Scandalous Affair: Atlas Mate

22

O L I V I A   V A L E Z

My days were filled with blues. My tears drenched my pillows. It could almost be like sea from my salty tears. Tears were salty, but it certainly felt sour to weep. Dad left for Spain the following day after our heated conversation. He didn't even tell me he's sorry. He didn't let me say I was sorry for pressing impossible things when he was tired. I didn't even know who was at fault.

Was it my fault for bringing my dream career up? 

Or was it my dad's fault for not listening to me?

But did I listened to his reasons why I can't? Perhaps, it was really my fault. I knew from the start that it was impossible. I understood very well why I couldn't be an architect. Before I even answered those entrance exam questions, I knew I needed to be an entrepreneur student. There was no need for a discussion. It was already a case closed.

I sighed as my thoughts flowed through the day. I put down Love as I slumped down the couch. I've been practicing like crazy for my recitals for the past few days. I thought it would let my mind away from our little fight. But whenever I took a break, it would barge into my brain and say, hello stupid, Little Girl!  

I kept looking back to our door. Hoping dad would come in from his business trip. I would apologize for my mistakes. I love my dad. I can't bear it when we are not okay. It felt wrong. Maybe, if we talked more calmly or when he's not tired from work, things may go better than the last time. Yes, Olivia. That's right. 

Siguro 'pagka-attend na lang niya ng recitals ko doon na lang ako makipag-aayos. Yup, that's better! I bet, when he heard me play, he would be proud. I thought I couldn't play Air on the G string by J. S. Bach, but look at me now! I already know how to play it well, and it's only two days from my recitals. I have enough time to still perfect it and to prepare more. Ms. Sally was also pleased with my drastic improvement. Even our maids here liked listening to me whenever I practice in our living room and garden.

My phone got my attention when it rang. My mood instantly went a little better when I saw who was calling. 

"Good evening, Libs! Or was it good evening?" I said happily.

"Good afternoon, Oly. And it's either good morning or evening here. It's dawn here right now."

"O, my bad." I giggled, "What do I owe this pleasure, Ms. Kings?"

"Nothing, Babe. I just missed you and Prim, but that bitch was not answering my call."

"Typical, Prim. Baka grounded na naman siya kaya bawal humawak ng phone." 

I could almost imagine Liberty rolling her eyes right now while shaking her pretty blonde hair. Liberty Kings was the perfect example of a living barbie doll. But she likes dying her hair brown when she lived here in the Philippines. Liberty said her appearance was too eye-catching, and I totally agree with her. Well, even if she colored her hair into different colors, she would still stand out. She's breathtakingly beautiful.

"Like she doesn't hide another phone with her," Libs said. I could hear the bitterness in her voice.

"Parang hindi ka naman nasanay kay Prim na laging missing in action?" 

She grunted and said, "But I miss you two badly! It's been months since I left there, and nabibilang ko lang sa fingers ko and pag-co-communicate namin."

"Hey, Ms. Conyo. Are you already forgetting Tagalog?" pang-aasar ko sa kaniya para makalimutan niya ang pagtatampo kay Prim.

"Kinda, I haven't interacted with any Filipino here in New York. It's always the American's here, and when we talk, we always speak in English too!"