chapter 2

ELAINE POV

“You need help?” Ninong Ryke’s voice brought me back to reality. 

I noticed the way his fingers brushed at his necktie, a small, almost casual gesture, yet it drew my attention. I shook my head with a small smile and continued walking down the stairs, my heart still fluttering from our earlier interaction.

My eyes caught Veronica. She was walking quickly toward Ninong Ryke, her hand brushing lightly against his arm as she steadied herself beside him. I had planned to leave them and look for Mom and Dad, but something made me pause mid-step.

“What time will we go home?” I heard Veronica ask, and I turned around slightly, curious.

“You’re going home already?” I asked, a hint of surprise in my voice. Veronica glanced at me, her expression calm but slightly wary.

“No, not yet,” Ninong answered, and for some reason, a warmth spread through me in his reply. 

Yet, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Veronica frowning ever so slightly. I chose to ignore it.

“Come on, Ryke. Ellen cooked your favorite beef caldereta,” Dad said, his voice cheerful, trying to break the slight tension.

I looked at Mom and Dad, but my mind kept returning to the words Dad had said, Ninong’s favorite. Beef caldereta. I thought, and a small smile tugged at my lips.

“Stay a bit longer, Ryke. Let’s drink later. It’s been too long since we last drank together,” Dad added, his eyes twinkling.

“That’s right, Ryke,” Mom said. “You can even sleep here tonight. We have plenty of guest rooms.”

I felt a flutter of happiness at Mom’s words. The idea of Ninong staying here, it made my chest feel warm in an unexplainable way.

“But—” Veronica started, her voice hesitant.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take you home first,” Ninong said smoothly, interrupting her. “I haven’t seen my close friend in so long, and in the next few months, I’ll be busy.”

I listened quietly, but I couldn’t help noticing how Veronica kept glancing at me from the corner of her eye.

“So, you’re really staying here now? That’s great, we have a new investor,” Dad joked, and everyone laughed.

Mom gently held my hand as we walked toward the dining area. The aroma of simmering caldereta, garlic, and spices filled the air, making my stomach growl despite the nervous flutter in my chest. They had clearly made an effort for Ninong, and I couldn’t help but feel a little excited and a little jealous.

“Elaine, sit beside your Ninong,” Mom instructed.

I looked at the empty seat to his left. Veronica was already on his other side. Ninong stood, pulling the chair out for me with a slight, courteous bow.

“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice almost trembling. There was a small flutter in my chest I couldn’t ignore.

As they chatted happily, I picked at my food but couldn’t focus. My gaze kept drifting back to him. Everything he said seemed to command my attention. The movement of his lips, the way he gestured with his hands, it all fascinated me. I watched him as I slowly brought my fork to my mouth.

“Yes, I left my business there to my brother. I got tired of it, so I decided to come back here,” he said, his tone calm and confident, each word deliberate.

“That’s good, so you can finally find someone to marry—”

“Ouch!” I suddenly exclaimed, biting my lip slightly while raising my fork.

Ninong immediately handed me a tissue, his touch brushing my fingers as he did so.

“What happened? Why is your lip bleeding?” Mom asked, leaning closer with concern.

“I’m okay. Thanks, Ninong,” I murmured, dabbing at the small cut. A tiny streak of blood remained.

“Always be careful,” he said softly, his voice gentle but firm. I looked at him, and my gaze met him for a brief second before I quickly looked away, cheeks warming.

“Are you okay? Do you need medicine?” Mom asked again.

“No, I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile, though my thoughts were scattered.

“Put some medicine on it so it won’t swell,” Dad advised.

I nodded and returned to my food, but my mind wasn’t on the caldereta.

What are you even thinking, Elaine?

“Eat, Ryke, Veronica. The food tastes better when it’s hot,” Mom said cheerfully.

“Yeah, the caldereta is excellent. It’s been a long time since I last had it,” Ninong commented. I noticed he focused mostly on the beef caldereta, savoring it slowly.

“Veronica, do you have a business here too?” Mom asked.

I looked at Veronica, observing her closely.

“No, I’m just here on vacation,” she said, smiling.

Veronica was stunning. Probably in her thirties, flawless skin, smooth and fair. Her makeup was bold but elegant, enhancing her features rather than covering them. She carried herself confidently, every movement graceful.

I was about to take more caldereta when Ninong gently moved my hand away and placed a plate of vegetables in front of me.

What? I don’t eat this.

“Eat this. It’s good for your body,” he said calmly.

I glanced at Mom and Dad.

“Ryke, your goddaughter doesn’t eat that,” Mom said, laughing. Dad laughed too.

“Really?” I whispered.

“Huh?”

But Ninong simply smiled and pushed the plate closer.

“Looks like only your Ninong can make you eat that,” Mom teased.

I let out a small sigh, smiling. “Okay, I’ll try. For you, Ninong.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

I froze, realizing what I had just thought. I looked up. He was sipping water, and I found myself watching the way his throat moved as he swallowed. My heart raced, and I forced myself to look away.

Gosh! Calm down, Elaine.

