Chapter 2: Welcome Home Treatment

Standing a few steps away from the gate of the mansion after hopping out of the taxi, my eyes welled with tears. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of warmth and overwhelming emotion as a gentle, excited smile gradually spread across my lips the moment I stepped through the electric iron gate. The gate automatically opened as soon as the guards inside recognized me through the security camera, and one of them quickly approached to greet me. 

"Senorita Alexa? Why aren't you riding your car?" Mr. Stevens, the long-time guard of the mansion, immediately helped me carry my baggage, a gesture that brought a soft smile to my face. Until now, the old man couldn't tell us apart between me and my twin sister Alexa.

"Guess you've already forgotten me, Mr. Stevens? Should I be sad that you mistook me again for my sister?" I teased, pretending to be disappointed.

"S-Senorita A-Alejandra! Is that really you?" The surprise and happiness instantly lit up the old man's face.

"The one and only, Mr. Stevens! Is this how you welcome me after eight long years of being away?" I playfully said, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Oh, my apologies, my Senorita! Welcome home!" the old man cheerfully greeted.

"Thank you, Mr. Stevens."

The moment I stepped into the mansion, the surprised faces of the servants, especially their old housekeeper Mrs. Smith, greeted me with warmth and familiarity.

"Senorita Andra! What a big surprise!" the old woman exclaimed happily.

"Mrs. Smith! It's so good to see you again." Her eyes instantly filled with tears, and she rushed to embrace me tightly, as if she had missed me so much.

"Oh, my Senorita! You finally came home. We've missed you so much!" she cried emotionally, her voice trembling with genuine concern. I could feel her heartfelt love. Mrs. Smith has been like a member of the family-loyal and dedicated, her long-time service earning her our respect. I had missed her dearly, the woman who had become my nanny and a second mother to me and Alexa.

"Wait here! I'll call the Madame! She'll be so happy to know you're finally back. Madame! Madame! The Senorita Andra has finally come home!" Mrs. Smith excitedly shouted, rushing through the dining room.

It's funny how the servants treat me with such warmth and genuine affection, as if they've been waiting for my return for a long time. When Mrs. Smith returned, she was with my mother. The moment I saw my mother's eyes light up with excitement, tears finally spilled down my cheeks.

"Mama..." I whispered, my voice trembling.

"My Maria Alejandra! Oh, my baby..." My mother rushed to meet me, pulling me into her arms. I felt her tight embrace, filled with love and longing-her way of showing how much she had badly missed me.

"Why did you decide to come home just now? We've been longing and waiting for your return. Don't you love us enough to come back after eight long years? You silly kid!" she cried, holding me so tightly I thought she might never let go.

Hearing her weep and heartfelt words broke my heart. I suddenly realized I was wrong. My mother hadn't stopped thinking of me while I was away. She loved me all along.

"I missed you so much, my poor baby..."

"Gimelia! What's the commotion over there!" 

Just then, we were interrupted by my father's voice. We parted as I saw him walking down the grand staircase with Alexa.

"Gerardo! Your youngest daughter is finally home!" my mother announced joyfully.

When I turned to my father, my heart ached at the fleeting glimpse of sadness and longing that softened his face for a moment, before the familiar coldness and stiffness returned, as if he were forcibly suppressing any hint of emotion.

"Sis!" I heard Alexa call out, running down the staircase toward me. With tears in her eyes, she hurriedly embraced me so tightly, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I knew you wouldn't leave me down. I missed you so much..." Alexa whispered, gently caressing my hair to soothe her tears.

"I missed you too. You know I couldn't miss my sister's wedding day," I replied, my voice thick with emotion.

"So my prodigal child finally decided to come home." My father's hard voice that was full of hatred stopped me and Alexa from our conversation.

"So, my prodigal child finally decided to come home," my father's harsh voice, tinged with bitterness and hatred, stopped us cold.

"What made you finally come back?" His words cut deep, as my smile faded instantly. He wasn't happy to see me. I could feel the weight of his disappointment, the anger still burning inside him.

"I came home for my sister's wedding, Dad," I answered bravely.

"So you still treat us like family, huh? I thought we meant nothing to you anymore. You shouldn't have bothered to come back. We almost forgot you," he spat bitterly, his words stabbing at my heart. In that moment, my joy and excitement turned into pain and resentment in an instant. 

"Gerardo! What kind of treatment is that? Your daughter just arrived home, for Pete's sake!" my mother scolded him fiercely.

I had expected my father to be happy, just like everyone else in the mansion. But I guess I expected too much. He was still upset, still saw me as a failure and a disappointment.

"No worries Dad. I'll leave soon after Alexa's wedding." I replied full of bitterness and resentment. I realized I can't stay and have a vacation for a month with my father's treatment. 

"Maria Alejandra! You just got here, and now you're talking about leaving?" my mother exclaimed.

"I told you, Gimelia. Don't get your hopes up about that daughter of yours," my father snapped.

"Enough, Gerardo! Keep that mouth of yours shut if you have nothing good to say. Keep your hatred to yourself. You can leave us if you only want to ruin our happiness," my mother retorted angrily. 

My father looked surprised by my mother's sudden outburst. He got stunned for a moment before he decided to turn away and leave us.

"Ignore your old man. He's just surprised you came home, but deep inside, he's been longing for your return," my mother tried to soften the situation, and I appreciated her effort, even though it was obvious my father was still upset.

"It's okay, Mama. You don't have to cover for Dad," I whispered with a sad smile, knowing the truth.

"Come now, you must be hungry after your journey. Mrs. Smith, please prepare something for your Senorita Andra. She must be starving. If you could make her favorite dishes immediately, please do so, Mrs. Smith," my mother said thoughtfully, then gently started pulling me toward the dining room.

"Yes, Madame," Mrs. Smith immediately responded.

As we moved, my mood slowly brightened. I thought we'd have so much to catch up on. I smiled as my mother began giving orders for the servants to prepare my room while I ate, watching Alexa smile softly, her eyes filled with tenderness as she observed my mother's frantic efforts to welcome me.

After the meal, my mother excitedly pulled me outside, saying she wanted to show me a surprise. Curious, I followed her toward the garden. When I finally saw what she was trying to show me, my mouth dropped in awe and amazement. The garden had been transformed and the plants I used to tend had grown and flourished. It had expanded, and the landscape was now more beautiful and inviting. My tulips were wide and prosperous, and there were roses and orchids everywhere. Gardening was one of my passions beyond painting, and I never imagined my mother would make such an effort to improve the garden I once called mine.

"This place always reminds me of you, so I tried to grow your plants and nurture them after you left. I knew you'd be happy to see them when you came back. It has become my way of missing you, my child," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. I was deeply touched. I never expected my mother to pay such attention to my plants after I was gone.

"They look incredible. I love them. I missed you so much, Mama," I whispered, overwhelmed with emotion.

"I missed you even more, my baby... Please tell me you won't leave again," she begged, her voice thick with emotion as she pulled me into a tight embrace. I didn't want to ruin the moment and shatter my mother's heart, but I couldn't bring myself to make a promise I might not be able to keep.