Sunsets and Broken Promises (SPADE Series #1)

Chapter 13

"What is the meaning of this?"

I asked as I scan my surroundings, our living room is filled with balloons and confetti while my Mom and Dad are in the middle of the room smiling at me—no wait, Mom is the only one who is smiling at the moment. Meanwhile my dad is wearing his usual "you messed up" look.

I literally just got home, and apparently, our little celebration lasted a bit longer than I expected. Fortunately, Kaizer decided to drop me off—which is why Dad isn't angry at me for going home this late. . . and it's because of Kaizer.

"We are celebrating Cyrena, ang galing mo kanina sa Debate mo" Mom said while wearing her genuine smile.

I continue to walk towards them, "Thank you Ma, pero nag celebrate na ako kasama sila Kaizer kanina" I made sure to lower my voice, because I wouldn't want my dad to think that I'm mad at them. . .

"Wala ka talagang hiya sa Nanay mo, nag pakahirap itong ayusin ang sala tapos 'yan ang sasabihin mo?" I close my eyes because of my father's voice. He's at it again, scolding me for no reason.

Great, he really has the power to ruin everything for me.

"Dan naman. . . " I open my eyes and saw mom holding my dad's arm to calm him, "okay lang sa akin, naging maayos naman ang debate ng anak natin"

"It wasn't good enough"

I clenched my fist and lowered my head. Pag-kauwi ko eto agad ang bubungad sa akin? sana pala ay sumama muna ako kela Chanel, they are probably out there having fun in Olivia's swimming pool in their little bikinis.

"Edi sana ikaw nalang ang lumaban" I muttered.

"Dan how could you say that to our daughter? she tried her best"

I shake my head and look at the both of them, "It's okay Ma" ngumiti ako kaya nagulat silang dalawa, "Tama si Papa, next time. . . mas gagalingan ko"

"No, Cyrena." He said, greeting his teeth. "Be better. Aim higher. Be more ambitious. Don't flop. Don't settle being second."

Nag simulang mangining ang mga kamay ko habang pinapakinggan si Papa na sabihin iyon sa akin. Pakiramdam ko maiiyak ako sa harapan nila kapag nag patuloy pa ito.

"What you did back there was embarrassing. I didn't raise you just to be a disgrace. Learn from this mistake, Cyrena." tumango ako at nag iwas ng tingin. "Vanciellos can't be beaten. Vanciellos are all overachiever."

I feel like there's a tight collar on my neck that suffocates me everytime I see my dad's disappointed expression, I hate it but, it also makes me want to do better next time.

It's litreally a curse.

Kahit busog na ako ay napilitan pa 'rin akong kumain kasabay sila Mama at Papa, na-kwento 'rin nila na aalis daw kami sa Saturday kasama ang mga Sylvester para sa Celebration party ko—but I'd rather not to come.

"Your face looked pale and you lacked confidence" dad said like he's one of the judges in the debate competition. But he didn't stop there and said, "Your hands also kept trembling, itsura mo palang alam ko nang talo ka" he raised his fork and points at me.