Green Harbor

CHAPTER 1

It is Saturday, 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and it had been 3 hours since the famous young author Zelena Luka sat in a plastic chair. Greeting fans, signing books, taking selfies. Surely her driver can wait, but can her father though?

Zelena is the middle child in the Luka family, her sister Victoria being the eldest and her twin Katha being the youngest. Their parents have great influence in all of Bacolod City, Philippines. It's pretty obvious she grew up having strict boundaries placed before her feet, even when she is almost 29 years old and her being the breadwinner and all. But her father, Gregory Luka, favored Zelena the most. But love? Not so sure.

She took a glance on her watch. By now, her mother, Tiabella Luka, called her family friends and cousins in celebration of Zelena's groundbreaking success for her novel. She wondered if, finally, her father can tell her and her twin apart now.

--

The fan interactions don't end even after the signing event at the mall as Zelena is in the car, thanking everyone on her social media. By the time her driver parked the car in front of the Lukas' residence, there were no cameras and reporters anymore. Just an array of food on a very long table, her relatives cheering and Katha carrying a cake for Zelena.

Victoria was there, too, with the staff members, and Zelena's agents. Her parents were there. Her mother clapping, her father looking straight at her. Zelena suddenly wished the guests don't leave early.

During the party, she had plenty of time seeing the guests. Her mother is quite the picky host. None of Zelena's fellow authors were invited, not even her aunt whom her mother had conflicts with recently. Some of her parents' friends left comments regarding her recent novel, drinking themselves stupid but at least trying hard to remain professional.

"It's lucky for you, dear, you didn't end up like your sister Victoria. Studied to become a doctor, ended up running a mall stinking with Jollibee and ukay-ukay." Mrs. Monique said, as if that was a compliment.

"Agreed, the parking lots are hell on earth." Mrs. Roseanne said.

"Victoria used to go around and watch in amazement as mall staff do their jobs. Brought lunch to give to some of them, too." Zelena's father said. "I told her she'll never earn just as much as Zelena earns unless she considers working at a hospital."

"But money doesn't determine success. Neither does talking shit about your own children." Zelena blurted out.

"Apparently, shit is needed more than ever in the name of success. This is the real world, Zelena."

"Exactly. So stay on it."

And they laughed, the smell of wine reeking from their breaths. Zelena held her breath, both because of the smell, and what'll be coming to her after the party.

She spotted Keone Caballero, a person close to a lover for her, by the stairs. Zelena swore her phone was ringing before her mother had said goodbye to all the guests who are leaving. The last of protection she felt slowly fading as the house becomes empty again. Her father grabbed her arm and dragged her away when her mother and sisters weren't looking.

--

"Just- how rude were you today?" Gregory and Zelena were now all alone, in his office. He grabs his copy of Zelena's book and throws it straight at his daughter's face. "Did you not know how embarassed I felt back there? I thought I was being poisoned."

"You're embarrased because I'm right. And you know damn well you stepped into your own trap."

"That's enough, Zelena! I did not teach you to speak to me like that!" Her father raised his voice.