YVETTE

BY

LARA MIA VERONICA

April 10, 1984

Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija,

Republic of the Philippines

The moon was shining brightly and there was a slight breeze, enough to cool the warmth of the night. The stars were glittering. It was a beautiful night, but that was not how Yvette felt. It was the most horrible night of her life. It was the night all her family died in an auto crash.

There they were. Her mom was burned from the waist down. Her little brother was burnt to ashes. Her dad lost his feet and his glasses were shattered. Some of the particles were in his eyes. She saw three other people lying on the asphalt grounds. She did not know them and right now, she couldn't care less.

Yvette was almost six years old, but she felt as though ten years had been added to her life. Her tears were like an unstoppable stream. Her mind was whirling in space. She was alone in a crowd.

A lady cop tried to comfort her, but Yvette was motionless. A little while later, she dried the tears in her eyes, but still, nobody could talk to her. When she finally decided to speak, she faced the sky and shouted, "Bakit hindi Niyo ako kinuha? (Why didn't you take me?)"

Yvette's words echoed up to the next town. She was confused. The lady cop tried everything she could to calm Yvette, but could not.

April 11, 1984-4:00 a.m.

"Gonzales, hindi pa ba makausap ng matino yang batang yan? (Can't we talk straight to that kid yet?)" asked the chief of police.

"I'm sorry sir, tulala pa siya (she's still in shock)," said Monica, the lady cop.

"In the meantime, just take care of her," the chief suggested.

"But sir, I'm off to Manila this morning," Monica replied.

"Then take her there. That's an order."

Monica could do nothing but concur with the chief of police.

Manila

As soon as Monica parked the car in front of her little apartment, Yvette started to move.

"Buti nama'y natauhan ka na...anong pangalan mo? (It's a good thing you're back to your senses. What's your name?)" Monica asked.

"Yvette, po... how about you? What's your name?"

"So, you speak English. I'm Tita (Aunty) Monica."

"You're so pretty Tita Monica," Yvette said.

Monica smiled.

"Where are we?" Yvette asked.

"We're in Paco, in front of my house."

"Paco? You mean we're in Manila?"

"Yes," Monica replied, continuing to smile.

Yvette was speechless.

Inside Monica's apartment, little Yvette looked around. For her, it was a quaint little place that needed a lot of remodeling.

"What's wrong?" Monica asked when she noticed Yvette's expression.

"Nothing," the little girl said. "I just didn't realize that you live in a shack."

"Hey," Monica snapped, losing a bit of her smile.

"It's nothing compared to our house," Yvette said rather proudly. "Our house is soooo big. Daddy even told us that one day it will be ours, mine and Jay's. Now that they're all gone, I think that place is going to be mine alone. Ganoon po ba yon? (Is that so, ma'am?) Cause why on earth would they give it to other people when I'm alive and breathing?"

Monica broadened her smile and decided to play along. "It depends, Yvette. Do you have any other relatives? Do you have grandparents?"

Sitting down Yvette said, "My lolo (grandpa) and my lola (grandma) died in a plane crash when I was four."

"Your mom's parents?"

The little girl nodded then said, "My daddy was an orphan when he married my mom, and he didn't have brothers and sisters, if that's your next question."

Monica chuckled a little bit then said: "If what you're saying is true-that you really have a big house, how come your car is so, what's the word? Ah, cheap!"

"The car we were near was not our car!"

"What do you mean?"

"Our car's a Rolls Royce," Yvette said. She went on to explain that her family visited their driver's family who had a farm in Nueva Ecija. They were going back to Manila when a rickety car lost its brakes. "Tumilapon po kaming lahat (All of us fell out of the car) except for my Yaya (nanny) and our driver."

"You said your mommy, your daddy, and your brother Jay died. Who were the three other people we found?"

With piercing eyes, thinking Monica was a fool to ask, Yvette said," Sino pa, eh di yung mga nakabangga sa amin (Who else but the people who were in the car that hit us)."

