“CONCERN arises when we experience anxiety, distress, or unease about something or someone. It can stem from our genuine care and compassion towards others or simply as an expression of kindness.”

 ***

The day after Senthie and Walter had their heart-to-heart conversation, she visited her mother, Katrina, determined to mend their relationship. Though uncomfortable with confrontations, she recognized its necessity for healing.

During their conversation, Katrina confessed her guilt. She admitted that in her grief and exhaustion when Narciso didn’t return, she had failed to reach out to Senthie. Back then, Senthie was just seven years old, and rather than providing comfort or protection, she had treated her coldly because Senthie reminded her of Narciso, the man she deeply loved. However, her resentment toward him had overshadowed that love. Katrina acknowledged her selfishness, confessing that she had only considered her own feelings, overlooking the fact that Senthie was also suffering. She had failed as a mother.

In the end, Senthie empathized with her mother’s perspective. She had always possessed the ability to understand and empathize with others’ emotions as if she were in their shoes. She recognized that it must have been incredibly difficult for her mother, especially given the memory that Narciso had left behind - a memory that Katrina could never escape, a memory embodied by Senthie herself.

“I love you, Rin. I love you, Sen.” These were the words she had longed to hear. Overjoyed, tears streamed down her face as she tightly embraced her mother. On that day, that night, she stayed over and finally felt the warmth of home.

 ~

A week later, Senthie received a message from Jimhuesh. “Hi, Sensen, are you still up? Mom’s asking if you’re free tomorrow night.”

“Who’s that?” Cecilia asked, her tone teasing, as she playfully elbowed Senthie’s arm. They had just returned home after having dinner together. “It’s the VP, isn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes and giggled as she sat on the sofa, bouncing lightly. Cecilia joined her and whistled. “Is it finally his last chance? His last date with you?”

Senthie shook her head. “No, we haven’t decided on our last date yet, but tomorrow night, I’m going to meet his parents. But--”

 “That soon?” she asked with wide eyes.

Senthie chuckled and made a playful face. “It’s not what you think. He said Ms. Jenny wants to thank me, that’s all.”

“I don’t buy that. It’s just a lame excuse to introduce you to his family,” Cecilia quipped, rolling her eyes.

“I think he’s telling the truth. Jim is not a liar.”

“Wow,” Cecilia uttered before falling silent, noticing Senthie engrossed in her phone.

Senthie hesitated, then typed, “I think so, but . . . are you sure it has to be at your house?”

The mere thought of meeting Jimhuesh’s parents was enough to make her feel anxious to the point of nausea. Jennifer claimed it was to thank her for the gown, according to Jimhuesh. However, she suspected there was more to it, perhaps linked to Jennifer’s mistaken belief that she and Jimhuesh were romantically involved.

When Senthie opened his reply, it read, “Yeah, for some reason, she wants you to meet my dad too. I think she’s considering having you design his suits.”

With this uncertain information, Senthie’s worry grew. She quickly responded, “But I’m not skilled at making men’s clothes!”

In less than a minute, she received his reply: “Don’t worry. It was just my guess. That might not be the case. Anyway, I’ll pick you up at 6.”

 ~

Around five-thirty in the afternoon, Jimhuesh left work to pick up Senthie. About half an hour later, he arrived in front of her house and rang the doorbell twice. The door swung open.

“You’re ten minutes early,” she remarked, glancing at her wristwatch. She hadn’t dressed for the evening yet, still in a loose black T-shirt and yellow shorts. “Come in.”

Jimhuesh followed her inside, taking a seat on the long sofa as she disappeared upstairs. While waiting, he surveyed the living room and noticed the absence of family photos or self-portraits anywhere. A slight sense of disappointment crept in. Restless, he decided to pace around, and from the end of the sofa, he heard an unusual sound.

Upon investigation, he found a charming cat scratching the furniture. His instinct took over, and he gently scooped the feline into his arms, scolding it softly. “No, you shouldn’t do that. You might get arrested for that.”

