On my first day without mom, I visited our old apartment in the hope of reminiscing about those times with mom in our nest. I fix the things mom left as well as my room for me to stay in. Everything is in chaos.
There are spider webs on the ceiling, and dust on the sofa and on the floor. The apartment smells like an old building that hasn't been used for years. I can’t believe how much dirt it accumulated during the short time we’ve been staying in Singapore and at my mom's funeral.
I start cleaning the small living room, the kitchen, and the dining area. It took me almost an hour to finish even in just a small area. Next is my room before cleaning my mom’s room. My room is just as messy as the living area. I have to put some of the papers in the trash to make space for my school materials.
The moment I enter mom's room, the memories of her flash like they happened just yesterday. I shed some tears even just touching mom's bed. It takes a few minutes before I find the strength to start fixing mom's room.
While cleaning mom’s room a knock comes on my door. I’m expecting one of our neighbors might notice me entering my apartment. But a handsome man with a wide smile welcomes me as I open the door.
“Dad, how did you know I’m here?” I asked surprisingly.
Dad kisses me on the cheek. “I tried to call you but you are out of reach. I called your friends but none of them has a clue where you are. The only place I can think of is your old apartment. I know this is the only place where you have plenty of memories with your mom.” Dad says, roaming his sight around our small apartment.
I gently slap my forehead, remembering my dead phone.
"I'm sorry dad, my phone is dead. I forgot to charge it. Come on in."
"I guess I know you a little bit now. A daddy's impulse brought me here. I know you love this place."
I chuckle at dad's confidence in knowing me. We're not on good terms for even a year yet. “Yeah, this place is so valuable for me and mom. I’m also here to fix our things. I’m sorry dad, it's a bit cramped here. There’s not so much space for us. Have a seat.” I say pointing at the old sofa.
“This is a small place but I know this was bursting with so much love for the both of you. Athena was never short of loving you since the day you were born.”
“Absolutely, mom raises me with so much love and compassion. She raised me to be a strong independent girl.” I sit opposite dad as we talk more about mom.
“I know sweetheart. Angel, I should tell you that it was your mom’s idea to give you a lavish 17th birthday party. Athena thought she would not live until your 18th birthday so she had your debut a year earlier.”
Dad has teary eyes as he confesses. “Your mom is so proud of what you’ve become. I remember she brags every time we meet. Athena would always mention your school achievements.”
“Thanks for sharing all of these, daddy. It means so much to me. Now, everything becomes clearer why mom insists on having a birthday party. I didn’t even know where she got all the money for the party.”
“I asked your mom to charge all the bills on me for your birthday party. I am grateful to your mom for letting me be a father to you even in a small way.”
“Thank you, daddy, I had a great time with my friends at the party, it was unforgettable. I wish you were there to dance with me.”
“Well, we can still do that on your 18th birthday, sweetheart. Don’t worry,” Dad says sincerely.
“No daddy, you’ve spent too much for this year. Maybe we’re done with the lavish birthday party. It’s enough that you acknowledge me as your daughter. I don’t need more from you.”
“No sweetheart. You are my daughter and you’ll get what you deserve as my biological daughter. As a matter of fact, that’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”
“Daddy, what do you mean?” I ask, confused as retrieves an envelope from his suit pocket.
“Here, you may take a look.” Daddy hands me some papers from his black envelope. I slowly take it from him.
"What's this?"
"Documents that I am acknowledging you as my biological daughter."
I stay speechless as I continue reading what's on the papers.
"And here's another one. The title of your condo, the one you are using now, it's for you. You will no longer use this apartment, the condo is much safer for you especially since you are alone now."
"Daddy, you don't have to give me all these things."
"No." Daddy sits on my side. "This is what you get for being my daughter that I should have given you since you were an infant. If you've truly forgiven me, please take everything I give you. I will send you to school until you finish college and you'll get a monthly allowance for your basic and personal needs."
"I promise to be good in school." My tears fall on my cheeks. God answers my prayer of having a father. His time is always right.
"I know you will, sweetheart. You don't have to promise me. I only want to see you happy." Dad gently pinches my chin. "We should take all your things to your new home. I will have people do it for you but for now, I'll send you to the condo first. My lawyer is waiting for us there to finalize all the documentation."
"Alright, let me just get my bag. I'll be back tomorrow to get my things here."
"Sure. My driver is waiting for us outside. We should be at your condo at 3 in the afternoon.
“Surprise!!!” Jamaica, Jordan, Lucy, and Candace spoke in unison. They have a banner of WELCOME HOME.
I look at them and dad, back and forth. “Angel, this is for you. Your mom would be happy to see you smiling even without her. Athena never wants to see you crying. I know it’s hard and it’s never the same without her but we all have to go on with our life.”
“Thank you, daddy.” I hug daddy then Jamaica and Jordan come over and give us a hug as well. We are giggling. It feels like having a family again even without mom beside me.
They prepare food and drinks for our little celebration and we are having so much fun. I'm able to thank Candace and Ms. Lucy carefully and get to know my siblings Jamaica and Jordan.
At 6 in the evening, I'm all alone in my condo. I’m still wondering if Maddox would still want to talk to me after everything I’ve done to him. Tomorrow will be December 24. Will Maddox spend his Christmas with his family? There are too many questions playing in my head right now.