"How did the car explode? How did your parents and your brother die while you were able to escape? How?"

The little girl freaked out then shouted, "Could you please stop asking me these questions?"

Monica embraced the little girl while saying 'I'm sorry' incessantly. A little while later, when Yvette was pacified, a thought struck Monica.

"My gosh! That means there are two more people in the ravine!"

Monica rushed to the phone and placed a long distance call to Cabanatuan and told him everything Yvette said.

Cabanatuan

The Cabanatuan police were able to retrieve the silver beige Rolls Royce. For whatever miracle you may call it, the Rolls did not fall into the ravine with the other vehicle. It did not explode and was hidden from what the police thought was the accident scene. In the Rolls, the chauffeur and the nanny were still in shock. The nanny's hand was gripping to one of the doors, and the chauffeur was able to balance their weights without even meaning to. The police relayed the information to Monica. Yvette was somewhat relieved.

April 17,1984

Makati, Philippines

Inside the den of young Yvette's castle-like house, a few people were gathered with her comprising of her nanny, the chauffeur, seven maids, the chef, a couple of security guards, two other drivers, Monica, and Dexter, a 29 year old rustic looking lawyer.

Dexter read the will and the staff were pleased with what they had received. "Before I continue, I just want to greet you a very happy birthday, Yvette," Dexter said. The little girl looked down. Tears welled in her eyes.

Dexter cleared his throat and apologized to her. She looked at him and smiled faintly. "Hey, cheer up," he said while cupping her chin. "Did you know that your father is giving you the liberty to choose your own guardian. It was as if he had a premonition."

She looked up at him then asked, "What's a premonition?"

"I'm not really sure how to explain it to a young girl like you, but since you're a gifted child, this is what I can say. It is like knowing something is going to happen before it actually does."

"Like being clairvoyant?"

"More like a hunch, a forewarning."

Monica listened to the conversation. She couldn't believe Dexter was talking to Yvette like she was an adult. This child was really different. So ahead of her time. Monica stared at Dexter; she liked the way he handled Yvette. It was like Yvette really was his progeny and not Allen's, his best friend. Dexter even gave the little girl her copy of the will and she held it like treasure just found. Monica observed that it was not the riches she acquired that made Yvette hold the will so dearly, but the loving memory of her parents and her only sibling, Jay.

Monica came back to earth when she heard Yvette utter: "I want you and Tita Monica to be my legal guardians," Yvette said to Dexter.

"What?" asked Monica dumfounded.

"She said..."

"I heard what she said. Hindi lang ako makapaniwala. (I just can't believe it.)"

"So Tita Monica, do you accept?" Yvette asked.

"I'm... I'm honored."

Yvette was so ecstatic. The staff was too. So was Dexter as he and Monica stared into each other's eyes.

May 27,1984

Quezon City, Philippines

"Naloloka ka na ba? (Are you crazy?)" Captain Torres asked as he glared at Monica.

"Hindi, ano. (Of course not.)"

Captain Torres hit the typewriter with his bare hands. The other police officers did not mind it a bit; they were used to him. But apparently, Monica was not.

"I've never seen you like this before," she said.

"What did you expect? Magsasaya ako dito? (That I'd have a party?)"

"Then I did not make a mistake after all," Monica confirmed.

"Pero Monica.... guardian lang ang tungkuling tinanggap mo. Bakit kailangan mo pang magpakasal diyan sa Dexter Altamano na yun?

(Guardianship is the sole duty you have accepted. Why do you have to marry that Dexter Altamano?)"

Monica did not say anything but instead, lowered her head in solitude.

"Anak ng... Mahal mo siya ano? Leche! (Son of... you love him? Milk! [Said not in a likely manner])"

Monica remained speechless.

