Chapter 91: Chapter 91

The familiar heat of the weather touched my skin when I came out of the airport. I was wearing a black crop top shirt underneath my denim jacket that was hanging loosely on my back shoulders, paired it with my ripped fitted jeans—which made me look sophisticated. I roamed my eyes around and a small smile plastered on my lips when I saw my father.

He was standing by the side of his car, waiting for my arrival. He didn't notice me yet because he was focused on typing on his phone so I started walking. My heels made a noise every time I stepped on the cement as well as the wheels of the suitcase I'm carrying, so when I was only two meters away from Daddy, he looked up at me. He quickly straightened up and greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome back," he murmured as he gave me a hug.

I let go of my suitcase and hugged him back. "Thanks, Dad."

Daddy slowly let go after a few minutes and then stared at me blankly. He caressed my cheek for a moment before smiling again. I couldn't help but check him too. I can't deny that my father's appearance has changed a lot since I last saw him. There are a few wrinkles under his eyes and some of the white strands of his hair are also noticeable.

It's been five years since we last saw each other in person. As planned, I went to America to live my life and to avoid the trouble I caused. While remembering what happened in the past, I still couldn't help but feel a little pain in my chest. I am just thankful that Daddy's condition improved after six months of treatment and therapy.

"Let's go?" he caught back my attention.

I smiled at him and nodded. After that he helped me put my suitcase in the car and then we got into the car together. He was glancing at me from time to time that's why I couldn't help but notice. Daddy must have noticed that so he chuckled softly.

"You've grown a lot," he said.

I snorted. I don't know how to answer or react. We were never close when I was at home. We will talk but not like this. I couldn't explain it, but this time our relationship as a father and daughter went deeper. Maybe because of what we went through, the truths that I learned, that was the way for us to open the door for each other.

Even before I left for America, Mama explained everything to me. Yes, my biological mother. How they sinned against Mommy Francheska. Her story is that she and Daddy had a secret relationship even before he married Mommy. They were not able to make it public because she was just a helper to Daddy's family at that time. Mama admitted that she was blinded by her love the reason why she cheated with my dad. When she ended their relationship, it was too late already, Mama was pregnant with me. Daddy told me the same story when we talked on the phone once. He said that it was too late when he decided to marry Mommy, when he fell in love with her, that's when I came into their lives. Somehow, I understand my stepmom's hatred towards me.

I don't justify the wrongs she did to me. But she is also only human so I understand. The important thing right now is that we are all fine. We can never go back to make the past right. Mommy and I talk well and I do the same with Mama. We decided to let go of the past because letting it haunt us will not do anything good.

"How's your flight?" Daddy asked while we were in the middle of the flight.

"It's okay," I replied then turned to the outside of the car window.

I don't know if I can recall the sights from then; there was a big change. Many have changed but I still feel the same way. Nothing new.

My dad and I casually talked about my life for the past five years. I also said hello to our business because that's the reason why I came back to the Philippines. My stepsister wanted to pursue law. Mommy, on the other hand, is no longer physically strong enough to be stressed in business, same as dad since he had a stroke before. In the end, they asked me to handle our company.

I want to refuse. I know that for all that they have done to me, that is all I can repay. Besides that, I plan to really go back to the country. It's fun to live in America, I got the freedom and peace I wanted. But I don't understand why I still feel trapped.

Maybe because I went there to escape.

I sighed as I remembered what happened to me before. That is also one of the reasons why I want to decline the management of the company. I made a mess. I bet the people in the company still remember it. But unlike before, I am more stable now. I need to be stronger for the people who depend on me.

"I thought you wouldn't follow Luisa going home," Dad interrupted my thoughts.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Is that possible?" I shook my head.

He smiled. "Are you staying at home?"

I bit my lip because of his hopeful tone. "Maybe just for a week, Dad. Or until I find a condo unit to move to," I weakly answered.

I could see his shoulders slump gently in sadness.

"Dad, you know we can't stay together, right?" I said softly.

Yes, Mommy Francheska and I are fine but that doesn't mean it's okay for us all to live in the same house. Five years ago, my biological mother came with me on my trip to America. We all got along well because of the space that happened. That's when I realized I can't really be with my dad's family.

Mommy didn't have time to heal for all those years that we were all together, Daddy didn't let me feel the love he wanted to give for fear of his family feeling bad about it. While my real mother was content to be known as a helper who could take care of me quietly.

"I understand," my dad answered and smiled genuinely.

I know he will really understand my decision. We are all in a better situation now. No hard feelings. No fight. No lies.

After a few hours, we finally stopped in front of Daddy's house. I immediately saw Mommy Francheska in the doorway when I got out of the car. She smiled at me; I smiled back. At that moment, I knew, I did the right thing.

Yes, maybe she hasn't been a good mother to me, but still I can't say she's been too bad to me. Her feelings are valid. Her hatred is valid. I understand her although it can't justify her wrong doings.

"How's your flight?" she asked me when I am finally in front of her.

Daddy immediately came to him. He kissed her on the forehead and then gently wrapped his arm around Mommy's waist.

Happiness filled my heart seeing that they are now fixing their marriage.

"It's okay. I'm just a little tired because I worked before the flight," I answered.

Mommy shook her head as if she wanted to lecture me. "It's good that you've finished that and you've been able to go home. I’m so over your mother, she always took my job in the kitchen," Mommy grumbled.

I couldn't help, but to laugh at her statement. Unlike before, she can joke now. Yes, it was a joke. Just like the two of us, she and Mama are fine. Even if it's not too much, I can say that the difference is big than before. Maybe because everything had a closure.

"Let's go inside. It's hot outside," said Daddy.

I just nodded and followed their walk. My eyes automatically roamed around when I went inside the house. Not much has changed apart from some furniture that has been added. The ambiance was still the same. I feel like I haven't left in years. My gaze stopped at the girl who was sitting comfortably on the couch—watching some anime cartoon. Her almond eyes widened when she glanced at me.

" Gio! Mommy's already here!" a shrill voice echoed all over the house.

"Really?!" Gio responded as he came out of the kitchen.

I chuckled and bent my knees before opening my arms. "Mommy wants a super hug from her babies."

On cue, they both ran towards me and gave me a tight hug. I just smiled and kissed them both on the forehead. Finally, after a week, I could hold my twins again.