Favor.

In the kitchen.

' She look really happy. It seems like my little angel did have a great time here. '

For this beautiful young mother, nothing was more fulfilling than to see her daughter, Carla happy and enjoying herself in everyday of her life. Just seeing Carla's bright smiles was enough to take away most of the stress and other negative emotions Pauline was feeling inside her.

She felt genuinely happy to see that Carla found someone of her age she can get along and play with. Pauline also don't have anything to say about Leon as he, being Carla's friend was really beneficial for her. Pauline can see how much Leon takes care of Carla and Carla really liked being with Leon too.

She hopes they will continue being like that even after the two of them grows up? That way, Pauline can be even more assured.

" Pauline, these potatoes, should I dice or just cut them in half? "

Pauline was pulled out of her thoughts after hearing her sister Christy's question.

" Yes, sister Christy. Please dice them. " Pauline answered.

" I see. It'll be done soon. " Christina nodded and began working with the vegetables.

Pauline scooped up a small amount of soup with the laddle and transfer it in a saucer.

* Sip *

Her soft red lips parted and connected with the saucer, tasting the soup.

" It still needed more salt. " she murmured.

" Erm.. By the way, sister Christy. You said that Leon didn't want to go to private school right? Did he tell you why? "

" Hmm... At first, he told me that private schools are very expensive and was afraid that we can't afford it so I told him that money isn't a problem since the school was willing to provide everything if he can passed the test. But he still declined. And can you guess what he said to me, Pauline? "

" Hmm... No. What was it, sister Christy? "

" * giggles * He told me that perhaps, he will only think of studying into private school during High school or College. But considering his expression at that time, I don't think that kid even wanted to attend it at all unless he didn't have a choice. "

Hearing her sister Christy's words, Pauline can't help but be surprised and also, felt relieved at the same time.

" I know it was wrong for me to feel this way sister Christy but, I'm actually happy to know that Leon didn't want to go there. I mean, to study in that school. "

" * sigh * Because of your daughter again right? "

" Mn. I know I'm being selfish here but seeing how close our children became, I can't bear to separate them anymore. I'm sure that my Carla will also want to go to the school if Leon will go there. But... "

" But you're afraid Carla won't be able to join that school. Is that it Pauline? "

Pauline can only smile wryly. Her sister Christy can always tell what she wanted to say.

" Mn. That's.. right. If it's any other private schools, then there will be no problem but that school was ...'something' else right? "

" Well.... If what that female teacher told us was true, then that school was really 'something'. I didn't even know that a school like that even existed in the first place. I can't help but be suspicious of them actually. Here are the potatoes, Pauline. "

" Thank you, sister Christy. " Pailine received the diced potatoes and put them directly into the pot before adding some salt and other condiments needed.

" Mn. They are indeed suspicious. " she added.

Time passed by just like that and after another thirty minutes, the food was ready.

===

In the dining room.

The four of them are now happily eating their dinner together while also having a small conversation from time to time.

Pauline once again opened up the topic about her image in the book being too sexy hoping that Leon will make it more ' decent ' or something but she was mercilessly denied by both Leon and Carla.

" Mommy, can we sleep here? I don't want to go home yet. " said Carla after she's done eating her dinner.

" We have to go home, Carla. Your grandma is already waiting for us there. " replied Pauline.

Carla can't help but show a disappointed expression on her face after hearing what her mother said but she still nodded her head and agreed to go home.

" It's okay, Carla. You can just go back again tomorrow right? " Christina said. She can't help it after seeing Carla's poor expression.

" Really auntie Christy? "

" Of course. You and your mother are always welcome here. You can visit us here anytime anytime you want."

" Yehey! Thank you auntie Christy! " Carla cheered before giving Christina a hug.

Christina smiled as she gently patted Carla's head before saying, " Mn. But your mother have something to tell Leon first so let's go and watch TV? "

" Okay. I'll watch TV with auntie. * giggles * " Carla happily answered, turning her head to Leon. " See you later Leon. "

" Mn. See you later Carla. "

Christina then pulled Carla with her inside her room, leaving only Leon and Pauline in the dining room.

...

" What do you want to tell me, auntie Pauline? " Leon finally asked after seeing Pauline just sitting there in front of him saying nothing. Hesitation was clearly written on her face, similar to what he saw from his mother before.

