I went back to my work the next day, being driven off to Theon’s fancy Porsche as he insisted to drop me to the company.
It’s alright as it will save me time, effort and money compared to taking the taxi. But one thing I fear is that if Sam sees me, she’ll bug me about it!
Thank goodness Sam was on a day off today and everything went smoothly. Work was alright and when I finished, I went to my mother’s elder home.
I smiled as soon as I saw her. “Mom!”
“Saphira!” She smiled back and hugged me. I am happy she finally got over her hatred for me and mow welcoming me. But there were times when she would have episodes and refuse to see me. Thank goodness she is in a good mood today.
“How are you, Mom? What did you crochet now?”
She showed me a beautiful handkerchief with a cute little drawing of a rose. “This two. For you.”
“Why two?”
“You smell different. You have a new friend. Give this to her.”
I smiled. I was not expecting her to be this keen.
“I’ll give this to Arson next time!” I hope he likes it!
I watched Mom. She’s improving yes. But her condition is not going smoothly. She’s getting worse. She would sometimes hit the nurses if she was having a tantrum and this scared me
I want to get her out of here and fly her to the US and give her the best treatment there is available, but my money couldn’t. I am still saving up for my med school, but I don’t think that will happen now. I will prioritize Mom. I finally decided. I will use the money from Theon for my mom’s treatment while my salary from the company is for my med school.
I decided to stay for a while and chat with Mom before going to my apartment and getting a good rest.
**
Time was fast and it is now Weekend. Saturday. Which means a visit to Arson.
I went to Theon’s house and saw Arson by the door, waiting for me.
“Awe, did you miss me?” I asked and he nodded excitedly.
“Play!” He exclaimed and I chuckled.
“You’re such an excited kid. Wait, let me give you this first. My present for you.” I showed him the other handkerchief with flowers made by mom and his eyes widened.
He grabbed it and smiled.
Great seems that he likes it.
“See? We are matching! I have one too!”
We jumped happily and excitedly danced up to his room. “What are we playing now?”
One of the bodyguards from beside who had been quietly watching us cleared his throat, “Master will arrive for dinner so he gifted a lot of toys in the garage.”
We instantly run excitedly to the garage and saw a whole ass playground.
My mouth went in full shock.
“We’ll renovate this into a playground.” The bodyguard said and left us to enjoy ourselves.
“Damn. Theon’s spoiling Arson.” I mumbled. I wonder if it will be good to be reincarnated as Theon’s son next time. Maybe life would be easier and happier that way.
I grabbed Arson’s hand. “What do you want to play?”
He pointed at the jumping area filled with a trampoline so we get there first. Then to a slide full of softballs. We then came to swing and then hang on the monkey bars.
I was laughing and Arson seemed to enjoy it. It felt like I was back to being a child again.
“Did you like it?” A deep voice said from the door and we turned to see Theon.
“Theon…” I gasped, “It’s dinner time?”
“You seem to forget the time when you are hanging out with Arson.” He smirked, “Let’s go and eat first. Just return later.”
We went to the kitchen and ate what the maids had prepared for tonight. Tonight it was still Filipino cuisine.
“You like Filipino foods?” I asked as I got some kinilaw, which is a raw piece of chicken dipped in vinegar with some tomatoes and cucumber.
“Yes. And Arson too ever since you made him eat the sinigang last time.” He answered.
I glanced at Arson who was digging in on his own now.
“He knows how to eat on his own now?” I am surprised.
“Yes. He’s somehow used to it.”
Wow. So he improved.
Theon was not kidding.
I can’t believe I have the power to influence this adorable child.
I was about to dig in too but paused, “Oh, let’s pause for a moment. I forgot this last time too…let’s pray first.” I said, “You’re both catholic too right?”
He nodded. “Yes but not that…religious.”
I nodded, so they are just like my father. “I was too, but since I stepped foot in this country and my mom’s influence, I became a bit religious..”
I cleared my throat and then started to pray. “Bless us, O God. Bless our food and our drink. Since you redeemed us so dearly and delivered us from evil, as you gave us a share in this food so may you give us a share in eternal life.”
I could feel Arson’s eyes on me so I made sure to teach him good manners. I can’t afford to be disrespectful now since a literal child is looking at me like I am his role model. I have to be responsible for my actions.
“And let’s eat!” We then eat and got full tonight.
I grabbed my mother’s handkerchief to wipe my mouth and Arson did too.
“What is that? I don’t remember giving you that handkerchief.” He asked Arson curiously.
“I gave that to him. My mother had crocheted an excess.” I explained before he would ask to throw it.
He nodded, looking at the flower pattern, and cleared his throat, “I want that too.”
“What?” I blinked.
“I’ll ask Ms. Bernadez to make one for me too next time.”
That made me pause, “Oh, are you planning to visit her?”
“Isn't it natural for a man to visit her friend’s mom?”
Friend? I shuddered a bit, “So we are friends?”
“Yes, what do you call this relationship?”
I thought about it, “Arson’s nanny? Strictly professional.”
His eyes dropped, suddenly changing expression and I bit my lip.
“I think Arson wants to play again. Go to the playground now.” He then turned to kiss Arson on the head, “Be good to Ate Saphira.”
An hour passed and I don’t want to keep him awake so I decided to stop.
Arson hugged me to say goodbye and said something strange, “Mommy.”
“She’s calling me mommy?” I asked Theon.
He blinked. That must have caught him off guard too.
He suddenly looked sad. “I guess he misses his mom too much for him to call you that…”
I nodded, ruffling Arson’s hair and pinching his cheek. “I’ll see you next week, Arson.”
He nodded quietly, his eyes wetting a bit and I was hesitating to go home now.
“Why don't you stay the night for him?” Theon suggested.