Sophia POV
I enjoyed shopping here at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I secretly smiled to myself while shopping alone for the things I wanted. Because the money I use is my own money. Oh yes, I'm proud of myself.
Today is Friday, people are very busy because it is a Family Day. Usually, families are here at the mall for fun. I'm happy to see them, it reminds me of my family. In a month I will see my parents.
I miss the times we had bonding with my parents when I was a kid, just like those kids before, who are currently on the trampoline. They even jumped and had a big smile on their lips. Their hearts are full of happiness. Their relationship with their parents is as wonderful as mine.
I am Sophia Ashley Del Prada, a-25-year-old. I work as a secretary of a well-known Company here in Abu Dhabi with various branches in Dubai, Europe, and the Philippines. I work for a family business or Umbrella Business, by the Khaled. In more than three years I will be finishing my contract by the end of this month.
Wages are high and it's nice to live here in another country but I'm finishing up on my own.
I go home for good as many OFWs do.
I wonder and ask myself, how is our family business in the Philippines?
I work in someone else's business while we are in business as well. I couldn't even help Daddy with his company if I was always working with other people. This is my chance to help my Daddy.
I quickly finished my shopping. I immediately left the mall, hailed a taxi and went straight to my flat. By the way, it was noon, fortunately, I ate fast food inside the mall before I went shopping.
Suddenly my cellphone rang. I read what was on the screen and Daddy was calling from the Philippines. I smiled because I knew they would miss me, especially my Mommy. Why is he calling on a cellphone, can't he make a video call now?
"Hello Daddy," I replied, as I slid the green button.
"Oh, how are you, high?
"This, Daddy I'm always beautiful," I brag to him.
"Such as my daughter, my only heir!"
"By the way, hija, I want to tell you to come home here right away. I know your contract will end this month and we will talk.
"We can't talk about all the information because we're on call, we'd better talk about it in person. "
"Okay, Daddy, I'm coming home."
"Oh, well, hija, I'll end the call, always be careful there. We've missed you, especially your Mommy."
"Oh, you too, I miss you. Regards to Mommy, Daddy, bye."
When my cell phone turned off, I frowned at what Daddy had said. What can he say to me, why do we need to talk more personally?
What the heck? How important is that?
I scrambled to get up from the sofa to arrange all the things I needed to take to the Philippines. I bought gifts for my parents and also for my close friends.
Starting Sunday I will gradually inform my co-workers. It's only fifteen now but when I think about it, it's tearful and sad.
Today is my flight, I am waiting for the company driver to take me to the Airport. My cell phone keeps ringing, all my friends here and co-workers are calling to let them know I'm leaving. Some messages were sent to my inbox that I can no longer read. Some of them I talked to on video call, I refrain from talking much because I don't want to cry.
Finally, after nine hours I landed here at Ninoy Aquino International Airport with a wide smile on my face. I am currently waiting for Daddy to pick me up. It was so good the first time I saw him. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I saw Daddy so I hugged him tightly.
Daddy hugged me tightly back. I will weep for joy. He stroked my back to calm me down.
"Welcome back home, hija."
"Thank you, Daddy," in conjunction with wiping away my tears.
We quickly reached our mansion. Parking the car in the garage came out and I ran towards the door of the mansion. I quickly opened it and went inside to look for Mommy. When I saw her and hugged her tightly.
She hugged me back even though he was surprised by my sudden appearance and we both cried. We were in that position when Daddy came in and Daddy put his arm around us
My parents were so happy that I was able to return to the country safely and sound. To their delight, there was a celebration held in the mansion. Most who attended were friends of Daddy and Mommy. My old friends also came but not for long because there was still work the next day.
My energy could not last long in the celebration so I went to bed first. I do not know what happened after that. I woke up in the morning. I immediately got up, took a shower, and got dressed.
I wore a white summer dress, just short in length above the knee. The sleeves were short and my whiteness came out. I only wear light make-up because I am naturally beautiful. I use moderately inclined heels for my feet.
My parents' fun with people in the kitchen grabbed my attention. Their voices were loud which I could hear as I descended from upstairs to my room. I slowly stepped up the stairs without making any noise. I felt refreshed because of the ambiance of our house.
I miss our house where I grew up, home sweet, a home that I am. I smiled when I arrived at the dining room table where my parents were talking and we had a guest.
