Chapter 5
1649 Words
Leanne
My family is looking at me intently, even earlier at the table while we were having dinner. When I catch them staring at me, they just smile at me and I do the same.
We're in the garden now. We’re having tea time. I remember when eating dinner, mom was attending too much to me. I miss it, the way she’s taking care of me and her gestures to me. At first, she was hesitant to do it may be because she can feel that I’m not comfortable about it. For years, I’m used to being alone and no one was doing anything for me. So, I did everything for myself since I run away from them.
I looked at my father. He is also looking at me. I can see happiness in his eyes. I don’t expect that they welcome me after I run away from all of them eleven years ago.
"Kuya Theo?" it was Brent. Calling Kuya Theo. I looked at him.
Kuya Theo also looked at Brent. "Yeah?"
"How did you find Ate Leanne?" Brent asked.
Kuya chuckled and shake his head "No, I didn't find her. She came to me with Lucas. Accidentally." And then he smiled.
Brent's face marred in confusion about what Kuya says. Even mom and dad got confused.
"What did you mean by that Theo?" It was mom who asked.
I heard Kuya Theo sighed before he answers mom's question. "Well remember last week. Lucas told me that he can gave me a good lawyer for my divorce. An International Lawyer." Then he turns and pointed his hand at me. "Dad, mom, and Brent. I want you to meet my lawyer Atty. Leanne Ree Monteverde of Evans International Law firm." I heard feel his proudness while saying it.
My parents and Brent surprised from what Kuya said.
"My princess is a Lawyer?" dad asked me.
I sit straight before nodding. "Yes, dad!" I answer.
"I'm so proud of you."
I was shocked upon hearing what dad said. I thought I was just a disappoint to them.
I was back to my senses when my mom holds my hand. "What’s wrong Leanne? Did your dad say something wrong?" she asks worriedly.
She raised her hand and wiped my face using her thumb. I didn't realize there were tears coming out of my eyes
I shook my head. "No. I—it’s just t-that, I can’t believe that you're proud of me." I look away after.
"Oh, my baby Leanne, we were always proud of you. You managed to be a lawyer without our help. We were not with you at that time to guide and support you. With or without a diploma will still be proud of you. You made it alone. We're sorry if we were not there, we disappointed you." She was sobbing.
"No mom! I'm sorry for running away like that. Living alone was the consequence of my action. I was just hurt that time and I really didn’t know where to put myself at. I was selfish back then. I disappoint this family. I betrayed your trust." I explained.
Mom shakes her head. "Don’t say that dear. You’re not at fault here. We didn’t try to understand. We’re very sorry."
Brent groaned. "Stop this drama mom and ate Leanne. We were all sorry for what happened in the past. More important now is your back ate." He said and then smirk after while looking at me.
Dad and Kuya Theo agreed to him.
"Let just change the subject? How did you manage to become a Lawyer and where did you study? And when did you go after you run away before?” Brent bombardment me with questions.
I look at my parents and they seem to be interested to know too.
"Uhm, it’s a long story" I shortly answered.
"We have the whole night princess." dad says.
It looks like I need to tell them what happened to me.
"When I run away that day, I went to states. It’s easy for me to enter the country because mom gives birth to me there." I looked at mom in an instant as I start to speak again. "I applied for a student loan and I took my pre-law at Georgetown. My first year was almost depleted my savings from my allowance when I was here. So, I start taking part-time jobs, sometimes I took three part-time jobs at the same time to support myself until I finished my pre-law. Then I applied again at Harvard Law school, I got accepted easily and they granted me a scholarship because I have a good background and recommendation from my previous school.”
I pause for a moment and breathe deeply before continuing.
“Before I graduated from Harvard. Madam Patricia Evans, Lucas mom scouted me for a job. And who am I to refuse to a well-known law firm in the world. So, I took it immediately. I flew to London and start to work there. I'm working for them ever since. While working in firm, I also took my LL.M and J.D in Oxford University and I just finished it last year..." I sighed. "Last week, Madam pat told me that Lucas needs my help. He has a friend who needing a lawyer. I didn't know that it was Kuya Theo. Actually I didn’t want it in the first but Lucas was kept insisting that I was the only want he wants and it leave me with no choice." I chuckled on the last part.
My mom smiled a little "At least you're now here with us. You're staying here for good right? You’re back for good, right?" I can see her determination in her voice.
I bit my lip. I don’t have the plan to stay here for long. My original plan is after I help Lucas friend. I’ll go back to London as fast as I could.
"Uhm! I haven't thought about it yet and I have a lot of pending case of my client I left there." I truthfully answered.
I saw the sadness on their faces after hearing what I said.
Until later mom smiles to me, even though there’s still sadness in her eyes. "Please think about it, Leanne. I want to be with you."
I nodded my head as a response.
I looked at my wristwatch. It’s quarter to ten of the evening. It’s getting late I think I need to go back to Lucas’s home.
"Do you want to go back to Lucas’s place?" Kuya Theo said. I look up him.
"Yeah! It’s getting late, so they can rest too." I pointed out.
"Why don’t you stay here for night Leanne. We’re planning to have a simple family day tomorrow and I’m going to be happy if you were there." Mom said. I see longing in her eyes while saying it.
"But I didn’t bring any spare clothes with me.”
"It’s okay, don’t worry about the clothes. You have a lot of new clothes in your room here..." she gripped my hand a little tight. " I always buy you some new clothes when I go out for shopping. Thinking that you can wear it when you finally came back. And now here you are.” She added. She was smiling while telling me about it. as if it was a dream come true for her.
I can’t help but be emotional. In eleven years, I thought they forget about me but they were also miserable that time. I couldn't hold back my tears. I feel that, most of I did today was crying.
I wiped my tears and smile at her. "Ok. I’ll stay."
Happiness is drawn to their faces.
We got up together and left the garden. My mom and dad took me in front of my room here before.
"Rest well, baby and sleep well. If you need anything call us okay." Mom said and hug me. "I'm so happy that you're here with us again." She added and kiss on my cheek.
"Goodnight princess." It was a dad and he kiss me to my forehead.
"Goodnight mom and dad." I said and entered the room.
As I entered, I closed the door immediately. I looked around and notice that nothing has changed. I went closer to the vanity table. It has a new make-ups and perfumes on top of it, I opened the drawer and found the accessories that I used before. It made me smile to see that they didn't change the room.
I approached the study table. My journals and diaries are still here. I wonder if they read it.
I walked inside my old walk-in closet. I was surprised to see how many new clothes and shoes are inside.
Mom really did wait for me. She really has a faith that I’ll be back. I feel a little guilty about it.
I looked for a pajama set and took a quick shower. As I lay myself to bed, I remember to send a message to Lucas.
To Lucas
I'm staying here for a night. Don’t wait for me. G'night.
After a minute, I received a reply.
From Lucas
Who said I'll wait for you? Just kidding. Enjoy your night with your family. You deserve it.
Goodnight. Sweet dreams.
I put my cellphone on the bedside table.
I stare at the ceiling while thinking about what happened today. After a while, I fell asleep.
- Writer
