Inexorable Encounter

Chapter 21

Week had passed and I had usual days, except yesterday which is Thursday. It was the same seating arrangement and Frances kept on talking to long hair when she had a chance. I can still feel long hair’s stares but he didn’t dare to talk to me or even whisper on me again. That made Frances thought that we had an argument based on our actions but I didn’t correct her nor supported her accusations.

When I’m done fixing my hair, I went downstairs and I saw Leon was already on the living room so I sat on the other side and put my overcoat beside me. I scanned his whole body and there’s nothing new with his clothes today. Leon and Dad was always in a corporate attire that it became their normal attire for me. He’s wearing a sand double-breasted coat with yellow dress shirt inside and sand color slacks then burnished brown single-strap monk shoes.

“You can change your coat so you will look formal, Belle,” Leon suggested and I rolled my eyes at him.

“I won’t acknowledge your suggestion about the clothes I wore, Leon,” I said it back to him. “If I want to wear a trench coat, I will.”

He just smirked on me. “You never really care about our comments and suggestions.”

I rolled my eyes. “Because it’s useless.”

Thankfully, the lovely couple went down already. Mom was clinging into Dad’s arm, wearing V-neck red batwing dress and beige suede kitten heels. While Dad was wearing his usual attire, but this time it was three-layered clothes: white dress shirt, gray vest and his navy blue coat. His coat matched his slacks then black Oxford shoes.

“Let’s go?” Dad asked so I stood up and get my overcoat and put it on my left arm.

“See you in the restaurant,” I told them and I left before them. Leon and I will bring our cars. We’re always like this ever since we had our own cars. We never rode together unless it’s necessary, except for Mom and Dad. Dad make time to drive Mom always but when Dad is not available, her driver is in charge.

We’re having a dinner with some political family, the only trusted friends of my father in the world of politics. This always happened once or twice a year. A so-called family friends and we only had that with Dad. Leon was not fond of friends since then but he does know how to get along with others. Mom was really friendly but I didn’t know if she had a relationship like what I have with Frances and Yurie.

I wore my black overcoat when I get out of the car. I am wearing strapless on top, flare on bottom, gray jumpsuit then black peep toe heels. I held my clutch as I waited for the other two cars.

Mom and Dad was our lead when we entered the restaurant while Leon and I were side-by-side. The two families were there already and they greeted us before we proceed to sit. The second floor was fully reserved for the three families. So we have our own privacy here because sometimes, they will talk about sensitive issues.

The round table was set up for us. On our right side, it was the Medina family. Senator Medina is the one who focuses on the education system. His wife was a former teacher and became part of Department of Education. They have twins which is Jennie and Jellie. And if I’m not wrong, they are also in my age.

On the other side was the Andaca Family. The senator focuses in women and child rights. If I am right, his wife was abused. Even so, I do not care about their history. I just heard it from Dad when he was talking with Mom and Leon on one dinnertime since I’m not into their topics. They have one son, Erick, which is a year older than Leon and already married with a single mom, Rachel.

“We already ordered, Simon, para hindi na tayo maghintay pa,” Sen. Medina informed us. “I hope you don’t mind.” He gave us a warm smile.

“No worries, I know we will like what you order for us,” Mom answered her and equaled his smile.

The food they’ve ordered immediately arrived as they started talking. I busied myself with food while attentively listening to them even though I can’t relate. From political topic, it was turned into career and some personal matter.

“What position will Leon aim for the upcoming election?” Sen. Medina asked.

Leon cleared his throat before having water then he answered, “I’m going to run for Vice Mayor again, Senator.” The whole floor enveloped with confusion and curiosity. “I already told Dad about it and he’s fine with my decisions.”

“Why not the Mayor position, Leon?” Mrs. Medina questioned.

“I think I’m still not capable of that position, Tita,” he answered. “And I heard Mayor Ramon will run again and he has power to manipulate the voting election so I won’t risk the position of Vice Mayor to his partner.”

