Present

"If plants need rain and sun to grow, and rainbows are made of light and water, are rainbows plants food?" Ricos' innocent question got Kade's eyebrows flocked before he matched it with a pleasing smile.

"Woah, do you know that there's a homogeneous granular fertilizer named Rainbow Plant Food from Montgomery, Alabama?" He informed. "Sometimes, we use those."

"Fertilizers makes plants healthy, don't they?"

"Got it right," Kade winked at him and chuckled. "The next time you're free, I'm gonna bring you at the ranch. That is if your Aunt Roe will buy you one of those badass cowboy boots that fits your feet."

"Oh! She will!" His hopeful eyes grew wide turning into Romee sitting across them, beside me.

"Give me time to think about it," she pretended not to care about Ricos and bowed her head to her food, making my cute little Ricos pout. "I can think a lot faster if you'll zero your plate."

"Aha, you finish your food then we'll check the stores here and find you a boots."

"Like yours?" The gleam of excitement in his eyes can't be traded for anything!

With that little smile tugged into his lips, I know he's enjoying Kade's presence. Well, no kid will ever get bored with Kade. He's just so patient with everything. I can just shrug; if he has kept his patience through the years will all the horses, bulls -the literal bulls- and all the animals we got up the ranch, then he'll be damn if he loses it to kids.

"P, are you okay?"

I turned to Romee when she called my attention. I nodded my head and reassured her with a smile. I don't know how to answer her, but I've managed to keep it cool, or I hope so.

Yesterday, Aidan went out after dinner because of an emergency with his friend, Viel. She said she was rushed to the hospital due to an overdose; she was so sad and all that when Aidan didn't pick her up after we had lunch.

"I can't believe you're just okay about it," she shook her head.

Neither I can't believe that I've somehow managed to deal with the idea that Aidan didn't come home last night. Kaninang umaga'y naabutan ko siyang nag-bibihis, he said he was sorry and told me that his friend was already discharged all because she doesn't want to be confined. He promised me that he'd take us out for dinner to make up for what he missed; that sounded okay with me, yet as the day got old, he called me, changing his plans.

But I already told Ricos that we're heading out for dinner, I don't want to disappoint him. So I called Ro, maybe she could join us. Gladly, she was free, and she brought Kade with her.

Kade is Romee's bitch. He bows at her orders anytime, anywhere. Some sort of bond that reminds everyone of how Mom and Tito Roy were back in the day.

"Why won't I be?"

"Anong why won't I be ka dyan?" Umirap siya sa kawalan. "For all we know that woman is a fake. Never underestimate her being an actress, goodness!"

Sinagot ko iyon ng maiksing tawa at ipinagpatuloy na lamang ang aking pagkain. I don't wanna entertain thoughts to welcome jealousy in me. Aidan and I haven't cleared things yet, hindi pa namin gaanong napapag-usapan iyon, because we can't squeeze time for it. Dapat ay kagabi, kaya lang he was needed by his friend. Though, our relationship is getting better now.

If there's one thing I've learned after everything that we've been through apart, it is that jealousy is a disease, and love is a healthy condition. The immature mind often mistakes one for the other or assumes that the greater the love, the greater the jealousy. The truth is, they are almost incompatible. One emotion hardly leaves room for the other.

Matapos kumain ay hindi pa kami agad na umuwi, Ricos has been claiming Romee's promise to buy him cowboy boots. It's so obvious in the twinkle of his eyes how excited he is to hike up the ranch with Kade as they talk nonstop about all the animals on the ranch.

"Tito Kade, why can't I see my eyes?" here we go again for some out-of-this-world question.

Narinig kong humagikgik si Romee saking tabi. "Oh, how I love this angel, Paris!"

"It's because of the placement of our eyes," simpleng sagot ni Kade. "don't ever question it, that's how God wants it."

"Oh, okay" tumatangong sabi ni Ricos habang namimilog parin ang mga mata.

We went into a store of shoes with various selection, si Ricos ay agad na hinila si Kade sa kung saan naroon ang mga pambatang sapatos.

"Pick something comfy for him, Kade" paalala ni Romee.

"I know, sweetheart"

"If I'm a woman not anyhow related with Kade, I'd probably wanna marry him and fall in love with him over and over," Romee commented as we watched Kade patiently assist my nosy son, with the knot on his forehead while taking the little boots that Ricos handed him, surely he's about to answer tons of questions. "I'm a big fan of him. How I wish they manufacture more boys of Kade's like."

