine.
"Emily.." Marco's voice caught her attention.
Emily faced him again while suppressing a smile. She took a step closer with her eyes not leaving his and then ran when she was only a meter away, throwing herself on his arms and embraced him so tight which Marco returned by the way.
"Happy anniversary, Mahal." Marco murmured against her hair, lightly pulling away from her embrace so he can cupped her face. He deeply stared on her eyes whispering, "I love you." then briefly claimed her lips.**
