Blood Is Thicker Than Water (English)

The Rendezvous

Miggy's POV

The familiar routine was back in place - long commutes, endless traffic, and a constant feeling of being pulled in a million directions. Carla and Meynard's parents were at my parent's house, offering support during this difficult time, especially with my dad's upcoming forty days.

Meynard and I were back in my condo after another long day at work.

The commercial launch for Gabie's endorsement was fast approaching, and despite the whirlwind of responsibilities swirling around me, the thought of seeing her again filled me with a thrilling mix of anticipation and apprehension. The last time I'd seen her, it felt like a lifetime ago, a memory fading like a photograph left out in the sun. I'd caught a glimpse of the commercial during a conference room meeting, and the sight of her on that big screen sent a jolt of electricity through my veins. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum solo, each beat echoing the excitement building inside me. But beneath the excitement, a shadow of doubt lingered, a whisper of fear that she might not recognize me, that she might have moved on. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for my phone, my fingers fumbling with the buttons as if they were coated in ice.

"This is Manuel Sansebastian Gabriel's older brother," Rick introduced uncle Manuel to Willie, their hands clasped in a firm handshake, one late afternoon. "And this is Willie Angeles, the private investigator that Miggy hired." The low hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware filled the dimly lit restaurant, the aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs mingling with the scent of coffee.

"So, Miggy told me everything about your investigation," uncle Manuel said, his voice a low murmur. "From what I understand, you've seen the child. Since our last meeting, have you had a chance to talk to him?" He hesitated, his gaze fixed on the swirling pattern of his coffee, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

Willie nodded his gaze fixed on the swirling pattern of his coffee. "I've been trying to befriend her. He mentioned that she's a working student and that she's on her own, so she has to work hard."

Uncle Manuel sighed, his hand hovering over his coffee cup, a knot of tension forming in his brow. "I want to see her, to talk to her, but I'm afraid of upsetting her."

"I had the same thought," I chimed in. "That's why uncle Rick and I decided to inform you. Maybe you can think of a way to approach her without making her uncomfortable."

Uncle Rick cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling with a plan. "Here's what I was thinking. We could ask Willie to arrange a meeting with that poor young lady on a day when she doesn't have classes. You can invent a reason for the meeting, Will, since you know how to talk to her. We need to make sure we have enough time for the meeting, so we can all be there to help explain everything."

"And once she understands what we're trying to tell her," Uncle Rick continued, "then you can tell her about our plans to help her, to make her life a little easier."

Uncle Manuel agreed with the idea, feeling relieved that they could explain things clearly to my long-lost half-sister. Meynard raised a concern, wondering if the girl might get scared or think negatively if only men approached her. Willie reassured us, saying the girl is used to talking to different men at the bar where she works.

Uncle Rick suggested meeting with her at a restaurant to make her feel more comfortable and to avoid any misunderstandings. With nods of agreement from uncle Manuel, Meynard, and Willie, the plan seemed set.

Uncle Manuel turned to me for my opinion. I simply said I was okay with everything that has been discussed, but deep down, I'm worried about facing my mom after this meeting. "How would I explain everything to her? Would she understand or believe us?"