Chapter 2: Enchanted Encounters

As the days passed and Celestine's heartfelt conversations with her parents and grandfather unfolded, they began to understand the importance of allowing her more freedom to explore and learn on her own. The weight of their protective instincts began to lift, replaced by the trust and belief in their daughter's ability to navigate the world.

Three days later, her mother approached Celestine with a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Celestine," she began, "some of the nannies who once took care of you when you were a child will be coming back to work in our house."

Celestine's heart skipped a beat at the news. The prospect of reuniting with those who had cared for her during her tender years filled her with delight. As she woke up the next morning, a radiant smile graced her face. With a sense of anticipation, she got out of bed and meticulously tidied her room. After brushing her hair, she eagerly made her way downstairs, her heart beating with joy.

And there, standing in the foyer, was a woman in her 50s, who seemed to hold the essence of time in her gentle gaze. Celestine's eyes lit up with recognition and nostalgia as she embraced the familiar figure before her.

"Nanang Tessi," she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Is it really you?"

Tears of joy welled in Nanang Tessi's eyes as she held Celestine in a tender embrace. "Yes, my dear, it's me," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm back to take care of you once again."

Nanang Tessi had been the one taking care of Celestine when she was a young child. The memories of their time together were etched in her heart, even though it had been many years since they had left the house they once called home.

Despite the passage of time and the distance that separated them, Nanang Tessi's presence had remained a comforting memory in Celestine's life.

"Ah, Nanang Tessi, how have you been lately? You're getting older, and it's essential to take care of yourself. Do make sure to get enough rest," Celestine warmly spoke to the nanny in her 50s.

"Iha, I am doing well. Though age may catch up with me, I still feel strong enough to handle things. Besides, no amount of service can repay the gratitude I have for your family's help and kindness to mine," Nanang Tessi replied with a warm smile.

Celestine replied with a warm smile in return. Then, she turned to the other nannies and introduced herself kindly, saying, "Good morning, I am Celestine, the only child of my parents. I hope we can all be kind to each other and please enjoy your time working here."

As Celestine extended her hand in a friendly gesture, the other nannies reciprocated with warm smiles.

"I am Hilda," said the petite girl in her 20s. Her short hair and tan skin gave her a unique charm, and her shy demeanor left a lasting impression on Celestine. "And this is my brother Dezlo," she continued, gesturing towards the tall and muscular guy standing to her right. He exuded a bodyguard-like presence, making Celestine jokingly wonder if a single hit from him could knock her out.

On the left side of Hilda stood a jolly girl named Greta, who cheerfully greeted, "Hi ma'am! I'm Greta." Though a little taller than Celestine and appearing somewhat nerdy with her curly frizzy hair, Greta's infectious enthusiasm immediately warmed the atmosphere.

"Oh yeah! I still have something to do enjoy your first day" Celestine's said.

It was already evening, and Chef Mel had prepared fried milkfish and adobo. Adobo is a popular Filipino dish, which is known for its savory and flavorful taste. While the chef was finishing the dish on a plate, Celestine, who was in her room, decided to eat her dinner as she felt a slight rumbling in her stomach.

"Gosh, what should I eat now?" Celestine wondered aloud, while opening her door to head to the kitchen. As she descended the stairs, she couldn't help but run her hand over her stomach, feeling the hunger grow. To her delight, the delightful aroma of adobo filled the air.

"Who was cooking?" she thought to herself. "I think it's Nang Tessa."

With excitement dancing in her eyes, Celestine gracefully dashed towards the kitchen, her hand gesturing with grace and her eyes shining with delight. Like a carefree child, she closed her eyes and leaped joyfully, her heart brimming with anticipation for the delectable treat that awaited her.

"Nana-!" she called out in anticipation, her voice full of warmth and affection. However, as she drew closer, her expression transformed from eager excitement to a mix of shyness and curiosity. "Who are you?" Celestine inquired, her voice soft and filled with gentle wonder, seeking to unravel the mystery of the person standing before her in the kitchen.

As Celestine gracefully entered the kitchen, the chef's eyes widened with surprise, momentarily taken aback by her presence. However, the magic of the moment quickly transformed his surprise into a warm and genuine smile that illuminated his face.

"Hi ma'am," the chef greeted with a touch of respect in his tone, "I am your chef, and I am currently preparing a delectable adobo dish for your dinner. You have arrived at the perfect moment; the dish is already beautifully cooked and ready to be savored."

The air seemed to hold a delightful anticipation as the chef presented the dish with a sense of pride, knowing that he had crafted something extraordinary for Celestine's enjoyment.

Celestine deftly prepared her eating utensils, her excitement palpable as she served herself a generous portion of rice and adobo. Anticipation danced in her eyes as she took her first bite of the adobo, and in that moment, a symphony of flavors exploded on her taste buds.

Tears of delight welled up in her eyes, a testament to the sheer yumminess of the dish. "Wow," she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and admiration. "This is my first time trying a dish like this, and it's absolutely incredible!" she gushed, savoring every delectable morsel.

The flavors danced on her tongue, weaving a tapestry of taste that seemed to transport her to a realm of culinary wonder. With each chew, her taste buds reveled in the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and succulent notes.

As Celestine continued to indulge in the masterpiece before her, she couldn't help but smile, realizing that this dish had indeed become her newfound favorite. In the kitchen's embrace, she had discovered a culinary gem that resonated with her soul.

"You should teach me how to cook this dish, chef. It is amazing," Celestine remarked with delight as she pinched a tender piece of dried milkfish and savored its delectable flavor.

"My pleasure," the chef replied with overwhelming enthusiasm. His face lit up with joy at the prospect of sharing his culinary expertise with Celestine. The idea of passing down the artistry of this extraordinary dish filled him with a sense of pride and fulfillment.