5 Years Later
Serene
This is my new beginning. My life is no longer the same as before. After five years, I finally decided to return to the Philippines. Right now, I'm still at the airport, and in a few hours, I'll finally be home.
I'm wearing my red tent dress paired with chunky heels. I also have my rectangle rimless shades on and my Chanel bag hanging on my shoulder.
"Ma'am, your luggage is ready," one of my staff informed me.
"Okay, thanks," I replied as I adjusted my Chanel bag.
_____
After fourteen hours, the plane finally landed at NAIA Airport.
Five years felt both long and short, but I truly missed the Philippines.
As soon as I stepped off the plane, I put on my shades. As usual, people looked at me like I am some kind of celebrity. Cameras were pointed at me, phones were already recording, while others couldn't care less.
Honestly, I prefer those who don't care.
I continued walking inside the airport while waiting for Rebecca's driver. Unfortunately, the crowd followed me.
"No pictures, please!" I said as several people tried taking photos of me.
The more they post me on social media, the more bashers I'll attract. I already know people have never liked me.
Ang arte.
Ang yabang naman!
Sino siya?
Celebrity ba 'yan?
Arte naman.
Those are the only things I kept hearing as I walked through the airport.
Whatever. Say whatever you want. I don't give a damn.
Thankfully, Rebecca's driver finally arrived. Since I don't have a driver here in the Philippines, she asked him to pick me up. I immediately got inside the van and told him to head straight to the house I bought near my father's newly renovated home.
"Kuya, where's Rebecca?" I asked.
"Nasa bahay po nila, Ma'am," he answered.
"Hindi ba siya pupunta sa bahay ko?" I asked again.
"Busy po siya, Ma'am. Kaya pinapasundo na lang po niya kayo."
I simply nodded. She's really busy right now.
Maybe I'll just visit her myself. I miss her so much.
Forty minutes later, we finally arrived at my new house.
I stepped out of the van and looked at it in awe.
Even from the outside, it already looked breathtaking. The architecture was beautifully designed, and I especially loved the veranda terrace. It was exactly how I imagined it.
My gaze drifted toward Dad's house, which isn't too far away.
I wonder how his new wife will react after seeing me again after five years.
I mean... she'll probably remember everything she did to me back then.
I turned back to the driver.
"Thank you, Kuya. Ako na po ang bahala sa mga gamit ko. Pakisabi na lang kay Rebecca na dalawin niya ako kapag may time siya."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Using my house key, I unlocked the front door. The moment I stepped inside, I couldn't help but admire every corner. I never imagined it would turn out this beautiful.
I personally chose the color palette and interior style, but seeing everything completed is something else.
The entire house looked elegant. It would be the perfect home... someday.
Maybe for me, my future husband, and our children.
I wandered around the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, guest rooms, and even the movie room.
Just then, my phone rang.
Dad's name flashed across the screen.
I answered immediately.
"Hello," I said quietly.
"My lovely daughter! Kailan ang balik mo?" he asked cheerfully.
He didn't even ask how I was doing.
I let out a quiet sigh.
"Don't worry, Dad. I just want to live here permanently. Just continue enjoying your married life. Sana magtagal kayo."
I rolled my eyes after saying those words.
I still couldn't accept that he married a woman who is obviously after his money—and my mother's inheritance.
Gosh.
"My daughter has really grown up," Dad laughed. "You've become such an independent woman."
A bitter smile formed on my lips.
Even after everything...
I still couldn't completely let go of the resentment I had toward him.
But what choice did I have?
At the end of the day... I still wanted him to be happy.
I ended the call and slipped my phone back into my bag.
With a quiet sigh, I leaned back against the couch and closed my eyes for a moment.
Maybe I should just surprise Dad instead.
I miss him too.
I stood up, grabbed my bag, and walked outside. I got into the car I bought last week and drove toward Dad's mansion.
As soon as I parked outside the gate and stepped out of the car, several maids immediately rushed inside the house.
Are they scared of me?
Is this the first time they've seen a woman wearing red hair, a red dress, red lipstick, red heels, carrying a luxury bag, and driving an expensive car?
