Bye Auntie (See You Again!)

Nancy went home last Fri before her contract ended.

Her estranged husband of 8 years suddenly returned home and wanted to sell her house and take her two daughters. Having no other choice, she had to return home to settle this problem (a divorce) and requested for 2 weeks' leave. I asked her if 2 weeks were really enough to settle it. I mean, divorce is really a complicated matter which is not easily settled within 2 weeks.

I was afraid she was without help and that she would be taken advantage of by her husband. In this case, it was obvious that it was money he was after. So I started to research on the Family Law in Philippines to see what options might Nancy have and read 66 pages full of legal terms.
Divorce was not allowed in the Philippines law. They can annul the marriage. To begin with, they don't have marriage certs like we do.

Armed with more knowledge, I discussed with her the options and how she could get out of it with minimal losses. This was the least I can do to help her. I was full of sympathy for her as she had left to make ends meet and to pay off debts incurred by her husband and family. Before she could even start saving a decent sum, here came one more wave to drown her with financial woes. Hence, we helped her out by paying for the bigger ticket items for her trip back.

I checked with her frequently on updates back home. My concern was whether 2 weeks were sufficient. I was relieved when she told me she managed to contact her aunt who was a lawyer. (Whoa, not bad huh, got lawyer in her family) Her aunt would help her make arrangements in her absence.

So on 17 Apr night, she left for home. Seriously, we don't know whether we'd see her again. Maybe she would decide to stay home and not come back. I've heard stories once they saw their children, they just couldn't bear to leave them again.

The next morning, I received an sms from Nancy, thanking us and saying how much she missed the 2 babies. (yes, she referred to Cavan and Verity as babies and darlings). For me, I just wanted her safely home and safely back.

When I went to church, a nursery helper told me that Nancy had mentioned to her that she was going back. And the helper gave the impression that Nancy might not return.

I was disheartened when I heard that. But we were quite prepared for that. We had to imagine the worst possible scenario so we would be prepared if that happened. I haven't heard from her one week since she left although I told to sms me once she reached home safely.

However, somehow we had the confidence that Nancy would return:

1. Her reluctance to go back. She ever mentioned that when her 2 years' contract was up, she'd rather take the money for her air ticket home than to go home.

2. She invited my dad to follow her back to the Philippines. They were quite close and I'm quite sure Nancy misses him too.

3. One night, Cavan told me that Auntie promised him a gift when she returns- chewing gum.
All these pointed to her resolve to return.

We shall see. *fingers crossed*

Smell Fetish

Ok, maybe "fetish" is an exaggerated word. But Verity seems to have a thing for smelling. Especially my clothes. Then she will either give a verdict whether it's "Nice", "Yucks!" or go on smelling to no end.

I'm between being super irritated having my blouse being tugged till it turns out of shape and exposing my bra strap, and being amused at her expression.

Perhaps this is her expression of establishing closeness and attachment. To me, I am of course happy that my gal wants a piece of me. But it's kind of embarrassing to expose my skin and strap in public, however open I may be.

Anyway, just let it be. I've never been really discreet anyway. ; p