"How long has it been since we all slept on one bed?" Nat, Aika and Jamie were in Nat's bedroom. Jamie would only sleep with Nat, and Aika, when she had a bad dream. But tonight, Jamie really wanted to be beside Nat and Aika.

"Maybe you should buy a bigger bed, Daddy. Your current bed is too small for us!" Jamie snuggled closer to Aika.

"I second that. But I don't mind hugging my sweetie tight while we sleep." Aika wrapped her arms around Jamie.

"I can't believe I'm feeling left out even on my own bed..." Nat pouted as he inched closer to the girls.

"Daddy, you're squeezing me!" Jamie jokingly pushed Nat away.

"They said you have to hold the people you treasure close to your heart. That's what I'm doing." Nat gave Aika and Jamie each a forehead kiss.

"Ninang has to sleep early, Daddy." Jamie furrowed her eyebrows and warned Nat. Aika stifled a chuckle as Nat's jaw dropped.

"Good night, birthday girl." Aika wished Jamie one last time.

~

"Oops sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up." Aika's alarm rang at 4am. She had set it as soft as she could to avoid waking Jamie up. Thank goodness the girl had been knocked out after playing hard at her party.

"Mind if I accompany you? Mum offered to take care of Jamie for today." Nat whispered, not wanting to disturb Jamie.

"Why not?" Aika smiled as she gently pried Jamie's arms away from her. Jamie held tight to Aika the entire night.

"I'm kinda nervous...I've never actually done anything like this." Nat bit his lip anxiously as he and Aika headed to the carpark. Aika's team was waiting for her there.

"You can just use today to observe and learn. Don't be pressurised to do or say anything." Aika assured Nat.

"Good morning Ms Aika!" The core team greeted Aika as she opened the door.

"Good morning! I brought extra help along, hope you guys don't mind." Aika nodded at Nat.

"Good morning everyone. I'm Nathaniel. Feel free to boss me around!" Nat's introduction cracked up the team of 3 women.

"Boyfriend mo ba siya po?" The youngest on the team whispered to Aika.

"Hindi siya makakaintindi ng filipino" Aika chuckled as Nat shifted his eyes.

"Hindi ako nagsasalita...ng Filipino. Does that count?" Nat hoped he got it right.

"Ang pogi mo" The oldest woman on the team commented.

"Salamat po. I know what pogi means." Nat bowed slightly at the compliment.

"Don't praise him too much, tita. His head will balloon." Aika scoffed.

"Ang ganda mo, mahal ko." Nat smiled at Aika. His comment made the ladies swoon. The whole ride there, the ladies bombarded Nat with questions, which he answered all of them.

"Nakapasa siya na interview..." The ladies gave Aika a thumbs up.

"Interview? What interview?" Nat only caught the last word.

"We take the job of Ma'am Aika's boyfriend very seriously. Are you up to it?" The youngest challenged Nat.

"Joy, stop teasing him already." Annie, the oldest in the team chided their youngest. Nat heaved a sigh of relief.

"Sorry about it, we can't help but be protective." Ella, the second in charge patted Nat on the back.

"No worries, Ma'am Annie and Ma'am Ella. I totally understand. Aika's worth the grilling anytime." Nat smiled. The ladies squealed a second time.

"Ate...remember to send me an invitation to your wedding." Joy gave Aika a cheeky look.

~

"Kuya, since this is your first time, do you mind just standing beside ate as she goes around? Somewhat like a chill bodyguard." Nat nodded at Joy's instruction.

"If it gets too crowded, just try to use your body as a protective shield. The crowd today is looking good but just in case anything happens, do keep a lookout." Annie added.

"Yes ma'am." Nat gave the ladies two thumbs up.

"Careful, the floor's wet." Nat instinctively stretched out to hold onto Aika.

"Thanks, muscles." Aika whispered.

"Ma'am, be careful. Here, hold onto me." Nat offered his arm to the two older ladies and Joy after caring for Aika.

The entire morning, Nat found himself awed at the sights and sounds (not that he understood much) surrounding him. The way Aika and the volunteers went around campaigning for VP Leni: the vigour, the hope and the sincerity transcended any language barrier. Although he did manage a 'Leni Robredo for President' and 'salamat po' after observing what the volunteers were doing.

