Having the twins on the casting crew was a bit complicated. Why? Because even though they were just there to watch, it felt like every actor’s fate was in the palm of their hands. Even Director Sarian would ask for their opinions on the actors, and their answers?
"Maybe if she pinches herself, tears will come out faster," or "Big Brother is not bad... as long as he enters a poetry competition."
There were more—more brutally honest comments. And somehow, everyone was happy with their commentary. Well, it was much better since everyone on this panel was a brutal critic.
Five minutes before Lola’s meeting with the twins’ father, she excused herself. She insisted they continue the audition without her, but everyone simply decided to take a short break as well. And just like that, Lola and the twins headed to the hotel restaurant where their father was waiting.
As they walked, she gazed down at them. Holding their hands, a bitter smile touched her face.
"Did you have fun watching the audition?" She asked, and they happily nodded.
"Mommy, it was fun!" Chacha cheered. "It feels like watching bloopers!"
"We also watch with our Father Sir when he scolds people!" Second added. "But I want to see someone trip!"
Lola’s face twitched a bit before she sighed heavily. Slowing down as they reached the lobby—the only way to the restaurant—Lola squatted down. She held their hands, almost hugging their little hands. For a second, she studied their adorable faces that had brightened her days.
Three days.
That was all she had with them, but in those three days, she felt like she’d adored them longer. Unable to speak for a while, she raised her hands and cupped their cheeks. A lump formed in her throat as she tried to calm the emotions swelling in her heart.
"Twins." Her smile faltered, but she hid it well. "Your dad will be picking you up, alright?"
"Mhm!" the twins nodded with a smile.
Lola’s expression softened, her heart already yearning. Her thumb brushed their soft cheeks as she stared at them, etching their faces into her mind. She knew the possibility of not seeing them again was high, even though deep in her heart, she wanted to keep in touch. Even so, they were not her kids, and no matter how attached she felt, it wouldn’t change the truth that they weren’t hers.
"I’ll miss you," she whispered, forcing a smile. "Be good kids, alright?"
The twins nodded again, still smiling. Hence, Lola wore the biggest smile she could muster. After another moment, she mustered the courage to get up and walk toward the reception.
"Hello, I’m missing a phone..." she inquired, describing her phone model and its case.
"Which of these, Miss?"
"This one," Lola picked up her phone and nodded at the receptionist, checking for any messages from the twins’ father. There were none. The last message from him only stated his location: the restaurant.
"I guess there isn’t a change of plans," she said with a sigh. The brief sadness in her eyes quickly disappeared as she turned to the twins.
"Let’s go?"
"Yes, Mommy~!" they cheered in unison, skipping as they held Lola’s hands.
The trip to the restaurant was quick; it didn’t even take them a minute. Lola looked around for anyone, only to realize she didn’t actually know what the twins’ father looked like.
"Derek."
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