Chapter 55 Home

Ding! Dong! Dina was shocked to hear the doorbell ringing. Dina thought it could be the buyer Carlos was talking about in the letter. She sighed deeply and she doesn't want to think anything or do anything… but one thing is for sure, she doesn't want to force herself into the Ballestros's residence. She also has her pride. "Mom!", it was Dino. Dina was surprised to see her son when she opened the door. She immediately hugs Dino and for some reason, she felt comforted from her sadness. Because she was busy hugging her son, she wasn't able to notice Rico tagging behind Dino. "I missed you Mom!", Dino exclaimed. "I missed you more.", Dina answered. She is so happy to see her son's smiles. "Dad misses you too.", Dino said as he pointed towards Rico behind. Dina was surprised. It still sounds new to her hearing Dino pertaining Rico his 'Dad". "Yes. I really do miss you so much.", Rico smiled. Dina wasn't affected by his charming smile. "We're here to get you, Mom. Dad said that you will come with us.", Dino said. Dina was surprised as she stared at Rico, wondering what he might have said to their son, and within a short span of time, they had gotten close already. "I know your situation. Carlos explained everything to me already. And I am here to fetch you. I will help you pack your things… Dina, let's go home.", Rico said. Dina couldn't explain why but when Rico said the last words, it feels warm and sincere. Home is where your heart is. , Dina suddenly thought of this quote. "You can't say no for an answer. You don't want to argue with our little one.", Rico smiled before exchanging glances and smiles with Dino. "Yes. Yes. Mom, come with us please...please.", Dino teased. Dina looked at her son before glaring at Rico… she felt like a loser and she knows that she will end up doing what Rico wanted her to do. It has been few years since she had set her foot inside the Ballestros's home and what welcomed her made her teary-eyed… Rico's parents' warm hug. "Welcome back iha, we miss you so much!", Rico's mom said with tears in her eyes as she hugs her daughter-in-law. Dina felt awkward and shy at first but their warm welcome made her realized how she missed them so much. She missed this family and tears began flowing from her eyes too. "Welcome home iha.", Rico's dad smiled at her warmly while wiping his tears even though it was still obvious. "Mom, Dad… I am sorry...", Dina tried to apologize but the old couple stopped her. "You don't have to be sorry, iha. Rico explained everything and we understand. You even gave us a big surprise, Dino… we love him so much and of course, you too iha. We love you so much and that is enough reason for us to forget all the things that happened in the past.", Rico's mom said sincerely. She was still as docile as before, exactly the way Dina remembers. They all hugged each other. "Thank you.", is what Dina could only say and all she knows is she is extremely happy. She felt that she could have a good sleep after days of lack of sleep when Carlos passed away. That night, everyone had a feastful meal together. They talked and laughed just the way they used to. Without noticing, it was already late and everyone head back to their rooms to get some rest. Rico and Dina were left alone together. "Dino and I will use my old room.", Dina initiated the conversation while Rico carries Dino. The kid fell asleep after exhausting himself from singing, dancing, and playing for his grandparents. "Sure.", Rico agreed and he nodded. Rico was about to open the door when Dina also reached out for the doorknob at the same time. They touched each other's hand and instinctively, avoided each other's hands as if there was an electric shock. They had almost forgotten this feeling, but when their hands touched… they felt it again. "Sorry.", Rico humbled down and took his hand farther from her. He knew and understood that it would be awkward for Dina to have any skinship with him as she was still not ready to accept him in her heart. Dina ignored him and she continued to open the door. Rico slowly put Dino on the bed and he sat carefully beside him as he caresses his hair. "I will not force myself upon you, Dina. I'm just happy you and my son are with me again.", Rico said sincerely and gave Dina a gentle smile. "T-thank you too for accepting us, me in your life again even though we know that you are only doing this as your obligation being Dino's father.", Dina answered even though she couldn't look directly at Rico's eyes. "No... I am doing this because I love you and my son. Not just because of obligation and responsibility. I hope you can see through that. I hope I will be able to make you feel how I truly love you, Dina.", Rico insisted as he gently touched Dina's cheek. Dina quickly moved her face away. "Good night, Rico.", Dina said, dismissing Rico's advances. She doesn't want to talk with him for too long. "Good night too, Dina.", Rico answered then he hurriedly stole a peck on her cheek. Even though Dina had moved away, Rico still caught her and planted a short kiss on her cheek. Dina was stunned, she was shocked by what Rico had just done. "I am sorry, I just said that I won't force myself upon you... but I can't also stop myself from doing this because I really love you.", Rico smiled naughtily and he went on to the door. "Sleep well, my wife.", Rico added as he finally leaves the room, leaving Dina speechless as well.