The Hired Daughter

Chapter 4

Not sure if Caloy is a bodyguard or what but Mom trusted him so much. And yeah, I started calling her, Mommy since yesterday like what she wanted, so I could be more comfortable once we get home and not that Mrs. Dela Francia.

"Just be yourself, Sheina.. I like you for being nice and humble and I pretty sure my husband and son will like you too." she had this striking smile around her face.

"Yes, Mo-mommy.." I sighed.

"It’s like music in my ears whenever you’re calling me ‘Mom.’" she gasped.

I smiled at her and looked outside the window, we were now heading to her village in Makati. The car had stopped in front of a huge white gate and my eyes found this big white house. We passed a fountain and my jaw almost dropped, I had imagined that Mrs.-Mommy is rich but looking around now it really made me bewilder at her wealthy, my rich Mommy! I was imagining now that perhaps they have this pool on their backyard.

Mrs. De-mommy called me why I shut my mouth from hanging, too impressed of their wealthy. She slid out of the car and so I did. She looked at me and smiled. “Let’s go, Sheina. Welcome to our humble abode." she held me on my hand and guided me inside. And I could feel my cold hand against her warm.

"Welcome back, Ma'am!!" the house helpers greeted her as soon we entered, they were three on the line standing on the side waiting for us. My gaze up on the ceiling.. too highest than my dream, it felt like the ceiling was as high as third floor.

Some of the house helpers and this driver were looking at me weirdly, judging their clothes like same with Caloy. But then they remained quiet looking at me. It was Sunday morning now, we spent a few days in hotel as Mrs. Dela-mommy’s like.

"Where is Michael?" Mommy asked in no one particular.

"He’s coming down." one of them answered.

"Alright then, hija, have a seat.. and finally.. make yourself comfortable!" she clapped her hands animatedly.

I sat down on one of their couches and heaven! It was soft as cotton.. I scoffed and fixed myself when I almost dipped down in this couch. I was in my long sleeves dress like what she wanted. And this one of my many adjustments as I was not used of this kind of clothing, I more like my jeans and simple tops.

"Dorothy, honey.. welcome back! Where is my daughter? Where is Venus?" an excited voice of a man made me tear my eyes from the centre table.

I nervously sat up and looked at the man who’s descending the stairs. s**t! He’s the one who’s going to judge me. My eyes fixated with this man who looked like some God from Greece. Even now that he looked like he was in his late forties you could imagine that he’s surely good-looking during his prime, coz now he’s still striking. He was walking towards our direction and stopped in front of Mom to kiss on her lips, I looked away. I actually expecting it like this, Mom’s beauty had overflowing of course my Dad would be her equal.

"She's here.. meet Sheina.. Sheina Estrella. Soon to be Sheina Dela Francia!" Mom said in her thrilled voice.

Still agitated I managed a smile. "He-hello.. Da-daddy.." I stammered.

"I-is she for real?" his voice cracked. "Oh my God! My baby, my baby Venus!!" he neared me and engulfed me in a hug. Then I felt my wetted shoulder as Mr. Michael Dela Francia’s shoulder shook. "Oh my God! My baby.. I know you’re still alive and now you’re back.. you’re finally back.." he said in a broken voice while his hands were on my face watching me closely. His eyes were bloodshot from crying.

"I told you, Mike.. she’s alive and she’s finally back.." Mom was sobbing also.

Looking at this two I could not help but to shed tears. A part of me was questioning my conscience on how I agreed on fooling Mr. Dela Francia, but then I was beyond happy to give them smile despite of my lies.

"I know honey, why I wanted to drive to Nueva Ecija when you told me about her." he sobbed again.

"Where is Cast?" Mommy suddenly uttered. Yeah, where is my dearest brother?

"Sir Eulises is just awake, Ma'am, we already wake him up.. again." the helper said.

"He's still asleep for sure.. I really don't know what to do with that boy anymore." Mr. Dela Francia shook his head. "Anyway, mind to share with us, about your life for the past years, hija?" I was dragged to the couch by my ‘parents’.

We consumed an hour just because my Dad wanted me to story-tell about my past which it did go well, Mommy wanted me to share my real life story so it would be more easier for me.

"So, five years ago.. the couple who raised you had passed away?" Mr. Dela Francia asked.

"Yeah, why I moved to Barbara and lived with her family for five years." smiling a little.

"We need to thank them for taking care of our daughter.." he glanced at Mom before it went back to me. "Actually, I want to address you, as Venus.. but if you're comfortable with your name now.. then.. so be it." Mr. Dela Francia in his wide grin.

"I'm fine with Sheina, it is more comfortable-"

"What the hell is happening here? Why they needed to barge in my room in the middle of my sleep, Dad? Mom?" a husky voice suddenly interrupted me.

My eyes went out of its sockets when it landed to a very handsome guy. He was only on his boxers as in topless.. my eyes checked him out that fast, he’s got a good physique for his age. I was thinking that he should be lanky since he’s only nineteen year old, but then like what I had said, he’s in a good shape. According to Mom, my ‘brother’ is only a year older than Venus. My eyes travelled on his shoulders and long arms, oh my! I was too innocent for this kind of scene, I gulped silently.

