Chapter 36 - Sylvia’s POV

Most Filipino families celebrate New Year more than they celebrate Christmas. But my family differs from most. We’re big about Christmas and New Year is just an ordinary day for us. Sometimes, we’d even sleep it off.

Since it’s Christmas Eve tonight, so here I am, slaving away in the kitchen. It’s a relief Dean is around to watch over Jax.

The two were busy playing with the new toy he got Jax. I heard father and son talking the other day. Dean asked Jax which toy he wanted for Christmas and Jax answered a kitchen set. At first Dean did not want to buy it because he said it’s for girls. But I explained how Jax needed it for pretend play. After convincing him about it for an hour, he gave in.

Jax mimicked me the way I cooked in his kitchen set while Dean waited for his son to serve him his food. I asked Dean to explain to Jax the things in the kitchen set to make their play time more interactive. Like, I told him to teach Jax the different vegetables and fruits, their shapes, color, texture, and taste. I wanted him to make their playtime an opportunity for learning.

I finished cooking the last dish exactly a couple of hours before the mass. We all heard mass, then went home for a family dinner. Jax happily ate his banana bread.

Our doorbell rang while we were eating. Mama and I exchanged puzzled looks because we were not expecting visitors. Papa got up from his seat to check the door.

“Guess who’s here?” Papa said, sounding excited. We all turned to him. And a cute little girl with her pigtails ran from behind Papa.

“Kaiyani!” Jax shrieked and motioned he wanted to get down from his high chair. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he ran towards Kailani and hugged her friend..

“Jaxie!” Kailani said in a high-pitched voice and ran to meet my child.

I stood from my seat and looked teary-eyed at the people Kailani was with. Ocean stood in our living arms outstretched. Shocks, I missed my friend. Like Jax, I ran towards Ocean and threw myself at him. I hugged my friend as tight as I could.

“Merry Christmas, Via. Hmm… now I know why you weren’t calling these past few days.” he teased, and I gave him an eye roll. Then I focused my attention on the beautiful woman he was with.

“Cris, Merry Christmas,” I greeted. I gave her a hug and a peck on the cheeks

“Hmm… looks like you got your Christmas gift early,” she teased.

“Whatever. You and Ocean really are a match. Come, let’s eat.” I invited them.

“Hi Dean,” Ocean greeted Dean, who just smiled at him. “This is my wife Cris, honey, this is Dean, Dean Aguilar.”

“It’s nice meeting you in person, Mr. Aguilar. My husband is a big fan.” Cris extended her hand to Dean, which he took in a firm handshake.

Our dining table became a riot since the Tamayos arrived. Jax and Kailani played in the kitchen set right after they finished eating. They did not need us because they lived in their own world. They looked like a couple cooking together in a cramped kitchen. How sweet.

We lounged around the living room drinking tea after we finished eating. Dean and Ocean, as usual, talked about cars, while Cris and I talked about Kai.

“Via, can I have your banana loaf and oatmeal cookie recipe? Kai loves those.”

“Of course. You continued Kai’s meal plan?”

“Yeah. It’s tough at first because it’s so easy to grab something from the store than whip up your own. But then, Kailani’s body is so great, I wanted to continue what you started. Imagine, she’s the only one with a full set of teeth in their daycare.”

“Yeah, it’s difficult at first. It involved a lot of preparation and planning but it’s worth it. Let me share with you my recipe folder.”

I tapped a few keys from my smartphone to share my folder with Cris. “Got it?”

“Yeah. Thank you, Via.”

“Via, when will we go to Joey’s place?” Ocean asked when Mama stood up to refill the cheese platter.

I gave him a stink eye. “Why? Did you two have a fight?”

“Whatever, Tamayo. If I know you and Josephine talked about it already. So don’t play dumb.”

“Wow, so it’s Tamayo and Josephine?” he said, chuckling. “That bad, huh?”

“What did she tell you?”

“She said nothing. She said if I wanted to know the story, I should ask you. So, what’s the story, Sylvia?”

I told him what happened. He only listened. Even Cris listened in silence.

“So, what made you say she knew your gorgeous ex would host the event?”