Captain Torres buzzed his superior. "Sir, tinatanggap ko na po yung alok niyong pumunta ako sa Mindanao! (Sir, I'm accepting your offer for me to be assigned in Mindanao!)" He scorned at Monica then said, "I hope you'll

be happy." She did not move. "Ano pang hinihintay mo? Umalis ka na! (What are you waiting for? Leave!)" Torres shouted waving his arm.

Monica rushed out. Torres wailed like a child who'd just been deprived of his favorite toy. The others minded their own businesses, but he still said, "Anong tinitingin-tingin niyo diyan? (What are you staring at?)" Then slammed his office door.

Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines

Dexter felt the cool breeze kiss his cheeks. He looked at the vast land he'd inherited from his father. He watched as the horses eat the very green grass. He watched the young colts gallop freely.

Later in the day, he walked to the river. Upon reaching the riverbank, he removed his shoes, sat on the edge of a soft tuft of grass, and stared at the peaceful water. Within seconds, his thoughts turned to Allen. He was talking with Allen only a couple of nights before he'd left for Cabanatuan.

"Lumalaking matalino ang panganay ko, ano? (Isn't my eldest growing up to be wise?)" Allen had asked.

Dexter smiled and nodded.

"Dex, I want you to prepare my last will and testament."

"Allen naman. Ang bata-bata mo pa. (You're still too young.)"

"My parents died when I was as young as Yvette. I had to live on a trust fund. It was a good thing my dad was prepared for it. I want to be prepared too."

"Even without the will..."

"I know, pero baka maraming maging mapagsamantala (but maybe there will be a lot of people who will take advantage of my children). I don't want my children to be like beggars for their own money. Pinaghirapan ng mga magulang ko at pinalago ko naman ang mga negosyo. (My parents worked hard for our wealth and I even tripled all the earnings of our businesses.)"

"Allen, please don't be too morbid."

"Please," Allen urged.

"All right," Dexter had said reluctantly. "I'll have it ready before you leave."

"Promise me something."

"Name it," Dexter had said.

"Do everything Yvette tells you."

"Sure . . ."

The images were gone in a flash. Dexter leaned forward and saw his reflection in the clear, still water. He lowered his hand. As it passed through the water's mirrored surface, he stirred with a gentle touch and watched his image vanish. Allen vanished that fast, Dexter thought as he shed tears for his friend.

"Malay ko bang mauuna ka na? (I didn't know you'd die ahead of me.)" He looked at the sky. It was very blue. There were a few ducks flying in a V-formation.

"All right. I'll marry Monica."

It was dark when a hand on his shoulder disturbed his thoughts. It was Jazzle, his girlfriend since high school.

"It's getting late na. You better go inside."

Dexter wasn't moving. Again, his thoughts were distant.

"What are you thinking, hon?" Jazzle asked.

"Allen's will."

"What about Allen's will?"

"I have to do everything his beloved daughter asks."

"What's wrong with that? Yvette is so cute. Does Yvette want us to adopt her? I don't mind."

Dexter looked down and clenched his fists. "Yvette wants me to marry Monica."

"Who's Monica?" Jazzle asked.

"Her other guardian."

"Doesn't Yvette know about me? I thought I was her friend. And who's this Monica? I thought Connie, like Allen, was an only child."

"Monica is a lady cop that..."

"A lady cop? You'd marry a lady cop? De Buena familia ba siya? (Did she come from a good family?)"

"I don't know if she comes from a good family. What I know is she studied criminology and a couple of years in law then stopped to concentrate on being a cop."

"You don't know her family background and you're going to marry her!"

"I don't have a choice," he said, still looking to the ground instead of at Jazzle.

"You do. Why don't you talk to Yvette? She's a sensible kid. If you tell her how much you love me, she'll understand."

Dexter did not respond. He just stood and waded his bare feet in the river.

"What? You like this Monica, don't you?"

"Yes," he said, still avoiding her.

