RDD 30

Chapter 30

"Mommy! Let's pway!"

When we entered the room, we found Sophia and Mother-in-law Corazon holding Barbie. 

Unlike Sophia, Corazon was holding the toy awkwardly. She was already old and she felt that playing barbie was a noble act. 

I suddenly recalled that time when I play with my Grandfather in my past life. Grandfather and I loved playing Contra despite his age. He was a nice old man and he always give me an allowance, we lost him in 2005. 

'Rest in peace Grandpa, I love you.'

Knowing that this was a parallel universe, I understood that I would never meet my family again. Sometimes, it was making me depressed. 

"Hm, sweetheart, let's play."

Penelope did her best and smiled. She approached her daughter and they played together with Corazon. Their play time was wholesome and the atmosphere gradually turned better. 

I sighed watching them. My wife was excited to meet her family but her older sister held a grudge and caused a scene. 

"Dad."

Roman sat next to me. He was still holding the phone and he was playing Space Impact this time. 

"Is Mommy alright?"

"She is fine. We are here for her. So you better make sure to behave and don't give your Mom any problem." I rubbed his hair and Roman nodded. 

"I will. I promise that I will be a good boy."

"Hm, I know that you are a good boy."

"Dad, Aunty still hates us? I remembered that when we came here last time, she quarrel with Mom."

"About that..."

I was shocked when I heard what he said. Roman was still a baby when we visited Pangasinan last time. He was not even 2 years old at that time. 

Roman has strong memories, I guess. 

"Everything will be fine. Sometimes, you and Sophia fought too, right?"

"Yes, Sophia likes to play with my Gundams and Ziods and she already broke four."

'Ugh!'

As a Gunpla enthusiast who had a few models such as Gundam Double 0 Exia and Gundam G40 Fighter, it hurt my balls to hear that. 

"However, I love my sister more than my toys so I still forgive her. Of course, I have to remind her that breaking my toys is bad."

"That's right. It's normal for siblings to fight. I believe your Mom and Auntie will reconcile too."

Despite telling my son, I was not confident that they would reconcile. I could sense that Señorita's hatred was deep. 

But I didn't want the kids to feel the burden so it was better to lie. I just hope that they would not fight in front of the kids. 

"Thanks, Dad. You don't have to worry, I will protect Mom and Sophia."

Roman nodded and focused his attention on my phone. 

'This kid. He is getting better.'

I chuckled and watched my harmonious family. I could say that I had it better. 

.........

......

...

Dinner came and Simeon asked us if we wanted to eat at the table or in the room. Penelope felt that it was disrespectful if we eat inside the room so we decided to join them. 

"Penelope!"

"Brother!"

Penelope had 9 siblings and she had a good relationship with all of them except Senorita. 

Penelope was the third daughter while Señorita was the second, they were four years apart. The age gap was not that big. Yet Penelope's demeanor was different from her older sister's. 

The siblings started talking and some of them even cried. It was obvious that they miss Penelope. Of course, Penelope cried too. She was a crybaby anyway. 

They laughed. They talked about the past. They talked about how much they changed. But one thing was sure, they love each other. From the oldest child who was 51 years old to the youngest son who was currently 18 years old. Despite the age differences, they were quite close. 

Even their spouses conversed with Penelope and me. They asked us about life in Manila and how we were doing.  Overall, the atmosphere was great. 

"What a cute child."

Oldest Brother-in-law's wife touched Sophia's nose. It was clear that she found Sophia adorable. 

"Thank you, pwetty Aunt! You have a bweautiful pair of eyes. They were twinkwing!"

"Aww~ I hope you become my daughter instead. How about I adopted you..."

Hey, that's kinda strong for you. Don't take my child, my wife and I will get angry. 

"I dwon't want to. I wuv Mommy and Jajjy!"

"I'm just joking. I know your parents will never let me."

Ahem, of course I know she was joking. 

"Hehe."

"What a sweet little girl."

They were surrounding Sophia so much. She was really adorable. 

"Roman, how are you?" 

"I'm fine Uncle. I'm happy to see that you are already married. The last time I saw you, you were still single."

"R- Right."

Roman was acting like an adult man and it made his Uncle dumbfounded. He laughed and rubbed his head. 

"Looks like you grow taller and you because sensible. I hope my child will become like you."

Perhaps because of the happy moment, his Uncle pulled out a 20 pesos bill and gave it to him. 

"This is for you."

"Is this my christmas gift? Uncle, you're too cheap."

"Ahem! Of course not. Your christmas gift is different, I already prepared it and I will give it to you at Christmas."

"Thank you, Uncle. You're really a nice person."

Did I just hear it right? Why do I feel like Roman gently manipulated his Uncle? Where did he learn that? 

"Keith looks like you gain weight. And you look older now, haha."

Another person approached me. To be honest, I didn't remember who he was. I'm not even sure if he was Penelope's sibling. Perhaps he was someone's spouse. 

However, I kept my composure and nodded. I acted as if I know him. 

"Yeah, I didn't shave my beard but I'm cutting down my weight."

"That's good."

The dinner was great and we had a great time. Penelope was happily chatting with her siblings. I'm happy for her.