Maybe I looked a little... too much.
I simply shrugged and walked through the gate. It wasn't locked anyway.
Besides...
This is still my home.It had only been renovated, which is why it looked brand new.
Mom still owned this house.
Not his new wife.
What a shame.
"Wow... a complete family."I smiled as I stepped inside.
The three of them immediately turned toward me, their eyes widening as if they had just seen a ghost.
See?
I knew it.
Maybe my all-red outfit really is too eye-catching.
But hey... Red makes people happy.
At least, that's what I tell myself.
Dad's reaction, however, is priceless.
I couldn't blame him for looking so shocked.
I ran toward him and wrapped my arms around him.
"Dad! I missed you!"
He smiled as he hugged me back.
"Finally... you're back. You must be pranking me. I really thought you weren't coming home anymore."
I laughed softly before pulling away.
Giving my stepmother and stepsister a beso isn't exactly on my bucket list.
It felt awkward.
And honestly...
I didn't like it.
"Guys, I missed you. It's been five years, right?"
After the beso, I noticed the forced smiles on their faces.
Well...What else could they do?
Dad is here and no matter what happened...
I'm still his daughter.
"I told you, Dad. I love surprises. You never expected me to come home today." I smiled. "I've been planning this for a long time, but I've been really busy."
I kept my eyes on Dad, but from the corner of my eye, I caught my stepmother rolling her eyes.
Wow.
Then I looked at my stepsister.
She is obviously pouting.
"Angelica," I called with a sweet smile. "I know you're happy that I'm back. I think you missed me a lot."
I paused before adding,
"I missed you too."
She rolled her eyes.
"You still look pretty," I complimented while secretly clenching my fist.
The moment I saw both of their faces, memories from five years ago came rushing back.
I took a slow breath before turning to Dad.
"Actually, Dad... since I just arrived, can I stay here for a while? Wala kasi akong kasama sa bahay, and I really want to spend more time with you."
I almost laughed after seeing the expressions on their faces.
They were trying so hard to hide their irritation.
Too bad. Dad always had the final say.
Just like I said...I'm still my father's daughter.
"Of course, anak." Dad smiled warmly. "You're always welcome here. I even prepared a room for you. You can check it later."
I blinked in surprise. He actually prepared a room for me.
Even though my visit is unexpected.
"Welcome, hija," my stepmother said with a gentle smile. "If you need anything around the house, don't hesitate to ask me. You're always welcome here."
I returned her smile.
Sweet on the outside.
Plastic on the inside.
I could already smell another one of her schemes.
I've known her long enough.
"Welcome back, Sis. I'm happy to see you again," Angelica added.
Like mother, like daughter.
The true queen of pretending.
Dad's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen before standing up.
"Excuse me for a moment," he said. "Hilary, take care of Serene while I answer this."
The moment Dad stepped outside...
Everything changed.
Hilary and Angelica slowly walked toward me.
Just seconds ago, they looked so kind and welcoming.
Now...
Their real faces are back.
"Mom, look at her." Angelica laughed while looking me up and down. "She's wearing red. It's not even her birthday. Wala na ba siyang ibang maisip na kulay?"
Hilary chuckled as she glanced at my dress.
I simply smiled.
Let them think they're above me.
It doesn't cost anything to stay calm.
"Who told you red is only for birthdays?" I smiled innocently.
"It also looks good... at someone's funeral."
Both of them fell silent.
Their mouths slowly opened in disbelief.
"Did I offend you?" I tilted my head.
"Well... you deserved it."
Hilary stepped closer until our faces are only inches apart.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Bakit ka bumalik?" she hissed. "Nakalimutan ka na ni Lance. Ikaw pa talaga ang may ganang bumalik sa pamamahay namin."
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Who told you that?" I asked calmly.
"Who's your source?"
I folded my arms.
"Like, hello? Dad was the one who asked me to come back."
I smiled sweetly.
"You're beautiful, Hilary."
I paused.
"It's just unfortunate that your attitude smells worse than garbage."
Her jaw tightened.
She looked like she wanted to slap me.
I simply raised an eyebrow.
