TINITIGAN ni Lovi si Bailey.

'Di maintindihan ni Lovi 'yong mukha nito.

Ang liit, tapos ka-pisil-isil ang ilong, tapos parang isang tulak lang ni Lovi, tutumba na siya.

Hindi naman as if itutulak niya talaga 'yong baby. Si Mikee siguro. Pero hindi si Lovi.

Kamukhang-kamukha nito ang Ate Kaf niya, pero ang mga mata ni Bailey ay galing kay Kuya Patrick.

Tinititigan din ni Mikee ito.

Lovi outstretches her arms to give the sleeping baby to her. "Gusto mo?"

Lumayo kaagad ang bunso nila. "No."

Natawa si Ate Kaf. She's having a glass of Moscato on the bed while Kuya Patrick brings their luggages up. "Mikee, he's not going to bite you. Never mo pa siyang nahawakan."

"Baka magising, 'wag na," sabi nito, flipping her hair away from her face.

Very decisive si Mikee not to touch or engage with the baby.

Binaba ni Lovi si Bailey nang dahan-dahan sa crib niya. He didn't stir.

"Thanks," sabi ng ate niya, taking a deep breath. "Sana next time, 'di lang kami ni Patrick ang parents."

"Matutuwa si Tita Pam," sabi ni Lovi. "Mamaya-maya, aakyat na 'yon dito."

She was all over Baby Bailey when Ate Kaf and Kuya Patrick arrived, but they have to settle in and unpack first before the first Gueco-Tanjangco dinner tonight. Reluctantly, she let him go, then began to prep and cook the food with Holder, Marge, Rich, and the three Tanjangco boys. Kuya Aze and Gabriel naturally just want to help, and si Jett, nando'n kasi late.

"Paki-lock ang door," Ate Kaf jokes, lying down on the bed. "Being a mother is so draining."

Hanggang ngayon, 'di pa rin makapaniwala si Lovi na nanay na ang ate niya while she's...still struggling with being an adult. They're in different places in their lives right now, but before, they've always been mistaken for twins. If not twins, laging in-a-assume na mas matanda si Lovi even though they're only four years apart.

Ate Kaf looks more like their mother, and Lovi looks more like their father, but the uncanny resemblance is hard to miss. The assumption that Lovi is older comes from her sharper features, her angular face shape, and her piercing eyes. Ate Kaf, meanwhile, has a round face with full cheeks, making her look younger than her age, with small, trusting eyes and softer features. Mikee is a combination of them both.

Ate Kaf is 30, Lovi is 26, and Mikee is 18, pero close silang tatlo kahit na magkakaiba sila ng personality.

Katherine Faye is the epitome of positivity and patience. She's experienced everything—there was space and time for boyfriends, for fun, for rebel, for travel, for life. But Lovi knew her sister would make a good mother whenever she took initiative in taking care of both Lovi and Mikee. Not because she's expected of it, to step up as the panganay of the family, but because she loves caring for the people important to her.

Lois Vienne blends in the background. She's not the favorite, not who her parents rely on, but she's not the black sheep, either. She's just...somewhere in between her sisters—literally and figuratively. She's more reserved and emotionally guarded, a little on the good girl side but still knows how to have fun. She's a career woman, first and foremost, and unlike Kaf who needs to be surrounded by people, she doesn't mind being alone.

Michaela Serafina is an overachiever. She never lets her grades slip, always aims for number one when it comes to matters of the brain. She also has a fire the other two don't have. She's braver, more assertive, and self-assured with a strong personality and even stronger opinions and beliefs. The smartest of the three.

But the youngest has an "I don't care" attitude that can be sometimes irritating. The one time she tried driving, sabi niya, "Let me merge or I swear I'll fucking kill us both."

"Magpalit ka mamaya," utos ni Lovi dito. "Mag-di-dinner tayo, hindi ka pwedeng naka-tank top at jeans lang."

"Ba't hindi?" sagot ng bunso.

"Makinig ka na lang sa 'min, Mik," pagod na sabi ni Ate Kaf. "Mapapagalitan ka. 'Tsaka nakakahiya kina Tita at Tito."

"Nandito na rin daw si Jett," sabi ni Lovi.

At the mention of his name, a sour expression crosses her face and she rolls her eyes. "In loving memory of when I gave a shit."

Then she leaves the room.

Ate Kaf snorts. "Masasanay ka na lang din talaga. Nakailang Christmas na tayo na ganito sila."

Totoo naman. No'ng dumating ang bunsong Tanjangco sa sarili niyang kotse,  nawawala si Mikee, at hindi naman ito hinanap ni Jett.

"At least make an effort to be civil, 'di ba? Nandito tayo for the next, what, eight days?"

"Parang kayo ni Tan?" inosenteng bato ni Ate Kaf, nakataas ang kilay.

Lovi rolls her eyes. "'Di kami magkaaway ni Gabriel. Walang hostility sa 'min."

"Tension lang."