"Hello"
I waved my right hand in the air so I could get their attention. They turned to me at once. I stood up straight. Then they all stood up in respect to see me sitting near the dining room table.
"There you are, hija, sit down," Daddy said then led me to the empty seat. Let's eat before we talk. "
I saw everyone nod. They all sat down as well. They were three, a girl and a couple the same age as my parents. They were new in my sight but I smiled at them.
I immediately followed Daddy, I sat down and got some food. I ate calmly as they started to talk. What will they talk about? There I remembered what Daddy told me on the call when I was just coming home to the country.
"Ahm, hija, they are my friend, the Del Monte Family. They and our family have been friends for a long time, you can't remember because you were young when they came here. Because they were busy with their business and only now they were able to visit. Always we were talking on my friend's in a video call.
"They only have two children. The first is Dale Kevin, he's in America because he runs a company. The one with them now is Bea Rose, their youngest."
"Hi"
Bea greeted me to immediately get my attention. I smiled at her.
"Hello, how are you?
"I'm good!" Her voice was melodious and lively.
"How are you, hija?"
I turned my gaze to Mister Del Monte for greeting me. I smiled kindly then I replied.
"I'm fine, Uncle. Thank you," I replied.
At the same time, I smiled at Mrs. Del Monte. After I introduced myself to the guests was also the end of our meal. We moved into the living room to continue the conversation there while eating our dessert. Everyone's attention was on Daddy, our narrator.
I was silenced because of what Daddy had told me, all the plans of the two families that I would marry Del Monte's eldest son Dale Kevin. I was surprised at all the decisions my parents made for me. I seemed lost in my world when I heard those words.
Why is that, why didn't you tell me first if I would agree or not?
"Daddy, Mommy, why is that? You made me agree that I don't know!"
I was already crying because of what I found out. I don't care if they see me crying. What about my future boyfriend just in case?
I washed my palms on my face.
"Bea, go to the guest room."
"Yes, I'm leaving!"
Bea left the scene. I was the only one left with my parents and the Del Monte couple.
"This is for your good, you have to marry Dale Kevin to preserve our wealth. The decision is final."
Daddy's words were strong.
I frowned, Mommy wouldn't even protest me. That means she also likes Daddy's decision. I have no ally.
That was also the time they took a picture and showed it to me. In Dale's photo, he is handsome, tall, and has a sharp nose. He looks like a Hollywood Actor. I was stunned by what I saw, is it true that he looks maybe later different in person?
Huh? Just wait, why am I thinking like this now? I've been angry and crying lately! I can't understand that picture. I just bowed and returned the photo to Uncle Del Monte.
Our long conversation ended and nothing changed in their decision for the two of us with Dale. They announced that they were going home with Bea. The three of us were left but I didn't say anything because Daddy was the only one following here at home.
"You don't have to think, hija, I'll repeat this for you. No parent wants to harm their child, so I do it."
They left with Mommy and I was alone in the living room. I fall to sit on the couch. The scrap shouted and let go. I just got home but this is how I was greeted.
I ran upstairs to my room. As soon as I closed the door, I lay down on my bed. I cried and cried until I heard sobs in myself. I fell asleep after my crying.
I am afraid to disobey Daddy because I love them, I love my parents, Daddy is right. Nothing will be lost if I follow them. No parent wants to harm their child.
For my part, it's okay because I don't have a boyfriend since birth, even though there are men who flirt with me but I don't like them.
I think it's easy to learn to love a man especially if he's kind. I haven't experienced being in love so I haven't answered my lovers. None of them caught my attention. How come the arrow is just charming.
I felt a strange nervousness at the coming event of my life. I will end up being single. I keep thinking about the changes in me when I get married. Especially the change in my body when I gave birth.
"You can still be sexy," my mind rebuked.
A month later, I spent more time here at the mansion. Sometimes we go out to hang out with my parents. I gave my time and had fun with them. I never criticized them about my marriage to Del Monte.
I suddenly felt sorry for my parents. The more I understood what they wanted for me the more I was already helping Daddy's company. They didn't want me to help them with their business but I insisted. That was the goal that I almost forgot. Daddy said that I would not work when I got married.
I told him, I'm not yet married so I would like to enjoy helping him in the company before that time comes. He didn't say a word just smiled at me. I got closer to my Daddy and hugged him.