Faking Delays

77. My What?

Kristeena Abegaile

  

ALL OF US were shocked to see my father standing in the middle of the living room, wearing a suit and looking at us, all smiles.

I just felt Loui's weight on my shoulders vanished and in an instant, they were lined up, the three of them, in front of him.

"Good afternoon, sir!" sabay sabay nilang bati sa tatay ko.

I watch them, amused. With the posture, tone, and everything, there's no mistaking that they are indeed trained soldiers. Nakakalimutan ko nga lang minsan kapag kami kami na lang.

Tumango si dad sa kanila bago lumapit sa akin. Without saying anything, my father pulled me into a hug.

"I missed you so much, sweetie," he whispered, arms tightening.

I hugged him back, of course. "M-Me too, dad."

It still hasn't sunk in, the fact that he's actually here. I mean, I wasn't informed! And the timing, oh god. Right after I met Harris? Not really the best timing.

"Surprised?" He retreated, but still holding my shoulders. He looked really excited and happy so I gave him a smile and nodded.

"Yes..." I held my nape and awkwardly laughed. "...a bit surprised to see you here in the Philippines. Not that I don't want you here or anything. Why didn't you tell me?"

He took a step back. "Well, yes. I did refrain from informing you, I apologize. I just wanted to see you."

Waving his hand, he explained that he aside from missing me, he also has things to check and confirm within the company's dealings and that his presence is needed at some events.

I nodded as he talked about it but seriously, I was just thinking, "he didn't find out that I talked and ate with him, right?"

"Oh, actually, there's something that I found out recently..." His thick brow was raised as he looked down at me. Air turned cold, my throat went dry.

Sweat dripped down my face. Nah, I'm sure it's something unrelated to Harris, haha! I-I mean, how would he... right? That won't make sense!

"Abby, is it true?" He leaned down. I clenched, unclenced, my fist. Oh please, God.

"W-What is?" Say it already, father! The suspense is killing me!

"That you ordered a panda mascot? It showed in your recent purchase," he continued, looking at me questioningly.

"P-Panda... mascot...?" Even I couldn't process it after saying it.

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He sighed. "I mean I understand if you miss your childhood, sweetie. It's my fault, I didn't play with you more." He looked genuinely hurt as he stare at me. "If you want dad to play with you, just tell me, alright?"

I blinked once. Twice.

Then it dawned on me! A certain someone borrowed money from melast week! And because I have none on me, I let him borrow my card!

I looked behind my father, scrutinizing each one.

I saw Oscar, still looking professional, eyes forward. Gerard, with his eyes painfully closed, shaking his head. Finally, Loui, glancing anywhere than my direction.

Ha! It is indeed him, that son of a—!

"Anyway," dad, started, cutting my line of murderous thoughts. "I'll be staying here, but I've booked my own hotel. You're my sweet babygirl, but sadly, you've grown and in need of your own personal space.

I sighed and shook my thoughts. "I won't mind, dad. You are more than welcome to stay."

Umiling siya and waved his hand. "I know that, but it's fine. Hindi rin naman kalayuan dito ang tutuluyan ko. Besides, your tita Jennifer would be arriving next month. We don't want to impose."

I nodded. The mention of his family made me a bit unease. I shook the feeling off and smiled.

"Anyway, dad, where's your luggage?" tanong ko to change the topic.

He walked towards the couch and settled there. He relaxed his back on the soft surface and groaned.

"Oh, right. I had it delivered. This old man couldn't possibly carry it all," he sighed and took his coat off and placed it on the side.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. How dramatic, my father. He's not even past 50 yet.

"Wait, sino po pala nag sundo sa 'yo sa airport?" I asked, following him to the couch. "By the way, do you want anything? Tea, coffee?"

"Oh no, I'm good. As for who, it was your fiancé. Umalis nga lang siya agad, saying that there's something that he forgot in the office."

I choked on my own saliva after hearing the f word. "M-My what?"

And as if on cue, someone knocked on the door. Oscar went to open the door and checked who it was.

"Hi, the luggages are here," ani Atom habang hila hila ang mga bahage ng tatay ko papasok ng condo. "Ako na kumuha, sir."

"There he is! Great timing, son, we were just talking about you!"

"Really?" He sat down beside me and gave me an amused look. "Do tell."

Kinuha naman nila Oscar ang bagahe at dinala ito sa kwartong tutuluyan ni dad and when they've gone, I felt suffocated.

After a short chortle, I saw his eyes lit up as if he remembered something exciting. "Atom, tell Abby what we've just discussed on the phone," my father urged.

Napalingon ako kay Atom, to ask what it was about and why I wasn't informed, but he didn't give me a second glance. He remained smiling at my dad.

"Ah, yes, that. But I'm afraid now's not a good time."

His face flashed a worried look. "Hm? Why, is something going on with you two?"

"No, not at all, sir. It's just that, she's busy with her friend's wedding as of the moment," magalang naman na sagot ni Atom.

Hello, people? I'm here!

Dad clapped his hands and leaned forward. "Oh, Of course! We need all the time we have with this preparation. Forgive this old man for being too pushy," he stated, ending with a chuckle. "We can plan about it then—"

"Dad," I called out. Nilingon nila akong dalawa. "If this topic includes me then I don't appreciate being left out," I pointed out, with a stern look to the both of them.

Sakto namang kakabalik lang ng tatlo mula sa kwarto at muling tumayo hindi kalayuan sa amin.

"Dad, come on. What's with the secrecy? Preparation for what?" I probed.

"Oh, no worries, sweetheart! Just focus—"

"It's for a wedding," Atom suddenly blurted out. "Our wedding, Kris."

My mouth fell farther than it normally should. My mind went blank and I just heard gasps all over the room, obviously not coming from any of us. Before we could guess where it came from, heavy stomping approached us in the living room.

"THE FUCK DID YOU SAY?!" Sandy exclaimed. Behind her stand Fel, who dropped her plastic of fruits on the ground in shock.

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Author's Note:

Forgive me for disappearing everyone! Just need to gather my thoughts and find inspiration. It's been stressful these past few months.

Hope you guys are all doing well, physically and mentally!

Keep safe, alright! I'll send my virtual hugs and kisses for you! Mwa ( • 3<) ♡

Love,
Arem