Chapter Text
I Had The Best Day With You Today
Chapter 1
I’m Thirteen Now and I Don’t Know How My Friends Could Be So Mean
Aria
“Hello darling. How was school?”
Even on her busiest days as an Entrepreneur, Mama made sure she would be on time to pick me up from school. Well on most days, but the other days that she couldn’t, she has her back up plans for that.
I don’t know how I’d tell Mama that my friends have been saying bad things about me. Maybe they’re not my friends after all.
“Hey darling.” Mama looked at me in her rearview mirror as I smiled softly at her.
“Kinda okay? Kinda not.”
“You wanna talk about it, Aria?” She asked me as I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. “Well, today’s Friday, and you know what that means.”
“Nangning Dinner Date!” I said excitedly. Nangning Dinner Fridays are what I look forward to. I get to see my Nangnings. Hopefully we’re complete tonight. “Where are we having dinner, Ma?”
“Well, they haven’t decided, but I’m guessing it’s your favorite restaurant, darling.” Mama said as she continued driving back home. The Radio was on, playing music from our “going home” playlist which consisted of songs Mama and I both love.
“Mama, did you have lots of friends when you were my age?” I asked her. She looked at me in the rearview mirror confused. We just arrived home and before Mama turned off the car engine, I went down the car, rushing to the house.
“Aria, wait up.” Mama was already behind me. I completely forgot that she’s a marathoner. “Sa akong hunahuna kinahanglan naton nga hisgutan kini.” (I think we really need to talk about this)
I nodded my head at her as we sat on the couch. She held my hand, waiting patiently for me to speak up.
“My friends are being mean to me, Mama. They’re saying bad things about me to our other classmates.” I softly said as Mama’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Bad things about what, Aria?”
“Papa. And how Caleb’s not my brother ‘cos we don’t have the same Mama.” I looked down, playing with my hands not wanting to see Mama’s reaction.
“Aria, people will never understand our family dynamics ‘cos they’re not part of our family. What’s important is the truth you know, and reality. Your Papa loves you so much. He loves you and Caleb so much.” Mama said as I nodded my head and hugged her tight.
“Maybe they aren’t my friends after all.” I said as she rubbed my back.
“Friends don’t say bad things to each other. Dapat you lift each other up and support one another.”
“Bakit you and Nangnings aren’t like that.” I said as Mama laughed.
“Darling, iba kami ng mga Nangnings mo. Hindi kami friends. Mag kakapatid na kami. We’re crazy together, but in times that we need each other’s support, through words, or actions, it’s a different story na.”
I hope I get friendships like what Mama and Nangnings have.
“Nangning Gwenny is here, anak!” Mama said from downstairs. “And so is Nangnang! Come down na.”
I wasn’t done changing my clothes when I heard my door open.
“Di ka pa tapos, let’s go na we’ll be late.”
“Nangnang Shee, the only person who will be late is Nangning Jho.” I said putting on my beanie. “I’m ready na.” I grabbed my fanny pack and pulled Nang Shee out of my room.
“Nag lagay ka ba ng pabango?” Nangning Gwen asked as I nodded my head. “Paamoy nga.” She pulled me and smell checked my neck, tickling me in the process. “Mabango, pero kulang pa sa kiliti.”
“Ning Gwenny, nooo!” I laughed trying to push her off me. “Nangnang help me. Get your Bebe away from me!” I screamed, trying to push away Nangning Gwenny.
“Bebe, don’t. Don’t stop tickling her!” Nangnang Shee said as she also attacked me with tickles.
“NOOO! Mama!”
“Bakit ba sumisigaw?” Another Nangning came through the front door.
“Nangning Cols!” I was still being tickled by my Nangnings. “Stop please I’m gonna ihi na.”
“Hoy tama na yan.” Mama laughed, trying to push my Nangnings away from me. “Naiihi na.”
“I told you to stop shouting, Aria. Yung throat mo.” Nangning Cols said, looking at me with a straight face.
“Sorry Nang Cols.” I said sadly. She did warn me a couple times about screaming, that it was bad for my vocal chords.
“And the strict Nangning is here. Yay.” Nang Shee said sarcastically as Nang Cols hit her head.
“Piskit Ay.”
“Anger ka ngayon anong nangyari sayo.” Nangning Gwen said as Nang Cols eyes got angrier.
“Nang Cols don’t mind the Bebes.” I said hugging her. “Can I ride with you to the restaurant?”
“Pagutana sa imong mama, Aring.” (Ask your Mama, Aring) Nang Cols said as I scrunched my nose. “In Bisaya Ha.”
“I’ll ride nalang with Mama.” I joked as Nang Colet playfully hit my butt.
“Mag bisaya ka. Itatago ka talaga ng Mama mo sa Cebu sabi ko sayo.” Nang Cols said as I playfully stuck my tongue out for her. “Aiah itong anak mo. May ibang pinagmanahan. Nilalabasan ako ng dila oh.”