"Why didn't you just say so? Why do you have to use Yvette as an excuse? I almost hated her for no reason at all."

She grabbed hold of the collar of Dexter's shirt and pulled him backward into the river then rushed to the house. Moments later though distant, Dexter heard a car screech. It was Jazzle; he was sure of it.

"I do like Monica," he said to himself while getting out of the river. "I do like Monica," he repeated, then said to himself, "I'm finally free."

Makati, Philippines

Yvette was lying on her bed. She was so weak.

"Kain ka na, Yvette, (You have to eat something, Yvette,)" said her Yaya.

"I don't like."

"Sige na, Yvette. (Come on, Yvette.)"

Just then, Monica entered the room. She was carrying a box of goodies from Goldilocks, a well-known cake shop in the Philippines.

"Guess what I have here, Yvette."

Yvette did not move.

Monica motioned Yvette's Yaya to leave and the latter obeyed leaving the tray of food on the coffee table beside Yvette's bed.

"Yvette, yesterday I was able to talk to Gener."

"Who's Gener?" the little girl asked weakly.

"My boyfriend."

"The cop who works in Q.C.?"

"Yes," Monica replied as she sat on the edge of Yvette's bed.

"What did you talk about?"

Monica held her answer just long enough for Yvette to display a bit of youth's impatience. "I broke up with him."

This made Yvette's eyes dance. "You mean..."

"Yes."

The two ladies hugged each other. Yvette regained her appetite and this made Monica's heart feel light. Meme, Yvette's Yaya was walking down the stairs when a beautiful voice greeted her from below.

"Hi Yaya Meme."

"Ay, kayo po pala, Señorita Jazzle, (Oh, it's you, Miss Jazzle,)" Yaya Meme said as she reached the living room. Jazzle was sitting on the sofa.

"Where's Yvette?"

"She's up in her room. She is sick."

"Sick? Since when?"

"Mahigit isang buwan na po. Nag-aalala nga po ako dahil malapit na ang pasukan. (More than a month ago. I'm worried for school is about to start.) [Author's note: The Philippine school year is different. Summer is from April to May. On the second week of June, school starts.]

"What did the doctor say?"

"Emotional sickness daw. Tinaggihan kasi ni Sir Dexter at ni Ma'am Monica yung request niyang magpakasal ang dalawa dahil nga pareho nga daw po silang may kasintahan na. (Sir Dexter and Ma'am Monica denied her request for them to get married for they both have their own sweethearts already.)"

"About this Monica, what do you know about her?"

"Nothing much."

"Nothing much?" Jazzle said, surprised. "But it's been over a month."

"She doesn't talk to us-not like you and Señora Connie."

"Who does she think she is? Is she rich?"

"According to Señorita Yvette, she's not," replied Yaya Meme.

Jazzle laughed. "No offense, Yaya Meme, but I can't imagine Dexter marrying someone out of his league. Dexter, a graduate of Ateneo, a bar top-notcher and one of the richest bachelors in the province of Rizal, could marry someone so common."

"Hindi naman po siya pumayag, diba? (He didn't agree, right?)"

"I guess something changed his mind."

The two went on with their conversation. They were so engrossed that they did not notice Monica coming down the stairs.

"Have you nothing else to talk about?" Monica asked as he approached to two women.

"I assume that you're Monica," Jazzle asked.

"And you're Yvette's Tita Jazzle, Dexter's cousin."

Yaya Meme was startled at this revelation. "Cousin? Mag pinsan kayo ni Sir Dexter? Second cousins po ba? Sana po mas malayo pa. (I hope it's a further degree than the second.)"

Jazzle looked down.

"First cousins," answered Monica for the silent Jazzle.

"Dios Mio, (My God,)" exclaimed Yaya Meme. "Ay, excuse me, ho, ah."

She ran to the kitchen, leaving Monica and Jazzle in each other's company.

"How did Yvette find out?" asked Jazzle, bashfully, but now meeting Monica's eyes.

