YOUR HEART KNOWS IT

PART 54

David and his family just arrived. The kids are already in their cute swimming attire. They were jumping excitedly as soon as their feet touched the ground but their mom reminded them it was late to go to the beach as they arrived later than anticipated. Suddenly it was a scene of throwing tantrums. It made me smile watching Cynthia persuade them into doing something else using her motherly tricks while David casually makes a conversation with Pops to avoid the situation.

I turned my back on them disappearing into the kitchen so I can set everything I need. Preparing for a feast is nothing new to me. It's a piece of cake.

"Let me help you with that" David said taking a bunch of leeks.

"Oh you don't have to, just go and take a rest. Also, you have to look after the kids"

"They're fine, they're with their mom. Please, it's been almost two hours since our arrival and there's nothing much to do anyways" I do get his point, I think the twins are the only ones enjoying right now out of everyone.

"Besides I want to talk to you about something" he seems serious so I stopped what I was doing.

"Okay hun, what is going on?" I curiously asked.

"It just doesn't make sense you know"
I probably guess this is about Daphne. I knew the idea of Justin joining us doesn't sit well with him judging by the tone of his voice earlier when I asked why Dee is not with them.

"David I do-- "

"Daddy! Daddy! Come I wanna show you something" one of the twins said barging out of the blue and grabbing her father's hand.

"I'll be with you in a minute sweetie," he said gesturing for the kids to go out first.

" Let's talk about this later okay? With Dee? " I decided not to continue what I was about to say before Brielle interrupted us. I think it's better if the three of us discuss this once and for all.

He stayed silent for a second.

"David?" I asked again just to make sure he is still with me but no answer.

"I don't want you thinking that I don't have time to listen to your opinions nor that I only care about Dee but I also do not know how to handle this kind of situation. Just let it slide for now okay hun? I'm sure Daphne has her reasons let's not make it harder for her. Please?" I pleaded.

"You are right. I'm sorry" he said sighing

"I'm sorry too. You know I love you both right?"

"Right, right," he said while I give him a pat on the back. We are both leaning side by side on the countertop and through the window, we saw the familiar car coming into view.

"Well speaking of the devil," he said sarcastically. I try to nudge him but he avoided it. We ended up laughing together as we make our way to welcome the other guests.

"Be nice" I said.
"Fine." with his physique you wouldn't guess that David can be a man of sensitivity. I appreciate how he cares so much for us, sometimes too much that I had to learn how to reject his gestures positively so as not to hurt his feelings.

Daphne got out of the car first and gave Pops a tight squeeze and of course, Justin who I know is getting awkward in the ambiance, especially with David and his gaze.

"Long time no see, I'm glad you could join us," I said.

"I'm glad I could," he said and hugged me.

I glared at our friend who scoffed at the scene in front of him. "What?" he mugged. "Behave" I mouthed.

"Did you check with Mang Ed?" I asked diverting my gaze to Dee who can clearly feel the tension.

"Yes they'll be here tomorrow by 6 am"

" Tell him they don't need to rush"

"Will do"

"Thank you"

"You are welcome hun, and oh there's something I forgot to tell you"

"What's that?"

"I kind of invited some people, I hope you don't mind"

"Who?"

"Hmmmmm" by the look on her face I did not need to guess who they'll be.

"Daphne, you did not?!" sure she mentioned it before, but I'm pretty sure I said maybe next time.

"Sorry, I already did. Besides Mang Paeng won't mind, right mang?" she said looking in Pop's direction who has no idea what she was talking about.

"Urgh! You're crazy"

"I know, right?" she said chuckling.

Sure enough two cars can be spotted a few yards away.
The silver Nissan van and white Honda parked simultaneously and
seconds later I'm being knocked off my feet by Clover's hug. I can't help but be nervous watching her parents stepping out of the car and for the second time today, I've been knocked off my feet this time by tita Drea's hug who seems to be the most excited among us.

I watch on the side as the greeting began between them. One by one and I kind of hate to admit it but a part of me is happy that Daphne invited him, I mean them. Where is he anyway?

"Hi," I heard coming up behind me. I turned around to see Flute with his usual attractive form but there was something different about him and I can't tell if I am disappointed or sad. Sad? Really Rachel?

"Nice to see you," he said but I wonder what was with all this cloudy aura.

"Hi back," I said forcing a smile.