Like mother like daughter.
"What should I do?" She softly said to herself.
America lost its rationals for that short period, thinking of a possible plan to keep America away from Michael. She cannot bear to let go of him; she gave everything to this guy, her heart, soul, dignity, and V card.
America felt that she is about to get crazy thinking hard when suddenly she saw a picture frame place at the edge of his desk. It was dark in the room; only the moonlight gave her the guide to see the outline of the portrait in the frame.
From the looks of it, it is a girl with short wavy hair. It didn't take her a minute to distinguish who was on the photo.
"ZOEY!" She said while grinding her teeth.
Letting go of her last thread of patience and understanding towards the man sleeping and she used to be her best friend, America fished her phone inside her bag and dialed an unfamiliar number. This person will surely help her to get rid of that slut.
---
Zoey came back home with Happy on her arms. No more surprise parties or instant festival happen when she arrives. When she arrived home, Alfie, who she hasn't seen after the wedding appeared in their living room. Sometimes she thought that this guy had a radar whenever Manang will be cooking her favorite foods. The aroma of the dishes Manang prepared can be smelled at the front door. And with the aroma of it, it is Sinigang na Yellowfin sa Miso.
It is almost lunchtime when she reached home. After dropping off her luggage at the front door, housekeepers took it and brought it to her room then arranged according to where it is supposed to be.
"What a pleasure to welcome you back Zoey?" Alfie spread his arms wide as if he is about to hug her when Happy started barking at him.
In an instant, Alfie with only his socks on climbing on one of the couches and used the pillow to cover his legs against Happy who run towards him barking and growling.
"What is wrong with that dog?"
"It has a name, Happy this is Alfie, Mommy's friend. Alfie this is my baby girl, Happy."
Alfie wasn't happy meeting Happy. Because he was afraid of dogs, he was once bitten by a neighbor dog before.
Actually, Zoey forgot that Alfie had a bad experience with dogs that is why she wasn't eager to calm down Happy as she kept barking against Alfie.
"Didn't you mistakenly eat a dog before? Maybe that is why Happy doesn't like you. You ate one of her kind." Zoey laughed after saying her theory why Happy isn't happy seeing him.
"Zoey, I was bitten before! Please remove her away from me." Zoey then later remembered that incident. She carried Happy away from him and place her to her carrier.
When Alfie secured that he is safe, he went down the couch and arranged the pillows that got scattered because of him.
"I didn't know you own a dog. All along I thought you were a cat person."
"So you thought wrong then. It doesn't mean that because I like Garfield when we were young makes me a cat person. I also like Snoopy you know."
Leaving him with no words to say. Alfie shuts his mouth for a while.
"Why are here? Do not tell me you set a CCTV camera around our house to see if Manang will prepare delicious food."
"It is actually just a coincidence. Hahahaha! I'm here because when I paid a visit to you two days ago, Tita Fatima said that they'll be expecting you arrive today before lunch. Anyway, where did you go?"
"You already talked to my mom, but you haven't asked her where I went?? And why would I need to tell you plans?" Zoey placed her hands around her waist while asking Alfie.
She looked mad and intimidating whenever she places her hands around the waist.
Alfie was about to answer her when Manang informed them that lunch is ready.
The Alcantaras plus Alfie sat around the dining table. Mrs. Alcantara leads the prayer before they dig their claws to the dishes in front of them.
"Did you settle everything there Zoey?" Her dad asked while taking out the fish bones on his plate.
"Yes, dad. Although I left some stuff, I won't be needing inside the apartment. And on our last night, Greg, you guys remember Greg, right?" Mr. and Mrs. Alcantara nod their head while Alfie lost on who was Greg. "He treats us for a meal in his parents' restaurant."
"He's really a good lad." Mrs. Alcantara remarked.
"Yes, he is mom. Mom is my forehead that wide and bright? Does it really shine from afar??" Zoey asked her mom with that worried weird face she always used when she felt shy and worried.
Zoey grew up insecure to her appearance, despite her beautiful small face. When they were young, Zick teases her piglet with pigtail every time she sees her with pigtail.
Like a normal kid, Zoey was cutey-chubby before. Not a chubby obese kind but chubby health. Even though she possesses a gorgeous look, she started feeling less of that she is because of her brother continue teasing.
Later on, she began being insecure about her appearance. "Did your brother tease you again?" Mrs. Alcantara asked.
Poor Zick!
Before Mrs. Alcantara scolds his older child at the back of her head, Zoey clarifies that I wasn't her brother but Greg who her mom a while an ago complementing.
"It was actually Greg." Zoey scooped a spoonful of soup then put it on her mouth.
"I take it back! That guy is good!" Like mother like daughter. Mrs. Alcantara pouted and scrunched her nose.