Chapter 19

Albert drove Elly and Gloria to Conching's house. As they passed a corner store, Elly's eyes caught Jen walking with a man, both of them smiling, carrying groceries. Elly watched for a moment, curiosity stirring within her, before she quickly turned her gaze back to the road.

They arrived at Conching's place, a modest home with a well-kept garden. Inside, Conching didn't immediately recognize Elly, but when Gloria introduced her, Conching's face lit up with recognition. "Eliana!" she exclaimed, crossing the room to pull her into a tight hug.

"I've missed you, Nanay," Elly said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Conching stepped back, her hands lingering on Elly's shoulders. "You've grown so much. I remember when you were just a little thing, always in the kitchen with me, trying to steal bites of whatever I was making." She smiled, her eyes twinkling with the memory.

Elly laughed lightly, feeling the warmth of the past flood back. "I wasn't trying to steal anything, I was just... learning." Her voice softened as she added, "You were always so patient with me, Nanay. I'll never forget the lessons you taught me."

Conching chuckled, brushing a hand through her graying hair. "And you've turned out to be a wonderful cook, just like I knew you would. I always told you, the kitchen is where love begins."

Elly smiled, reaching for the grocery bags she had brought. She handed them over, then pulled out an envelope with money. "For your medication," she said quietly, her tone more serious now.

Conching's expression softened, and she shook her head, her voice thick with gratitude. "You're too kind, Elly. I've always been so blessed to have you in my life. You don't need to do this."

"I want to," Elly said, her voice firm but gentle. "You taught me so much, Nanay. I owe you."

Conching placed a hand on Elly's cheek, her grip surprisingly strong. "You've always had a good heart. Don't let anything or anyone make you forget that."

For a moment, Elly just stood there, absorbing the weight of her words. She'd always known Conching to be like a second mother to her, and standing there now, she felt that bond stronger than ever.

"I won't forget," Elly promised softly, meeting her gaze. "Thank you, for everything."

(Transition at Jen's House)

"Thank you, Ato," Jen said, watching as he placed the last of the groceries on the kitchen table.

"Anytime, Jen," Ato replied, his voice carrying a hint of something else, something Jen couldn't quite put her finger on.

As Jen started pulling items out of the bags, organizing them absentmindedly. Ato stood by the table for a moment, clearly grappling with something. Finally, he spoke. "Jen, can we talk about us?"

Jen froze, her hand stilling mid-air. She turned slowly to face him, her eyes hardening. "You know there's no longer an 'us,' Ato. We broke up years ago"

Ato's gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before he lifted his head again, his voice quieter but tinged with regret. "I know... I made a terrible mistake. And I regret it every day. But I still love you, Jen."

Jen sighed, her heart aching at the familiar words, but her resolve was clear. "I've already forgiven you, Ato," she said, her tone soft but firm. "But I can't give you back my love. Not the way it was."

Ato's face fell, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "'I understand... but I'm not giving up. I'm not going to stop trying to win you back.'"

Jen didn't speak as he left, the door clicking shut behind him with an almost finality to it. She stood there for a moment, her chest tight, feeling the weight of everything that had just been said. But as the silence settled in, her father's voice broke through the stillness.

"Jen, why won't you give him another chance?" he asked, his tone casual but with an edge of something more, something almost demanding. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression. "Ato hasn't moved on. He's still crazy about you. Look at the properties and businesses his family owns—he can offer you a good future. You don't get that every day."

Jen's blood boiled at his words, but she kept her face neutral. She had heard this argument too many times before. But she wouldn't give her father the satisfaction of seeing how much his comment affected her. "I'm not interested in what Ato's family owns, Pa," she replied, her voice even, though her anger simmered just beneath the surface. "What matters to me is more than just money."

Her father didn't respond right away. He gave her a long, knowing look, as though measuring her reaction. "You'll change your mind eventually. You always do."

Jen turned away, her back to him now. "I won't, Pa. I'm done with that chapter."

Her dad said nothing more, but his silence was enough. Jen exhaled sharply, her chest tight. It was always like this with him—dismissive of her feelings, quick to push her toward what he thought was best. She could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the conversation lingering long after he'd walked away.