Two Less Lonely People (A JLC-BA Fanfic)

Chapter 20

Ted's POV

The funeral of Tito Ambrosio was held on Sunday morning. His final resting place was atop one of the hilly portions of the farm lot. A small chapel was built on the hill where the urn containing the ashes of the Rodriguez patriarch will be placed.

The staff had put in their best effort to give their benefactor a beautiful send-off. Flowers of all varieties were in abundance, creating not only a beautiful array of colors but their combined fragrances filled the cool air surrounding the hill.

The foliage of the trees around the hilltop provided a natural canopy for the guests who had gathered to pay their last respects to a revered friend, mentor, and colleague.

Tito Ambrosio lived a full life as a lawyer, a member of the academe and a public servant but was a husband and father to his brood of five first.

Tita Lily, Alex' mother, was the perfect housewife who supported her husband in all of his endeavors. Tita Lily had her own share of fame but always as Tito Ambrosio's better half, his endearing partner and supporter in all the public undertakings he was involved in.

At 60 years old, he decided to move with Tita Lily to California where 3 of their children had settled with their families. Tito Ambrosio wanted to spend time with their children and grandchildren; but they would eventually retire in Tagaytay City to be near his flower farm. Tito Ambrosio loved the farm. This is the small business he inherited from his father and mother who passed on early in life; the business sustained him through law school and the early years of his marriage.

Tito Ambrosio was relieved when Alex took over the management of his beloved farm. Alex was the youngest boy, only a year older than the youngest of the brood, now a young doctor practicing in Australia. He followed his father's footsteps and became a lawyer. When he was derailed in the practice of law, his father called upon him to take charge and he was pleased with how Alex turned it around and made it flourish.

Meg and I were already seated as the other guests started pouring in. Alex, Tita Lily and Ate Vicky were welcoming the guests as they came in. Meg was restless and kept looking at Alex.

"What's wrong, honey?" I asked her.

"I don't think I can face Alex, Ted, after what I have done," she muttered.

I smiled at Meg. "Honey, what's done is done and cannot be undone. Own up to your misdemeanor and accept your punishment."

"What are you saying, Ted?" Meg asked annoyed.

"I'm joking, honey." I whispered in her ear and laughed.

"This is not the time to joke, Ted. We are at a funeral!" Meg whispered indignantly.

"It's because you are so uptight. Alex won't bite you. The worst that he could do is to ignore you, honey." I told her hoping to calm her down.

"You think he would ignore me?" Meg asked.

"Of course not!" I chuckled and held her hand to put her at ease.

I saw Alex coming towards us which increased Meg's fidgeting. I stood up and Meg did too as she stood a few steps behind me. I hugged my friend and nudged Meg who came forward tentatively.

"Condolence," she said and Alex pulled her in for a hug.

"Thank you and thank you for looking after Mina. I owe you a lot." Alex said. He released her from his embrace only to pull me in for another hug with them. "I owe you both a lot. Thank you for everything."

"Alex," Tita Lily called out and we saw her coming up to us with Atty. Victor Santos, the lone surviving senior partner of the law firm. "Excuse, pare," Alex said as he went up to meet them.