Senator Andaca smirked and nodded. “That’s the reason why should you run for the higher position, Leon.”

“I still have a lot to gain, Senator.” Sen. Andaca smiled because of what he replied. I know this two senators were fond of Leon for entering the politics. Since their children doesn’t want to be involve with politics, just like me. Both Jennie and Erick are into business. While Jellie is enjoying her life as of the moment.

“That Mayor Ramon is a pain in the ass, Leon,” Sen. Medina said and he chuckled. Leon nodded.

“And the President too,” Dad added. “Even I talked to him about Mayor Sarmiento, he still let that drug lord to manage this whole municipality.” Pissed, he stated.

“Because he also gain from that,” Sen. Andaca amusingly said. “We all know that, Simon.”

“No wonder Mayor and Leon never clicked,” Erick commented. The rest nodded.

“Why would a drug lord and a politician who is part of PDEA will click? How?” Jennie asked sarcastically. “I don’t know how the vice mayor handle to be eith the same building of his enemy.”

“Keep your enemy closer nga, sis,” Jellie said to her sister and she chuckled. “By the way, Belle—” I looked at her. “Your last series was good.” I gave her a small smile. “Natutukan ko ‘yon and it was really, really good. Maganda ang casting and the emotion that the casts were portraying touched me. Lalo na ‘yung part na binaril ni Tony si Penny? I really love your character there.”

I smirked. “Me too.”

“I can’t really say na ang bad ni Tony, but the part where she’s coming from was really valid,” she continued.

“I watched that too, Belle,” Mrs. Andaca joined and smiled at me. “I must say na mas bagay sa’yo ang pag-arte ng sweet clingy girl.”

I chuckled. “Maybe because I’m always in the kontrabida side that’s why some of you will say that I suit better in a good one.”

“Why don’t you try the protagonist role?” Mrs. Medina suggested. “You really have the talent and opportunity is everywhere. You can’t settle with that. You can be more.”

I stopped my eyes to roll. “I don’t want to be more of me, Mrs. Medina,” I emphatically said. “I don’t want other role but antagonist.” I shook my head and smiled. “I don’t see myself always on the scene, having a lovely character and a happily ever after.”

“She’s always like that,” Leon commented.

“The two of you should aim more,” Mrs. Medina insisted. “You have the skills and fame. You can gain more and have a lot of more.” Then she looked at Jellie with judgement. “Unlike my first born, she’s careless.” She shook her head and scoffed. “Up until now, graduating na, wala pa rin gustong gawin sa buhay.”

“Mommy,” Jellie interfered. “I’m just enjoying the life.” She shrugged and smiled innocently. “I watched Jennie, she’s always studying and it’s kinda boring for me. Hindi ko kaya. I want just to enjoy.”

“Keep enjoying,” I cheered for her. “We have different way of coping the life.” Jellie smiled more and winked at me. I just shrugged.

“The kids are really unpredictable.” Mrs. Medina sighed.

“It’s good that your daughter knows how to enjoy,” Mom said suddenly. “My children were always busy and won’t make time for themselves, to rest or to enjoy. Such a workaholic like Simon.” Dad shrugged, even I. Who, in the Torres, knows the rest, anyway? “Though, they know how to be contented,” Mom added, making me looked at her. “They do have passion in their work and not with their greed that’s why Simon and I are lucky.” I looked away and just sipped on my water.

Erick cleared his throat and that get our attention “Since we’re already here, I’d like to announce that we are having our second child.” He received applauses and greetings from the two families that made his wife, Rachel smiled shyly. I even saw her pinching her husband and that made the Erick smile more and laugh.

“Does Adi knows?” Jellie asked excitedly.

“For sure, Adi will be delighted with the news,” Jennie said with a formal tone. Adi was the first son of Erick’s wife.

“That kid slept on our room and hug Chel’s tummy dahil doon,” Erick happily told us and they laughed because of that.

“And I remember na inaasar mo ang anak ko kaya kayo nagtatalo,” Rachel said to him with a tone of scolding.