"Apparently her father told her, and she just wants Dexter away from the temptation of you."

"And to solve that she let Dexter marry you. Wala ka bang sariling bait? (Don't you have a mind of your own?) Do you have to follow everything that little brat tells you?" She looked at Monica from head to foot.

"How dare you look at me that way? You, breaker of traditions!"

Jazzle again looked at the floor. "I'm sorry. It's just that I've loved

Dexter since we were teens, and our relationship lasted for more than a decade-almost two. We know our parents would never allow us to get married, but..." her voice trailed as she looked up and stared at Monica.

"Do you at least like him?"

"Yes," Monica replied in a confident tone.

"Thank you. I guess I better go. Please kiss Yvette for me."

Jazzle rang the bell summoning Mang Ben, the family butler, then started to leave.

Monica did not take her to the door; her eyes just followed Jazzle and watched as Mang Ben, let her out.

"What am I getting myself into?" Monica said aloud; she waited for someone to give her an answer, but of course, no one did.

April 17, 1985

Makati

A grand carousel, clowns, acrobats, and other circus people were there in the Mojica-Terrano Estate. All the kids were having fun, except that seven-year-old Yvette was downcast in one corner.

Monica, Mrs. Altamano, approached her child then kissed her cheek.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"How come I don't have a baby brother or a baby sister yet?"

"We're trying."

"Are you really?"

Dexter went near them, handing Yvette an ice cream waffle cone.

Yvette thanked him, but still maintained her grief.

"What's the matter?" he asked Monica.

"Ay naku... hulaan mo kung anong gusto niyang anak natin. (Guess what our daughter is asking for her birthday.)"

"I haven't the slightest idea."

"A baby brother or sister," Monica said.

"We're trying," said Dexter, clenching his fists.

"Really?" Yvette asked, looking up.

"Really. Now be a good girl and entertain your guests."

Yvette ran to her guests and played with them. Monica looked at

Dexter then left. Dexter followed her. Inside their room Monica sat on the bed. Dexter locked the door then looked at his wife. He went near her then started to unbutton her clothing.

"Hey what are you doing?" Monica asked.

"Granting Yvette's wish. Isn't that why you..."

"Of course not," Monica interrupted.

"Gusto mo bang magkasakit siyang muli? (Do you want her to get sick again?)"

"Wala ito sa usapan. (That wasn't our agreement.)"

"I have an idea," Dexter said.

"Artificial ins..."

"Nope," he interrupted.

"Then what?" she asked.

"We'll do it naturally."

"Not in your lifetime," Monica said, shaking her head.

"Teka (Wait), listen first," Dexter said.

"Okay, I'm listening."

"Since police woman ka naman, trained ka sa martial arts, diba?"

"Oo, pero (Yes, but) what does that have to do with anything?" Monica asked.

"I am trained in martial arts. We'll have a fair fight. If you win, then we'll think of lab works; if I win, you know what I want," Dexter explained.

"Hindi ka madaraya, ha. (You won't cheat, ok.)"

"Nope," Dexter replied.

They started fighting. Unfortunately for Dexter, he lost, so he broke his promise and cheated. He got one of the vases and hit Monica on the head.

Monica woke up the following morning; her husband was on top of her. Angry, she pushed him off the bed. This woke him up.

"Lintik! Ang daya mo tsong! (Son of lightning! You cheated me!)"

"I'm sorry, but..."

"I wish there won't be a baby!" Monica shouted.

"So you want more?"

"Son of a... Di bale na nga! (never mind!)"

Monica pulled the sheets around her then rushed to the bathroom and took a cold shower. Dexter felt no remorse. After her shower Monica told Dexter she would sue him.

"Monica, please! Do you want Yvette's heart to be broken?"

"Emotional blackmail na naman yan! (again!)"