"Titas, have some water." Nat opened water bottles for everyone on the team. Annie and Ella had gone from ma'am to tita at their insistence.

"I got your flask here. I made some honey lemon water just in case." Nat pulled out a thermos flask from the bag he had slung across him.

"That's favouritism, kuya." Joy teased.

"We can share, here." Aika offered her flask to Joy.

"Thanks but I'm good, ate. I may get diabetes because of how sweet you two are." Joy shook her head. She was content with her bottled water.

"This is just the start, Nat. More places to come." Annie gave Nat a heads-up.

"I'm always up for it. Sorry that I'm not very useful..." Nat felt bad about not being able to do much. He hoped that he wasn't more trouble than help.

"Nonsense. Every little bit of help counts. You'll get better over time. No one starts out good at this." Ella assured Nat.

"Thank you titas..." Nat gave the ladies a little bow of appreciation.

~

"Ninang, Daddy! Look!" Jamie ran to the door as soon as she heard the sound from the electronic lock. Jamie held her fingers up.

"Wow, did you get your nails done with Grandma? What else did you do today, Princess?" Nat looked at Jamie's blue fingertips.

"We had macarons, iced chocolate and bought presents for Grandpa and Karine!" Jamie recounted her day with Alice.

"Is that why you're still so energetic at 9pm when you should be in bed?" Nat tickled Jamie.

"I'm sorry, son. I know its a sugar overload but I couldn't say no to those puppy eyes!" Alice explained.

"All's good mum. A little sugar wouldn't hurt, right Princess?" Nat bopped Jamie's nose.

"Unless someone turns into a little sugar dinosaur...Roar!" Aika imitated a dinosaur, making Jamie burst into laughter.

"ROAR! I'm a sugar dinosaur!" Jamie followed Aika, her cuteness melting everyone.

"Okay little ms sugar dinosaur, time for bed." Alice called out after seeing the three chase each other around the living room.

"I'll put her to sleep, mum. Thanks for today." Nat was about to pick Jamie up.

"It's okay Daddy. You and ninang must be tired. And you stink." Jamie pinched her nose.

"She's right. You go shower. Both of you. I'll put Jamie to bed." Alice teased the couple as she and Jamie headed to the toilet.

"GO SHOWER!" Aika and Nat turned to each other at the same time.

"JINX!" They matched again.

"You go first. You must be tired." Nat offered as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Not before you shower, Mr Stinky." Aika pushed Nat away.

"Can I go first then?" Nat changed his mind.

"Nuh uh, no taking back your words." Aika stuck her tongue out as she grabbed her clothes from the cupboard.

"Be quick then!" Nat joked.

"I think I might take extra long tonight..." Aika closed the door behind her.

"How about we shower..." Nat paused halfway, realising he was about to say something dumb.

"I heard that, muscles. Don't even think about it." Aika called out from the toilet. Nat felt his face turn beet red.

~

"Are you leaving already?" Nat woke up at Aika's movement. It was 5 in the morning.

"I'll see you in 5 days, muscles." Aika nodded and gave Nat a kiss.

"I'll go down with you." Nat got out of bed.

"It's okay, sleep." Aika tried to stop Nat.

"I can sleep after I say bye." Nat grabbed his glasses from the night stand.

"Walk with your eyes open, muscles." Aika was tickled at how Nat was almost sleepwalking.

"It's open..." Nat muttered.

"Right, before I forget..." Nat pulled a pouch from his hoodie pocket.

"What's this?" Aika was amused.

"I packed plasters, lozenges, vitamins and hand sanitisers inside. Should be enough for everyone...Emergency purposes." Nat stuffed it into Aika's small carrier.

"When did you prepare all these?" Aika was surprised.

"Last night when you called me Mr Stinky." Nat replied.

"I'll take that back, Mr Sleepyhead." Aika gave Nat's cheeks a little squish.

"I'll miss you." Nat gave Aika a kiss just before the lift door opened.

"Good morning, titas and Joy. Have a safe trip..." Nat bowed to the older ladies.

"Kuya, you're sleepwalking." Joy teased.

