It will be a bit of twist of story.
FBI, Headquarters || Manila, Philippines ||
A 24-year-old Filipino woman sighs in satisfaction for finishing the boring paperwork today. She hated the fact of doing paperwork especially when her boss wanted their writings to be neat and readable. Unlike the other penmanships, are like Doctors that are hard to read.
"Lia!" A man in his mid 40's stopped by her office and she stared at him curiously while holding a cup of coffee. "Neña, already took your documents and it's confirmed that you can go to US for a tourist visa."
"Salamat, panginoon! (Thank you, Lord!)" Lia sighs in relief that she can go to the US to attend one of her friend's wedding day. "Some applicants got failed to attend and I was nervous to think I'm going to be one of them, Tito (Uncle) Benjamin."
Benjamin laughs wholeheartedly and wasn't surprised if Lia is always worried about small things such as this, applying for US visa. She may be a different woman when it comes to job however, Lia often to get worried about something. He is always been her partner and treating her like his own daughter.
"You're a lucky woman, Lia." Benjamin patted her shoulder. "The orphanage and us are going to miss you."
"I'll be back when they're already married, Tito (Uncle) Benjamin, and besides... it's not like I'm going to have a job promotion over there." She rolls her eyes and Benjamin just shakes his head.
"You never know, after all, you're one of the smartest people I know, aside from Novilene, that is." He smirked as Lia returned smiled lightly.
Novilene Cruz, is the first youngest female that became Paediatrician Doctor and suddenly changed her mind to become a Detective of London Metropolitan Police. They met each other before when Lia was a foreign exchanged student England back then. Both of them suddenly became friends and often calling each other depends on their schedule. Lia was thankful that she met her and helped her adjust the environment, what it feels like to go on abroad. Lia never judged her age to become the Doctor or a Detective at such a young age despite they're 4 years age difference.
"There other people out there that are way smarter than us, Tito (Uncle) and she helped me a lot of my studies." Lia pointed out and losing the count how much she owed Novilene a lot for helping her to achieve her dreams. "I could imagine her colleagues called her their little terror."
Benjamin laughs and couldn't help but agreed with her. Novilene could be your worst nightmare if someone clearly thinks of her as a little girl shouldn't take this dangerous job. Somehow, Novilene showed it to everyone that she can take the job very seriously.
"I hate to be there on their shoes." Lia couldn't help but agreed with him. "How is she anyway?"
"She's fine and asked me how the orphanage is doing." Lia smiled and remembered how Novilene is so close with the children. "Novilene often updated me about my family."
"Still no information about your biological family." Benjamin gave her a sympathetic smile knowing how Lia wanted to know who and where her parents are. "Don't give up hope yet, Lia... I'm sure they're out there somewhere."
"I hope so, Tito (Uncle)." Lia gripped the empty cup gently. "Are you guys going to be okay without me?" She changes the subject and Benjamin take the hint to drop it.
"We'll be fine..." Benjamin assured her then scowled. "But those horny men, don't."
Lia laughs nervously how Benjamin is always overprotective towards her. Lia was raised in the orphanage when she was an 11-months baby at the time, leaving her outside of their door. She never knew who her family was and none of them wanted to adopt her because the orphanage is quite strict. Before someone adopted them, they always double check their background in case they might child abuse them or sold them to slavery. Benjamin's wife, Neña Salvadore, the owner of the orphanage, wanted these children to have a happy life. Knowing if they're safe to these new family or not. Lia thinks of Benjamin and Neña as her own parents seeing how much they showed their love for them.
"Tito (Uncle), sooner or later... I'm going to have my own family soon, right?" Lia asks and had enough of Neña's plead to get a boyfriend and hoping to get married soon.
"Can I lock you up, Lia? I don't want you to be eaten by those big bad wolves." Benjamin wailed like a child and Lia was glad to have her own office that has soundproof glass.
"Tito (Uncle), I can protect myself and..." She points the door. "You need to finish up your paperwork."
"I probably should before Neña might go on berserk for going home late because of these stupid papers." Benjamin grumbled and commented on how these wives nowadays could be so scary as he walked out of the office.
Sun and Moon Orphanage || Manila, Philippines||
Thud!
Lia collapsed on the bed and was glad she finished everything up before going out of the country. She may be away from her home for 5 weeks but her Unit Chief wanted her to enjoy the holiday.
"Lia?" A soft feminine Irish accent called her as she hums in response. "Tired from packing or work?"
"Both." Lia answered and pushing her upper body up to see the blonde-haired woman is leaning against the door. "Hey, Tita (Aunt) Neña."
"Hey, yourself." Neña approaching the young woman and sitting down on the chair right next to her bed. "Excited for your mini holiday trip?"
"Overwhelm, Tita (aunt) and to think it'll be America this time not in Europe." She smiled nervously and none of her friends knew she's going to travel alone. "Have you ever been to the US before, Tita (aunt)?"
"I was and that is how I met, Benjamin." Neña smiled and recalled her past memories of how she met Benjamin. "You must be vigilant all the time especially there are few people take any advantages on you."
"I will, Tita (Aunt)." Lia assured the blonde woman and stroking her bed sheets. "When I'm off the country, I can't stop thinking about you guys."
"Sweetheart, it's only normal for you to think about us." Neña handed her the documents she got from the embassy. "Isn't your dream to work abroad and wanting to find out who your parents are?"
"I do but..." Lia sighs heavily playing with her blue snowflake necklace hanging around her neck. "What if they come back while I'm in a different country?"
"That is not an excuse, sweetie." Neña scolded her and flicking her forehead lightly. "You're terrified that things are going to change your life?"