"Ate Kaf, ano ba."

"What? Single ka na, I can say these things."

"I don't care, walang papatol sa mga Tanjangco. Ilang taon  tayong magkakasama. If something goes wrong, that's permanent. Kaya sana maging civil sina Jett and Mikee."

"Unlikely. They're 18 and competing in senior high," her sister says, laughing. "Chill."

"Uy, Lovi," Kuya Patrick greets with a wide smile as he pushes open the door and drags their luggages inside. "Good to see you."

Niyakap nang mabilis ni Lovi ito. "You too, Kuya. Rest kayo habang asleep si Bailey. See you at dinner."

Naririnig pa rin ni Lovi ang tawa ng ate niya habang paalis siya ng kwarto ng mga Ilagan.

She heads back inside her own room, one of the 10 in Anderdal Manor, and unpacks quickly. Then she falls asleep to the soft, echoing voices in the kitchen.

*

Walang seating arrangement 'pag kumakain ang mga Gueco at Tanjangco.

Kahit saan ka umupo, okay lang.

Pero 'pag late ka, mahuhuli ka talaga sa musical chairs.

Of course, the parents sit on one end together. Beside Tito Rich and Tita Pam are Ate Kaf and Kuya Patrick, who have Baby Bailey in a high-chair in between them. Katabi ni Kuya Patrick si Gabriel, at katabi ni Gabriel si Kuya Aze—who sits at the head and therefore has to say grace. As the eldest sa mga anak, walang problema kay Kuya Aze do'n. Beside Holder and Marge is Jett and the two remaining seats.

'Yong isa ay katabi ni Jett at katapat ni Kuya Patrick. 'Yong katabi n'on ay katapat ni Gabriel.

Para magbatian sina Mikee at Jett, umupo si Lovi do'n sa tapat ni Gabriel. Late naman 'yong bunso nila, wala itong choice.

She put on a satin mini-dress in baby pink with 4-inch strapped heels in the same color and a simple necklace. Her hair is down and tucked back with a white headband.

Lovi's pretty. She knows she's pretty. It may be different for other girls, but Lovi puts effort into her appearances because she likes feeling pretty.

So she doesn't miss the slow head to toe Gabriel gives her, pero kunwari na lang ay 'di niya napansin. Mentally, gives herself a pat on the shoulder.

She only allows herself to admire him, too, nang kausapin ito ni Kuya Patrick.

His wavy hair is tousled and disheveled, like he runs his hand through it unconsciously every so often when it's not gelled or when he's not at work (he does, he does it once, twice right now). The sleeves of his white polo shirt are rolled up and the first two buttons are undone, and he's sitting there with his legs spread and laughing while talking and—

Umiwas kaagad ng tingin si Lovi when Gabriel turns his head in her direction.

She doesn't see his knowing smirk.

Bumaba si Mikee nang naka-wide leg pants at corset top. Tumabi ito sa natitirang upuan sa tabi ni Jett nang wala sabi-sabi.

Hindi rin ito pinansin ni Jett.

"Okay, we're all here," Tito Rich announces with a wide smile. He puts his hands out and nods at Kuya Aze. "Aze, say grace."

Everyone puts their hands together in the air. Lovi hears Mikee sigh angrily before slapping her hand down on Jett's.

"Bless us, Oh Lord, and these thy gifts..." simula ni Kuya Aze.

Nagpipisilan ng kamay sina Jett at Mikee. Mikee hisses under her breath.

Lovi purses her lips in disapproval. "Stop hurting Jett," she whispers to her.

"Sinasaktan niya kamay ko!" Mikee whisper-shouts, angry and defensive, with wide eyes, pushing down on Jett's fingers.

"...Amen."

Mikee snatches her hand back forcefully before the second syllable to that word was even uttered. Dahil do'n, malapit na matumba ang upuan ni Jett at nagmukha siyang ewan flailing his arms around to regain his balance.

"Jett, stop," matigas na utos ni Gabriel, habang nagpapasa-pasahan na ng pagkain ang iba.

The youngest Tanjangco looks incredulous. With wide eyes, he says, "Ako na nga nahulog, ako pa—"

"Kumain ka na lang diyan, 'wag kang magulo," Gabriel cuts him off, reaching across the table to shove a spoonful of potatoes in his brother's mouth to shut him up.

Lovi bites her lip to hide her smile. To her sister, she mutters through her teeth, "Behave."

"Siya sabihan mo, Ate," inis na sagot nito. "Akin na nga 'yong gravy, Kuya Aze."

"Dad, the steak is so good, thank you," sabi ni Ate Kaf. Everyone murmurs their agreement.

The famous Holder filet mignon is the main course for dinner tonight. Favorite 'to ni Lovi, kaya alam niyang binigay sa kanya ng tatay niya ang pinakamalaking parte. Her dad is still wearing his trusty apron, and he beams with the compliments and winks at Lovi.

She grins at him from across the table.

