Miggy's POV
Another day at work.
"Alright, I can call Andrew later so they can fix it right away," Meynard said after I explained to him the things that he needs to do tomorrow.
We had a pretty good trip today even though there was a bit of traffic but it was progressing somehow so we didn't spend much time on the road.
"Hi mom!" I greeted her as soon as I saw her awake and she was smiling while talking to Carla.
"Miggy, son!" she greeted me happily and then she smiled at Meynard.
"We brought some food. Of course, you won't miss your favorite pasta," I told her as I laid the food on the table. Then I approached her to kiss her on the forehead.
While Carla and Meynard were busy preparing for us to eat right, I talk to her while I was sitting beside her on her hospital bed.
"How are you feeling?" I asked her.
"I'm good, son. Sorry for making you worry," she replied sadly.
It's fine, Mom, as long as you promise me not to do it again," she didn't say a word, and she only answered me by shaking her head and I saw tears in his eyes slowly falling down her cheeks. I gently wipe the tears on her cheeks with my thumb and hush her at the same time.
"Are you hungry?" I changed the subject. I am happy because she nodded so I immediately looked at the table to check the food we had brought.
"Hold on for a bit I'll get you some food," I said, and Carla rushed over to help mommy to sit down and set the bed table so she could eat properly while I was preparing her food.
"Here, you want me to feed you?" when I went back to her side.
"It's okay. I can do it. Just get your own food so we can eat all together. Carla, Meynard, go ahead and eat with us, we should eat all together," she said. We took our food one by one because she didn't start eating knowing she was waiting for the three of us to join her. When she saw us holding plastic containers and we were ready to eat our own food, that's when she started to eat the food I gave her.
Everything went well as we were talking while we were all eating our dinner. We make sure that the conversation is full of fun so that as much as possible she will feel better. She doesn't talk that much but she joins us laughing every time Meynard would crack a joke, though she doesn't laugh like before, but it's also good to see her smiling a bit and even laugh a little with us, for me it is a huge development.
We waited for her to fall asleep before Meynard and I decided to leave and head home.
"Carla, I'm so sorry we have to leave again with mom, please take good care of yourself too, okay?" I told her.
"Sir, can we talk outside first?" she whispered to me.
"Uh, yeah, sure! Alright, come on. Nard, we'll just talk for a while. Please stay here first, if in case she wakes up just kindly tell her that we're out to buy some coffee," I whispered to him, and then Carla and I went out swiftly right away.
"Sir, ma'am's doctor talked to me earlier but we made sure that she won't deliberately hear about what her doctor discussed to me," she said as soon as I closed the door.
"Why did the doctor say?"
"He reminded me about what ma'am Barbs needs, he wants us to inform her as soon as possible that she needs to ask a professional help from a psychiatrist to assess her condition. Because the doctor said that there were things that ma'am can't tell us, which made her emotions heavy for her, that's why she ended up drinking because she just wants to forget and she is also having a hard time sleeping. She might have a lot of things that she wanted to tell to your dad, but she didn't have the time to do so, even way back then that sir G was still alive. Or maybe there are many things that are not clear to her. Then she took the loss of Sir G deeply to the bottom of her heart. She said it was really difficult for her because she wasn't able to catch up with your dad. She might end up in a depression if she is not given attention as early as possible. I'm glad that we're able to get the chance to talk right now, ma'am Barbs needs someone she can trust her emotions and her thoughts she can't share with us, she needs somebody to help her understand the things that keep bothering her," she explained.
"Okay, no problem, I understand. Thank you for doing all these things on my behalf. By the way, did you ask her doctor if he could recommend a psychiatrist for mom?"
"Oh, I forgot to ask about that. No worries, I can ask him on his next visit. Another thing sir, you know that Meynard's mom was here together with his younger sister, right? I didn't get the chance to stop her talking about your dad, she even volunteered to ma'am Barbs that she should visit your dad at the Heritage, she will gladly accompany your mom. But you know what dumbfounded me about her conversation? Ma'am Barbs told Meynard's mom and Jenny that she doesn't need to visit your dad at the Heritage because he's not there. She said, ``your dad is waiting for her at his study," she reiterated sadly. I gasped when I heard what Carla said.
