Another Love Story (editing)

Chapter 11: "What's She To You?

"Iha! You're here!" greeted Tita Inday, one of Trina's aunts, "It's great to see you! Come in! Come in!"

They all welcomed me with their famous Filipino hospitality. It didn't take long for me to start enjoying myself. It was so easy to just be around them, they were so warm and accommodating. I had been totally engrossed in conversation with them when Trina suddenly perked up from her seat and called out. "Kuya Edgar! 'Andito si Addie o! (look, Addie's here) " This, obviously, prompted me to look at the doorway. I gave a feeble smile that didn't quite reach my eyes just so I didn't seem too rude.

"Edgar, hali ka muna dito't samahan mo ang bisita mo (come here and join your guest,)" Tita Inday said to Eddie. Ed, on the other hand, turned to me and asked me directly with a rather apathetic tone, "Did you really come here for me?"

"No," I said, frowning at his rudeness. "Your titas, titos and pinsans invited me here. It's rude to refuse an invitation."

"Kita n'yo? Di naman sa akin bumibistita 'yan eh! (You see? I'm not the one she intends to visit anyway!)" he seethed before going up the stairs.

"Forgive my nephew," Tito Bong said as we heard Ed slam his bedroom door behind him. I flinched at the loud echoing down the hall. It's embarrassing the way he treated me in front of his family but I shouldn't lose face.

"No worries," I tried my best to smile as we decided to pick up where we left off with our topic. The atmosphere definitely took a turn for the worst after that. Or that might just have been me feeling awkward as hell after Ed blowing me off in front of everyone.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. I was almost surprised we could hear it above the noise in the house with all the people talking at once. Tito Boy (I know... His name's literally Boy.) took the liberty of checking out who it was, and called my name saying a person was looking for me. I excuse myself with a small smile as I stood up from my seat and approached Tito Boy.

"Sylvester?" I blinked at him when I saw him standing at the porch. "Uh-- Can I help you with something?"

"Madame Sierra wishes to see you," he said stretching his arms towards the limo. I internally kept myself from groaning. So much for keeping a low profile.

"Addie, why didn't you tell me you had a limo?" Trina walked up from behind me and looked at me with glimmering eyes.

I pass it off with an awkward chuckle. "That's not mine, it's my aunt's. I think I have to go. But hey, thanks so much for having me here and spending some time with me. Do visit me before you guys leave for the Philippines, titos, titas and pinsans," I said before Sylvester escorted me to the limo. I gave them a big wave as we drove away.

Sylvester sped home. Expecting my mother to come, I dove into the Addie closet and tried to find me a decent dress. I took out my red Sunday's Best and quickly changed into it. It wasn't everyday my parents were at home, so it was almost tradition and highly expected of us to dress up for them. I don't exactly get the point either, but I know better than to argue with mom. Just as I was able to put it on, dad knocked on the door. "Addie?" he called out from the hall, "Code Lin."

I brought the dress up to my chest, even though he couldn't see me. It was still odd talking to my dad when I was half-naked. "Why?" I asked, not exactly seeing the whole picture as I originally assumed it was just going to be a family dinner at home.

"The Daily 10's doing a special. Call Edward, too," he answered.

"It's Edgar, dad," I briefly corrected him. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. He really isn't the best with names.