Pauline slowly lifted her head and looked at Leon directly. " Leon, can I ask you for a favor? "

" Ohh, what kind of favor, auntie Pauline? "

" It's..... it's about... it's about Carla's father. "

Leon's expression became serious. He first thought that perhaps, Pauline will just asked him to take good care of Carla or perhaps teach her how to read and write? It seems like this will be more serious than what he'd expected.

Leon had never met or seen Carla's father yet. Carla and Pauline themselves never mentioned this person either. Not until today.

" Can auntie Pauline tell me how can I help? "

Pauline nodded her head. " It's like this Leon...."

She then began telling Leon everything, and also how he can help her. While she's saying all of that, Pauline was also observing Leon's reaction and saw him patiently listening to her words. Even after she's done speaking, Leon still remained silent.

His silence made Pauline be a bit nervous so she said, " If.. if it's too difficult for you then... it's fine if you can't do it. Just forget I talked about it, Leon.. "

" No. I will do it, auntie Pauline. I will help you explain all of these to Carla. But before that, can auntie Pauline tell me about Carla's father first? I want to know what kind of person he is. " said Leon trying to learn more about Carla's father.

Based on the fact that Pauline didn't want to introduce that man to Carla alone, Leon already have a feeling or idea that perhaps Carla's father wassn't a good person or at least not a good father. But he still wanted to make sure.

" That... * sigh * fine. This is an adult problem, soI don't know if you can understand this right now, Leon. But to make it simple, Carla's father left with other woman before. "

"...."

" To be exact, I made him leave after I caught him cheating on me. "

Pauline stopped there. Her expression explains everything, that she was very reluctant to bring up the past. Leon also noticed this so he didn't pry any further.

" Hmm... I can't understand it at all. " he replied with a serious look on his youthful face. " Auntie Pauline, is Carla's father..... a blind mind? "

This question of his did brought confusion to Pauline.

" Eh? No. He's not blind. What made you think like that, Leon? "

" Erm... because... I... I can't understand why did he still had an affair with other woman after having you you already, auntie Pauline. "

"...."

" I mean, auntie Pauline is very beautiful, can cook delicious food, kind, getle and also, a very good mother. A perfect wife material. " The innocent expression didn't leave his face while explaining. This was Leon's real thoughts inside his mind.

His words made Pauline's face turned red due to embarrassment but she's also feeling happy inside after hearing Leon's compliments. For some time, she even forgot that Leon is just a five years old boy. That him saying all those words are a bit... surprising right?

" That.... thank you for your kind words, Leon. You really know how to make me happy, aren't you? "

" I.. I'm only saying the truth. " Leon turned his head on the side. This reaction of his earned a small laugh from Pauline.

" But I also don't know how to answer that. If what you said was true, then he shouldn't have cheated on me right? "

" That's true too. But everything I said are facts and not just some kind complimenting words, auntie Pauline. So I will just think of it as Carla's father being blind and.... and stupid for letting auntie Pauline go. "

" * giggles * Thank you, Leon. Now I'm starting to doubt if you are really 5 years old. "

" Hehe. I'm just a normal kid, auntie Pauline. " said Leon while rubbing the back of his head.

" But... auntie Pauline, are you still planning to get together with Carla's father again? "

His question made Pauline stunned for a bit but she still answered him seriously and said, " No. That will never happen. "

" Great. " Leon then stood up started walking towards his mother's room where Carla and his mom are watching TV. " Leave it to me, auntie Pauline. I'll make sure that Carla will understand you. "

After saying that, Leon opened the room and went inside leaving Pauline alone in the dining room.

Pauline didn't stop him and just continue watching Leon leave till she can't see his back anymore. She has a genuine smile on her face clearly satisfied on Leon's answer.

After a few minutes, Carla and Christina came out of the room. Behind them was Leon being pulled by Carla.

Carla was holding his left hand tightly, still very reluctant to leave so Leon have to convince her once again.

Carla said another goodbye to Leon before finally leaving with her mother Pauline. But not after promising him that she will come again tomorrow.

Christina sent them away and helped them to get a jeepney they can ride on before also returning home.

It's almost 10 pm now, Leon was already sleepy. After taking a quick bath, he immediately went inside his room and fell asleep. A lot of things happened today he's definitely tired.

O.-.0