Lance
"We are here now," I told Aera when we reached UniSuites, Bricx's company. "Wait for me here." I added and went out of the car, headed to the other side, and opened the car door for her.
Today, Aera asked me if I could help her bring the food she cooked at their school to Bricx. They had talked and promised him to do one for him too. After we had our lunch, we headed here afterwards.
I guided her to enter the hotel. We can see the busy people walking around the hotel. Bricx's hotel is five stars. It is not new to me. He has a lot of customers. He makes sure that it works smoothly. If there is something wrong, he fixes it within the day to avoid complaints. They can't see any sign of bad things in this hotel. That is why customers would love to stay here.
Aera tapped my arms and showed me her phone.
'Do you think we are disturbing him today? It seems like there are many people here. I do not want to bother him with his work. I can just make a new one and give it to him next time'
I smiled at her. "He is not busy. Do not worry. I already texted him before we arrived here. He will be down in a few minutes," I replied. "And also, he has a lot of hard-working staff here. They do not need Bricx's guidance at all. It is just that his hotel is too good." I explained.
He does not seem so busy that you will ask him if he ever works, but he really is working hard. I can see it through how much he worked hard and it paid off. The customers are going back because they enjoyed their stay here.
I also know he doesn't want to cause any trouble in this hotel, which he named for his long lost sister. He really chose that name so that he would not have a reason to give up on this work and serve this as a memory for his sister.
"Lance! Aera!" Bricx yelled and ran towards us.
"You are with Auntie and Uncle." I told them and smiled at his parents walking towards us as well.
Bricx nodded and turned to Aera. "I heard you wanted to give me something. What is it?" He asked.
Aera nodded and got her bag. She pulled out a small container and handed it to Bricx.
Bricx smiled and quickly accepted the packed meal. "Is this really for me? Thank you very much! You should have texted me. I should have gotten this in front of your school. You had to come all the way here, thank you very much!" He said. "Ah, right. Mom and Dad, this is Aera. The one I mentioned before. Aera, they are my parents. Abel and Christine Espinoza." He added, introducing his parents to Aera.
She quickly bowed and typed something on her phone before showing it to Bricx's parents.
'Good afternoon, Ma'am and Sir. Nice to meet you, I am Aera.'
Auntie smiled motherly and tapped Aera's cheek. "Nice to meet you too. Call me Auntie. You are so pretty!" She said excitedly that it made Aera bow again.
"Have you eaten your lunch already? You can always visit here." Uncle commented.
Aera nodded and began typing again on her phone.
'You are handsome and beautiful too. You made a good pair'
"Thank you very much! I am glad that you are doing well. You really look like a good kid." Auntie said.
"She is, Mom. Look at her going all the way here just to give me this food since I told her I want to experience her packed meals from school too," Bricx commented. "Do you want to take a bite, Mom and Dad? She is taking culinary arts, she is asking for feedback on her food as well." He added.
"Really? Let's do that in the lounge. I will get some juice for us. You can go there and have a seat." Uncle said and headed to the food section.
We also headed to the lounge to take the vacant space.
"Do you also love baking?" Auntie asked Aera. She quickly nodded her head excitedly. "Can I invite you over to our house next time and bake a cake with me?" She invited.
Aera typed on her phone and showed it to Auntie Christine.
'Can I really go to your house? I really love baking and I would love to learn from you, Ma'am'
Auntie held Aera's hand and said, "Auntie. Call me Auntie. Like Lizzy, I also treat you as my daughter. If you are okay with that."
"Here is our juice." Uncle said as he put down the tray with five glasses of juice on it and utensils.
Bricx opened the small container and put it in the middle. Aera, on my side, began fidgeting with her hands. Waiting for the feedback.
Bricx and his parents started to try Aera's food.
"Super B. I really love the taste of the shrimp," Bricx complimented. "Mom, can you do this too? Let's make this for our lunch or dinner too. It tastes good." He then told Auntie.
Auntie nodded and turned to Aera. "I need your recipe. It tastes good. Good job, Aera!" She said, clapping her hands.
"I agree. It tastes like foods you can eat at the restaurant." Uncle also contributed. "I will see if we have this dish already. Maybe we can add this to our menu. I am looking forward to seeing you have your own restaurant." He added.
Aera smiled, making the people in front of them smile too.
Aera's cooking skills are very good. She knows what she is cooking and it is really good. I can see her passion for cooking.
"I am happy that I was able to taste your dish too, Aera. I envy Lance now. He was able to eat these good dishes of yours. If there is more excess, I would love to have it." Bricx said.
Aera nodded before facing her phone and typing.
'I will cook for you from time to time. Thank you very much for the feedback. I will do better to make good food'
"I suddenly saw my daughter in you. If she is still here, you will be friends. I think she is about the same age as you." Auntie commented.
'I heard from Leus about it. Let's hope that she is in good hands and living peacefully. God has a plan for us. Let's trust him and wait for it patiently. Be strong and do not lose hope, Auntie and Uncle. I will pray for you and her'
Auntie hugged Aera. "Thank you, sweetheart." She said before breaking the hug.
Auntie smiled and held Aera's hands. I can feel the longing in her eyes by looking at Aera. Every mother would feel the same. After all those years, the pain is still in her back. She was still carrying the memory of her lost daughter. If she is still here, there is a possibility that she is the same age as Lizzy and Aera.
I am proud of their family for being strong and positive through everything.