I know Kade is a complete gentleman. A Prince Charming in his faded jeans and cowboy boots. But seeing how he treats my son, made me favor him more. Yeah, Romee must be right. Earth should manufacture more Kade.

We went on scanning every piece of shoes in the rack. Romee is so in love with clothes and shoes, one thing she got from mom. Kaya naman ang saya-saya niyang tumingin ng tumingin, at ang saya saya ko rin na makitang masaya siya. We just don't share mom's womb, Romee's happiness is my happiness.

"It's good with red, noh? What do you think?" Lingon niya sakin habang ipinapakita ang isang pares ng pumps, I smiled, I like the feeling of being asked about my opinion on her things. "If I'll ask Kade, he won't like it. Iisipin niya it's too painful to wear but us girls know that it's not that much naman. If I ask Zach's opinion, he'll be all hell yes and gonna be on the pull."

Natawa naman ako sa sinabi niya. "You're so mean!"

"Why? I'm telling the truth. Zach can't barely keep his dobber in his pants."

"Whatever," tumatawa ko pa ring sabi. "anyway, yeah, that pair is nice."

"I know," she winked and turned back her attention to the shoes in front of us. "But you know what, we all shouldn't be surprised why Zach acts the way he's acting. What the tree, so is the fruit."

"Yeah, just like you and mom. Reid and dad."

"And you of both," she shrugged.

Maybe she's right; perhaps I'm the worst mixture of my mom and dad. Why, I suck at almost everything. Especially on things that have to do with Aidan. I love him then, but I don't know how to love him properly. The kind of love that he won't get hurt. Aidan may not be aware, but he's a possessive lover; a simple thought disturbs him like crazy. Nonetheless, I love him in all the ways he has shown me his love. Although years ago, I decided to let it slip into my grip. I don't like it, not because that isn't our time.

Everything with Aidan comes in bliss. I enjoyed it even though I wasn't ready for it. We had Ricos, which didn't free us from all the responsibilities passed on our shoulders. We tried to keep each other in a long-distance relationship, but it didn't work. Long distances aren't easy for us, and we didn't get through it together. People may not understand my decision, but I'm glad it had caused us good. Castañeda Holdings stood still, and I completed my Manchester University degree. Hindi rin naapektuhan si Ricos o ang kahit na sino, well expect for the both of us. We suffered, but that's what living is.

"How's your Wendell friend going?" Romee asked out of the blue.

"He tried to talk to me yesterday, I spare him enough time that's how he told me about you coming over him and giving him a warning."

"If he didn't heed that, he's gonna get some."

After we were separated, I've managed to live life all by myself. That Saturday night, when Wendell almost kissed me, he confessed and poured out all his feelings that he was saying were for me. That alone is enough reason for me to avoid and stop befriending him. He may be nice, but he's one of the reasons for my problems.

Nag-uusap lamang kami kung may kailangan. When we finished school, he talked to me again, saying how sorry he was and how disappointed he was in himself for what he did years back. I accepted his apologies, we won't see each other again, there's no point in holding grudge. But that's what I thought. He's here to continue his practice instead in the Netherlands; I'm still trying to feed my head that Wendell means no harm. Though, I know, in a matter of time, I'll grow tired of giving him some benefit of the doubt.

"If you can't be mean to him, I can" nilingon niya ang sales assistant na nasa isang sulok. "I'm taking this one, and this, and this..."

"Siya nga pala, Ro" nang may maalala ako. "Who're you with yesterday? He said he's not Ethan, then who is he?"

She's suddenly alert, and her brow crinkles. "He's just playing around yesterday, that's Ethan."

Tinanguan ko na lamang iyon, but no I'm not buying it. I'm certain it's Zander. Can't help but smile. I like Zander for my sister because he's the most genuine person I've seen treated Romee.

"Holy. Mary. Mother. Of. God!"

Agad akong napalingon sa direksyon na nilalandas ng mga mata ni Romee, my forehead instantly set a frown. I felt my insides tensed, mabilis akong lumingon saking likuran upang hanapin sila Kade. He's quick to see it, naabutan ko itong patalikod na bumalik sa pinanggalingan habang karga sa braso nito si Ricos.

"Good thing Red Franco Santa de Leones doesn't fancy roaming around malls or else you're bringing home your husband's cutoff head," komento ni Romee habang nakatingin pa rin ng diretso sa direksyong iyon.

Across from us was Aidan with his friend Viel. He's behind her while she's checking on the shoes displayed on the stall.

