The Damsel's Agony

Chapter two

Monday came in really fast. I am planning to tell my parents about my plan vacation, kapag pinayagan aalis na agad ako since next week balik school na naman.

I can't help but feel nervous while walking through the hallway of our dining area, for sure kay mommy na naman ako mahihirapan magpaalam.

"Come here, let's have our breakfast." It's mommy hawak pa nito ang plato na may bacon and eggs. She's in a good mood today.

I sat on the chair in front of mommy while si daddy ay nakaupo na sa kabisera. Si Lia naman ay umupo na rin sa katabi kong upuan. We started eating peacefully when my dad suddenly spoke.

"What do you want to say, Jia? Your sister said you want to talk to us. What's the matter?" he asked. Napatingin ako sa katabi ko, hindi makapaniwala.

What's this little girl doing? Wala naman akong sinabi na gusto ko silang makausap!

"Do you have a problem?" Mom prodded. I immediately shook my head. Her forehead creased, "What is it?" may halong inis na sa tinig niya.

I drew a deep breath before answering.

"Gusto ko po kasi pumuntang La Union this week." I managed to say.

Nakita kong matigilan si mommy sa pagkain. She even put down her spoon and fork, "What?" Tila nabingi ito sa sinabi ko.

"Done with the midterms?" Daddy asked not minding my mom who's now in a sour mood. Tumingin ako kay daddy at malawak ang ngiti nito sa akin. I smiled at him and nodded.

"It's your grandmother's birthday this Wednesday. Cancel that and choose another date. You can go next week." Her voice laced with authority.

"Mommy this week lang free si ate..." It was Lia.

"I told you not to talk when the adults are talking!" Mom roared. Natigilan ako sa pagkain ng tumayo si Lia at nagmamadaling umakyat sa kwarto.

"Lianna! Come back here!"

I sighed when my sister didn't even come back. Tinignan ako ni mommy nang masama, "Ano na naman ito, Jianna? You know it's your grandmother's birthday this Wednesday! It is your chance to get closer and bond with her and then suddenly a vacation?"

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kusara't tinidor, "Mom I was really stress and I needed to unwind... I'll be coming to her birthday naman."

It's true! Midterms really drained me. Wala akong matinong tulog because I was reviewing para hindi ako bumagsak and I can maintain my place on the president's lists. Hindi pa nakakatulong ang magkabilaang reporting at mga final requirements!

She was about to say something when her phone rings. She immediately answered it and went to the living room. Naiwan kami ni daddy sa dining room.

"You know she'll not agree to this, right?" He said as he sipped on his coffee. "I know your grandmother's a little bit hard on you, so, I want to apologize in her behalf... Don't worry, Jia. I'll talk to her."

"No, dad. It's okay. I understand." I smiled at him. I know he just wants me to get along with my grandma, well, I want that too but it's just too hard. I don't know how to please her. Kahit makausap nga siya hindi ko magawa! When she's around, I'm always nervous!

The first time I met my grandmother was when I was five. I remembered being so scared when she looked at me. She has this chinky eyes that were piercing right through me. I always tell myself that she doesn't like me even though I'm her grandchild because I always see that stare... the stare that seems to despise me... and I can feel it.

"I'm sorry..." I was shocked when I look at my dad and he's kind of teary-eyed. I get it that he's emotional but why is he sorry? Okay lang naman sakin na ganoon ang treatment sa'kin ni Lola since I was so used to it.