"Mommy really needs to see a psychiatrist I know and I understand how hard it is for her, she's still in denial that dad already left us," the words that I heard pierce right through my heart like a sharp dagger. It hurts me so much to know the condition of my mom.
"I'm so sorry mom, I'll take all the blame because I know that it is all my fault why dad left us now. If only I was in the right mind at that moment, I should've given him the chance to explain everything and I would've widened my horizon to understand things clearly. I could've saved dad from the pain that triggered his cardiac arrest."
"Kindly find a way to ask the doctor tomorrow if he could recommend someone from here, it would be better if the psychiatrist her doctor can recommend comes from here. So, it would be easy for her to come here for her upcoming sessions. No matter how I wanted to do these things personally I'm so sorry I can't. My schedule is very hectic nowadays because of this big project under my management. The president of the company personally entrusted that to me that's why I can't leave the office until everything is fixed and ready," I explained to her why I have to ask her to do those things on my behalf.
"There is no problem with that, sir. It's okay. Let me take care of it tomorrow morning and then I'll just let you know either I'll call you or if you can be here after your work," she said and then she smiled at me.
"Thank you so much, Carla! You are really a blessing to us, especially to mommy. You are a truly amazing one. Don't worry, I'll make up with you as soon as my schedule is clear. I understand you also need to relax and enjoy," I assured her and then I gently squeezed her shoulder.
"It's okay sir, I can't leave ma'am Barbs alone. I know and I understand that you are busy with your work. I can rest well at night, so that's enough for me. What's more important is that I am here to look after her and take care of her while your schedule is hectic, just for the meantime. Make up with her as soon as you can, I know that she needs you and you likewise you need your mom," then she slightly taps my shoulder.
"Yeah, I really felt guilty though. Because I can't give her enough time for us to be together, especially now that we are running after our deadline for the launching of the commercial," I said shyly.
"I know that your mom understands you a lot, just make up with her as soon as you can. Alright, it's getting late now, you have to drive back to your condo. You still have work tomorrow, I'll see you then," she said, dismissing our conversation.
"Okay then, thank you very much! I won't get back in anymore, just kindly tell Meynard that we're leaving so that mommy won't be disturb from her deep slumber. I'll just wait for him here. Thank you."
Then she walks back into mommy's room. Not long after that, I saw Meynard show up, so we walked to the elevator together to go down to the hospital parking lot.
The following day.
"Sir, I have already set a schedule for the next screening. It will be the day after tomorrow, as per the in-charge team that is also the day where the client's representative will be available. We'll be doing it at the same place to avoid unnecessary circumstances. Neri is now arranging it with the hotel staff for the venue. Then for another project of ours, the in-charge team is asking when can you be available for their presentation?" he said while looking at the tablet on his checking my schedules and the to-do lists.
"Is that for the toothpaste commercial of the local company?"
"Yes, sir."
"Set that for me please because you know my schedule better than me. Just let me know when it's already fixed."
"Okay. One more thing sir, the President wants to talk to you. You can go up to his office any time before lunch, he is waiting for you. He didn't say why only his secretary told me earlier."
"Okay, I'll be there. I'll just finish what I'm doing now and then I'll go after it. Anything else?"
"None, so far. I'll leave you now, I have to check for further details with the team," he said and then he left my office.
I was busy reviewing the documents on my desk when I was left alone. I couldn't wait for Meynard to come back. I went to the company president's office as I would.
He greeted me and asked about my mom's condition. It turned out that what happened the other day had reached him. Then we talked about work after some casual chat. We discussed the ongoing projects and the upcoming projects as well so it took some time before our conversation ended. It was already lunch time when I left the President's office. I caught up with Meynard, who was reading while waiting for me so we could have lunch.
Gabie's POV
"Besh! Besh!"
"Oh! It's you, Jhay! Come in first," I heard Mama say that Gabie was still taking a bath because she had just woken up because she was doing something for school last night.
"Hi my beautiful aunt!" that's my best friend ladies and gentlemen, she always greets my mother like that. He is always pleased to see my mom and never misses appreciating my mom's beautiful face. My mom has Phil-Am beauty because of my grandfather.