"I may not be a doctor but that one doesn't look like sick, maybe sick in the head" agad akong kinabahan nang iangat ni Romee ang kamay para pahintuin sa pag-lapit ang isang assistant, she then took a step ahead.

"Romee, what are you doing!" I held her arm, but she snatched it. "Come on let's just go, don't make a scene. I'll talk to Aidan later when he got home-"

"At paano kung hindi ulit umuwi?" Saglit niya akong nilingon bago muling ibalik kanila Aidan ang mga mata. "I'm not gonna make a scene, Paris. I'm just flying my hellos to them, this is why he couldn't join you and Ricos for dinner, huh?"

Wala na akong iba pang nagawa kundi sundan si Romee nang mag-simula siyang lumakad patungo sa kinatatayuan nila Aidan.

"Hi, Aidan!" Romee called him out.

He turned, and our gazes matched; his eyes widened a little, but he was quick to compose himself. I avoided his gaze and focused on Romee, binalingan din nito si Romee.

"Romee,"

"Yes, Romee!" Romee chuckled. I'm sure she doesn't find anything funny. Nilingon niya ang kasama ni Aidan, I didn't. I don't wanna look at her and lose it. "Just came over to say my hellos to my brother in law, I hope I'm not being a bother"

"Nah, you're not." I heard Aidan answered, humakbang ito patungo saking kinatatayuan. "Paris,"

I almost stumbled on my stand when he grabbed me by my waist and bent down to kiss my surprised lips. I had no choice but to meet his eyes, it was just a brief eye contact before he pressed a kiss on my temple and whispered.

"Sorry," he pulled me near his friend, clearing his throat. "Viel, this is my wife, Paris and her sister Romee."

I didn't try to smile, but I managed to look at her face without doing something I might regret later. She flashed a practiced smile, showing all her teeth.

"Hi, Paris, Romee. I'm Viel, Aidan's friend." She offered her hand. I just gave her a nod. I can't pull myself to accept her handshake, I guess Aidan get it. He held my hand with his other hand while the next one stayed on my waist.

Romee took it, but it was too quick to pass a second. She didn't even bother to shove annoyance off her face while shooting Viel daggers with her brow curved up. So very Chiara Paula.

"I know, the one who was rush in the hospital the other night," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Bet you're feeling better now,"

"Uh yeah," Romee surely does make her uncomfortable. She looked up at Aidan as if asking for help.

He cleared his throat. "She said she needs diversion-"

"The doctor said." Mariin nitong pagtatama na pinagbigyan naman ni Aidan.

"The doctor said she needs diversion, I invited her to join us for dinner pero nahihiya daw siya-"

"Kaya you've decided to ditch your wife and your son nalang," tumango tango si Romee sa sarkastiko niyang komento. "Really? The doctor advised you to stroll around after being confined overnight? Isn't he worried?"

"I'm already fine and stable to t-to go out-"

"Then why is Aidan's presence needed?" Romee shrugs, "he's too good for a driver. And tell you what, can you name your doctor? Might recommend, well if you don't know, my sister here is a doctor. She can go check on you..."

Nakita ko kung paano itong namutla sa sinabi ni Romee and I'm dang sure Romee noticed it too. I've kept my cool and turned to Aidan, removing his grip on me. I gave him a smile.

"Ricos must be sleepy, he's with Kade checking out some boots. We'll go ahead," we're like having a conversation through our eyes. "Drive your friend home, she must be tired. I'll wait for you, we'll talk."

"Don't sleep on me this time," mahina niyang sabi na siyang nagpangiti sakin.

"I won't."

Lumipat ang kaniyang mga mata kay Romee na nakahalukipkip na nakamasid samin.

"I got my sister's back, Aidan. Don't need to tell me, I know what to do" muli niyang binalingan si Viel. "Bye, get well. I'm not sure how to cure something that doesn't exist,"

"Romee," I warned her.

"Didn't mean anything," she giggled and clung her arm on me. "Bye, Aidan you're an asshat tonight."

Nagpahila na ako kay Romee nang hindi na binibigyan pa ng pahuling sulyap ang kaibigan ni Aidan.

"God, her smile is as fake as her boobs! See that?" Romee rolled her eyes. "Can't believe Aidan's on it, it's so obvious that girl is faking it."

Napailing na lamang ako, whatever. All I'm looking forward to is settling everything with Aidan once and for all.

"She's messing with a wrong person," patuloy pa ni Romee. "Not a Santa de Leones, girl, never."