Just as Jimhuesh was about to turn around, a giggle reached his ears. His gaze swiftly found its source on the last level of the steps, where Senthie stood, resplendent in an elegant red dress with long sleeves, a graceful V-neck, and a knee-length pleated skirt. One hand playfully covered her mouth, but her wide smile was unmistakable. Her other hand, adorned with a black bag, rested on the newel post.

“I didn’t know you could talk like that. You were adorable,” she teased.

Jimhuesh, who had almost forgotten how to speak, cleared his throat and gently set the cat on the floor, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. He realized that she had overheard him addressing the cat in a voice and tone reminiscent of baby talk.

“What are you doing? Why are you still like that? Did you hurt your back or something?” she asked teasingly as she approached him, her hand reaching out, possibly to help him stand since he seemed to be doing a reach your toes stretch, though it was just his way to hide his flushed cheeks.

However, her touch sent his heart racing and he felt a strange electric shock. He instinctively pushed her hand and backed away. Jimhuesh noticed her surprised expression. He quickly realized his mistake and apologized.

 ~

As they drove to their meeting place, about nine minutes into the journey, an uncomfortable silence hung between them.

Jimhuesh, feeling that Senthie might be offended by his earlier reaction, gathered the courage to address it. He cleared his throat and began, “Uh, Sen, I’m really sorry for reacting like that. I just . . .” He sighed, shook his head, and stole a glance at her. “I really dislike physical contact.”

She scoffed. “Really? So, you mean, when you asked me to dance with you, were you just—”

“No!” He abruptly cut her off, stomping on the brake. The car came to a sudden stop, with a slight jolt, but not enough to cause alarm. He quickly apologized, explaining that they needed to pull over for a moment to talk.

Jimhuesh found a spot in the emergency parking on the expressway, then continued, “I didn’t hate it. . . . Honestly, it was uncomfortable, but I asked you to dance because I genuinely wanted to.” He sighed heavily and then locked his gaze onto hers. However, Senthie’s eyes were so intense that he couldn’t maintain eye contact and instead turned his attention to the steering wheel.

“You remember when I told you about my parents? How they deceived me into thinking we had a perfect family, that they loved each other?” He looked at her, and added, “I think I’m traumatized by that. It’s like my mind automatically rejects any sign of concern from the opposite sex as if it’s telling me, it’s all fake. That’s why I dislike public displays of affection or any physical contact that shows love or care.”

Senthie nodded and smiled. “I see. . . . Instead of viewing it as a display of concern, how about considering it as an act of kindness?”

Jimhuesh’s eyes widened slightly at this perspective, which hadn’t occurred to him. He broke into a smile. “That’s actually a better way to think about it. I’ve never looked at it that way before.” He chuckled. “You truly broaden my perspective.”

She playfully made a face and laughed. “I’m just happy I can be of help to you.”

With this newfound understanding, their drive became smoother and more cheerful, culminating in their arrival at Anderson’s residence.

“I’ll probably get lost in this enormous house. It’s like my house, but a million times fancier and oversized,” she remarked, shaking her head in disbelief.

A few minutes later, they arrived in Dining Room 1, where there were only six seats available, quite a contrast to Anderson’s Dining Room 2 which could accommodate sixteen.

The black reflective glass table was already loaded with an array of dishes: chicken, beef, pork, vegetable salads, fruits, desserts, and even pizza. The room was filled with a mouthwatering aroma that made Jimhuesh’s stomach growl. He pulled out one of the black chairs, urging Senthie to relax since she had been expressing both nervousness and hunger.

He also settled into a chair, facing Senthie, who had turned her attention to him. “Don’t be nervous, Sensen. If my parents start making you feel uncomfortable, I’ve got your back. I’ll find a way to get you out of here, all right?” He flashed a smile. “But, before that even happens, you need to make sure you’ve indulged in all this delicious food in front of us.”

