Andi woke up early.
The sun hadn't fully risen yet, but she was already busy in the kitchen, wearing a simple apron as she arranged the food. Alonzo was helping her, quiet but always smiling, holding a tray of freshly cooked dishes.
"Are you sure this is okay, babe?" Alonzo asked, handing her some spoons.
"Hmm," Andi nodded, adjusting the table. "Everything has to look nice. This is for Bella."
"For you too," Alonzo teased. "You deserve to see something happy again."
Andi looked at him—tired but her eyes bright. It had been a long time since the house had felt this kind of joy.
Outside, the caterers and decorators arrived early. Every corner of the garden was adorned with white drapes, vines, and garlands of real flowers—daisies, carnations, and pink roses. The entire place smelled like morning, like new hope.
By ten o'clock, the invited guests gradually began to arrive.
First, one by one. Then in small groups. Until eventually, they were almost all walking together through the old gate of the Navarro residence.
Their first reactions were silent—but unanimous: awe.
"Wow…" whispered one.
"The gate is huge!"
"It's like a museum!"
"No, it's like a Spanish-era mansion!"
Even the gate itself was made of intricately carved iron, obviously antique, with creeping vines along the sides. Inside, the cobblestone pathway greeted them, flanked by old lampposts, and the garden felt like a scene from an old film.
When they reached the front of the house, they nearly stopped in unison. Everyone gaped.
The Navarro house looked like it had been lifted straight from the time of the ilustrados—capiz windows, balconies with carved railings, wooden doors polished to catch the sunlight. Bella's classmates were taking selfies and videos, barely able to believe their eyes.
"Dude, this looks like a set from Maria Clara and Ibarra!"
"Bro, it's beautiful! Can we come here for a field trip?"
"Wow… I didn't know Bella lived in a house like this!"
Before their admiration could linger, the large front door opened.
And out came Andi.
She wore a plain pink shirt tucked into a long skirt with embroidered flowers along the hem. Simple—but elegant in her way. Her face looked fresh and natural, as if she hadn't rushed preparing all morning. Her hair was braided at the back, with a few strands brushing her cheeks.
"Welcome, everyone!" she called, smiling, her voice smooth and calm, yet commanding enough to stop anyone close by. She carried herself like the actresses in historical films they'd seen on TV—poised, graceful, magnetic without being intimidating.
For a moment, the guests were silent. Almost hypnotized. Then, almost simultaneously, they all smiled.
"Wow, Ate Andi is beautiful…" whispered one.
"Like Maria Clara, I swear!"
"Her voice is so calm, amazing!"
Andi smiled softly and invited them into the garden. "This way, please. It's cooler in the back. Make yourselves at home."
Once in the garden, the guests hardly knew where to look. The lawn was vast—filled with white tables and chairs, hanging flowers, and pastel-colored ribbons. At the center was a grand dessert table straight out of a fairy tale: pink and white cakes, cupcakes with edible petals, and lemonade with floating flowers.
"This is incredible…" said Bella's adviser. "Andi, you did such a wonderful job. Everything looks perfect."
Andi smiled. "Thank you, Ma'am. It's simple, really. Just for Bella."
Then Bella entered—wearing a floral dress and a small flower crown in her hair. Seeing her, her classmates shouted in unison: "Happy Birthday, Bella!"
Bella laughed, blushing. "Thank you! Welcome to our home!"
Andi hugged her from behind, softly saying, "Enjoy your day, Bells. You deserve this."
As the children laughed and played in the garden, Andi glanced at Alonzo, who was busy arranging the drinks. He smiled back, raising a glass as if to say, We made it.
At the edge of it all, in the shade of an old tree, Gesly stood quietly. Watching. No visible emotion on his face, but his gaze held a strange depth.
He swallowed as he observed his classmates taking pictures, laughing, and admiring the surroundings. He couldn't explain the sudden tightness in his chest. Not jealousy, not anger—but a quiet… fear.
A fear that they might get used to this kind of happiness. A fear that he might not be able to protect it when darkness returned.
He took a deep breath. And for the first time, he smiled genuinely—if only slightly.
For Bella. For Andi. For this day, when, even if just for a moment, there was no chaos. Only flowers.
---
As laughter and music continued in the expansive garden, the guests gradually mingled—classmates, parents, and a few of Bella's teachers. The sun was warm, but the breeze was light; colorful banners and flowers shimmered with each gust.
Yet amidst the joy, Bella sensed a hint of shyness in some classmates experiencing this kind of house for the first time.
"It's really beautiful, isn't it?" One whispered, awe mixed in their voice as they held a glass of juice.
"Like in a TV series," replied another, softly, slightly embarrassed. "But… it's intimidating. Look at all the things. I hope I don't break anything."
Some kids kept their heads down, unsure where to sit. Others shrugged and quietly ate spaghetti at the side.
Not because they weren't happy—but because they felt shy. They didn't know how to act in such refinement. This wasn't like neighborhood parties with karaoke, plastic chairs, and traditional games.
This was like a Tagaytay garden party—only inside a classmate's house.
But Andi seemed heaven-sent to melt everyone's hesitation.
Walking among the guests, carrying a basket of cupcakes, she smiled at each group. "Please, eat as much as you like! Don't be shy, there's plenty."
The children smiled, though a few still hesitated.
When one of the mothers approached and said, "Ma'am Andi, we can wash the plates ourselves, it's embarrassing—"
She immediately shook her head. "No, don't worry. Just enjoy yourselves. I have people to handle that."
"But it's so embarrassing… your house is beautiful…"
Andi smiled gently. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. As long as Bella is happy, that's enough for me."
And just like that, the tension melted. That's when everyone understood why people admired her—not just for her beauty or wealth, but because she was genuinely easy to be around.
While the children sang and played, a group of parents gathered at a side table, quietly observing the three siblings—Bella joyfully running with classmates, Gesly quietly vigilant, and Andi tirelessly attending to everyone.
"Wow," said one father, watching Andi. "She's beautiful, kind, and such a presence. You don't feel a distance, even though their family is clearly well-off."
Another mother nodded. "You know, the adviser said Bella has no parents. Andi has taken the role of guardian. That's probably why she's so calm yet firm."
"A real Filipina lady," another added with a smile. "Not just in appearance, but in heart too."
At a nearby table, Bella's adviser explained to some parents, "I admire her so much. All the values we teach at school—I see them in Andi. Polite, respectful, considerate, a good listener. Even knowing she has means, you never feel she's proud or arrogant."
They glanced at Andi, kneeling to wipe Bella's mouth as she ate cake. That simple scene—no makeup, no pretense, just the affection of an older sister—was a memory they would never forget.