A Promise on the Sand (Isla de Negros Series #2)

Chapter 40

CHAPTER 40
Cheers

Her heart pounded harder when she saw his car going to her direction. Ayla held tight on the handle of her suitcase and smiled as it stopped in front of her.

His manly scent welcomed her senses as she opened the door of his car.

"Good morning," she greeted with a sweet smile.

"She's coming with us?" Selene shouted at the backseat before Sancho could even speak. Kunot ang noo itong nakatingin kay Ayla.

Sabay silang napalingon dito.

"Ayla, come inside and sit down," utos ni Sancho sa kanya. Agad niya naman itong sinunod at sinara ang pinto.

"No! I hate her!"

"Selene."

Napabuntong-hininga si Sancho at napahaplos sa kanyang baba. He released a breath before speaking.

"Remember what I told you last night? That you'll be meeting your mom today?"

Sabay na nagulat si Ayla at Selene sa sinabi nito. Ayla wasn't also prepared at the sudden announcement.

Selene's jaw fell in disbelief and looked at her father with wide open eyes.

"And do you think I'll believe you?" anito at natawa sa hangin. "She's a witch!"

"Watch your mouth, Selene!"

Ayla interrupted. "Sancho, hayaan mo na. Naiintindihan ko naman—"

"Hey, you!"

Napalingon siya sa anak.

"Don't act as if you're an angel or something. Hindi mo naaalala ang sinabi mo sa 'kin? Na if I were your daughter, you'd punish me? Now what?" nakangisi nang anito.

Napaawang siya ng mga labi nang maalala 'yon.

Forehead creasing, Sancho turned to her.

"Did you really say that?"

"N-no. I mean, wala akong idea na s-si Selene siya that time. I told you already."

"You don't say that to a four-year-old kid," dismayadong sagot nito.

"Yeah, right, daddy? She's really a monster!"

"And you close your mouth before I even decide to get your Ipad," he said, pointing at his daughter.

"No!" inis na sigaw nito at itinago ang hawak na Ipad sa kanyang likod. 

"'Wag mo siyang pagalitan—"

"You don't have to tolerate her sometimes."

"'Wag ka ngang sumali!" sigaw ng anak sa kanya.

Hindi siya makapaniwalang napalingon dito.

"Pinagtatanggol nga kita, eh," she said, controlling her temper.

Napakrus ito ng mga braso. "Are you raising your voice at me?"

"Pinagtataasan ba kita ng boses?" aniya at inis na natawa. Kahit pa anak niya ito ay sinusubukan pa rin siya nito.

"Yes!"

"Stop, you two."

"How can you say that?"

"I know you hate me!"

"Why would I hate you? You're my daughter."

Selene screamed in irritation. They both flinched and covered their ears.