Torn in Two (Elite Girls 2)

Chapter 7 - Victory Party

CHAPTER 7

VICTORY PARTY

Damian's POV

I quickly went home after getting a phone call from my father. Unfortunately, my plan to hide from my family failed. Wala talaga akong balak magpakita sa parents ko dahil sasaglit lang naman ako dito sa Pinas but to my surprise, someone informed my Dad that I'm already back. May kumpare yata siyang nakakita sa akin sa airport kaninang umaga. What are the odds, right?

"Pa," I greeted him.

He quickly stood up, smiled and gave me a manly hug. "Tingin mo ba talaga makakapagtago ka sa'kin?" natatawang tanong niya. "Mabuti na lang na-cancel ang business trip ko to Thailand."

I chuckled. "Dadaan naman po talaga ako dito," pagsisinungaling ko.

"Sus."

"No, really. I just went to watch Dashiell's game first. You should have been there, Dad. Grabe, ang galing niya na maglaro at nanalo pa sila---"

"Nagugutom ka ba? Halika, nagpaluto ako nang mga paborito mong pagkain."

My smile faded when he cut me off. Wala ba talaga siyang kainte-interes sa kapatid ko?

Naglakad na kami papunta sa dining room namin. To my surprise, all our house maids are already there, waiting with beaming eyes.

"Welcome back, Sir Damian!"

"Thank you," I said, shaking their hands and hugging a few of them. Madami sa kanila ang tinuring ko nang mga nanay-nanayan. Most of our maids here have been with us for years. Mula pagkabata ko ay sila na ang nagaalaga sa'kin.

"Take a sit, son," utos na ng tatay ko kaya naman nag-excuse na 'ko at umupo sa usual spot ko.

"As I was saying Dad, I recorded some of Dashiell's---"

"That's not important. The soccer game means nothing compared to what I have in mind. Matagal-tagal na mula nang umalis ka papuntang Australia. You've already completed two years of your studies abroad. Don't you think it's about time for you to stay here again and start helping me with the company?"

I forced myself not to shake my head. I knew we're going to have this conversation the moment he sees me. Kaya nga iniiwasan ko talagang umuwi hangga't maaari.

"But I can't just leave everything behind. Mahihirapan po ako mag-adjust. They have different curriculums here. Pa, I already promised you. After I graduate, I'll work for you."

He let out a frustrated sigh. "Matagal pa 'yon. That's in three years. What if something happens to me before then?"

I stared at him. "What do you mean?"

Hindi siya nagsalita. Uminom lang siya ng tubig.

"Is there something I should know, Pa?"

My Dad shook his head. "Ang sinasabi ko lang, dapat naghahanda ka na. You're in the right age."

"But I'm still inexperienced. I have to finish my studies first before you train me. You said it yourself, hindi biro ang pagkakaroon ng Construction company. Ayoko naman pong masira ang reputasyon mo at ni Lolo dahil sa'kin."

Huminga siya ng malalim. "Mukhang hindi talaga kita makukumbinsi."

"Stop worrying, Dad. I will never change my mind. Patatakbuhin ko ang DLCDI sa tamang panahon."