The Barber's estate is very spacious, a huge lounge area, its own swimming pool, a half size basketball court leading to a huge garden at the back with its own gazebo, a small greenhouse and a working shed. The house was all lit up with Christmas lights, a tall Christmas tree near a baby grand piano at the family area, an assembly of local decors trimmed the whole house.
It is festive as the Barber's family and their house staff, along with their flower farm workers and their families are holding their Christmas Party at Edward's residence. They are holding the party near the garden and basketball court which was covered with tents. The food was catered by the Barber couple, there were lots of Christmas giveaways adjacent to the makeshift stage and a videoke machine was also set up.
Maymay with her family and some of her close friends were very delighted to be a part of what seems to be a very joyous event.
"Hello Lorna, Lola Ludy, Maymay iha, mabuti naman nakapunta kayo, welcome to our home. Please feel free and enjoy the party and Merry Christmas to you all" Catherine and Kevin Barber said.
"Naku salamat po sa sa pagimbita ninyo Mr and Mr Barber, Edward and Laura. Napakalaki at napakaganda pala ng mansion ninyo."
"Maligayang Pasko po sa inyo Mr and Mrs Barber and Ms Laura" Maymay greeted them.
"Lorna, please call us Catherine and Kevin, hindi naman nalalayo ang mga edad natin. Salamat at napaunlakan nyo ang imbitasyon namin."
"Ate Laura, please, Maymay that will do, welcome and Merry Christmas" Laura gave Maymay a warm hug.
"Tita Catherine and Tito Kevin na lang iha and Merry Christmas too."
Edward and Laura led Maymay's group to the party area and introduced them to their household staff and some of their workers who were all glad to meet them likewise. Edward led Maymay and her group to their table.
"Naku Edward, nakapakanda naman pala nitong si Maymay" Manang Lita said.
"Maymay, siyanga pala, ang nanay-nanayan ko si Manang Lita".
"Ay hello po, mano po Manang Lita, kamusta po kayo, Maligayang Pasko po sa inyo"
"At magalang pa. Naku Maymay, excited itong alaga ko na madala ka dito at maipakilala sa amin."
"Ganun po ba? kami din po natutuwa na makilala kayong lahat at makasama sa pagsasalo-salo ngayon. Sobrang laki pala nitong Christmas Party ninyo Edward".
"Ay taon taon talaga ito Maymay, tradisyon na nila Ma'am at Sir, masaya talaga, kami dito ay one big happy family and welcome ka sa aming family hindi ba Edward?"
Edward just smiled at Manang Lita.
"Ay sandal lang ha, iche-check ko lang kung ok na yung mga nahaing pagkain, excuse me lang sa inyo."
"Hindi mo naman nabanggit na may Christmas Party pala kayo, hindi ba nakakahiya, parang kami lang ang bagong salta dito Edward?"
"My pleasure Maymay, I want you to feel that you belong here with me..I mean with us. For sure you will enjoy the Party, some of our staff have really prepared, they always hold a program. Hmm, siyanga pala can I get you a drink?"
Maymay's family were already mingling with the Barber coulpe and other groups at that time.
"Ahmm ok, kahit ano wag lang cold drinks please, thank you Edward."
"Juice it is. Ok I will be right back."
Maymay's cousin Grace and their friend Glen/Glenda returned to Maymay and said.
"Naku friendship, hindi ko carry kaguwapohan ng future jowa mo ha, nakakalokah."
"Glen, correction please kaibigan ko si Edward"
YOU ARE READING
On This Day
RomanceA short story Edward stood up by his bride. Jilted on his wedding day. Marydale a candidate seeking admissions into religious order turned down once. Will there be a wedding vows for him or religious vows for her.
