In The Waves

07: party? party!

Dawn

We're inside a car. No one dares to talk nor open their mouths. Serene used my car while I was forced to come with them, my parents. I sometimes saw my father glancing at me while he's driving. My mother just held my hand tightly. 

"D-do you want to go somewhere?" he asked. I look at my mother like asking if he's talking to me.

"Let's just head to our house." my mom told him and he just nodded.

Even though we're inside a car without their bodyguards, a lot of cars still escort us. This is one of my most hated things in my real life, it will just draw more attention. 

I put on my earphones and play loud songs. I close my eyes and pretend like I'm sleeping. I don't know how to deal with them, they just simply hug me and give me flowers after the ceremony and I don't expect it to happen. I invited Ate Kei's gang to celebrate with us later. Ate Jo and Ate Nami were the other people who knew about it.

"Dawnie, we're here." I fixed myself as fast as I could and got out of the car.

I saw my car which Serene and Lana used. I told them not to come over, but my Mom insist and told them to come here. I waited for them to get out of the car. 

"Wow, it's been...years." I heard Serene murmured. 

"Want to play before we go to the café?" I asked her, the happiness visible in her eyes.

"Lana, do you want to play with this child?" she asked Lana and the latter just laughed.

"Whatever." I still hear them laughing from behind.

Today is Lady Roma's scheduled flight. She bought me sweatshirts and five pairs of sneakers. She knew about my job at Ate Kei's company. My mother's on her phone, she said she's contacting Elle's Mom.

"Do you drink?" I looked at him. He has two glass of beer in his hands. I hesitantly accepted it, 'cause if I reject it just now it may look rude.

"Do you still remember what we always do whenever you aced an exam?" he started to talk while smiling at me. 

"Hmm. We're going on a road trip with Kuya Reno and ate once we saw a local eatery."

"What about your birthday celebration?" he asked me once again.

"Traveling."

"I missed you Dawn." he's still smiling. It's not his usual actions. 

"Oh." that was the only response I knew at this moment. What he's said is surprising.

"I grew up with the thought of being perfect, because that's what my father wanted for me. I should be good at everything. I'm sorry if I controlled you the way your grandfather did to me."

"Why?" my voice almost cracked. 

"Why did you take her away from me?" I asked him. 

My heavy heart aches. My tears are falling down. We never had a chance to talk about this for the past years. 

"I saw how she changed you...the way you think. I felt insecure because I'm your father, but she's the one who brings out the real you. I'm very sorry, anak. I'll do everything just to bring her back to you." 

"Dad..." he kneeled down while crying. I tried to stop him. He looks so weak.

"I'm sorry." I kneeled down too and hugged him. 

"I-i already forgive you Dad." I stood up and guided him to do the same.

"Dawn, I'm so proud of you."