My gaze went up to his and he was looking at me too. He’s not so long hair was messy, yeah, it was a bit long for me considering it was not a clean cut. And yes, he was looking at me, his eyes were glimmering staring at me. Unlike Mr. Dela Francia, his eyes were all pitch black. He didn’t get his father’s eyes? His thick brows complimenting his deep hooded eyes, and his aristocrat nose, thin lips that looked like so good to be kissed-

"Who is she?" he was creasing his forehead asking his parents but eyes never left mine.

"What the hell, Cast? You're walking around the house with nothing’s on, you’re almost naked!! You’re parading like that in front of your sister!" Mr. Dela Francia immediately stood up.

"A what?" his forehead creased even more. "Is she my what?"

"Your long lost sister.. Venus Dela Francia, but now she’s used to her name, Sheina Estrella. Anyway, soon she’ll change her family name." he paused. "Right, hija?" Mr. Dela Francia was all smile as he faced me.

"Ye-yes, Da-daddy." I murmured.

"Don't be a snub, Cast.. greet your sister. And please next time wear decent clothes upon going out your room. You’re not the only person here, more that your sister is back." Mr. Dela Francia scolded his son.

"Welcome her, your dear sister, Cast.. you used to be closed.." said Mommy.

He turned on his back and made a steps before he looked over his shoulder. "She's not my sister." before he disappeared.

Mr. Dela Francia cursed while calling him back and quickly asked an apology to me and Mommy as he excused himself and followed Cast’s upstairs.

Mommy suddenly touched my arm. "It's all right but I’m sorry about that. He’s used to be spoiled and our Unico hijo for so long while he might be shocked now that you’re back."

He might not just the only one shocked.. I was also, that I got here a very striking brother. I shook the thought.

"It’s alright, Mommy, I just hope Da-daddy won’t get mad to Cast." I inhaled deeply.

Mom stared at me then smiled. "I'm glad you're here with us now.. come, I'll show you your room. And don’t mind the boys, they’re be fine.”

Like what she told me, my things were already on that room. My eyes twinkled looking at the grand staircase, I was gulping while my hands gripping on its handrail.

We stopped in a room across to one room, Mom filled me that the other room was occupied by my dearest brother, Cast. Then it means.. this one’s owned by the real Venus Dela Francia.

"Are you fine with your room? Or do you want some changes? Its wide was only half of Cast’s room.. Venus was only five years old when she used this and we skipped it for renovation." my eyes wandered, this one was more like a room of a toddler.

"I have no problem with this room, but I think I will need a new bed, I’m afraid if I could fit with the old one." I trailed off watching the bed.

"I know you will decline..” she chuckled. “I already called for the interior designer, maybe it's about time to change this room. We'll change your room.. that will suit your taste." she smiled warmly. "You can stay in one of our guest rooms for the mean time."

"My pleasure."

"Sheina.. I want you to feel at home here.. and I want you to be comfortable, more in your own room." she neared me and touched my straight black hair.

After a while, Mom left me here inside Venus’ room. I told her that I wanted to sleep here tonight before the renovation. And I found myself fitted on the bed even with its small size. I also checked the bathroom and it’s quite nice, but seriously the entire room had this shades of pink. I was not the typical girl who loved pink, I liked more green coz of its refreshing feels. Why if they going to ask me about it.. the colour of the walls should be changed to lime or mint green.

I startled at the sound of knock on the door, good grace for managing a nap in a stranger room. I left the bed when I heard voice from the outside. "Senyorita, it’s time for lunch.. and you parents are waiting for you in the dining.."

"Just give me a second." I only checked my appearance in the mirror and went out.

The house helper walked me into the dining.. And they have a grandest dining and kitchen.

I saw this three people on the table but no one had started the meal. I hurriedly sat next to Mommy, at the right side of the table was where Mr. Dela Francia, while their son was sitting in front of us.

"Let's eat!" Mr. Dela Francia said in an excited tone. We started eating, though I had been in some fine diner since I met Mrs. Dorothy Dela Francia, still I felt too overwhelmed with the foods around here on this table.

"By the way, hija, some people will start working at your room, for the mean time you can stay in some guest room." Mr. Dela Francia cleared his throat.

"No problem, but I want to stay there for tonight.. in my room." to have the experience on sleeping with such toddler’s room.

Cast lifted his eyes from his plate to me. His eyes flickered but he remained silent and continued his food.

"As you wish, hija, you probably missed your old room.." Mommy looked at me with her glossy eyes.

I did not make a comment and just resumed eating. The two continued on their chat while Cast was all silent on his chair.. he even excused himself after a few minutes and we’re now three had left on this huge long table.

Mr. Dela Francia had lots of stories about Venus, I could even start imagining myself being on his every story.

"I remembered when you were preferred sleeping with us than your room, coz you're so afraid of zombies." Daddy laughed hard. Yes, I called him now, Dad, after our two hours of non stop catch up, we continued here in the living our chatting after lunch.

They let me rest after a while. It was easy to find Venus’ room, once you headed the grand staircase, on the left the wing there the room. And I was not that sure if the couple or my ‘parents’’room was on the same floor.