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Finally, we exit the aircraft, and we’re greeted with the somewhat humid but warm morning sunlight of my home country. It almost moves me to tears because it’s like I’ve been transported back in time to when I was a little girl, waking up in our cozy little house as my mother cooked breakfast in the kitchen. I slowly walk down the stairs, and when my feet touch the ground, I almost want to kneel and kiss the pavement. I guess I must be more homesick than I thought.
“It’sreallyhot,” Leo says again, pulling his gray shirt away from his body, and I simply smile at him as we walk to our transport going to the terminal. He’s covering his eyes with his hand, his green eyes squinting at the sunlight.
I only grin once more, knowing there’s so much more that Leo needs to learn about me and where I come from to get have chance at passing Dolores Langley’s interview.
Man, that woman scares me.
After the airport, Leo and I get into a car I had previously reserved to take us to my childhood home. It’s about thirty minutes away from the airport. My parents opted to live in the most reasonably priced area they could find. Not too far from the city center, but not in the city center, where prices can be super high.
So many things that I have missed while I was gone fly past the window as we drive. Manila is busier than I remember, with a ton of new developments all around the city. But it still has that same old magic that I remember.
As they say, there's simply no place like Manila.
“Wow, this city’s giving Los Angeles a run for its money in terms of people and busy-ness,” Leo says, as he watches people move quickly through their morning commute. “Everyone seems to be always on the move, but that train looks…”
“Cramped? Yeah, you’re gonna have to experience that at least once before we leave. The true Manila experience, as they say,” I tease him, and a grimace takes over his face. “Most people have to endure these conditions under the blazing heat. All to make a living.”
“I can understand that, I guess. I mean, I’m not gonna act like I’ve ever had to ride a hot, crowded train day in and day out, but I get the desire to make a name for yourself,” Leo says, eyes fixed on the window.
I instantly shake my head. “No, I don’t think they’re doing this to make a name for themselves.” I look at the group of people squashed inside a nearby bus that passes by on our left. “It’s the same for me when I left for Hollywood. I never dreamed of becoming a big actress or director or anything fancy like that. I just wanted to make enough money to help my family.”
Leo stays silent for a while as we both continue to watch the countless commuters making Manila brim with life.
“And I guess it’s why I’ve agreed to your proposal, so I can keep earning good money to provide for them,” I confess, placing a hand on my heart. “You know, for the past few years, almost all of my earnings go back to them.”
“Almost all of it?” Leo’s clearly baffled. “You don’t leave anything to yourself?”
I look at him, knowing he probably doesn’t understand my situation and upbringing. After all, his father was one of the pioneers in the filmmaking industry in the twentieth century. Still, I appreciate him being casual about it instead of acting all high and mighty.
“I think I’ll just be happy to finally finish the renovation of my childhood home,” I reveal, thinking of all the conversations I had with my parents about the construction plans and how we’ll finally have our dream house after all these years. “You see, when I was growing up, we lived in this tiny house that barely fit all four of us. There was just a single bedroom, so we all had to sleep in the same small space.”
Leo’s eyes glimmer with sympathy, but he doesn’t really say anything as I keep telling my story. He just listens, and I appreciate that. I don't want his sympathy either. It's just the way life was and still is for many.
“Just outside the room was a small living room with a seat made from varnished bamboo. There was a little balcony, but it had to be converted to an outdoor kitchen. My dad had to shell out some money to cover it with chicken wire for walls,” I continue, and I feel a mix of melancholy and nostalgia as I recall memories of my childhood. Yes, I agree, it wasn’t the best situation, but we were happy. I didn't know that I was disadvantaged in any way. We all felt blessed to have our own home regardless of the size. “So when my little brother was born six years ago, I knew I had to get out there and work my ass off so I can build my family a house that’s suited to everyone’s needs.”
Leo smiles at me.
“That’s beautiful, Isa,” he says softly, and I can’t help but smile back. I don’t know what it is about him that’s changed recently, but I see a kindness in him that I hadn’t before. Not that I thought he was a complete asshole, just direct and maybe even a little aloof. Perhaps this is how he truly is outside of work. After all, the work version is the only version of him that I know like the back of my hand. Right now, there’s no studio to oversee, no film shoots to check, no premieres to attend. We’re just going to visit my childhood home.
I was shaking my head at that thought. Another thing I never dreamt I would ever be doing. Not with Leo Camden.
“It’s kind of why I’m so excited to come back home,” I tell him as we make a familiar turn. My home is only a few minutes away now, and I can’t wait to see the look on my family’s face when I surprise them with a visit. “I can’t wait to see our new house. Oh, that reminds me!”
I pull out my phone and scroll to Lia’s name.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, I just need to give my sister a call. I don’t want to just barge in there. They may or may not be home. I never even thought to call.” No kidding. I've been a little, um, distracted.
The ring echoes through my ears a few times and I look at Leo, who’s staring out the window. The tall buildings and the hustle and bustle of the throngs of people seem to be long gone as we are out of the main urban area of Manila.
“Hello?” My sister’s voice sounds confused on the other end of the line. “Well, this is a surprise. Is something wrong, sis?” Lia’s clearly chewing something.
“Stop talking with your mouth full. Are you at the house?” I try to keep my voice neutral, so Lia isn’t immediately suspicious. But I know I’m giving it away. In the corner of my eye, the roads are starting to get even more familiar, and my heart starts to race in my chest in anticipation of finally seeing my home sweet home.
Silence stretches on the other end of the line as I realize Lia is in shock at what she assumes, correctly, to be my surprise visit.
“No way,” her voice sounds… off. “You’re not actually home, are you?”
