A/N: The chapter ahead is raw, which means it has not yet been proofread or edited.
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"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We are beginning our descent and will land at Alterio International Airport - Manila shortly..."
Kalonice jerked from her seat upon hearing the announcement. She looked around and found the other passengers packing their things. The cabin crew assisted them with pleasant smiles.
She wiped her face and began fixing her things, too. She doesn't have many things to start with, so she uses the remaining time before landing by waiting patiently.
When she's finally out, she breathes in the air of her home country she dearly missed. Changes were made, but she knew the Philippines stayed the same.
"Miss Kalonice Montecristo?" A man in a black suit called her. Behind him is a polished luxury car. She instantly recognized who sent the man to fetch her when she saw the car's brand logo.
She sighed and nodded, "Yes, I am Kalonice Montecristo."
The man bowed and stepped aside to open the door for her. But before that, he handed a letter out to her.
"Sir Caedmon willed this be sent to you."
He took her luggage, and Kalonice went inside the car. The door closed as she opened the smooth envelope and read the letter.
'You're the only one who ended things between us. I don't, I didn't, and I won't. Use the card for your expenses. Buy gifts for your siblings. I will follow you soon.
Caedmon'
Kalonice opened the envelope's mouth wider and found a gold credit card inside. She bit her lower lip and rested her shaking hands on her lap. She looked past the windows, hoping to find peace from the fact that she was returning home to her siblings and far from him now. Caedmon is a very generous man. Her relationship with him...is only physical and nothing more. It isn't very easy, a secret, and she can't even tell what they are anymore. That's why it's better to move away from him.
Her days as an exchange student are over. She will finally walk on the stage in one more semester to accept her diploma. Then, once she finds a good-paying job, she will change her siblings' lives and give them the easy and comfortable lives they deserve.
Her siblings are not related to her by blood but by bond. Like her, they were adopted by their acknowledged mother, Rita Montecristo. The first one is Alice Montecristo, followed by Francis Montecristo. They will be 11 and 10 years old, respectively, this year. And there's Candice Montecristo.
Candice, 5 years old, was given to her by a friend when she was born. Poor Candice was a product of an accidental pregnancy. Her father refused to take responsibility, forcing her mother to abort her. The mother ran away, and Kalonice was the only person who kept tabs on her. She was there when her friend was giving birth and witnessed one of the horrors of both womanhood and motherhood---her friend died during labour.
"Please, take her... Keep her like she's your own, Kally. My daughter..."
Was her dying wish and also her last words. Fulfilling her wish, Kalonice kept Candice. She doesn't have plans for Candice yet: Will she give the girl to her living family or not? No stone remains unturned. However, she won't keep the truth from Candice. She will know once she's older, once the right time comes.
"Please drop me off at the mall, Sir," she politely requested to the driver.
When they arrived, Kalonice requested to be left alone. She knows her way back home. It's not that far. The letter was in her bag, but she left the envelope with the credit card inside the car. Caedmon will get the hint that she's avoiding him. She will avoid him. She must. They are over. She's firm. She wanted to drift away from him for the longest time anyway. Don't get her wrong, Caedmon is generous and kind. He's there when she's at her lowest and still there even when she's not yet soaring. She just doesn't like their setup. She hates their complicated setup.
She bought gifts for her siblings using her hard-earned money. When she was in New York, she worked part-time jobs. Caedmon helped her get gigs to sing every weekend at his Uncle's bar, which he manages. She accepts art commissions and sometimes sings at celebrations. All that and more for the sake of her siblings.
She picked up the beautiful doll on the rack. It made her smile. The doll is very beautiful. She's never had one. No toy, just herself and her shadow all her life. It ends with her though, because her siblings won't have to experience the same thing for she will provide.
"Candice will love this," she said to herself and carefully placed the doll in her basket. She walked around to shop for more and paid them in the counter. After shopping for toys, she bought groceries and went home.
"Kalonice! Dear Lord, child, you're back!"
Reverend Marcus, a man of God, couldn't believe her surprising arrival at their small chapel
Tears welled in Kalonice's eyes and left her belongings by the doors to meet the Reverend halfway. She gratefully brought the back of his head to her forehead, a gesture of great respect.
