Chapter 33

“Grandma, where did you leave your luggage?” asked Ellie.

“It’s in our hotel room in Manila.” the old woman answered her. Ellie nodded in response. She made a mental note to adjust their travel time so they could pick up their luggage before going to the airport.

She drove with more caution than usual. Her parents waited for her outside the door when she parked her car. She helped the couple get out of the car. Her parents welcomed the couple and guided them inside the house.

Her grandma busied herself in entertaining the guests. She immediately warmed up to the couple. When she said that the couple were from Japan, she proudly told the couple about Ryo. Her grandma beamed with pride as she talked about Ryo’s shows. She left entertaining the guests to her grandmother. She seemed to enjoy having peers around. Her mother busied herself in preparing for their dinner. As for her, she went upstairs to prepare the guest room.

Everyone’s already gathered around the dining table when Ellie came down. She took her seat and had dinner with her family. She learned from her grandma that the couple’s names were Isamu and Aiko. The old couple ate in silence in contrast to Ellie’s family, who could not help but be loud around the dinner table.

After dinner, she guided the couple to the guest room she prepared. She told them they would leave early since Manila’s roads are notorious for its traffic jams. The couple understood and said their thanks to Ellie before closing the door.

To save time, Ellie slept in her room at the old house. Before hitting the bed, she did not forget to call Ryo. They talked for a couple of hours. He told her about his day, and she told him about her day. She assured him she’s feeling better, and her throat was no longer sore. She also told him about the old couple.

Ryo felt happy that Ellie took the couple to her parents’ house rather than her flat. He felt more secure that way. He did not forget to warn her about helping strangers.

Sometimes Ellie’s big heart worried him. Ellie believed that people, by nature, are good. She always assumed the best in everyone. There’s nothing wrong with the mindset but then the world is also beset with people with ill intentions. He’s worried Ellie’s natural tendency to help would put her in trouble.

Ellie woke up early the following day. It surprised her to see her brothers Vince and Claude up already.

“Why are you guys up this early?” she asked. She looked them up and down since both looked like they’re going out.

“We’ll drive for you.” Claude answered.

“You’ll drive? Since when were you two willing to be my drivers?” she put her arms across her chest and raised her brows at her brothers.

“Well, Ryo asked us to be your drivers.” Vince said. “Besides, we have nothing to do, anyway.”

“What’s in it for you? What did he promise you?” Knowing her brothers, they would not go into trouble of waking up in the wee hours of the day for kicks and giggles.

“Nothing.” Clause answered but avoided her eyes. “Give me the keys.”

“No. What did Ryo promise you?”

“Fine. He promised to give us god-level armors.” Vince blurted. “Keys, please.” he extended his hand in front of her.

Ellie rolled her eyes but gave the car keys to her brothers.

Claire also got up early to prepare food for them. She insisted they have their breakfast first before they traveled. Her grandmother was still asleep when they left.

Instead of using Ellie’s car, her father insisted they use his SUV. He said its seats are more comfortable, and it had more leg room compared to her cramped sedan.

She gave the couple a blanket and a pillow so they could continue their sleep during the drive. She joined the couple in one of the passenger seats at the back. While Vince drove and Claude sat in the front passenger seat.

She dialed Ryo’s number to let him know that they’re leaving. They had a quick chat before Ellie urged him to go back to sleep.

Claude’s music was the only sound heard inside the car. The old couple comfortably slept. Ellie did the same. Vince woke them up when they’re already in front of the old couple’s hotel. Claude assisted the couple as they alighted the car and went up with them to help with their luggage.

The six-hour drive to Manila has made them all hungry. So, Ellie insisted on having a meal first before going to the airport. She chose a Japanese restaurant near the airport for convenience.

“Grandpa, this is my number. Please call me once you’re in Japan,” she said, handing out her business card to Isamu. He took it and gave Ellie a hug and once again thanked her for the help she and her family extended.

The siblings gave each of the couple a hug and watched them as they entered the departure area. Kindness benefits the giver more than the receiver. Ellie felt a different kind of happiness knowing that she and her family could help the ageing couple.

They’re not an affluent family but they’re willing to give their time and effort to help. That perhaps outweighs any material help because you are giving them a part of yourself.

It’s Claude’s turn to drive the car home. Ellie enjoyed the rare moments that she and her brothers get to bond. Since she moved out of their house to study and later on establish her business, she only gets to see them on weekends or at family events.

“Sis, can we crash at your flat?” Claude asked, looking at her from the rear-view mirror.

“Yeah. We miss staying in your apartment, I miss the smell of cake in the morning.” Vince chimed, without peeling his eyes off his game.

“No problem. It’s been a while since we hung out. So, what would it be? Fortnite?” Ellie asked. She’s not much of a gamer but she could beat her brothers in a game of Fortnite any time.

“Game on! Vince, check Ryo if he can join us.” Claude asked.

“Hey, don’t bug him. He needs his rest.”

“Whatever, sis.” Vince rolled his eyes on her and called Ryo. “Bro!” he said when the call connected.

“Vince, what’s up?” Ryo’s perky voice tickled Ellie’s ears. Her heart somersaulted in her chest at the sound of his voice.

“We’re crashing at Ellie’s tonight. Are you up for a game of Fortnite?”

“Sure! Sure! Just call me. I’ll bring a friend along as well.”

“Ryo, aren’t you supposed to be resting tonight? You have a long shoot.” Ellie could not help but interject.

“Come on, Ellie. Don’t be a spoilsport.” Claude chimed, sounding irritated at her protest.

“Ellie? Are you driving, babe?” Ryo’s voice shifted from being playful to tender.

“Nope. Claude’s driving. Please don’t change the topic. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”

“I’m fine, baby. I have enough rest. Plus, I have not played in a long time. Also, I have played a game with you.”

Ellie did not speak. She still could not help but feel miffed about his response.

“Don’t mind, Ellie, Ryo. Make sure you and your friend bring your game. My sister is the Fortnite master.” Claude did not forget to butter up with her, earning an eye roll from his sister.

“That’s it! Game night later, then.” Vince said.

“I love you, babe!” Ryo did not forget to slip it into their conversation before Vince ended the call.