The CEO's Royal Princess

Chapter 3

THE TAXI STOPPED in front of Charissa's house. It's an old, two-story house with white paint that is starting to wear off. The roof is old and would need changing soon. Its front door is made from solid wood. It looks very heavy. Is it made from Narra? Probably. But wait! Isn't that extinct by now? 

Even though the house before me looked old, the garden looks very clean and serene. There's a bunch of orchids swaying from the palm tree. There are also some eggs shells placed around the coconut husk too. Charissa told me that they believe it gives vitamins to the plant, so the flowers would bloom more often. Then I thought, maybe the egg whites but not the shell itself. Aside from orchids, there is also some hibiscus in different colors around the yard. There’s Bougainvillea on one side of the gate with its pink and white combination too. It looks cool while creeping up the unpainted fence. It kind of gives the place this unique Santorini vibe.

I saw James' car entered the white mansion just across from Charissa’s home. James' residence has uniformed security guards who even open the gate for him so he could drive his car in. So we are really neighbors, after all! What are the odds? 

Anyway, the taxi driver took my luggage out from the trunk while I carry my shoulder bag. I paid the taxi driver and added a tip. It was a smooth ride.

I pressed the doorbell, and in just a few seconds. A woman in her early twenties came out. It must be Abigail, Charissa's youngest sister. If I remember it correctly, Abby is only twenty-four. The middle child is Julian, and he is twenty-seven. 

I was startled when I heard Abigail screamed, "Ate!" She rushed to me then almost tripped as she tried to get to me quickly. Recovering from her short accident, she stood back up and then gave me a tight hug as soon as she reached me.

Charissa's family is warm. At least, that’s what I observed with Abigail at this moment. I hope the rest of the family would be like her when they see me.

"Abby, I missed you." I hugged her back.

"I missed you too." She took my luggage from me. "I'll take this. I know you're tired from the trip. I can't believe you're here. You've been gone so long, and you look so pretty! How's the palace? I'm glad the royal family allowed you to take a vacation." 

"They are okay. And since I've been working there for ten years, I accumulated five months' worth of vacation days. I asked for an additional three months on top, and they are okay with it. But you know, it's not going to be paid. It's fine. I saved enough. The most important thing is that I get to spend time with all of you."

"Wow! That's so nice of them. Eight months? Where are we going? We should get a manicure-pedicure the day after tomorrow. That is if you're not too tired from the flight. I can give you a massage later. Aside from my work at the town clinic, I have a little side business just at the back of our house. A little spa."

"A spa?"

"Yes. Just massage services, but I set it up in the small room for privacy with candles and soft music. You know what it is. Anyway, I also have a small fountain there. The sound of the flowing water will help the clients relax. I only accept female clients at this time. I'm not very comfortable with men yet," she scratched her head.

Oh right! Abby graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy, and then she went back to school to become a masseuse as well. She is registered with the Committee of Examiners of Masseurs. Abigail is amazing. For her to think like this at twenty-four is a considerable accomplishment.

"Is your clinic open daily?"

She shook her head. "No. Only on Saturdays. I don't work on Sundays, and during the weekdays, I work at the clinic full time," she said.

When we reached the front door, the old woman in her fifties just took the last step from the stairs. This is Maria, Charissa's mother.

"Charis? Is that you, darling?" asked Maria.

"Inay, it's me. I missed you." I walked towards Maria and hugged her. She lightly tapped my back. When I straightened and pulled a bit away, confusion was already written on Maria's face. She was staring at me intently. Thus, I felt like I was under a microscope, and she was memorizing every corner of my face and counting my pores. I cleared my throat. "What's the matter, Inay?"

"Something is off," she said with furrowed brows. Her stare is suddenly sharp and is piercing through my soul. Crap. Did my plan just fail? I am about an inch or two taller than Charissa, but it's hardly noticeable unless we stand side by side. 

My mind was working triple time when Abby spoke to break the ice. Thank goodness!

"Don't be silly, Inay. It's Ate Charis. She's got some waves on her hair, that's why you didn't recognize her right away. But look. It is her. Unless our father has another child— aw!"

Maria tapped her lightly on the arm, just like what Charissa does with me when I joke around with her. She must have inherited it from her mother.

"And why would your father have a child with another woman, Abigail?" she asked.

Abby laughed while holding her arm. "It's just a joke because you said Ate Charis doesn't look like her old self. You have to consider that she hasn't been home for ten years. She's changed her looks. No more Dora the Explorer haircut!" She burst out laughing even harder this time.

Maria smirked. "I didn't say she wasn't your sister. I just said she looked different. It's just that her hair was very straight when she left, and you're right; it must be the waves on her hair. The color too!" Then she turned to face me and asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"Just a little bit on the plane. But I'm not that hungry, I'm okay," I answered Maria.

"All right. You go upstairs to your room, and I'll bring you a snack so you won't sleep with an empty stomach."

"Let's go, Ate. Your room is ready. I already changed the bedding, and we also did general cleaning the other day. Inay said to make sure it's spotless for when you arrive," Abby said proudly.

"Thank you."

It warmed my heart that they did all this for me. I mean, it's for Charissa, but still, it warmed my heart. They really value their family members. Abigail asked me to go up first, and when we reached upstairs, I didn't know where to go. I don't think Charissa told me where to find her room. Or maybe she did, but I didn't pay attention. Ugh! This is the time where I wish I had a photographic memory; too bad that I don't. My gosh, this is painful. So I took a left and focused on getting to the second room before the end of the hallway.

"Ate, where are you going? Your room is right here." Abigail was pointing towards the right, facing the front of the house. Damn. "You said you wanted a view of the street so you can see your crush every day," she giggled.

Why didn't I remember that possibility? She said Jacob's house is across from theirs. There are more chances of Charissa seeing him more often if her room is facing the right direction.

"Oh, I thought I heard something, so I thought I'd check it out." That was the best alibi I could think of.

She looked scared. "Stop that, Ate. Don't scare me. There are just the two of us here, and Kuya Julian is at the wet market. Inay asked him to accompany Tatay to get the ingredients for all your favorite food."

"Oh, wow! Really? That's awesome. Anyway, let's go to my room. I have a lot of presents for all of you," I said to her.

That was a near-miss. I am glad Abby really thought I'm Charissa. Otherwise, I'm so screwed. Earlier, Inay Maria was already eyeing me like a hawk. They said all mothers know if the child in front of them is theirs or not. I have a strong feeling that she knows I am not Charissa, and she just decided not to say anything. I just need to act better in front of them and remember all her pointers.

There's no turning back now. This is it.