The Reverend pat her head. He's smiling from ear to ear and as tearful as her even.
"Come, come. You must be tired. Come and rest in our Lord's sanctuary. Belinda!" The Reverend hollered, calling for the church's helper.
"Yes, Father!?"
A woman in her 50s came running with a broom and dustpan. Oh, how her eyes widened and how she almost slipped when she recognized their visitor!
"Kalonice!"
Kalonice chuckled at the woman's reaction.
"Belinda, bring this child's things inside and heat the food. Kalonice, I know you will ask us a lot about your siblings. They're still in school. Do you want to rest first or talk?"
"I wish to share a word with you, Father."
The Reverend smiled and nodded, "Very well. Let's talk before the presence of our Holy Lord. Belinda will take care of your things."
Good thing her mind reminded Kalonice to say that she brought gifts and offerings for both the chapel and its volunteer people. Belinda was delighted about the imported lotion and simple bracelet she received from Kalonice. Kalonice also bought flowers for the altar and Belinda will arrange them after she taking her things inside so they won't be lingering around.
"How are you, child?" the Reverend opened the conversation as they both stare at the body of Christ.
Kalonice, relaxed and truthful, replied, "I am not fine, Father, but I have to win these battles for us. My life in America was bearable, much bearable than my life here to be honest, and if only our situation is not... I would've stayed there to make a living while finishing my studies. I don't think I've changed. I think I'm still the same Kalonice who worries so much about the welfare of her siblings."
Reverend Marcus smiled and nodded. He's all ears.
"Kalonice, your unshakable love for your siblings is wonderful, but if you can't love yourself the same, it's not healthy. Your siblings rely on you. They're still small. If you fall, who will stand by them? Nobody. We will, but we can't always be there for them. They are doing just fine here while you were gone. They miss you too, more than you know. Especially Candice. Ali and Francis take after you: diligent, obedient, and good at taking matters in their own way. Both are good siblings to one another, it's just that---Candice is the only headache. They're all bright children. Like you, they're working hard, too, to make you proud. Kalonice, dear, all your hard works are worth it and I can see it. I'm very happy to see you again. God's will."
Kalonice lowered her head. There, her tears poured.
"What... What about..."
"Your mother?"
Kalonice nodded while pulling her handkerchief from her pocket. She dried her tears.
"I heard that she will be released from prison, soon. You don't need to meet her if you don't want to. I will tell you this because I know you and the things she did, leave this town and start anew. Somewhere far, away from the grasps of your mother."
Kalonice broke down into tears. Her muffled sobs kept in her handkerchief. Reverend Marcus tapped her back.
"You're a strong warrior of God our Father, dear Kalonice. May the Lord grace you with his mercy. Everything will be in favor of you soon."
When her heart feels relieved, she told the Reverend that they will be moving out. She was an exchange student twice. First when she was in her first year then in her fourth year until the first semester of her fifth year. She's taking a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and will be graduating after the last semester. She will need to take 2-years of apprenticeship and then take the board exams. The problem is, she doesn't know where to take internship yet.
Next week, she will process her enrollment and scholarship papers at her home university, the ALY International Colleges based in the Philippines. Her full scholarship is still in effect and her tuition fee is free. Proudly, she's running for a Summa Cum Laude. Everyone is rooting for her because, if ever, she will be the first to graduate as a Summa Cum Laude in Architecture. She's the pride of their department and it's no wonder that scholarships are pouring on her like rain.
Thanks to those scholarships, she was able to build a small home for her and her siblings. The chapel is their only light in this town. The rest is pitch-black, filled with beasts with red, glowing eyes.
Once the tricycle service of her siblings stops by the chapel, Kalonice waited for them inside to greet them.
"Candice, where's your lunch box!?" Alice or Ali, the eldest among the three, rummage through Candice's bag to check if her things are complete. As usual, her lunch box is missing!
"Secret!" The playful Candice quipped and skipped to get inside.
Candice is a pre-schooler.
"Father, I'm here! I'm here---"
Reverend Marcus chuckled when he saw her reaction. Kalonice smiled at her when they met. Candice stood like a statue with her doe eyes wide and glistening.
"Mama!" She cried out once she got a hold of herself. She ran to Kalonice who went down to her knees and accepted her sister in her arms.
