“A PLACE CALLED HOME”

The next night, she and Joaquin traveled back to Manila. That is according to what her husband wants to happen. They woke up at noon the next morning.

It was three in the morning when they reached their house. They were greeted happily by Rodolfo who was obviously very eager to see them. Especially her who, after all, talks to him on video calls every day.

And because it was early that morning, their daughter, Callie, was sleeping soundly. Even Leandro.

"Does this mean that you and my granddaughter will live in Joaquin's house? I'm right, aren't I?”

They were in the living room and were currently sipping hot coffee when Rodolfo asked her that.

The tone of her father's speech was full of sadness. But since she is already married to Joaquin, she has no other choice but to go with him. Especially since her husband's livelihood is stable. He has a good job, a car, and a good place to stay.

"That's right, Papa," Lara answered then looked at her father's kind face.

Lara suddenly felt a tightness in her chest as she kept staring at Rodolfo's face.

Even though they are not related by blood, she loves him so much. And she knew he was the same for her. But there are times when they really need to go on separate ways. That includes this situation.

Lara heard her father let out a heavy sigh. Then he picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip.

At that moment, Joaquin was also having coffee with them. But he was quiet and just kept listening to what she and her father is talking about.

"I have a solution for that, Papa," Lara said with a smile then glanced at Joaquin whose smile was also meaningful.

“I know what you're thinking, sweetheart. And that's not going to happen right now. You know I love this house very much because it's where we live our happy memories with your mother," he explained then gave her a sad glance and then followed what he said with a sigh.

"I know that, and I understand. But just in case it's---,” she couldn't finish the rest of what she wanted to say because her father immediately cut her off.

"I'm with Leandro here, Lara. So, you have nothing to worry about. Also, I'm not that old yet for you to worry about me a lot," he said followed then chuckle.

Lara nodded as a sign that she understood what her father said. And when she remained silent, Rodolfo spoke again to continue what else he wanted to say.

"You know for a long time it was just the two of us together, Lara. After that, my granddaughter came into our lives. That's why you can't take away from me the feeling of sadness because you two will be far away from me," Rodolfo said truthfully while still not changing the tone of his speech. Still sad.

Lara did not know if it was because of the tone of her father's speech. Or the sadness in his eyes and the aura on his face. But soon it seemed as if whatever emotions her father felt were also injected into her. That's why it wasn't long before she couldn't stop herself from standing up and hugging the old man tightly.

"Papa," said Lara, trying not to crack her voice despite the fact that she was feeling pain in her throat at that moment.

That's when Rodolfo patted her arm. "I’ll get used to it," he said. "Just promise that you will always visit me," he continued then glanced at Joaquin who just smiled at him.

"Of course, Papa. We will be here every week," that was true inside her.

"Would you like us to get you a maid who can help you do the house chores?" it was Joaquin after a long moment of silence.

Rodolfo was quick to respond to her husband’s question.

"There's no need for that, son. I'm still strong. And one more thing, my body will weaken faster if I don't move anymore," her father answered still in his kind tone.

It is not easy for Lara to be separated from Rodolfo. But she needs to do it, especially since she has entered married life.

*****

That same day, she and Joaquin went home with Callie.

And since that was the day of their transfer, they thought of inviting Rodolfo and Lemuel. Because it was Saturday and the latter have no classes on the following day.

"Wow, mommy are we going to live here?"

There was a hint of satisfaction in Callie's tone of voice when they got out of the car. Joaquin hadn't even gotten the car into the garage, so from outside the gate, their daughter looked up in amazement at the beautiful house in front of them.

"Yes, Callie. We're going to live here," she answered turning to Joaquin who quickly lifted Callie.

"Does that mean I can call Uncle Joaquin, daddy?" the girl asked again.

At that point, Lara immediately stared at her father who at that moment was behind them with Leandro. He gave her a meaningful smile along with a simple nod. She knew what it was for.

Only she and her father knew the truth. Except for Cynthia who is her best friend.

"Sure, you can call me that. The truth is, that's what I really want you to call me because I also want you to be my baby," it was Joaquin who even pinched their daughter's chubby cheeks.

What Joaquin said touched Lara's heart. And no matter how much she wanted to cry because of the overwhelming happiness, she held back. Because she thinks it's not the right time to be emotional.

"Really?" Callie asked in disbelief as she couldn't deny the sparkle in her eyes.

Joaquin nodded then looked lovingly at his daughter's face.

"You really look like my mom. How I wish she was still here. For sure she will be happy to meet you," her husband continued.

When Joaquin said that, their daughter only responded with a tight hug. While Lara at that moment was still doing too much to control her own emotions. But she also gave in when she heard what Joaquin said again.

"I promise to protect both of you, always," he said, pulling her around her waist to hug her.

Lara's felt overwhelmed by everything. That's why in the end she just let her tears flow. It doesn't matter if Joaquin asks questions. Because at that moment she only felt one thing and that was the one that truly dominated her.

She was very happy. But on the other hand, in the deepest part of her heart, she knows that the fear is there and lurks that she is trying not to have even a small space in their lives.

And that is the fear of the possible revelation of the truth to Joaquin.

No secret remains unrevealed. She believed that because it was true.

But about Callie, she doesn't plan to keep it a secret from Joaquin for the rest of her life.

That's right.

She will confess everything to Joaquin. She just needs enough courage to do that. But as of now, she can't say how long she will keep it a secret.

So now, she can't avoid the many possibilities that can happen for her husband to know the truth and discover her secret.

What will be his reaction when he found out that she was the supposed stripper that his friend gave him as a gift on the night of his birthday almost four years ago?

The only reason why she didn't bother to find him was to protect Callie. Besides the fact that she had no idea where to find the man.

"Starting today, I will be your protector. And I will not allow anyone to take you back or take you away from me. Even if the real father of this child returns."

That's what Joaquin whispered to Lara in a very firm tone. That's why her tears started to fall faster.

"It's okay," said Joaquin who kissed her forehead.

When Lara felt the warmth of Joaquin's lips on her forehead, it felt like there was a connection to her heart.

She didn't speak anymore. Although deep inside her, she knew she was worried. A feeling that she was rid of.

"Yes! I have a real daddy!" Callie said happily.

Lara laughed softly at that. "Yes, sweetie. And a new place called home," she said.