The two were silent for a while. They were both learning to love each other day by day but were too proud to admit it. Dexter held Monica's hands, looked into her eyes, and said, "I am so sorry Monica. It was just that..."

"Yes?" Monica questioned, half expecting him to say that he was falling in love with her.

"That you're so beautiful."

Other women would have given gold to hear those words, but Monica only felt hurt. She could not allow him to know of her agony so she smiled when she said, "It's good that you noticed that."

Dexter released her hands then went out to the veranda to think, leaving Monica alone and making her cry. "Mahal kita, gago, (I love you, stupid,)" she whispered.

June 18, 1985

Monica and Dexter's exchange of passion was never repeated, but by now a baby was being formed inside of Monica. Yvette was so delighted to hear about this that she studied a book called, Is it a Saint's Name? Monica loved the baby so much that she would sing to him or read him books. The funny thing was that she was not reading baby books, but books written by Machiavelli and Tolstoy.

When Yvette saw her reading War and Peace, she commented that her mother used to do the same, so she was sure that little Joseph Adrian (her brother Jay's name) was going to be a gifted child too. "I hate to brag about this, mommy," she said, "but it's the truth. I am gifted and J A will also be gifted."

Dexter and Monica were warm in front of Yvette, but inside their

rooms, they were cold as ice. Both of them wanted to share what was going on inside of them, but none had the courage to make the first move.

Yvette knew what was going on, but decided to keep quiet about it.

Instead, she would just close her eyes and pray that one day her new mommy and daddy would be honest with one another, and that one day they would tell each other how much they mean to one another. When will that day come?

February 10,1988

5:00 p.m.

Makati

The wind in Glorietta Park was a little bit strong that day. A band was playing just in front of Cinderella, one of the biggest clothing store chains in the metropolis. They were playing fast beat love songs, but only a few people were watching them for the others were busy window shopping.

That same day, Dexter and Monica brought Yvette and little JA there. Yvette held little JA with her right hand. Dexter and Monica stayed close behind them. They (Dexter and Monica) were still cold with each other and the Valentine hearts on the windows of the shops did not alleviate their struggles. They tried hard not to get affected by the "love bug", but Yvette knew in her heart they did not need to try for they already were.

Monica got Dexter's left hand and held it tight. She whispered to Dexter that Yvette might accidentally look back and might notice they were just pretending. Dexter pretended to be reluctant, but deep inside him he was thrilled. Monica felt sort of an electric reaction from Dexter, but did not trust herself. She thought she was just imagining it.

Dexter felt Monica's warmth, but thought he was imagining it too.

Yvette was pissed with them, but did not say anything. Instead, she talked to JA like an adult. They discussed the present political system and how President Cory Aquino was performing.

Monica and Dexter felt their goose bumps rise when they heard JA compare Madam Aquino to the former President Marcos. He was born during the year of the snap elections and was only a month old when Mrs. Aquino was proclaimed the President of the Republic so it was impossible for him to know those things, but he did.

"I can't believe he came from me!" Dexter and Monica said simultaneously. They chuckled and for a fleeting moment, they were friends again.

"Monica Gonzales?"

"Troy Milan?"

"Hey, it is you! Kumusta na? (How do you do?)"

"I'm fine, thank you, and you?"

"I'm doing great! I'm with Reyes-Ochoa-De Castro," Troy said. Dexter cleared his throat. Troy turned to look at him. "Dex, ikaw pala yan (I didn't know it was you)...kumusta na, 'dre?"

"Mabuti naman(I'm fine)."

"Are you guys married or something?" Troy asked in a startled manner. "I thought you were comfy with Jazzle and you naman Monica with Major Gener Torres...would you believe I just ran into him last night...he's still single." Troy talked rapidly about Gener. Dexter was almost pissed with him, but managed to keep his calm. Monica was equally peeved. She could not believe that Gener was back and was even promoted. Yvette and JA knew what their folks were feeling. Yvette tugged Troy's sleeve. Troy smiled then asked, "Are these bundles of joy your kids?"