"We're settling in the new house alright," kwento ni Kuya Patrick habang pinapakain si Baby Bailey. "Papa-housewarming na po kami soon, tinatapos lang po 'yong renovations."

"Si Enzo, my last patient, got neutered. Ta's may dental extraction 'tsaka minor skin procedure niyan ako pagbalik," kwento naman ni Kuya Aze.

"China and India were great," Ate Kaf shares. Kababalik lang nito from a month full of travel for work. "Ubos na po English ko, actually."

"How's school, Mikee?" tanong naman ni Tita Pam with a warm smile. "Ikaw raw nag-number one this term, balita ko kay Jett. Congrats, anak!"

"Thank you po," she answers with a grin. And then loudly states, "It's not easy being number one."

Jett scoffs loudly. "I bet."

Tiningnan siya ni Mikee. "Did you say something, number two?"

The youngest Tanjangco smiles bitterly. "Obviously hindi madali. Ako kalaban mo, e."

"And yet, natalo pa rin kita."

"By one point sa religion," Jett grits out. "Religion."

"Oh, boo-hoo," Mikee mocks with fake sympathy. "Tell me, how does the 97.5 feel? 'Di ko kasi alam, e. Ano ba naman ang 98 ko?"

"Enjoy mo 'yan, Gueco," sabi ni Jett. Napatingin ang lahat ng Gueco sa kanya. "Next term, tingnan natin saan mapupunta 'yang yabang mo."

"If you actually beat me next term."

"Have you forgotten I was how many ranks higher than you sa UST test? Mga...six, 'no? 41 and 47," Jett reminds her. "'Tsaka ilang terms ka nang number two, don't get used to it."

"Everyone!" agaw-atensiyon ni Mikee, directing it to the table, clapping twice. "May papansin 'tsaka sore loser dito, o."

Tumayo si Jett, slamming his hands on the table. The veins in his neck are popping out and the utensils make a banging noise. "You insufferable—"

Tumayo rin si Mikee. She gets in his face. "Bakit?! Bakit?! If the shoe fucking fits—"

"WAAAAAAAH!" Baby Bailey screeches.

Tita Pam is immediately off her chair to carry him before his parents do. "Ano ba kayo!" sita niya sa dalawa, patting the baby's back.

"Shh, shh," Kuya Patrick tries to soothe his baby, and Ate Kaf is just rubbing her forehead in weariness. It's the same old thing every year for the two teenagers in the house.

"Mikee, sit down," utos ni Holder.

"Jett, upo," sabi ni Tito Rich.

Nagtitigan ang dalawa, their hands balled into fists by their sides.

"Umupo ka na raw, Dandan," Mikee says sweetly.

"Sure thing, Mikmik," he returns.

He sits down, gritting his teeth and picking up his steak knife.

Mikee does too, stabbing her potatoes.

Si Lovi, in-e-enjoy lang ang steak at kanina pa pinapanood ni Gabriel.

"ANYWAY," sumbat ng nanay ni Lovi. "Ikaw, Azriel, wala ka pang nililigawan?"

"Wala po," sagot na mahinhin ng nakatatandang kuya. "Si Tan po."

Sinamaan ng tingin ni Gabriel ang kapatid.

"Ah, oo!" Holder says, snapping his fingers. "'Yong artista? Fan kami ni Marge ng latest drama niya, nasa Prime. Maganda 'yon, Tan, ah."

"I am still very much single. Heart and I are good friends; nothing more," he says, quoting the press release Lovi wrote for him word for word.

He glances at her, and her mouth twitches.

"Nabibwisit na 'ko sa inyo. Sa susunod na Pasko, requirement na may dala na kayong partner," masungit na sabi ni Tita Pam, pinapakalma pa rin si Baby Bailey. "Lovi, ikaw?"

Aw. Naubos na niya steak niya. She swallows the last of it before answering, "Tita, wala po akong oras. Marami po akong trabaho para sa anak po ninyo."

Tita Pam clicks her tongue. "Bawasan mo naman ng trabaho, Gabriel."

"Para mag-date? Ayoko nga, Ma," sagot nito, picking up his wine. "Tingin n'yo sa 'kin? Hirap kaya magpatakbo ng kumpanya."

Lovi rolls her eyes. "I'm keeping him in line, 'wag po kayo mag-alala."

"Oh, we're not worried," Tita Pam says, grinning. "Thank you, Lovi."

"I'm happy they're working together," komento ni Tito Rich, TG's Chairman and CEO. "Lovi keeps Tan in his place. And it's good he has someone he trusts on his side."

Gabriel hasn't torn his eyes away from her. "I'm lucky enough to have an excellent PR head. She has good outfit choices, too."

Under the table, Lovi kicks his foot.

Gabriel kicks hers right back, smiling behind his glass.

Dinner goes on (thankfully with no murder charges for either Mikee or Jett), and when Lovi comes back from the bathroom, there's a new piece of steak on her plate.

*

#LoveAllWP