Gabie's POV
"Hey! Besh, spilling beans to your best friend isn't that hard!" he finally blurted out as we got on the FX going home.
"Yeah, he's handsome and still smells good. I only just noticed his looks when he got closer," I started.
"Wow! A miracle!"
"Why a miracle?" I asked, curious.
"Because every time I mention men, you always say, 'You have to focus on studying first. No distractions.'"
"Actually, nothing has changed in my plan. I still want to focus on school," I said.
"Oh? But earlier, while you were talking, that big smile never left your face. And when you stared at him, it seemed like no one else existed around you."
"Luh! You're so mean!"
"I'm just saying what I noticed. The way you looked at him was so weird—it gave me a clue."
"Okay, I admit it. I have a crush on him, but it's not like there's any hope for more than that."
"How sure are you?"
"Pretty sure. It's just a happy crush. Besides, he probably has a girlfriend. It seemed impossible that he wouldn't."
"Oh? You're close to him if you can say that?"
"We don't have to be close for me to feel that way."
"Wow! Look at you, besh! I didn't even know you knew him that well!"
"That's just it—I barely know him. We only talked for a bit. I didn't even realize he was their boss. I hadn't noticed him during our previous visits."
"Oh, you sure?"
"Yes, just now. At least, that's all I can say."
"For your info, he was one of the panels during the audition. He was there during your second screening, too. I just didn't see him at the contract signing. I think he had to attend a meeting, so he left early. Meynard said so."
"You already know all that?"
"I only know because I talk to Neri a lot. He's rich, son of a famous film director and a late movie producer," I said, surprised at what I'd heard.
"Really? The one in the news?" I was sure.
"Yes, Neri told me the story. They thought the project would be delayed because Sir Miguel left after his father died. But he suddenly came back to work, so the audition continued."
"Didn't he mourn?"
"Not really. You know how he is—he keeps himself busy. According to Neri, their boss is a workaholic, and it rubs off on the whole team."
We talked the whole way home until we got off and started walking.
"Ma! We're home!" I called out, opening the door.
"Tita Beauty! We're here!" he shouted back.
"I'm in the kitchen. You're right in time; I bought some snacks. What do you want, juice or soda?" Mama asked.
"Wow, food! It's so nice living here with all these foods," Jhay said, heading to the kitchen, eyes on the snacks.
"Whatever I have here, so I don't have to go out again," I told Mama.
"Oh dear! There's nothing like this at home, so I asked what to buy," she explained.
"Ah! I'll buy it for you then," I said and quickly went out to get drinks because Jhay didn't want me to stay sitting after washing his hands.
When I got back…
"Oh my gosh, you're saying too much! You know your daughter," I he teased Mama.
"What are you talking about? I lost track of your conversation for a bit," she said.
"Nothing, besh. I just told your beautiful mother we saw someone handsome you really talked to.
"It's just a happy crush, Ma. He tends to exaggerate stories," I said casually.
"Oh, my! Why is it such a big deal they're talking about my crush? Isn't having a crush just normal? What's wrong with admiring someone? He's really handsome and hardworking. I just can't say much about his personality since I only talked to him once," I thought to myself.
"I didn't say anything!" Mama smiled meaningfully.
We kept enjoying the snacks. I told Mama about the shooting, and we greeted the perfect ones while we were away.
Miggy's POV
I took Meynard to their house so he could change before picking up his girlfriend. As for me, I headed straight to my uncle's house—I wanted to be with Mom. I didn't call ahead to surprise her because I had a plan for tonight.
After entering the house through the garage, I asked the maid, "Where's Mommy?"
"Oh, they left sir with your aunt, but your uncle was left out in the garden," she replied.
I immediately walked toward the garden to let him know I'd arrived.
"Uncle," I called.
He looked up. "Son, have you been here before?"
"Just arrived."
"They're not here. Beth and your mom left earlier. They said they were going to the mall."
I laughed. "That's how women really like to go to the mall."
"I'm really grateful your mom is here because if your Aunt Beth drags me to the mall, I get bored and tired just following her around," he said, and we both laughed.
"By the way, how are you and your son?" His tone suddenly grew serious.
It occurred to me this might be the right time to tell him about Daddy's secret.
I lied, "I'm a good uncle."
"You're good? I don't think so. Maybe you're just trying to be a good Miggy."
His words surprised me—I didn't expect that from him. I stayed silent, then bowed my head. He was right.
"What is it, son? You can tell me anything. No one can replace your father, but since he's gone, I, as your father's brother, am willing to listen to whatever's been weighing on your mind."
"Uncle, Mommy doesn't know what I'm about to tell you," I said hesitantly.
"That's no problem. I won't tell anyone—not even Aunt Beth. You can trust me."
Reassured, I took a deep breath and began.
"It's about Dad. One afternoon, Meynard told me that Dad's secretary, Alice, called and said Dad was inviting me to his office the next day." I tried to calm my nerves to tell the story clearly.
Throughout, Uncle just listened quietly. I could tell he was surprised, but he didn't interrupt. I told him everything—from discovering the birthday greeting card to my conversation with Dad, to my talk with Uncle Rick, Dad's best friend, about hiring an investigator, and the latest information we had.
"Sorry, Uncle. I only now have the courage to tell you this. I didn't know how before, and besides, I thought it wasn't the right time while everyone was still mourning Dad's death. Then Mommy had her incident, and my work schedule became hectic with big projects at the company," I confessed.