They nod.

"How come you don't know me anymore, Tito Troy?"

"Yvette, is that you? Ang laki mo na....kumusta na sina Connie at Allen?" (You're so big already...how're Connie and Allen?)

"They're fine....where have you been?"

"I went to Boston last 1983 to visit my aunt and at the same get my Masters Degree in Law."

"But that was only for two years."

"I met your aunt Thelma there then we got married...we settled there for a while...actually, I thought it was forever, but I really missed my job here...I'm glad the firm still got me."

"You're the best....well, after daddy."

"Allen took up law too?"

"No, I meant daddy Dexter....my real dad died almost four years ago."

Troy's mouth was agape. He was speechless for a while.

"You said your mom and dad're fine."

"Yes they are...they're in heaven."

Troy's eyes were suddenly misty. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"Why don't we go to Wendy's or Pizza Hut so you guys could catch up lost time?" said JA.

"Did Jay shrink or something?"

This made Yvette chuckle. She got her "Uncle" Troy's right hand then walked with him and JA to Chow King (A Chinese Fast Food) instead.

*****

6:30 p.m.

JA and Yvette watched their folks' ordeal while Attorney Milan was talking non-stop about Gener and Jazzle. Yvette could not eat her fried noodles because she was getting irritated.

"Excuse me, Tito Troy."

"Yes, Yvette?"

"What would you feel if we talked about Alexis DeVay?"

Alexis DeVay was a fashion model based in Boston who used to go out with Thelma, her mom's best friend. This made Troy's jaw drop.

"See."

"I'm sorry, guys...it's just that I was so excited seeing you that I forgot my manners."

Troy shifted the topic to politics, including little JA and Yvette in the conversation.

Now that's more like it, 'Yvette thought.

*****

8:00 p.m.

The family was on their way to their vehicle when Dexter accidentally bumped into Gener who was with the former police chief in Cabanatuan.

"Gonzles, ikaw ba yan?" (Gonzales, is that you?)

"Yes sir...pero Mrs. Altamano po ako ngayon." (...but I'm Mrs. Altamano now)

Gener Torres was uneasy.

Monica introduced her "chief" to her husband and children.

"By the way, Monica, I want you to meet Major Gener Torres. A couple of weeks from now, he's going to be a Lt. Colonel na."

"I....I already know her sir...at least, I used to."

"Is that so?"

"Sir, siya po yung boss ko sa ^Q.C.^," (Sir, he was my boss in QC-Quezon City) said Monica, trying to remind her boss in Cabantuan something.

"Oh," her former chief said, suddenly realizing that Gener was Monica's former boyfriend. He turned to Yvette then said, "Ang laki-laki mo na." (You're so big already.)

"Kilala niyo po ako?" (You know me?)

"Yvette dear, I'm amazed that you don't remember my police chief in Ca-ba-na-tu-an."

"Chief" almost nudged Monica, but Yvette said, "It's okay, sir...wala na po akong trauma." (....I overcame my trauma already)

"Colonel Rodriguez, excuse po, baka ho hinihintay na tayo nina Ma'am at ni Coleen sa may sinehan." (Excuse me, Colonel Rodriguez, but maybe Ma'am [his wife] and Coleen [Gener's date] are waiting in front of the cinema now.)

"We just parked our car," the "chief" explained.

"Bakit hindi kayo sinundo ng tsuper niyo?" (why didn't your chauffeur fetch you?), asked Gener.

"I drove," said Dexter, trying not to be peeved by the way Gener asked his question.

They said their goodbyes then the family watched the two police officers go.

The drive home was filled with deafening silence. Yvette just squeezed JA's hand, but the little boy put his head on her shoulder telling her he understood.

10: 00 p.m.

