After almost fifteen years of being together, Faith and her husband had already faced countless challenges, yet their marriage only grew stronger. Their children were growing up so fast.
Faith was now forty years old, blessed with four children by Frank. Their household was always noisy and sometimes chaotic—full of laughter, arguments, and play fights—but they always instilled in their children that no matter what happens, they are siblings first, and siblings should always help and protect each other.
Their eldest, Liam Tristan Celestial–Montero, was fifteen years old. Mature for his age, he carried himself with responsibility—so much like her older brother Nathan, Faith often thought with a sigh.
They were busy preparing for a family reunion that day, and Faith knew she would soon see her nieces and nephews—now all grown into young ladies and gentlemen. It felt like only yesterday when they were children tugging at her sleeves.
"Mom, let me help you," Liam offered. Because of the age gap, he naturally embraced the role of kuya to his younger siblings.
"No, it's okay. Just check if your siblings are ready—make sure they're not fighting again," Faith said with a smile.
"Alright, Mom," he answered before walking away.
Just then, she heard crying. Her youngest, Natashia Dianne Celestial–Montero, only six years old, came running to her in tears, pointing to the bump forming on her forehead.
"Mommy!"
"Hon, can you keep an eye here, please?" Faith called to her husband, who was just as busy preparing things.
"They're fighting again? Just leave them for now," Frank sighed, shaking his head.
"What happened, baby?" Faith asked gently.
"Brother Theo threw his toy at me!" Dianne sobbed.
Faith turned to her second child, Andrei Theo, now eleven and in fifth grade. Mischievous and fond of teasing his younger sisters, he stood guiltily nearby.
"Mom, I didn't mean it," Theo insisted.
"Theo, you're her older brother. Don't make your little sister cry," Frank scolded calmly.
"Dad, it wasn't on purpose!" Theo argued.
"Say sorry to your sister, Theo," Faith told him firmly.
Theo stayed quiet, watching his sister sniffle. Faith sighed, trying to keep patient.
"Don't do it again. Now, get me some ice cubes," she instructed.
Though reluctant, Theo obeyed.
"Dianne, let Mommy check," Faith said softly as her daughter finally began to calm down.
Meanwhile, her eight-year-old daughter, Aishelle Jaia Celestial–Montero, was quietly watching nearby until Frank asked for her help.
"Aishelle, come here, help me pack things."
"Y-Yes, Dad," she said timidly.
Soon Theo returned with the ice, handing it to his mom.
"Theo, now get your things ready," Faith reminded him.
"Okay," he muttered lazily before walking off.
Life as a mother was never-ending for Mariely. Still, she knew that every effort was worth it if her children grew up well-guided and kindhearted.
After hours of preparing and wrangling her children, they finally left home. She made sure her daughters looked presentable, kissing the bump on little Dianne's forehead before they arrived at the reunion venue.
As they stepped down from the car, they were greeted warmly.
"Brother," Faith said, hugging Nathan tightly.
"Come in, come in," Nathan welcomed them. To her surprise, they weren't late—she and her brother's families were actually the first ones to arrive.
Faith quickly noticed her nieces and nephews, who were now young adults. Time had moved so fast—it felt unreal.
Her niece Kaye ran to her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, followed by her nephew Xyrel.
But Faith noticed tension between the two. They weren't speaking to each other, and she frowned, sensing something was wrong.
She sighed deeply. There had been times before when Kaye would visit her house unexpectedly, sometimes in tears, seeking comfort. Faith had always welcomed her, treating her as one of her own children.
Frank lightly tapped her shoulder, reminding her to help organize what they had brought. She looked over at Liam, who was already assisting his father, and ruffled her eldest son's hair affectionately.
Still, her eyes drifted back to Kaye and Xyrel. The sisters seemed awkward, clearly carrying unresolved conflict.
"Your brother told me the girls argued earlier," Frank murmured.
Faith frowned. "An argument? About what this time?"
"You know the reason Kaye sometimes cried back in junior high, don't you?" Frank reminded her.
Faith raised her eyebrow. "Goodness. Don't tell me she inherited my weakness in love."
Frank chuckled. "Not exactly."
Liam, overhearing, added, "That guy is probably playing both sides. He uses Kaye just to get closer to Xyrel. He actually likes Xyrel."
Faith turned to her son in surprise. "And how do you know all this?"
"Who do you think she vents to whenever she needs someone to talk to?" Liam said with a shrug, shaking his head.
Faith couldn't help but think: Is this really my child? He acts so much like my older brother, Nathan.
Before she could respond, a cheerful voice called out, "Besh!"
She turned and saw Veron waving with a grin, accompanied by her two teenage children, who were now a young lady and gentleman. Faith laughed and waved back.
Soon, Veron's daughter, Elliane Celine, ran up to her. "Tita Faith!" she greeted warmly, hugging her.
"Hello, Elliane," Faith smiled. The girl was truly beautiful, a reflection of her mother.
Steve also came to greet them.
"Hey, Elliane, can you do me a favor? Help Liam with the food," Frank asked teasingly.
"Sure, Tito," she replied politely.
"I don't need help," Liam muttered, embarrassed.
"Go on, Liam, let her help," Faith said, smiling knowingly.
Elliane only smiled and moved beside Liam, who sighed. From the corner, Theo whistled teasingly at his brother.
"What?" Liam snapped at Theo. "By the way, where are your two sisters?"
"Chill, bro, they're over there with bro Xavier," Theo replied carelessly.
"You have nothing else to do, so watch them. They're only eight and six years old. If you don't, I'll throw away your games," Liam warned.
Theo groaned. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," and walked away.
"Theo," Faith called gently.
"Yes, Mom?"
She smiled, kissing his forehead. "Be an older brother to them, okay? Your brother Liam is busy."
Theo scratched his head and nodded silently. Faith watched him go with a sigh.
"You know, that one is really Frank's mini-version," Veron teased with a laugh.
Faith chuckled. Soon, more relatives and friends arrived—Clover, Clarisse, and, of course, their parents.
Looking around, she noticed Kaye and Xyrel still trying to talk, though awkwardly. She sighed again.
"Leave them for now, El," Nathan whispered.
Faith raised a brow.
"I already told them to stop fighting." Nathan just sighed.
Nathan only patted her shoulder in reassurance.
She turned her gaze toward Celine and Liam, who were now quietly chatting. She smirked to herself.
"You really love teasing your son," Frank murmured, amused.
Faith only laughed.
Meanwhile, she checked on her daughters. Theo was back on his games, but she noticed he was still keeping an eye on his younger sisters. That made her heart swell with quiet pride.
"Look at them," she whispered to Frank. "They're growing up so fast."
"Yeah. That's why we need to spend more time with them," Frank replied.
Faith nodded, her heart full. Reunions like this only came once in a while, but what mattered most was that they always left with joy and cherished memories for their family.