“Hello, Ocean to earth. Her boyfriend is the HR Director. Plus HR is in charge of this year’s party. Now tell me, she didn’t have any idea.”

“Joey did not know about it. Come on, Via. Did you really think Joey will set you up to Jared after everything he’s done to you? What for? You think she wanted you and him to get back together?” Ocean gave a sarcastic laugh. “Come on, Via. Joey’s angrier than you for what Jared has done. You’ve moved on from it and she hasn’t. You would have forgiven him already, but Joey would still light up candles for him in Quiapo.”

“I don’t know, Ocean. All I knew was it devastated me when I saw her there. I felt betrayed.”

“Look, Via, you two talk about it. What’s wrong with you two? Of all the things you two have been through together, I couldn’t believe you two would allow Jared to break you up.”

I bit my bottom lips as I listened to him. My eyes are on my hands.

“Via, Joey is very much willing to talk to you. She’s waiting for you. If you two would break up your friendship over this, then that one is on you, Via.”

“Do you really believe she did not know about Jared?”

“Yes. Joey loves you. So much. Via, you and Joey have been through a lot together. Don’t tell me you’re doubting her now.”

I could only bow my head and look at my knees after what Ocean said. I chewed on my lips and looked at him, trying my best to hold back my tears.

“I didn’t get her a gift…”

“I know. I already bought it for you. So, let’s go?”

Dean was quietly watching our whole exchange. His eyes shifted between Ocean and me. I do not know what he’s thinking but if I were to base it on his aura, I’d say he’s happy. He gave me a gentle nod when our eyes met.

I told Mama and Papa that we’re going to Joey’s. They went with us since Joey’s parents invited them over for Noche Buena.

So all of us walked out of our house and moved to the house next door. It surprised Dean when he learned how close Joey and I lived.

Jax was super excited and even prepared his gift for his godmother. He painted a smooth rock he picked up from the park.

We entered the Ramos’ house like it was our own. I have not yet stepped my foot inside their main door when Joey threw herself at me. I staggered from the impact of her on mine. Dean held on the small of my back to stabilize me. She showered my face with kisses and was sobbing on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered in her ear while rubbing her back. Vince watched us with a smile on his face.

“Why is Dean with you?” she whispered in my ear, still not letting me go. Her face rubbed on the space between my neck and my shoulder, making me ticklish, but I did not mind.

“Later,” I whispered back It’ll be a long story and for sure Ocean would like to hear it too. To save on time and saliva, I’d tell them the story together.

As soon as we got in the Ramos’ living room, all eyes were on me and Dean. I kissed Joey’s parents.

“Tita Cion, Tito Ben, this is Dean, Jax’s dad. Dean, Tita Cion and Tito Ben, Joey’s parents.”

“Hello, Ma’am, good evening, Sir.” Dean politely greeted the slack jawed elders. Joey had to tell them off before they realized they stared at Dean with their mouths agape.

“Just call us Tito and Tita, Dean. Oh my, you and Jax are so alike,” Tita Cion could not help but say to which Dean only smiled.

“Oh wait, before I forget Lakay…” she called to her husband. “Before I forget, I like to remind you I won our bet. Hunter is not Jax’s dad.”

Tito Ben could only scratch the back of his head as he looked at Dean with apologetic eyes. I could not believe these two actually bet on my son’s paternity. When did that happen?

Jax must have heard his name so ran towards Joey.

“Aunt Jo, I have a gift for you,” he said, looking up at Joey with his bright eyes.

Joey crouched to Jax’s level and gave him a toothy smile. “Really, love? Where is it?” She opened up her hand and closed her eyes, waiting for Jax’s gift.

Jax put the smooth rock he painted on Joey’s hand.

“Oh wow, this is beautiful, love. Thank you!” Jax’s giggles filled the room as Joey kissed and tickled him.

At exactly midnight, we were all surprised when Vince went down on one knee and proposed to Joey. Sheer happiness reflected in my best friend’s eyes when she said “yes.” Vince lost his usual composure and lifted Joey from the ground.

We clapped as we watched them kiss and hug each other as they celebrated their milestone.

This Christmas was one for the books.