"Possibly, what if you guys need me?" Lia asks curiously of her guardian. She doesn't want to be far away from her loved ones and scared of losing them.
"We have Benjamin and the others to look after the children and I." Neña assured her and kissing her temple. "Think about it, you have a choice."
"Tita (aunt), have I mention... how much I love you? I thank God that I have a wonderful family in my life?" She asks and hugging the woman.
"Every now and then, my sweet girl... you will always be my daughter, blood or by no blood." Neña held back her tears and hugging Lia back.
"I love you mom."
"Love you too, my darling."
International Airport ||Manila, Phillipines||
Neña and Benjamin are taking their little girl to the airport. Both of them are going to miss her despite she's staying there for 5 weeks.
"This is it... be careful and call us, okay?" Benjamin asks and hugging her gently. "We're going to miss you, Lia."
"Me too..." Lia sighs heavily and hugging him back. "I'll be back soon."
"You better be or I'll have to drag you myself." Benjamin teased Lia as she giggles knowing her Uncle will do it without bluffing at all.
"Leave the poor girl alone, Benjamin." Neña slapped his shoulders lightly. "Did you bring the medicines with you, sweetie?"
"Yeah." Lia answered that she always carried her medicine when it comes to transportation. Everyone in her work gave her a shocked look why did Lia become an Agent when she can't handle transportation. "I have it in my bag."
"Call us when you landed safely on your destination."
"I will. I should get going now." Lia hugged her two parental figures. "See you guys soon, and, send my love to the children."
"We will, after all... you're their big sister." Benjamin pointed out the fact that she's their role model. "You should catch up your flight, Lia."
"Always remember that we love you, Lia." Neña informed her as she kissed the woman's forehead.
"Love you guys too." Lia commented and waving at her parental figures as she leaves them behind.
Benjamin sighs seeing their little girl growing up so fast. He couldn't believe that time fly so fast and it felt like yesterday when they found Lia outside of their door. He also knew that she's holding herself back of her own decisions. Neña glanced at her husband and smiling at him.
"Lia, is going to be alright... she could make up her own decision." Neña assured Benjamin and hugging his right arm.
"She never once complain and never voiced out her opinions, my love." Benjamin sighs heavily and staring at the ceiling. "Our little girl is growing up so fast."
"I couldn't agree with you more, Ben."
|| Washington D.C ||
Lia sighs in relief that she finally made it safe and sound. She hated it so much for having transportation sickness and had to carry the medicines with her all the time. The Filipino woman stared down at her bracelet that had her own name written on it.
Everyone in the orphanage donated money to bought this bracelet for their big sister. Lia smiled and immediately missed them so much. She couldn't wait to visit every famous place around Washington DC.
"Here I come for this holiday trip." Lia muttered with a smile on her face and pushing her glasses up.
She turned around to find where her luggage is and bump into someone. Someone hold her to prevent herself from falling and didn't notice her bracelet fell off.
"I'm so sorry." Lia apologizes and immediately walked away before the person has a chance to say.
The unknown person just smiled and grabbed the bracelet on the ground. "Lia, huh? I wonder if I could see her again. Should I ask Abby to look for this angel?"
Lia finally made to exit and looking for a certain someone. She couldn't believe this is happening to her to visit the US, one of her bucket lists to go their someday. This is finally dream came true despite she's going to do semi-work for only a short amount of time.
"Lia!" Someone called her as she turned around and smiled widely seeing the familiar person.
"Thea!" Lia squeals happily seeing the teenager girl again. "You're so beautiful, Thea."
"I could've said the same thing as you, as well, Lia." Thea commented and hugging the Filipino woman. "I bet you ten bucks that Steve and Phoebe are going to flip if they found out that you're attending the wedding."
Lia giggled and Thea helped her to carry the other things. "What about Novilene?" She asks curiously at the teenage girl.
Thea scoffs and raising her right eyebrow at the Filipino woman. "We both know that Novilene is a walking human lie detector. I'm not surprised if she knows about you coming to the wedding or not."
"Nothing escapes from her, huh?" She smiles nervously and stared at the girl. "Are you okay with it? Steve is going to be your brother-in-law."
"Yeah." Thea answered as she opened the back of her car to put all Lia's luggage. "Steve is a great guy and he's willing to risk everything for her."
"I remember back in our High School days... Steve and Phoebe argued a lot all the time." She smiled and remembered how Steve and Phoebe demanded which side are they on. "Look at them now, getting married before Novilene and I."
"You'll find your prince charming soon, Lia." Thea assured her as they get inside of the car. "Have you heard anything from Novilene lately? She usually replies me back on the email or voicemail."
Lia frowned and shook her head slightly. It's unusual for Novilene didn't reply anything to Thea, despite she's busy on her job. Novilene always replied to the teenage girl questions. The Filipino woman started to get worried and looked down at her left wrist, seeing her bracelet is missing.
"Oh man, I can't believe I lost it!" Lia groaned and slamming her head at the side of the window.
"Lost what?" Thea asks curiously as she stops the red light traffic.
"The bracelet." She answered and pouting slightly. "Children from the orphanage used their savings to bought bracelet for me."
"Yikes." Thea cringed and knowing how Lia treasured her gifts so much. "Maybe you drop it from the airport?"
"The question is from which stop?" She sighs heavily. "I just hope that my bracelet will come back to me."
"Just pray whoever picks up your bracelet, maybe... he might be your prince charming." Thea joked the older woman while wiggling her eyebrows at her quickly before turning in a different direction when the lights turn green.
"Or a muse?" They laugh and bump fist to each other.