The Masters' Bedroom

The couple was silent for a while. The day was too harsh for them. First, Troy Milan and his non-stop mouth about Gener and Jazzle, then when they thought nothing could be worse, they saw Gener again.

Monica entered the bathroom in silence and prepared herself a bath. When she was starting to relax, Dexter entered then asked, "Do you still love him?"

"Why do you care?"

Dexter was silent for a while. Should I tell her now? he asked himself.

"Yvette might notice it."

Monica was peeved.

"Get out! I'm trying to relax here."

"But I want to use the shower and..."

"There are lots of bathrooms in this house."

Reluctantly, Dexter left. Monica cried inside.

February 10, 1996

New World Hotel, Makati City

Yvette was practicing for her debutante's ball in April. The choreographer was pleased because of her gracefulness. He rewarded her and the cotillón de honor a thirty-minute break.

As Yvette was wiping her perspiration she saw her "daddy" Dexter near the entrance of the ballroom. Yvette immediately kissed him on the cheek.

"My baby's almost a lady."

"I was a lady way back."

"I know, but..."

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"Could we talk it over at the coffee shop?"

"Everybody's taking a break anyway...why don't we talk it out over there?" Yvette asked, pointing to a corner table.

Without saying anything Dexter agreed. Yvette knew her dad so well that she led the way.

Dexter told her that he loved Monica, but he was not sure if he loved her.

"So can I ask you a favor?"

"Name it, dad."

"Well, I'm just your legal guardian, right? I'm not really your father and..."

"You want us to pretend that we're lovers?"

Dexter's cheeks were red with embarrassment, but he nodded in admission.

"Call!"

"You mean you agree?"

"Ayaw niyo yata, eh," Yvette teased. (Maybe it's you who doesn't want it.)"Jeff has to be in on this, huh, or else we might break up."

Dexter waved his hand to Jeff and the young man rushed to their seat. Dexter and Yvette told him about "the plan".

February 12, 1996

Garden

Monica was watering the plants. JA (who was also in on this) pretended to be sad.

"Hey babe...what's wrong?"

"Ate' Yvette and Kuya Jeff had a fight...they said they're not celebrating Valentine's Day together."

"It's just a petty quarrel...they'll get over it."

"But there's a third party."

"That Jeff will get it from me."

"No...Jeff's faithful...He actually told me his surprise for ate'...He was planning to bring her on top of Mount Makiling and have a picnic there with all the works."

"You mean Yvette has a new boyfriend?"

"A lover."

Monica was appalled.

"A lover? Who?"

Jay looked away. Without his mother's knowledge he was pinching himself hard. He faced her with tears in his eyes.

"You wouldn't want to know."

"Who? Tell me."

"It's dad."

Monica fainted.

February 14, 1996

8:00 a.m.

Monica woke up after two days of slumber. She found Jeff, Yvette, JA, and Dexter gathered round the bed.

There were flowers all around the place and that made the room look like an orchard. There were also balloons all over that told Monica how much Dexter loved her.

Yvette squeezed Jeff's hand then motioned JA to go out with them leaving Dexter alone with his wife.

"You really thought I could love Yvette more than a daughter, didn't you?"

"You mean..."

Dexter cupped her chin then kissed her lightly on the lips.

Afterwards, he looked straight into her eyes then said, "I have adored you since the day I met you...and have loved you since I married you."

"Why didn't you just tell me?"

"Coz I'm a damn fool?"

"Hmmm, close enough," Monica said pulling her husband closer to her.

November 14,1996

Makati Medical Center

11:55 p.m.

Jeff, JA, and Yvette were pacing at the waiting room. A little while later the doctor and Dexter came out.

The couple did not want to know beforehand the gender of the baby so the first thing Dexter told everyone was, "It's a girl...and we're naming her Yvette."

Yvette was overjoyed to hear this and so were Jeff and JA. She silently thanked the Lord then embraced her "dad".

"Oh this is a wonderful life...weird, but wonderful."

THE END