~~
The Araneta family is leaving the country today. Yara earnestly requests her parents not to dwell too much on what happened to her, assuring them that she's doing okay. She implores them to treat it as if nothing happened, so she can stop worrying about it. Her parents agree.
Irene and Greggy receive numerous phone calls from concerned relatives, both from the Marcoses and the Aranetas, inquiring about Yara's well-being. Mama Meldy scolds them and vows to enhance their granddaughter's security upon her return. Imee offers to assist Bong in coordinating with the NBI regarding the threatening number targeting Greggy. Meanwhile, Liza plans to consult with their lawyers about potential legal action and the motive behind the failed abduction attempt on Yara.
Greggy, Irene, and Yara are the first to travel abroad, with Luis, Xandra, and their children planning to follow suit in the coming weeks. Alfonso and Andy are set to join them in California next week.
~~
Although Greggy and Irene hide their concerns from their child, they comply with Yara's request to act as if nothing had happened. Irene tightly holds her daughter, ensuring she is well-surrounded.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Araneta. My name is Kathy, and I'll be assisting you today. Shall we proceed to the Mabuhay Lounge Area?"
Irene: Good morning, hija. Certainly!
Yara: Mama, [whispering] I don't know how to fill out these forms.
Irene: That's perfectly fine, love. I'll help you with that later.
Greggy: Is this a direct flight, darling? Or will we have a connecting flight?
Irene: We'll have a layover at JPN for an hour or two, dear.
They patiently awaited their aircraft and sought refuge in the lounge, savoring a moment of tranquility amidst the airport's chaos. They immersed themselves in books, took moments to rest, relished the complimentary food, double-checked their belongings, and completed the necessary forms before departure.
A few minutes later, their boarding pass was called, and they made their way onto the aircraft. As Yara walked to their seats, she caught her mom striking a pose for a photo, which she promptly captured and shared online.
They changed planes after a four-hour flight to Japan for a layover. They didn't venture far into the airport, aware of the risks and feeling exhausted. All they longed for was to sink into slumber for the entire nine-hour flight to California.
~~
Irene: Honey, what meal would you like? They offer a selection of Western, Filipino, and Japanese dishes.
Greggy: A Filipino dish would be perfect, darling. [winked]
Irene: [nodded] Alright, my love, how about you?
Yara: I'll have a Filipino dish like Dad, and may I add a cup of tea?
"Certainly, Ms. Yara. We'll add that for you, and we'll have a dessert prepared especially for you, as per Mr. Tan's request to take good care of you during the flight, Mr. and Mrs. Araneta."
Irene: [satisfied] Oh, that's wonderful. Let's go with the Filipino meal then.
Greggy: [grateful] Please convey our heartfelt thanks to Lucio.
"Noted, Mr. and Mrs. Araneta."
The unease was palpable for Greggy and Irene on the plane as they constantly checked on their resting daughter. Yara didn't realize she had dozed off while watching a movie until her mom gently woke her up to eat and informed her they would be arriving in a few hours.
Irene: [softly patted Yara] Sweetheart, wake up. The food is here.
Yara: [rubbing her eyes] Yes, Mom. I didn't realize I had already fallen asleep. Did you get some rest too?"
Irene: A little. I have been keeping an eye on you for quite some time.
Yara: [concerned] Mom, you don't have to worry so much. Take a break here. We're all going to be fine. You can stay in my cabin if you want.
Irene: I like that idea. I'll feel at ease knowing I'm right here beside you, my love.
Yara: Aw, my clingy mommy. [kisses her mom on the cheek]
Irene: Sarap naman those sweet kisses from you, little girl [cuddles her child]
Greggy savors his wine, keeping an eye on his wife and daughter while Yara enjoys her meal.
They landed in Cali a few hours later, where someone was waiting to pick them up and take them straight to their residence to rest. Irene sorted their belongings, and Yara assisted her willingly.
Greggy: Honey, what do you feel like having for dinner?
Irene: Maybe let's go for a salad and a chicken platter, how about you, love?
Yara: Anything will do, mama.
Greggy: Alright, I'll order for delivery.
Mama Meldy called Yara's phone, prompting her to set aside her belongings and have a conversation with her grandmother.
Mama Meldy: Yara, apo. Have you arrived in California?
Yara: Yes, Lola! An hour ago.
Mama Meldy: How are you?
Yara: I'm fine, Lola! Please don't worry too much about me.
Mama Meldy: [worried] But of course, I'll be concerned. You almost got abducted, thank the Lord you're safe, apo.
Yara: [assuring her grandma] Aww, your Victoria is strong, Lola Meldy. Take care there. I'll see you soon!
Mama Meldy: [quite relieved] I love you, Victoria.
Yara: I love it when you call me that, Lola. I love you so much!
Mama Meldy: I can't wait to see you back here.
Yara: Me too, Lola! I'll get some brooches for you!
Mama Meldy: [smiling sweetly] Thank you, apo! Alright, rest well for now. Send my regards to your Mom and Dad.
Yara: Alright, Lola! You take care too! [air kisses]
Their dinner delivery arrives, and as they eat, they discuss their plans for groceries tomorrow.
Irene: Should we go to Sprout Market first for organic groceries, or perhaps Target?
Yara: [contemplating] Maybe Sprout first, then Target, Mom. I want to get some milk and cereal.
Greggy: Sure, hija! You can get everything you want.
Yara: Thank you, daddy!
Irene: Alright then, we'll go there tomorrow. Also, your Ninang Small called, she's inviting us to L.A.
Yara: [wondered] Huh? Are they here in the US already?
Irene: They'll be here in three days, love.
Yara: Alright! I can't wait to see Allison. [excited]
Greggy: Look who's excited! I'm happy to see you smile, Yara bear. [plants a kiss on his daughter's cheek]
While they dined, the Marcos siblings texted Irene, inquiring about their niece and expressing their concern.
As Irene entered their bedroom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The day had been filled with tension and worry, but now, in the quiet of their room, she and Greggy could finally find solace.
They exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting the unspoken understanding between them. Without a word, they began to prepare for bed, each movement deliberate yet gentle. Their tired bodies ached from the journey, but there was comfort in knowing they were finally home.
As they settled under the covers, Irene nestled into Greggy's embrace, finding warmth and security in his presence. She closed her eyes, grateful for the peace that enveloped them. In the stillness of the night, they both found the rest they so desperately needed, knowing that tomorrow would bring a new day filled with hope and promise.
~to be continued~