“Mom, I’ll go outside for a bit,” I said, standing quickly. 

My thoughts were a mess, and I felt I couldn’t focus anymore with him right there.

***

RYKE CARLOS

After Elaine left, my eyes drifted to the crumpled tissue she had used to dab her lips. I couldn’t shake the image, her lips had looked so soft, so innocent, earlier.

“Are you okay?” Veronica’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She held my arm lightly, her touch almost casual, but I felt it nonetheless.

“Yes. Are you done eating?” I asked, trying to sound normal, though my mind was still distracted.

“Do you want me to pack some caldereta for you, Ryke?” she offered, smiling.

“Yeah, sure,” I replied to Ellen, though my gaze was still somewhere else.

“Looks like your diet will be ruined here, Ryke,” Henry teased, laughing.

Henry and Ellen had been my friends since college. They didn’t finish their studies, Ellen got pregnant early but I had been the godfather of their child, and I’d helped Henry set up a small business for his family. Not long after, I left for the States to continue my studies and explore more of life.

Now I was back, permanently this time. I had missed the rhythm of life here in the Philippines. Veronica had come with me, partly to visit her family. I had met her at her coffee shop, and over time, we became friends, often crossing paths there.

Henry led us upstairs, where the balcony offered a sweeping view of the city. Lights twinkled from houses and high-rise buildings alike, giving the night a calm, almost magical glow.

“Ryke, I need to go home now,” Veronica said, breaking my reverie.

We had just started drinking, but I checked my phone, already eight in the evening.

“Bro, I’ll take Veronica home first. I’ll come back right away,” I told Henry, keeping my promise.

“No problem, just come back,” he replied with a grin.

“Of course. You know me,” I said, laughing lightly.

“Dad, can I go with Ninong?” Elaine’s voice made us both turn.

“Why?” her mom asked, a note of surprise in her tone.

“It’s my friend Cheska’s brother’s birthday. I’ll just drop off my gift. I want to go with Ninong,” she explained.

“Oh, I see. Okay, go. At least your Ninong will really come back,” Henry joked, a sly smile on his face.

I shook my head and smiled. Then I looked at Elaine. She was smiling at me. And suddenly, a strange warmth stirred in my chest, a flutter I couldn’t explain.

“Take care of my daughter, Ryke. She’s my only one,” Henry said earnestly.

“Of course,” I answered, my gaze flicking toward Veronica, who remained quiet and observant.

We headed downstairs and out to where my car was parked.

“Ninong, is it okay if I go with you?” Elaine asked as we walked.

“No problem. It’s already night; it’s not safe for you to go alone,” I said, opening the car door.

Veronica slid into the front seat beside me. I didn’t mind and moved to open the back door for Elaine. But I froze for a moment when I noticed her outfit, her fair thigh subtly exposed by the slit of her black dress.

“Why?” she asked, sensing my pause.

“Nothing,” I muttered, closing the door quickly.

I got in and started the engine, opening G****e Maps on my phone to guide us to Veronica’s house.

“How’s school?” I asked, glancing at the rearview mirror to see Elaine.

“My grades are good,” she replied, her voice calm.

I nodded, eyes drifting to the mirror again and caught a glimpse of her thigh. My gaze lingered longer than I intended, and I quickly adjusted the mirror. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Veronica watching me.

After a few minutes, we arrived at her house.

“Here, right?” I asked.

“Yes. Do you want to come in for a while?” she asked.

“Next time. It’s already late,” I said with a polite smile.

“Okay, bye. Thanks,” she said.

“Okay, see you,” I replied, pulling back onto the road.

“Wait—”

I slammed the brakes gently when Elaine moved from the back seat to the front beside me.

“I’ll just sit here so I’m closer,” she said casually.

“Y-yeah, no problem,” I stammered, my throat tightening. She was now uncomfortably close.

Come on, Ryke. She’s your goddaughter, I scolded myself.

“Sh*t!” I muttered under my breath.

“What?” she asked, her eyes curious.

“Hm? No, where are we going?” I asked, forcing a calm smile.

She took my phone and typed in the destination. I secretly stole a glance at her. Her fair skin practically glowed against the black dress. My gaze flicked higher for a fraction of a second, and I immediately looked away, but the image lingered.

“Here. It’s near our school and—”

My hand brushed hers as I reached for the phone to adjust the map. I froze.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, my voice tight.

“It’s okay, Ninong,” she said softly, her calmness only making my pulse quicken.

I didn’t respond, focusing on the road.

“Can I ask something?” she said suddenly.

I glanced at her. “Yeah, sure.”

“Is Veronica your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s just a friend. Why?” I replied, smiling faintly.

“I thought she was, I’m glad she’s not,” she admitted.

Her words hit me in a strange way. I paused, thinking over them before smiling.

“How about you? Do you have a suitor or boyfriend?” I asked.

“None,” she said plainly.

I looked at her, smiling inwardly. 

Seventeen, her father probably wouldn’t allow it yet. If I were him, I wouldn’t either.

“I’m waiting,” she said suddenly, her eyes locking with mine.

And just like that, the world seemed to shrink around us.