Taking a deep breath, she let out a giggle. “All right, I’ll do my best to stay composed and try everything I see here.”

Just then, one of the housemaids entered the dining room, informing them that Ms. Anderson and Mr. Dela Cruz were on their way to meet them. She delivered the message and promptly exited the room.

“Mr. Dela Cruz? Why do your parents have different last names?” she inquired.

Jimhuesh smiled. “My mom is using her maiden name, Anderson, and I’m using it as well. It’s actually my grandfather’s last name, the Chairman of GMC.”

“I see. So, your mom uses her maiden name because of the company, am I right?”

“You’re absolutely right. Since she’s my grandfather’s only child, she was the sole heir to the company. But now, obviously, I’m next in line.”

A little while later, Jennifer and Ronaldo entered the dining room. Jimhuesh and Senthie stood up and warmly greeted them.

He introduced her to his father, who extended a hand. Senthie, however, appeared to be lost in thought, gazing at him.

“Ms. Salvador?” Ronaldo called out.

Senthie responded as if she had just snapped out of a reverie and then extended her hand to him. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, sir.”

They all took their seats and began their meal while discussing Jennifer’s night at Asia’s CEO Awards. She shared her experiences from the event, mentioning that she had won an Excellence Award and an additional accolade named The Most Charismatic and Attractive CEO of the Year.

Senthie appeared somewhat overwhelmed when Jennifer praised her and attributed her success to her talent.

“No, Ms. Jenny, I believe it’s because of your elegance and how you carry yourself,” she responded with a slightly awkward smile.

“Oh, dear, you’re too humble for your own good. You should take credit sometimes.”

“She’s absolutely right, Ms. Salvador. You’re undeniably talented, and everyone here can see that, isn’t that right, Jim?” Ronaldo chimed in.

“Absolutely! She’s truly amazing,” Jimhuesh affirmed with a wide smile, eager for her to meet his gaze. However, she just glanced downward, appearing uncomfortable with all the attention.

He leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear, “Should I drive you home now?”

Senthie abruptly turned her head, and Jimhuesh almost forgot to breathe. Their faces were so close that he could feel her breath.

He froze, and she did too, but she was the first to avert her gaze. “I’m sorry, I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Can we leave now?”

He nodded absentmindedly and was jolted back to attention, sitting up straight, when his mother inquired, “When are you going to tell us that you two are in a relationship?”

“No, ma’am. We’re not in a relationship,” Senthie promptly denied.

“She’s telling the truth, Mom. We’re not there yet,” Jimhuesh clarified. “But I promise I’ll let you know once I’ve convinced her to say yes.”

“Well, that’s my son!” Ronaldo exclaimed proudly.

Jennifer laughed heartily. “Don’t keep us waiting, Jim. I’m looking forward to the day when Ms. Salvador becomes part of our family.”

“Mom!” he reacted, surprised and embarrassed. He glanced at Senthie, who appeared increasingly uncomfortable, although she tried to mask it with a smile and laughter. Sensing her discomfort, Jimhuesh took the initiative to help her excuse herself.

“Uh, Mom, Dad, I think it’s time for me to drive Senthie home,” he stated, checking his watch. “It’s getting quite late, and she needs some rest. I think she’s not feeling well either. I hope you understand.”

Jennifer and Ronaldo exchanged concerned glances upon hearing this, especially when Senthie nodded, offered her apologies, and thanked them. She then rose from her seat, and Jimhuesh did the same as they prepared to leave.

Once they were outside the house, she turned to him with a stern and somewhat intimidating gaze. “You should go back now. I can manage to get home on my own. Thank you for tonight.” She smiled, but an unsettling feeling washed over Jimhuesh. His unease turned out to be justified, as the next words that came out of her mouth were, “I believe we should put an end to whatever we’ve begun and never cross paths again.”