Many times, during my story, he sighed or gasped quietly. I knew this was shocking—none of us expected Dad could have been carrying such a burden. From where I sat, I avoided his gaze because I was still angry about what happened.
"Stop blaming yourself. It wasn't your fault. No one's to blame for what happened to my brother," he said.
Though his words were kind, I felt upset inside because I knew the truth was more complicated.
"Honestly, I've noticed for a long time he was having problems. He visited me at home and at the office several times before I stopped working. I thought he wanted to tell me something, but I never pressed. I waited for him to say it. I didn't tell anyone—not even your Aunt Beth—because I felt for him. Even after your father passed, I kept it to myself," he continued.
"I can't imagine how heavy that burden was. I thought father's money troubles were the main issue, but he never fully opened up. I'm sorry I didn't ask more. You don't deserve this mess your father left. But I'm proud of you—for stepping up to take on the responsibilities your father left behind. You said it yourself—that it was your father's last wish, and you want to honor it," he added.
I just nodded.
"Don't worry. I'll help you with whatever you need…"
Our intense conversation was interrupted by the sound of Mommy and Aunt Beth approaching.
"Hello there, son!" Mommy greeted with a bright smile, walking alongside Aunt Beth.
"Hi, Mom! Hi, Aunt!" I stood and hugged them both, planting kisses on their cheeks.
They greeted uncle with big smiles—far from the serious faces he and I wore during our talk.
"Sounds like you two were having a serious conversation?" Mommy asked.
"I'm just advising Miggy to get married—we're not getting any younger," Tito replied immediately, wrapping an arm around me. "Just ride with what I said."
I shook my head and smiled, suddenly nervous about Mommy's question.
"Since his ex-girlfriend left, I haven't heard of anyone else," mom added.
"It's not like that. I haven't found the woman I want to be with forever yet. Maybe we never will," I said with a smile.
"So just relax. One day… soon…" I added.
"Miggy, I haven't seen you go to bars or have fun. If I didn't know Meynard had a longtime girlfriend, I'd doubt you two," uncle joked, making everyone laugh.
"Uncle, I don't know you think like that about me," I teased.
"Well, I can't blame you. I haven't heard you're dating anyone," he said.
"Oh hey, that's enough. Let's eat now. Dinner's ready," Aunt Beth said still chuckling.
We went to the dining table.
"How was your commercial shoot?" she asked while serving food.
"It went well. All the footage is ready for editing," I replied.
"The company president stopped by earlier. It was brief, but perfect," I added.
Mom told us about her day with Aunt Beth and why they went to the mall. Later, we returned to the garden to continue our talk while Mommy and Aunt Beth had tea, and Uncle and I drank—half as sleeping pills, half as company.
Alone in my room later, I thought about the conversation uncle and I had before Mommy and Aunt Beth came back.
We never did complete it. I'm not sure when we'll have that conversation again to plan our future moves. I never wondered how we would tell Mommy everything. I'd want to inquire what's best for my sister—how we can meet and get to know her.
The weight on my chest felt lighter somehow. At least now, Uncle Manuel knows the truth. In the past, I was the only one. I kept everything hidden to protect myself, but now I can confide in him.
"Dad, I know you can hear me wherever you are. I told Uncle your secret—the one you've kept for so long. He'll help me with what comes next. We've found my sister, but I'm still worried about how Mommy will react. Dad, this is hard for me. But I finally told Uncle the truth. I'm sorry—for all the hurtful words I said, for letting my emotions control me, for not giving you the chance to explain. I'm sorry."
Tears streamed down my face. It was the first time I said all that out loud. Maybe because I was talking to Dad, I don't know. But I felt like he was listening.
Sleep swallowed me.
"Wake up, Miggy," Mommy's voice pulled me back.
"Mom? What's wrong?" I asked, startled. She rarely wakes me, especially on a Sunday when I usually sleep in.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but it's past noon. I have something to tell you," she said softly.
I sat up, shocked to see the time.
"What is it, Mom?"
"I called Carla to come tomorrow to help me get home. I also asked the maids to clean the house because I'll be staying there again. Don't worry, I'm still seeing my psychiatrist. But we need to be home for your father's forty-day prayer," she explained.
"I see. What will you be doing, Mom? I can't promise I'll be home every night," I said sadly.
I sighed, overwhelmed by her plans, but I agreed to let her come home.
"Have you talked to Aunt and Uncle about this?"
"Yes, and they understand."
I hurried to get ready because I knew Mommy was waiting.
When I went downstairs with my luggage, Mommy was already prepared. Aunt, Uncle, and Mommy were sitting in the living room talking.
I overheard Aunt Beth ask Mommy, "How is it that we're back to how things used to be, just by being here again?"
Mommy smiled and said, "Why don't you come to our place this time? So, we can all be together."
"Why not!" Tito answered.
"Well, I expected that. We won't stay long anyway. Thank you for letting me stay here a while," Mommy said, hugging Aunt Beth.
"You're always welcome," Aunt Beth replied.
"Thank you," Mommy said. Aunt and I hugged.
"Thank you so much," I said weakly.
"It's nothing, son. This home is always open to you," Uncle said warmly.
"Don't mention it. You're welcome to visit anytime. Call me if you need anything."
I nodded, understanding his meaning and deciding not to say more.
Mommy and I had a smooth trip home. While we're on the road, she called Meynard to talk to the nanny and tell them we were on our way.