Chapter 255 - Home In Molave 1

Watching how comfortable Andrew already was in conversing with Leo, Ajie was happy. Finally, the storms of their lives had calmed down. The awkwardness between Allie and Hayri, as well as Cherry and Andrew, was totally gone as if it never happened at all. Hayri had also moved his main office to Cebu so that he could be closer to them.

A year had already passed after that unforgettable and scary experience in Chara Island. Allie had delivered a healthy and beautiful baby boy, and Andrew married Joanna. Even if it was easier for Andrew to forgive him than their father, he did not give up hope. He believed that through prayers and Joanna's patience on him, the day would finally come that he and their father would reconcile.

Ajie's thoughts went back to the moment he got overwhelmed by surprise. While he was changing his son's diaper, his phone vibrated. Pressing the call sign and turning on the speaker mode, Andrew's voice floated from the other line.

"Brod, can you please come over here in Molave tomorrow? Tatay Leo's birthday will be the day after tomorrow, right? I want us to give him a surprise."

"Where are you now?" Ajie confirmed, Molave was the last place Andrew would go back. Not only because it was the place that gave him painful memories but because he found it hard to forgive the person who caused him the feeling of rejection and abandonment for so long.

"I'm at home in Molave."

Ajie called everyone, and they all decided to go with him. Oblivious to everyone except Allie later on, he bought back the properties that Leo and Issa sold for his college education. He developed the place into a mountain resort and intended to surprise the dear ones whom he knew as his parents on Leo's birthday. The site held sentimental value for him because he knew it was the best property that his father Leo sacrificed for his future. 

The property was adjacent to their lot on the lower portion of the mount, but still, it overlooked the spectacular sea view on one side and beautiful plains and mist-covered hills on the other side. Aside from the hot spring as the resort's natural attraction, the place was a refreshing and peaceful haven to any exhausted city dwellers. It also offered horseback riding through the outskirts of a forest and a zip line that started from the entrance of the resort across the whole extent of the property. The cable thrill allowed the guests to take a full view of the splendid scenery.

When the group arrived in the afternoon before Leo's birthday, the sun was already hiding behind the hills. Still, its crimson and orange hues lighted the sky and the entire panorama of the breathtaking scenery around them. Some areas were still under construction, but it was already ready for the dedication and blessing the next day.

"Happy birthday, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, tatay, uncle Leo!" everyone ended the song and greeted the teary-eyed birthday celebrant in unison.

Leo thanked everyone with endless tears dripping from his eyes. Standing before him were the tycoons of marine industries. How could he ever deserve this lovely birthday surprise? Issa thanked them also and expressed Leo's unspoken joy in better and profound words. They then invited everyone inside the house while they rushed inside the kitchen.

"What shall we serve them, Leo? What we have here are only fruits and sweet corn!"

Before Leo could answer, Allie and Joanna came in with their beaming smile. "Leave it to us, Tay, Nay. Your daughters will take care of it."

"Tay, just please help us find a good place outside to set up a dining table where we could get a beautiful view," Joanna requested, and Leo nodded with still furrowed brows. The two elderlies looked at each other, wondering what food were they planning to prepare.

"Tay, Nay, just do your morning care. Follow us on the lawn later," said Allie as she saw their look. exchanges 

The delivery truck from the resort had already parked outside and started to bring out the folded tables into the lawn when the two ladies came out. With the help of Ajie and Andrew, a long dining table covered in red and white cloth stood sprawled under the canopy of a huge tree. The resort's catering staff also did their wonders. In just a few minutes, they were able to arrange the food around fresh rose-and-orchid centerpieces.

While they were chatting happily over their breakfast, another delivery truck arrived. As soon as the engine stopped, the driver came out and approached them.

"Is this the house of Mr. Leo Gonzaga?" 

"Yes," answered Leo, wiping his mouth as he stood up.

"A birthday gift delivery for you, sir, from a certain Mr. Andrew."

As the driver turned his head toward the truck, a sleek black grand piano descended from a metal ramp. Leo stood gaping at it. His eyes couldn't believe that his old, tattered church organ could now go to the junk. Not that he could afford it if he liked it, but he didn't see it a need.

Leo turned to Leo and hugged him, his heart too full to thank him with words. Andrew laughed as he held his father's shoulders at arm's length.

"Tay, do you think it's free? You have to give free piano lessons to our kids!"

"Of course," Leo answered, brushing his tears away as a smile curved in the corners of his mouth. Then he continued, "That's if you'll remember to visit your parents frequently."

"Who said we wouldn't? Before we come here, we have already decided to live here with you. That's also if you agree."

Ajie stood up and hugged Andrew. He was already about to tell them about the resort, but he decided to hold it for now. He didn't want to compete and take the limelight away from Andrew.

"Who wants to go horseback riding?" Ajie asked as soon as he released Andrew.

"Me!" Jane raised her hand, "but I have not tried it yet. Is there a horserider to go with me?"

"Me," Hayri replied and looked at her. "Let's go."