"Walking is the key, Joy." Nat retorted.

"Ang cute niya..." Annie whispered to Aika.

"Salamat po..." Nat gave Annie a bow. He knew when he was being praised.

"See you." Aika waved.

"Stay safe and I love you." Nat held Aika's hand.

"We love you too, Nat." Ella joked as the door closed.

~

"Are we going to see everyone today?" Jamie, Alice and Nat were having breakfast.

"Your lola Leni invited us to her rally today at Pasig. Ninang, tita Tricia, Natalia and Alosono will be there too!" Nat nodded.

"I booked a spa and a tour for you today, mum. As a thank you gift for taking care of Jamie." Nat sent the details to Alice.

"Thanks, son. I've been wanting to explore the area for a while." Alice was more than happy to get a break.

"Can I wear the shirt that tita Tricia gave me? That pretty pink one?" Jamie ran out of her room with the shirt in hand.

"Of course you can. We can wear those pink masks that you and Grandma bought as well." Nat chuckled at how excited Jamie was.

"Have fun at Pasig, darling." Alice gave Jamie a kiss before leaving the house.

"Daddy, how long will it take?" Jamie was getting buckled into her seat.

"Hmm, shorter than 2 Frozen movies put together? Hopefully..." Nat and Jamie crossed their fingers.

"Hey Princess, we're here already." Nat woke Jamie up from her slumber. The girl had knocked on the way here.

"That was fast..." Jamie muttered sleepily as Nat carried her out.

"Come on, let's go find your ninang." Upon hearing that, Jamie was now the one dragging Nat.

"Jamie!" Natalia and Alonso ran towards the younger girl.

"Good morning tito Gaile, tito Howard..." Jamie greeted the couple.

"Glad you could make it!" Nat gave Gaile and Howard a quick hug each.

"They haven't set off yet right?" Nat was looking around for Aika.

"Tito Nat, tita Aika is in the tent. I can take care of Jamie while you go find her!" Natalia gave Nat a winked.

"Thanks, Natalia." Nat smiled before heading to the tent the girl was pointing at.

"Come on Jamie, let's go play over there!" Natalia held onto the younger girl.

Nat entered the tent and scanned around for Aika. It was a sea of pink but Nat immediately felt himself gravitate to Aika.

"Sino ang hinahanap mo?" Nat got stopped by someone before he could reach Aika.

"Uh...Aika?" Nat stuttered. He didn't understand the man.

"Anong pangalan mo?" The man asked.

"He's one of us, kuya." Aika came to Nat's rescue.

"Does he have clearance, Ma'am?" The man asked.

"He's clear, kuya." Aika nodded. Leaning in, Aika whispered something to the man.

"Yes Ma'am. We will take note." The man nodded and gave Nat a lingering look before letting him pass.

"I felt a chill down my spine...did I do something wrong?" Nat whispered to Aika.

"That was kuya Jackson, one of our security details." Aika introduced.

"No wonder...I was actually afraid." Nat sucked his breath.

"Kuya used to be dispatched with me but he was re-dispatched to the OVP last March." Aika explained.

"Adding another important person to the Aika Protection Squad...What did you tell him earlier?" Nat made a mental note.

"Guess?" Aika shrugged cheekily.

"Uh...keep an eye on him?" Nat shifted his eyes nervously.

"Malapit na siyang maging isa sa atin." Aika winked.

"Malapit...isa...atin?" Nat couldn't catch what Aika had said.

~

"Daddy, what is lola saying on stage? Why are there so many people wearing pink here?" Jamie and Nat were sitting backstage while everyone was on stage with VP Leni.

"I'm not sure about the specifics but I do know that your lola is trying to change things for the better. To improve the lives of people. You see all those people supporting lola out there? They are all giving their best and working with lola and her team to fight for what's best for Philippines and its people." Nat explained slowly to Jamie. He could only infer bits and pieces from the English words but from what he had read, he knew what VP Leni and her team were fighting for.

"That sounds really important...is this a competition?" Jamie was in awe of what was unfolding before her eyes.

"In some ways, yes...a competition that has to be done." Nat nodded.

"Will lola win?" Jamie asked.