Did they really think I was still the same girl from five years ago?
"Hindi totoo ang mga sinasabi mo!" she shouted. "Bawiin mo ang mga sinabi mo! Kung ako sa'yo, bumalik ka na lang sa America bago ka magsisi."
Empty threats.
Nothing more.
I rolled my eyes as my phone suddenly rang.
Dad had texted me, telling me to check out the room he prepared for me.
Without saying another word, I left the two of them in the living room and headed upstairs.
The moment I opened the bedroom door, I froze.
It's beautiful.
I honestly didn't expect Dad to prepare all of this for me.
The room is spacious, elegant, and decorated exactly the way I liked. It almost felt like I had never left. Maybe this afternoon, I'll move my things from my other house and settle in here.
My phone buzzed again. It's Rebecca.
Rebecca: Open your social media. Your stepmother just posted something about you.
I sighed. The last thing I wanted to do is open social media.
Still... Curiosity got the better of me.
Since I didn't follow Hilary on any platform, I searched for her name instead.
The first thing that greeted me is a photo of me walking inside the airport.
The caption read:
"My eldest daughter is finally back."
I almost laughed. Her eldest daughter?
Since when? She never treated me like her own child.
Not even once.
I scrolled through the comments.
Most people were saying how lucky she was to have such a beautiful daughter. Others were asking us to post a picture together.
A soft chuckle escaped my lips.
People really believed we had a healthy relationship.
Hilary truly deserved an award for pretending.
Still...
I'll grant everyone's wish.
It's just a picture, after all.
Funny how she could proudly post me online after humiliating me years ago.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket before heading downstairs.
Halfway down the stairs, I ran into my half-sister.
She looked me up and down with obvious disgust.
So...
I did the exact same thing.
I slowly scanned her from head to toe before raising an eyebrow.
She stopped in front of me and crossed her arms.
"You don't belong here," she sneered. "Pinagsisiksikan mo pa talaga ang sarili mo rito."
Wow.
The confidence.
I smiled sweetly. But my eyes remained fixed on her feet.
"Wala ba kayong nail brush dito?" I asked innocently.
"Ang dumi ng kuko mo."
She immediately looked down at her nails before glaring at me.
Her face turned bright red with embarrassment.
I simply smiled.
As I walked past her, I deliberately bumped my shoulder against hers.
Not too hard.
Just enough to annoy her.
Well...
Let's see who really doesn't belong here.
When I reached the living room, I walked straight toward Hilary.
"I'll borrow your phone, Mom."
She looked at me in surprise.
Her eyes widened as if I had just asked for her bank account.
"M-May I ask... what are you going to do?" she asked nervously.
She slowly opened her bag and took out her phone.
"Here... just don't open my other apps."
The hesitation in her voice almost made me laugh.
As soon as she handed me the phone, I smiled.
"Hala, bakit?" I teased.
"May tinatago po ba kayo?"
I tilted my head.
"You can tell me your secrets. Anak n'yo naman ako, 'di ba?"
She couldn't answer.
Dad is sitting comfortably on the couch, quietly watching us.
No matter how badly she wanted to snap at me...
She couldn't. I opened the camera and stood beside her.
I moved closer.
Much closer than she is comfortable with.
Her shoulders visibly stiffened.
She looked like she wanted to disappear.
Click.
Click.
Two quick selfies. I handed the phone back to her with a bright smile.
"There."
"Pakipost na lang kapag may Wi-Fi kayo."
Without waiting for a response, I walked away.
Behind me, I heard Angelica's voice.
"What the heck, Mom?" she exclaimed as she grabbed Hilary's phone.
"She really did that to you? Huwag kang pumayag, Mom!"
Dad looked up from the couch.
"Anak," he said calmly, "what kind of question is that?"
He chuckled. "Of course she's normal."
"She just wanted to take a selfie with your mom."
"Pagbigyan mo na. Kakabalik lang ng ate mo."
"Baka na-miss lang niya ang mommy mo."
Over my dead body. Why would I miss the woman who made my life miserable?
The same woman who helped destroy my family.
Not even in another lifetime.