"Hey! How annoying you really are! Your voice can be heard throughout the whole barangay!" I shouted when I came out of the bathroom while I was heading to my room to get dressed. I saw his eyes rolling at me but I just ignored it. I already got used to his antics.
"Hmp! There's nothing wrong with being happy, you know! Just so you know I am so happy today because I just got good news!" he reiterated. I didn't answer, I was just in a hurry to get dressed so that I could talk to him because based on the tone of his voice I knew he's having good news. He really tends to make some noise when he's happy, thank goodness to our neighbors they are very considerate. It's a good thing that no one is complaining about him, because he may have grown accustomed to the sound of his own mouth.
"What news are you talking about?" I asked immediately after leaving my room after putting on my uniform because I'm in a hurry. I've got a one o'clock class and it's already almost twelve noon.
"Well, the ad agency just called me early this morning to let me know that you're in for a second screening!" he screamed and jumped at the same time, it's like he's won a lottery. He's more excited for me.
"Hey! Don't be too loud, the neighbors will soon get pissed at us!" I rebuked him once I slapped him on the shoulder.
"Ouch! Control yourself, will you?!You're so harsh! Auntie, I admire your daughter's lovely face but I hate her for beating me. It's hurtful," she complained to mama like a child, who just laughed at him while mama fixed the things she would send to her online customers. That's my mama, a beautiful and hardworking mother. She sells clothes, shoes, jewelry, make-up, and different frozen food as well through online.
"Hey, aren't you happy with my news for you? Don't you wanna be famous?" he wondered because I was stunned in front of the mirror as I looked at Mama, who was busy with what she was doing.
"It's not like that, it's just that you can't take away the nervousness I feel because it's the first time I joined that kind of audition! It's still easier for me to do print ad modeling than this one. I'm new to this kind of ad. I was just thinking that I would face the camera again as if my whole body was immediately getting cold with nervousness. Then it's surreal for me that I was chosen to undergo the second screening, in fairness, there are many ladies there who are better than me who have the experience already in commercials like a different product though," I explained.
"That's why I told you to try it! I know you will be chosen. You're right, there are many beautiful ladies who joined the audition, but the question is, are they confident enough? Do they have the beauty like you do? I heard from the staff that they meant not to take experienced ones in the tv commercials because the management wanted a fresh new look. They wanted a face that hasn't been seen yet on television endorsing some other products."
"Let's just be thankful that I got in for the next screening but let's not be too confident because we don't know yet. Then I don't really think about it too much. If it's meant to happen then it will, but if not, it's okay. I still have other projects in print ads,"
"Why did they ask you to do that audition?" Mama joined the conversation after minutes of silently listening to us.
"I just asked to stand in front of the camera, they asked my first name and then I smiled in front of the camera as per instructions by them they were closed up so they could see the texture of my facial skin," I replied.
"Well, it's not difficult. Why are you so nervous, I thought you were used to that?" mama asked me again.
"Mom, it's far different when you're acting in front of a video cam than just doing some pose for still photos. I felt more nervous and more conscious of that audition than on go-see that obviously I already got used to," I explained.
"Just listen carefully to what they have to say and follow everything they want you to do. Maybe it's worth giving that a try, so calm and compose yourself. You want to earn it, don't you? That's a clean way to do it, so there's no problem with that. Don't think too much about things and the people watching you, stop thinking also about you being seen on the television if you will be chosen to do that commercial so that you don't get nervous," she gave an advice which made me smile because I am happy to hear from her. I know that she supports me on whatever I do, but this time is different from those previous auditions that I did. This could be the biggest project that I will have in case I can make it.
"Thanks mama! By the way, I'm leaving now, I don't want to be late for school," I said and kissed her cheek.
"All right, take care!"
"Mom, you too. Please take good care of yourself! Please be aware that you are walking along the street and that you're not inside our own house!" I suddenly preached.
"Oh, if you're not going somewhere, you should take care of mama, okay? Thanks for the news! I'll see you later when I get home. I only have two subjects today, so I can go home early," I told Jhay.
"No problem, beshie! I'll take care of Aunt Beauty. I'll be with her now because I'm not doing anything."
"Good! Thanks anyway, bye!"
