Kabanata 21
Marry
I was taken aback when I enter in our living room. Gabi na akong naka-uwi dahil sa pagbisita ko. Dad is waiting for me in the dining table for our dinner... with Race. His dark eyes are piercing through me, surveying my whole. I am still wearing my skimpy red dress with a deep v-line. Galing pa kasi ako sa bahay nina Cleo to visit Tita Clear and Ynona.
I walk confidently toward my dad and kiss him and greet.
"Good... evening, Dad," agad na saad ko.
"Good evening, sit down, hija. Let's eat together." Dad pointed the chair in his right side, which is katabi sa upuan ni Race. I tilted my head and heading the chair while pursing my lips.
"How's your day, hija?" Dad start the conversation as we eat.
"It's okay, Dad," tipid kong sagot at sinipat ang katabi. Tahimik lang si Race habang kumakain. I can see the veins in his forearm everytime he move, one thing that I like in men.
"Anyway, I ask Race to accompany you for a month. I want you to visit our land in Boundary. I started the tourist spot there with the collaboration of La Merande Crest and Montaños Trails."
Sa haba ng sinabi ni Daddy, tanging ang pagsama lang ni Race sa akin ang tumatak sa isipan ko. Dahilan kaya hindi agad ako nakapagsalita.
"D-dad... I can do it alone. And... I think he's busy with someone, kaya mas mabuti nang ako nalang ang bumisita doon. In fact, I'm planning to have a vacation," agad na awat ko kay Daddy at bahagyang nilingon si Race na tahimik lang. Pero umigting ang panga nito bago dahan-dahang ngumuya.
"Anak, I don't know kung mapapanatag ba ako sa isiping ikaw lang mag-isa ang pupunta at titira sa rest house ng isang buwan. Hindi mo kabisado ang lugar na yon... Race is, kaya mabuti ng kasama mo siya." I put my spoon back to my plate at nagfocus kay Daddy.
"Dad, I can have a friends to be with," tanging nasabi ko nalang and drink my water. "And... he is a busy person, Dad," dagdag ko at nilingon ulit ang katabi. Race remain silent as I protested to dad.
"Who's friend will be with you then?" nanghahamong tanong ni Daddy. It took me a minute before I could answer him. I glance at Race who is now shifted his weight and drink his wine. Napatitig ako sa Adams apple nitong nagtaas baba, nag-iwas lang ng tingin nang ibinaba na nito ang wine glass.
"U-uhmm... I can have July and her twin brother, June. And I'm sure July's boyfriend will be with us, too." Trying so hard to convince my father, and thankfully I did as he nod.
"Okay, if you say so... Just give me a call if you need anything," I sighed in relief and glance again to Race's direction. He look so serious and bossy even if he's just eating. Obviously, he won't take command from anyone. Kaya bakit naman naisip ni Daddy na papayag ito.
"Anyway, kailan mo planong magpakasal, Race? I heard that Esquita's princess is your girlfriend."
I was stunned, not expecting my father's sudden question. Pero nang naalala ang babaeng kasama nito kanina sa conference room, prick my heart. How could I forget that woman, when she kissed Race in front of me!
"I'll marry her, Sir, if she's ready."
My heart screams in so much pain, but my lips says otherwise. A bitter smile formed in my lips as his words keeps on playing in my mind.
"I'm pretty sure she'll never say no to you... You're a successful and good man with a great looks, who would not flock and marry you?"
My father gives a heartily laugh as he complimented the man beside me. While I, on the other side, struggling to breath because of my aching heart.
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𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒀𝒐𝒐𝒐 🍀