Candice, though she told and corrected her countless times about their relationship, recognizes and treats her as her mother. Hence, she calls her big sister 'Mama' or 'Mommy' and never 'Ate'.
[A/N: Ate - an honorific for older and eldest women, as a sign of respect. Kuya is used for older and eldest men, whether related by blood or not.]
"Waaah!"
"ATE! Ate Kalo!"
Ali and Francis joined them. Reverend Marcus watched them with a soothing heart. These siblings had been resilient since. Relying on one another, aware of their circumstances that's why they're staying away from troubles (except Candice), and never caused troubles for themselves (except Candice). They knew the sacrifices Kalonice has to make just to give them a better life. They are each other's greatest love.
"I missed you, Ali, Francis, Candice. I missed you so much."
Candice hugged her tighter and cried harder. Ali and Francis got themselves together and are now wiping their tears. They've become taller but Kalonice will always see them babies. Her reliable siblings are growing up. It has been just a year and their growth spurt is shocking. Meanwhile, Candice stayed the same. Her baby.
"Oh, look at your teeth. You have a loose tooth. Are you not brushing your teeth, Candice?"
"I do! I brush them with candies!"
Kalonice laughed and kissed her. She wiped her tears and stand up, carrying her, "Let's see a dentist later. For now, let's have dinner with Reverend Marcus and Ate Belinda. I've already packed your things. We're moving to our new house."
"R-Really!?"
They used to live in the squatters area with their abusive and violent mother. Knowing her mother's tendencies, she almost refused the opportunity to become an exchange student. She asked God for a way and confided with Reverend Marcus. God heard the voice of her heart and used the Reverend as the way she's looking for. Reverend Marcus took her siblings in, away from their mother. When their mother figured out, she threw a fit. That night was full of terror, screams, and blood, but that night sent their mother to prison.
Working part-times, taking commissions, and everything she can do to earn extra cash---Kalonice will keep little to herself and send most to her siblings and the building of their little home. Reverend Marcus and Belinda oversees the construction of the house she planned and drew herself while she's abroad. When she returned to continue her fourth year in ALY-IC, she worked harder because pays are low in the Philippines.
Their little home is now complete and fully-furnished. She had enough money to buy their necessities, too. Their first weekend altogether will be fun.
Candice was stuck on her like a koala. Even when they're dining, she's on her. And when it's time to say goodbye, Candice was already fast asleep on Kalonice's clutch.
"Reverend, please take this."
Kalonice shook the Reverend's hand to give him an envelope.
"Dear Kalonice, you know we don't---"
Kalonice smiled and respectfully cut him off, "I know, Reverend, so please use this for the chapel instead. I wrote down what must be done for the renovation of the chapel. The Lord knows that I am doing this out of good will, that I am grateful and wishes to repay you by this."
The Reverend knew her, so he didn't refuse anymore and accepted the envelope. For the last time, the Reverend touched their heads to give them the blessings of the Lord and wished them a bright path ahead.
"Mommy," Candice muttered in her sleep while they're in the tricycle.
"Ali, hold the keys. Open the door once we're there, hmm?"
Ali took the keys in her palms and stared at it for a moment. She gave Kalonice a look of loving acknowledgement and great respect. Someday, she will repay her sister, too.
Their home was empty. They inhaled the smell of paint and shared a group hug with tears of joy.
It's real. They have somewhere to call a home, now.
The house has two rooms: one for her siblings and one for herself, equipped with built in drawers and cabinets. Between the bedrooms is the bathroom with a shower, plus a heater for their morning showers before going to school and when the climate is cold. Then outside the bedrooms were the kitchen counter with the remaining space for dining and living room.
"Ate, we don't have a bed yet. I found these carton boxes outside. Let's use this," Francis said and lifted the boxes he found.
Kalonice bitterly smiled but shook the pitiful feeling aside because it will only be for this night.
"Thank you, Francis. Ali, open my luggage and bring out the comforter and blankets,"
"Yes, Ate."
While her siblings are preparing their bed, Kalonice walked around to check the house. All is good, it's exactly the way she drew it. And what she's feeling in her chest is the fulfilling senses of contentment and joy.
A fresh start.
Cheers for this beautiful beginning in their lives.