Mama drove us to the restaurant as the Nangnings rode with us. I couldn’t wait to spend my night with Nangnings. They’re extra rowdy when they’re together, and that has been how I remember them. They have always been magulo, and it’s crazy for other people, but not for me.
“Hello BINI, pwede mag pa picture?” A random person approached us, as I was holding onto Nang Shee’s hand walking in the mall.
“Ay sure. Girls okay lang daw photo?” Mama answered as my Nangnings nodded their heads.
“Go to the side Aria.” Nang Shee whispered to me as I nodded my head.
“You want me to take your photo po?” I asked the lady as she nodded her head.
“Thank you. Napaka gandang bata. Manang mana sa Mommy niya.” The lady said as I smiled to her sweetly.
“Salamat po. Ready na po. Smile po ng big!” I said as my Nangnings and Mama posed with the lady.
“Salamat BINI. Thank you pretty girl.” The lady said as Mama held on to my hand pulling me.
“That was nice of you, Aria.” Mama said, kissing my head.
“Has it always been like that? People asking for photos? How famous were you ba?” I asked, still not getting this whole my mommy was famous thing.
“Hindi mo parin ba kinukwento ng maayos kay Aria?” Nang Gwenny asked, as Mama shook her head.
“What do you need to kwento to me?” I asked as Nang Shee playfully covered my face with her hand.
“Di ka kinakausap, wag ka sumabat.” She whispered to me as I pouted.
We arrived at the restaurant and were led to a private room where Nang Lucky and Nang Staku were.
“Come here my Aring Ring!” I ran to Nang Staku as she enveloped me in a tight hug. “My baby I missed you so much!” She kissed my cheeks.
“How was Korea?” I asked her as she kissed my head.
“I’ll kwento everything to you later. And I’ll give you all my pasalubong.”
“How about me? Walang hello? Kiss? Hug?” Nang Lucky said fake crying in the corner.
“Ang OA talaga ni Molai” Nang Colet joked earning a pout from my OA Nangning.
“Nang Lucky, I just saw you yesterday.” I said as I hugged her tight.
“Kahit na, it’s a new day, new hugs and kisses.” She said peppering my face with kisses, a signature Nang Lucky move.
Everyone got seated as I sat beside Mama, leaving a chair beside me. I’m saving this chair for my favorite eating buddy.
“Order whatever you like, Darling.” Mama said kissing my head.
“Can I wait for Babu before I order?”
“No need to wait for me, I’m already here.” She’s here!
“Babu!” I stood up and hugged her tight. I haven’t seen her in 3 months, and wasn’t able to spend our birthdays together. “I missed you so much.” I whispered as she crushed me in her signature bone crushing hug. I could feel tears forming in my eyes.
“Ayan na si Mikhs, ang kalaban sa buhay.” Nang Gwenny said.
“How are you my Bubba? Hey, are you crying? Why are you crying?” She asked me worriedly, trying to pull me away from the hug. I hugged her tighter, not letting go of her neck. “What’s wrong?”
“School.” I said softly, still crying. I missed Babu. The things I couldn’t tell Mama, I tell Babu.
“Bullies.” I heard Mama whisper to Babu as I buried my face to Babu’s neck even more.
“We’ll talk about this later, okay? Just me and you.” Babu whispered to my ear as she kissed my head. “Come on, let's order some sushi for you.”
“All the Sushi Aring wants she will get, okay?” Nang Staku said as all my Nangnings laughed.
“Mikhs, ikaw nag paiyak, ikaw mag babayad ng dinner.” Nang Shee said as I shook my head.
“Nang Jho will pay ‘cos she’s late again.” I softly said as my Nangnings all laughed.
“Wait natin shout out ng Nang Jho mo sa TV Patrol. Come on let’s order na.” Nang Cols said as we all ordered our food.
“Saan na yung favorite ko?”
“Nang Jho!” I said, standing up and hugging her. “You’re not that late naman. It’s a miracle!” I joked as Nang Jho bit my shoulder. “Owww! Mama, Nang Jho bit me!”
“Hala need mo magpa anti rabies, Aria.” Nang Colet joked as my Nangnings laughed. They’re always laughing.
“I ordered you food, you’re like that to me.” I pouted as Nang Shee stood up from her chair.
“Ikaw inaaway mo ang Bebe ko.” Nang Shee stood up in front of Nang Jho, squaring her up.
It’s funny how my Nangnings are so old, yet so rowdy. They’ve never been quiet.
“Every friday walang mintis yung shout out ni Jho kay Aria.” Nang Staku said while watching the video. “See you later, Aria. Nangning will be late lang.”
“Last week she said “Aria, order me Fried Chicken.” “ I said as Nang Jho pouted at me.
“Okay lang yan, Aria. Kami nga never na shout out ni Nang Jho mo.” Nang Shee said as the rowdiness erupted again.
“Uy nung unang guestings ko way back 2024 ang dami niyong shout out!”
“2040’s na Jhoanna. It’s time for new shoutouts!” Nang Maloi said.
