The Royalties

Richard was aware of Dei's disappointment about Elise. He knows that she is also trying very hard not to show it to Charmaine and Athena but the sadness is very evident to her. She is not as bubbly as the other days. She only talks when they talk to her. Dei gets in to her own bubble again which bothers Richard a lot.

Athena too was very uneasy on the behavior of her Mom. The last thing she wants is to make her Mom sad because of her. Though her Mom still interacts with them by giving suggestions on the dress, she wants to purchase. Athena still felt the coldness of her Mom to them.

Richard noticed that Dei barely touched her food when they were already having dinner. "I know you are upset, but you are giving Athena some discomfort. Please, Dei, get out of your bubble at least until we get home." Richard texted Dei while they are having their dinner. "I'm sorry. I will just talk to Athena later. Can we just go home after dinner please?" Dei's text reply.

As requested, they immediately went home instead of going to the movie as earlier planned. Everyone proceeds to their rooms when they arrived. Dei just freshens up when Athena knocks at her door. "Are you mad at me Mommy?" the teary eyed Athena said as soon as Dei opens her door. Dei heart melted as she saw Athena at her door step. "Of course not sweetie, come inside" Dei pull her inside her room then hug her while saying "Mommy will never be mad at you"

"Are you disappointed in me because of Aunt Elise?" Athena asked.

"I am not. Well, jealous maybe." Dei said as she begins stroking Athena's hair. "You see Athena, aside from Ms. Fely of course. No other woman takes care of you than I alone. Now, there is this woman who was thoughtful enough to buy clothes for you, for your birthday. Maybe, I am afraid that you would love her more than you love me because she is the one here present. I am afraid that you would forget Mommy because you get comfortable calling your Aunt Elise as Mama Elise." Dei honestly said.

"I never call her that. She was the only one insisting that I call her Mama. Even Daddy does not like that idea. I already told her that I would just call her Aunt Elise because I still have my Mommy. She is just staying in Cebu with my Ate. But she keeps on insisting it." Athena explained, "I love you Mommy, I will never replace you with anyone else. Please don't be sad, specially if it is because of me."

"I love you, too, sweetie and I will always be proud of you. Please remember that even if you forget me, I will never stop loving you and even if we are too far from each other I will take care of you the best way that I can." Dei told Athena while she hugs her tightly.

"Can I sleep here, Mom?" Athena asked. She immediate jumps on the bed as soon as Dei nodded "Hug Mommy, please." Athena said as she extended her arms and waits for her Mom to hug her.

"Oh, my little princess is all grown up. Do you have a crush already?" Dei asked.

"Sssshhhh... Daddy will get mad if he hears us." Athena said that causes Dei to chuckle.

"Okay, do you have a crush now Athena?" Dei whispered. Athena widely smiled and nodded "What is his name?" Dei again whispered.

"Zander." Athena replied. "Zander, nice name. Is he your classmate?" Dei asked and Athena nodded.

"Hay... my little princess, why are you growing up so fast?" Dei while tightly hugging Athena "Mom can I asked you something?" Athena asked. Dei with eyebrows raise quickly said "Go ahead, Sweetie."

"Was Daddy also your crush before?" Athena innocently asked. "Nope, but he was my best friend, and he knows who my crush was." Dei replied.

Athena's eyes widen as she says "So it would be better if I'll be friends with Zander first." Dei was so shocked hearing this from Athena, she knew that such scenario with her girls would come but she did not expect it this quick with Athena. She hasn't had this conversation with Charmaine yet, but for Athena it was too soon. "Sweetie, can we just talk about something else? I am not yet ready to discuss such things with you. Let's talk about it sometime with Charmaine please?" Dei said.

Dei chuckled and said "Yeah, let's just go to sleep".

"Oh, there is another thing Mommy. I would like to make a request." Athena said.

"Hhmmmm....go ahead, what is your request sweetie?" Dei said, eyes closed while stroking Athena's and softly humming a lullaby.

"Please stay here at least until you and Charmaine go back to Cebu." Athena said which made Dei widely opened her eyes "Please, Mommy i want to spend more days with you."

Thinking about the reason of her feeling earlier made Dei realized that she really needs to spend more time with Athena. So without hesitation she granted her youngest daughter's request.

***************

Athena chooses to celebrate her 13th birthday in the simplest way. Their Grandpa requested to celebrate it in his house in Laguna since it will be exclusive for their family only. The four traveled to Laguna on the eve of Athena's birthday. They decided spend the night in Laguna and hear mass early on Athena's day.

Richard's sister Rizza was so happy to see the four of them together. "Aunt Rizza!" Charmaine exclaimed as soon as she stepped out of the car, runs to Rizza and gave her a hug.

"Oh, my baby you are all grown up. You are prettier compare to the last time I saw you." Rizza said while tightly hugging Charmaine.

"I wonder from whom did I get that gene?" Charmaine asked chuckling.

"Of course from me." Rizza replied laughing as well.

"Yeah, I agree Aunt Rizza but please don't day it out loud, Daddy might hear you. You don't want him to get jealous at you right?" Charmaine said and they both giggled "Get inside, your Grandpa is waiting for you guys."

Charmaine immediately get inside the house. Rizza's smile widens when she sees Dei.

"Hello Dei, I'm so happy to see you here." Rizza said, almost in tears. "I thought I would never see you again." she added.

"I'm so glad to see you too Rizza, I wish you and your family come and visit Charmaine and I once in Cebu." Dei said as she hugs Rizza. "How's Shawn? I bet he's all grown up just like my Athena. They are of the same age right? And Zallie too, how is my little baby?" Dei said.

"They are all grown up, isn't amazing Dei? Do you remember how those little kids run around the house and all we do were to chase them?" Rizza said laughing.

"You are right, time flies so fast." Dei replied. "Where is your husband Charlie?" Dei asked.

"He is out of the country for a 5 days training. He is so excited to see you Dei, but his trip was already booked 3 months ago and he could not longer cancel it." Rizza said.

"Oh that's sad, but it's alright maybe you should start planning your trip to Cebu this year. I promise that you guys will have a great time." Dei replied.

"Great idea Dei, I'll discuss it with Charlie when he gets back. Let's get inside." They both walk inside the house. Rizza is not letting go of Dei's arms "I just got a caterer for tomorrow's event. I don't want to tire you in cooking the food. But of course the pasta is an exception. We know that your pesto pasta is Athena's favorite. Breakfast is an exception too. You are in-charge for breakfast tomorrow, I miss your fried rice and beef." Rizza said.

"No problem, I would love to cook breakfast for you guys." Dei replied grinning. "Thanks Dei, Charlie will be very envious, you know how much he loves your cooking." Rizza said.

The whole family shared the dinner Ms. Virgie have prepared for them. Everyone was busy catching up with each other. In Dei's mind, this is what she misses in this family. Though they know how she and Richard started their relationship by mistake, still they loved her without hesitation. They may have failed in their marriage, but they make her feel that she is still a member of this family.

"I am one lucky girl for being part of this amazing family and they still accept me after everything that has happened." she said to herself.