Chapter 140 - Allyza

Inside an executive shuttle van, Mr. Dioko, the whole Lopez family as well as Allie's, set out to Singapore's port of call to join Allyza's next cruise to Asian destinations. They had so many reasons to celebrate, they were even supposed to be on board during her maiden voyage. Yet, so many things happened and Allyza left on her first cruise without her builder and designer.

While on their way, Chloe's sweet and childish voice interrupted their conversation. "Grandpa, where are we going?"

"To the seaport," the three grandfathers chorused as if they were expecting their grandchild's question.

Realizing that she was only asking Mr. Lopez who was closer to her, they all burst out laughing. It was not her fault after all if there were three of them, she only wanted one answer.

"Are we going to ride a plane again?" 

"Baby, we will be on a cruise," answered Mr. Lopez.

"Wrong answer," she complained, sending out a round of laughter from all of them.

"Angelo, where is your brain? You build great yachts and you don't know the correct answer?" Another bout of laughter broke into the freezing atmosphere 

"Baby, we are not. We will be riding on a ship," corrected Mr. Lopez. The grandmothers never said a word, afraid to be reprimanded for a  wrong answer.

"But I don't want to get on board a ship. I want a horse!"

Leo, who was most familiar with horses answered. "But there are no horses on the sea, baby. Lolo has plenty of them in Molave."

"Really? How about seahorses?"

The whole van rocked with their laughter which send Chloe to tears, including Mrs. Lopez. While she got amused by her innocence,  she also pitied her for being made a laughing stock at the moment. She never realized how wonderful it was to have grandchildren who were said to be dearer to the grannie's hearts than pure children.

Allie hugged Chloe tight as she comforted her. She, herself, was new to the changing tempers of the kids. She was close to tears when Chloe did not stop crying even with the sincere apologies of the elderlies.

"Sweetheart, how about discussing something else like heavenly bodies?" Ajie tried a trick to pacify her daughter's shame. He knew her very well and he knew what topics would perk her interests.

Chloe's face lit up with renewed excitement. Ever since Jane handled her personally, there was a great leap in her learning ability as well as her memory retention. She started to love books and watch educational videos. She even surprised them with the depth of her knowledge, beyond what a normal kid her age had. Jane understood her needs and she knew where to prioritize her teaching focus.

"Grandpa, which planet has more moons in it?" Chloe's round eyes beamed as she shifted her gaze to the three grandpas who happened to sit on the same row.

"Gerald, it's your turn to answer," said Mr. Angelo Lopez as he nudged Mr. Dioko on his side.

"No, I don't know about that," he replied, shaking his head as he laughed again.

"You build an empire in the business industry and then you don't know which one?" The rest burst again in laughter as Mr. Angelo found a way to retaliate. 

"How about you? Two geniuses came out from your testicles and you don't know also?" Mr. Dioko returned the question, sending another ripple of restrained laughter.

"I was sick at that time so I was absent. So don't ask me," Angelo folded his arms and winked at Chloe. He then looked away, pretending something on the roadside caught his attention.

Chloe's shrill voice interrupted their argument and they all paid attention to her. "Both of you don't know? How about you, Lolo?" she threw the question to Leo who also pretended to be not listening.

"My dear, I was out in the farm hunting for spiders at that time when we had our discussions so I don't know also."

They all broke into laughter once again and Issa complained already, afraid that she wouldn't be able to control her bladder any longer. Just as Chloe was about to throw another question, the driver announced that they had arrived.

Allie paused to take a closer look at the ship the moment they got out of the car. She already saw this during the ceremonial launching but her mind was in turmoil at that time. She could only see the stern of the ship but her broad name on italics still looked inviting in her eyes. She felt sorry for Ajie and herself for not being able to appreciate the wonderful works of his hand, a token of the realization of the dream vessel they drafted together. Only then was she able to see the golden value of his creation.

"Is something bothering you?" Ajie's voice pierced into her ears as she got lost in her thoughts.

"She is so beautiful!," she said, her voice was a bit hoarse, "congratulations, Jie."

Ajie did not say a word right away but clawed his arm around her neck as he pulled her into a kiss.

"As beautiful as Allyza herself."

Flattered by his compliment which, she knew, was sincere, she hugged him back and whispered, "Our next project will be designed by both of us. She will bear the name of our son."

Ajie did not reply but uttered a silent prayer instead that their coming baby will be a boy, a little replica of himself. He just nodded and led her afterward to the ladder case where the waiting crew formed two rows to welcome them.

Many guests had already arrived ahead of them. Coffee shops were already brewing as loungers started to come. Recreation halls were also buzzing with mixed-up noise and almost all the restaurants began clattering their dishes.

At one of the lobbies, a pianist was playing some ballads and people, especially young lovers, gathered around. Most of them ordered coffee and other beverages while hanging out, allowing themselves to relax and be inspired by the music.

Both Ajie and Allie were also compelled to join the gathering, the music was too alluring. It's been a long while since Ajie had last held a microphone and sang. But the moment they came closer and saw who was flying his fingers across the keyboard, they both gaped in surprise.