Alicia, Millien and I were already preparing to leave the house, and it was Saturday. As promised, we went to Cynthia's place before 2 pm.
When we arrived, Cynthia greeted us with a smile. And clung to my arms as she guided us inside. She also greeted Millien and Alicia, with such welcoming warmth.
"Anthony, I told my parents you'll be taking your sister with you. And don't worry, I told them her... situation."
I looked at her appreciatively, and smiled.
"So that means?" I asked playfully, since I saw the glint in her eyes.
Which means she was planning something.
"I told the kitchen to prepare variety of dishes for you and Millien. While Alicia? She can play in my room. I bought dolls and a playhouse set for her this morning."
I paused from our walk and looked at her.
"Y-You bought what? W-Wait... You didn't have to."
"No worries. It's all from my allowance and I felt bad for her. She was curious and always full of energy. So...it was heartbreaking....seeing...her...you know what I mean." Cynthia stopped herself and looked at me, sympathetically.
"I really appreciate that. Alicia will love it."
I was moved by Cynthia's thoughtfulness.
When we were inside their living room, I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Bartolome, who were chatting with each other.
"Anthony... it's good to see you again. And this must be your sister... Alicia." Mrs. Bartolome said, looking down on my right side.
I know they're trying to be welcoming but...
"My sister Alicia's on my left side." I said awkwardly.
Cynthia was trying to hold her laughter, as her parents were trying to accommodate Alicia too. Without the eyeglasses, they won't even see, Alicia and Millien.
Mrs. Bartolome shifted her gaze to my left and smiled.
"Right. Hi there, baby girl. Hope you enjoy your stay in our house." Mrs. Bartolome tried it again.
But... Alicia was already on the sofa, touching the leather appreciatively.
Cynthia turned around not to show how much she was already failing to hold back a laugh.
And I didn't correct it or anything. Done want to embarrass her even more. When she's just trying to be welcoming.
"She's glad to meet you too, she says." I just lied. To save the situation.
Mr. Bartolome wasn't going to embarrass himself and borrowed Cynthia's glasses. He wore it and saw only Millien, who's sitting on my shoulder.
He looked around and heard Alicia's giggles, looking at the sparkling decorative stones inside the aquarium.
"There you are my girl. Loved the aquarium?" Mr. Bartolome walked towards Alicia and crouched.
"Yes.. they're sparkly and the fishes are so colorful!" Alicia's voice was full of joy.
"That's great. If you want one, I'll give you the fish you like. But you need to take care of it. Okay?" He ruffled Alicia's hair that's now jumping in happiness.
"Really? Really? Kuya! You heard that? Mr.....old mister will give me a fishy!"
Alicia was now jumping all around, and made me smile watching her.
Cynthia and Mrs. Bartolome were also smiling despite not seeing what was happening.
When Mr. Bartolome walked towards us again, Cynthia was already reaching for the glasses.
"Daddy, that's mine."
"Hey... Let me put it on too. I want to see the little girl." Mrs. Bartolome crossed one arm, and reached out the other, with an open palm.
Both Cynthia and Mr. Bartolome looked at the outstretched hand and sighed. He handed the glasses to her.
"That's more like it."
Mrs. Bartolome wore the glasses and greeted Millien first and then looked for Alicia who's been too entertained by the aquarium to move around.
She walked towards her and picked her up.
Mrs. Bartolome was even amazed as she could interact with Alicia, like she's alive, with flesh and body.
"My daughter bought a lot of toys, want to play with them?" She asked but already asking the maid to fetch the toys.
"Not fair. I was going to show it to Alicia myself." Cynthia complained but there's really not heat in her words.
The maids came back with the toy sets with them. And I was surprised.
Cynthia only said a doll, and a playhouse set. Not a playhouse the same size as Alicia, and dolls that must be limited editions.
"That... that's too much." I muttered to myself.
"Alicia's gonna love that." Millien said, with a look of approval on his face.
And Alicia? She was already clapping her hands and as soon as Mrs. Bartolome put her down, she ran towards the toys.
The maid who's setting the playhouse down felt a chill, and shivered for a second.
They were already briefed about the unique visitor. But fear of the unseen has always been there.
The other maid placed the dolls in an organized manner. And when I looked at her, she was the maid that Maricar possessed.
If she's still here, which means, the couple did as promised. Facing the consequences with the right solution this time.
"Kuya, Look! The playhouse is as tall as me!" Alicia exclaimed already opening the play house's door.
Cynthia and Mr. Bartolome saw it opened and felt glad that Alicia was enjoying it.
"Anthony, we can take you home later, so you can take the toys with you." Mr. Bartolome said with a smile.
"That would be too much. We couldn't accept such gift." I said waving both hands.
"Don't refuse it. It's not yours. They're all for Alicia." Cynthia said giggling.
"Alicia dear, do you love the toys?" Mrs. Bartolome asked peeking through the small windows.
Alicia peeked out and smiled.
"I love it. Are they all mine?" She asked innocently.
"Of course. They're all yours. You can bring them home with you, so you can play with them to your heart's content." Mrs. Bartolome responded.
Alicia was so happy the playhouse rattled with her.
"Well, then... Thanks I guess?" I said scratching my head. "I'll also take the offer of taking us home later."
The Bartolomes looked pleased that I agreed. And we just stood there, watching my sister olay happily like a child she's supposed to be.