That's my best friend, I know I can always count on. He regularly hangs out at our house. Sometimes he even sleepovers when we spend late nights at the photo shoots. He always accompanies me in all my gigs. It was as though I had an instant brother in him. There is no dull moment when he is with you, unless he's been through something because you can see the very opposite of him. How noisy he is when he is in a good mood. He overcomes the dumb by being silent when he has a problem. Just like when his father had an accident at work, his father accidentally fell on steel while mixing cement. Fortunately, the company did not neglect and covered all the costs of hospital treatment, and they also received a little help because his father could no longer work while he was recovering. So, I felt sorry for him that he had to stop school because they would not be able to cope if he continued. Because what he earns from our gigs he pays for school and other things he needs and he also gives to his mother as help with their household expenses. Jhay is the eldest of three siblings.
Miggy's POV
"Nard, do I have anything else to do after this?"
"Nothing so far, unless there are sudden things you need to do. Why sir?"
"The private investigator just called me, his name was Willie, I just found out if I hadn't looked at the calling card, he gave me. He said we need to meet him because he has something important to say," I explained.
"Note, I'll take care of it first and then I'll just inform you."
"I can't wait for you because I have to go early to the hospital and I have to talk to mom's Psychiatrist," I said.
Then he hurriedly left. It's only three o'clock in the afternoon. It's good that it's still early and the traffic isn't so congested at this time.
"I'm sorry uncle, I called you suddenly," when I saw him waiting for us in the lobby. I called him earlier and then I told him about what Willie told me on the phone. I'm calling him as we arrived in the hotel where we had our meeting before.
"It's alright. I'm not doing anything and even if I do something, I will still go because this matter is very important to me."
"Thank you so much uncle! Oh, here he is. Let's go!" Then we walked together into the former private room I had booked.
"Good afternoon. I'm sorry if I called you for a meeting so suddenly. I got some information upon investigating. I went to the address you gave me, sir, and I asked around there if anyone knew her or knew where she had moved," Willie started talking.
"Someone said that a neighbor who used to be a taxi driver was the one who carried her belongings when she moved. So that's the next thing I did. I am looking for a taxi driver. When I was able to talk to him, I paid him to accompany me to the place where Teresa moved in, in case she's still living there. Unfortunately, she's no longer living there. Because the owner said she had also moved out six months after she gave birth. The former landlady said that she gave birth to a baby girl but she doesn't have an idea of where she transferred. I searched the hospitals where she probably gave birth in case I could get a lead. And luckily, I found out that she gave birth at the Manila Hospital," he explained as he unloaded one by one the documents he had gathered during his investigation.
"Even the schools that her daughter could possibly attend, I also went there one by one to trace their current address. But every time I get the address and go there, it says they're no longer living there. Teresa and her daughter lived somewhere when the child started her studies. As far as the information I got, the important thing is that every time I get to know where they used to live it leads me to the next address and so on and so forth, so I have a strong feeling that I will soon be able to find where they are living now," he concluded.
"It means she really doesn't want Gabriel to know where she and her daughter live," commented Uncle Rick.
"That's right; in other words, she stands by what she said on the card, to not locate her anymore," Willie replied to Uncle, while Meynard and I quietly looked at the documents lying on the table while listening to their conversation.
"This is my first time meeting this kind of woman, she's one in a million. She deliberately walks away from the father of her daughter; this is a rare case. Mostly, they run after the father of their daughter or son claiming their child/children's rights," uncle commented again, as if he was thinking deeply while crouching down at the table.
"It's just means maybe she doesn't want to be in trouble and she doesn't want many people to know about her situation and her connection to Mr. Sansebastian because she knows Mr. Sansebastian is a very well-known person in the entertainment industry. I could say that Mr. Sansebastian was so lucky with this woman because she does not chase and create scandals to get attention, unlike the others," said Willie.
"Yes, it's amazing! Especially since she's moving from one place to another and then she has a child, I know it's not easy for her to do things of her own," uncle is nailed.
"You're right, it is my first time also to know this kind of woman. She's very brave and it's really amazing to know what she did to raise her child on her own," Meynard agreed in the conversation. As for me, I was stunned again by what I found out.