Nangning Dinners end in our house, where Mama prepares them wine and midnight snacks. I always help in cutting cheese and fruits as the Nangnings bring their own wine. Mama said I’m not allowed to drink wine until I’m 21, but she didn’t know Babu let me taste wine.
“Mama, I know I’ve been asking about this for a long time na, but you told me small things about it lang, but what is BINI ba talaga?” I asked Mama as the Nangnings all looked at Mama.
“Are you really serious you haven’t told Aria stories about us? I thought she knew all this time.” Babu was looking at Mama with a shocked expression.
“Well, she was still young back then. Now she’s older and she can understand things.” Mama said as I asked again.
“So what’s BINI?”
“It’s a Gerl Group Anak.” Nang Shee, Nang Staku and Nang Lucky said it in chorus, earning laughs from the oldies.
When will they be serious? I just wanted to know about this whole BINI thing. I keep hearing it in school too. I keep hearing it when Mama and I are out, or when Nangnings and I are out.
“Anak, basta you know that we worked together right, me and Nangnings and Babu.”
“Performers right? You sang and danced and did concerts. So just like small concerts?”
“Small concert na pala yung Coachella.” Nang Gwen laughed, shaking her head.
“You did Coachella?” I asked surprised as they all nodded their heads. “What are you guys? Why didn’t you tell me about this Mama? I mean Nangnings too! And Babu!”
“Akala namin alam mo, Aria.” Nang Colet said as I pouted at them.
“But you know your dad was a professional basketball player right?” Nang Lucky said as I nodded my head. “Eh bakit yon alam mo?”
“He tells me about it and showed me photos and videos too when I asked about it. When I ask about Mama’s career she just says "Entrepreneur.”
“Nako, Ate Aiah. Deep dive na tayo.” Nang Shee said as Mama sighed.
“Okay girls, kayo na bahala sa share niyo kay Aria.” Mama said as the Nangnings cheered.
“Okay get your laptop, Aria. It’s time to immerse you into all things BINI.” Nang Staku said as I rushed to get my laptop.
“Where did you go, Babu? You were away for 3 months and 5 days.” Babu and I were on the balcony of my room.
“You kept count?” She laughed as I pouted at her. “We went on a cruise, and of course spent time with my family and kids. You missed me, noh?”
“Yeah.” I sadly said as I played on my fingers. “My friends, or ex friends have been saying bad things about me, Babu.”
“Like what?”
“That my Papa doesn’t love me ‘cos Mama and Papa are not married. That Caleb’s not my brother ‘cos we don’t have the same Mama. They said I don’t have talent and I’m just like any other celebrity baby.” I haven’t shared this to Mama yet, and I know that Mama will be sad that I shared this with Babu first.
“Have you told Mama about this yet?” I shook my head as Babu sighed.
“Babu, I was asking about BINI because my friends know who you guys are. They said I’ll never be as talented and as beautiful as all of you. They said I’m the reason why there’s no more BINI now.” I couldn’t control my tears now as I cried my eyes out.
“Bubba, come here.” Babu hugged me tight, trying to take away all the sadness.
“Hey Mikhs, umalis na sin– Darling?.” That was Mama. “Mind sharing it with Mama?”
I let go of Babu as I wiped away my tears. Mama looked concerned. This look is only for when I’m hurt or sick.
“Her whatever friends are telling her bad things. That she’s not as talented and as beautiful as BINI. They know who we are. And bubba’s the reason why wala na daw ang BINI now.” Babu said as I looked at Mama.
“Is it true, Mama?” I asked as Mama’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Where are they getting all of these things, Darling. How can they say mean things when they're only 13.” Mama whispered as I shrugged my shoulders.
“You know bubs, the best thing to do is to ignore them. Let them talk all they want. As long as you know who you are, then it’s just words to you.”
“But it hurts to hear it too, Babu.” I whispered as Mama held my hand.
“When BINI was at its height of getting known, people would throw words at us. Some are good, some are so bad that we questioned ourselves.”
“How did you handle it?” I asked.
“By only believing in the truth, and that truth is within you. Other people’s opinions are just noise, Bubs. The opinions of the people who care and love you, that’s what’s important.” Babu explained.
I nodded my head as I put my head on Babu’s shoulder.
“People are so mean.” I whispered as Mama caressed my hair.
“That’s what I was trying to protect you from, Darling. All your Nangnings and Babu are protecting all you kids from this.”
“But I’m the Ate, Mama.” I pouted. “Why does the Ate get all of it first”
“Because the Ate also protects. The Ate needs to know how to handle it so if the time comes for the little ones to experience it, you know what to say and what to do.” Mama said as she kissed my head.
“Your Mama is our Ate, so take it from her, Bubba.”
“Okay, I’ll be in my room if you need anything. I know you want to spend time with Babu.” Mama stood up.
“Mama, thank you for today.” I smiled at her.
“We’ll always make sure you have the best days, Darling.”
“All of us, Bubs. We’ll make sure you always have the best days.”