"We all hope she does. For the sake of the country and its people." Nat looked at the screen. The entire Pasig was pink.

"What if she doesn't?" Jamie looked at Nat with her innocent eyes.

"In the case that she doesn't, the fact that she had sparked a wave of change and hope across the country will never be erased. Your lola started a fight that the people will carry on fighting." Nat smiled.

"I wanna give lola a hug when I see her. To tell her not to give up!" Jamie stared at VP Leni on the screen. Like Nat, she understood nothing much but she couldn't help but be captivated

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it, Princess." Nat affirmed Jamie.

"Did you see Jake Ejercito earlier? Ang pogi!" Nat heard two of the volunteers discussing.

"I know right! He actually looked cute with ate Tricia!" The other girl squealed.

"I think he looked cute with ate Aika too!" The girls exchanged excited whispers.

Jake Ejercito...Nat mumbled the name to himself as he Googled the name. He was surprised to know that Mr Ejercito was a single father too.

"Lola..." Jamie tugged at VP Leni's shirt lightly.

"Yes sweetheart?" VP Leni leaned down.

"Can I give you a hug?" Jamie raised her arms.

"Of course you can. Anytime you want, you can give me a hug." VP Leni embraced the little girl.

"I wanted to tell you don't give up! You are doing something good and there are many people supporting you! I will be on your side too!" Jamie whispered.

"Thank you sweetheart. I really needed the encouragement..." VP Leni stroked Jamie's hair.

"Ma'am, Mr Ejercito wanted to check if it was okay for him to upload the pictures he took with you, ate Tricia and ate Aika?" One of the younger volunteers asked.

"Definitely. Please help me thank Jake for coming today." VP Leni nodded.

"I saw the picture..." Nat bent slightly to match Aika's height.

"He's way more handsome in real life" Tricia popped up from behind.

"I figured so. Mr Ejercito isn't a heart throb for no reason. Plus, we kinda have something in common." Nat admitted.

"I like that you are objective, kuya." Tricia joked.

"Thanks Doc, I like that about myself too." Nat retorted.

"The two of you match on the weirdest wavelength..." Aika rolled her eyes at the two playing around.

"We vibe, right Doc?" Nat nudged Tricia.

"Same frequency things." Tricia nudged Nat back.

~

"Mum, can you do me a favour please?" Nat looked at Alice with an apologetic look.

"Hmm?" Alice replied.

"I'm supposed to bring Jamie for her date with Aly but Gabe just called for me to go back to the office..." Nat knew Alice was still wary of Aly.

"It's okay, I can fetch Jamie there. Text me the address." Alice assured Nat.

"Thanks mum. Also, Aly is trying her best, as far as I can see." Nat added.

"Hi Jamie! Hi Mrs Lee. Thank you for bringing Jamie over." Aly had heard from Nat.

"What time do I pick her up?" Alice asked.

"Actually...do you have any plans for the afternoon? Would you like to stay for some tea?" Aly offered.

"I don't...Sure." Alice was about go say no until she remembered Nat's words. Maybe she should give Aly a chance.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Lee." Aly apologised as she handed Alice her coffee.

"Sorry? Why are you saying sorry to me?" Alice was confused.

"I know that I've hurt Nat and Jamie a lot and nothing I do will change the past. But I really want to make up for the last 5 years and be a good mother to Jamie." Aly confessed.

"The sorry should go to Nat and Jamie, not me. The nights Nat spent crying in his room because he didn't know what to say when Jamie asked for Mummy. The effort he'd put in to make sure that Jamie wasn't shortchanged in any way because she didn't have a Mummy. I myself am a mother and I know most mothers would hate to be separated from their children. And so I hope you had really good reasons." Alice tried to understand.

"I was young back then and I didn't know what to do...I have been thinking about Nat and Jamie all the time in the last 5 years. I promise..." Aly sighed softly.

"I understand where you were coming from and I really don't want to hold it against you anymore. Nat told me you were trying your best to make up for lost time. That's why he's insistent on letting Jamie spend protected time with you. Regardless of what anyone says or what has happened, you are Jamie's mother. Nothing will change the fact." Alice leaned forward.

"He did? I thought Nat still held a grudge against me." Aly was surprised.