“He’s cute when pissed, sorry.” He even kissed Rachel on her cheeks.

“How about you, Leon, do you have someone?” Mrs. Medina asked, making me look at her then to Leon.

Leon shook his head while wiping his mouth with the table napkin before he answers, “I’m too busy with work to have someone, Tita.”

Mrs. Andaca shook her head. “If I were you, you should find one, Leon,” Mrs. Andaca suggested. I stopped, again and again, myself to roll my eyes.

“We’re not getting younger, Leon. Tito and Tita will be happy if you gave them a grandchild,” Erick also suggested and smiled. Mom just laughed a little while Dad smiled a bit.

“Will you be happy, Belle, if you had niece or a nephew?” My head turned to Jellie’s direction when she asked me suddenly.

“I don’t mind,” I answered briefly. “I’m not into kids, so I don’t really know how will I response in the house with a child.” Leon looked at me and I shrugged. “But again, I don’t mind. It’s his life to decide, anyway.”

“Are you planning ba to marry, Vice Mayor?” Jennie asked this time.

“No,” he answered and he’s getting more attention because of his answer.

“But why?” Mrs. Andaca asked.

“Or not yet?” Erick thought. Even I was curious.

Leon cleared his throat. “I really don’t know,” he answered shortly.

“Maybe the vice mayor is waiting for someone,” Jellie guessed with excitement. As I am watching his reaction, I saw him stilled and breathed before he looked at Jellie. It gave me suspicion. I look at Dad and he was quiet, unlike Mom who looks like she’s eager to know too, like me.

“I’m not.” And he shook his head to clarify his answer. “I am focused in the government problems, so I don’t have time for that.”

“How about the actress?” Jennie diverted the topic on me. “I heard a consecutive issues about you meeting someone. The guy with a long hair?”

“Issue,” I repeated and smirked. “It’s an issue. And those were not true.”

“So how will you explain the pictures?” she added.

“I don’t have to explain if your mind was already made up with the thought that I’m seeing that man.” I saw Leon’s scolding eyes but I didn’t mind him. Even Jellie was stopping her sister but she shrugged so I smiled. “I’m not seeing someone neither seeing that long hair. I can have no man. I don’t want any man.” I grinned. “Even marrying is not my thing, so please excuse me with this kind of topic.” I rolled my eyes. “It disgust me.”

“Yes, no man, more fun!” Jellie rejoiced, making me chuckle. Jennie smiled at me so I nodded. I’m prone with this kind of scenario and we always reconcile after this. Our parents are the best friends, we don’t want any complications. The senators were fond of our arguments too.

When the dinner was done, Leon and I decided to leave early and the others followed except for our parents. They said goodbyes and gave me a beso-beso before I left and we parted ways. Jellie was bored already and Jennie has to study. The married couple reasoned that they still need to pick their son while Leon was going to work. And I’m going to Frances because Yurie said that she’s sick.

I sensed my driver kept looking at me so I asked his concern.

“Ipaparado ko lang ‘yung sasakyan sa tabi, Miss Belle. Hindi ko na po kasi kaya, naiihi na ako.”

I rolled my eyes before nodding. “You should done it earlier,” I told him when he parked the car. He excused himself so I made him get out in hurry. I shook my head. He has urinary tract infection but he doesn’t know to help himself.

I opened my phone and put my clutch beside me. I’m still wearing my overcoat and I’m planning to remove it when I got in Frances’ house. I locked my phone when I get bored so I waited for my driver to come back.

My forehead creased when I saw a silhouette of a man who’s not familiar to me instead of the silhouette of my driver. I curiously watched him come to my side so I immediately locked my door but he opened the driver’s door so I involuntarily went on the other side, too late to find out that his other companion was already on the side and caught me. I tried to fight but a handkerchief covered my nose and it made me feel dizzy. Before I lost conscious, I thought of someone and hoping he’ll come to save me. Save me… again… long hair.