Defiant Youth Series #1: Abiding Dismay (COMPLETED)

Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Courtship + Intramurals

Amara Venice's Point of View

Absolutely, courtship is significant for you to enter a relationship. When someone courts you, you could know their genuine intention towards you. It is a notable stage wherein you will get to know each other more. 

Most couples go through courtship and I want to know Joaquin more that's why I gave him my consent to court me. It was morning when Joaquin came into our house, he carries two bouquets and three paper bags from Laceal, one of the most luxury brands. 

It's a good thing that I woke up early and had sufficient time to prepare myself. Now, we're here in the living room and Dad was gaping at Joaquin intently. Joaquin then handed his gifts to us. 

I thanked him and gave him a wide smile that shows great happiness. A smile of satisfaction formed from his lips while staring at me. 

Joaquin notified me yesterday that he'll be going to ask approval from my parents too so I didn't get surprised that he came. 

Kapagkuwa'y nilapag ko sa center table ang paper bag at inamoy ko naman ang pulang rosas na binigay niya sa akin. It was obviously fresh and I really love the smell of roses. 

"Ano ang sadya mo rito, Joaquin? Aakyat ka ba ng ligaw sa anak namin?" Without hesitation, Mom instantly asked Joaquin making me glimpse at him. 

"Opo, Tita. Liligawan ko po si Venice. I'm in love with your daughter, Tito, Tita and I really would like to get to know your daughter better. I respect her and I want to directly ask approval from you, Tito, Tita. I give my word that I will protect, respect, love, and treat her well," he expressed with full perseverance. 

I really like how brave he is and I think it's my turn to talk. Sumulyap ako kila Dad bago nagsalita.

"Dad, Mom, I'm in love with him po. Please give him an opportunity to prove himself to us," matapang kong segunda sa tinuran ni Joaquin. Napadako ang tingin sa akin ni Dad kaya napayuko ako.

Bigla tuloy akong nahiya sa sinabi ko.

"If that's my princess' desires, I don't have the privilege to disapprove. Besides, it will make our daughter content. Joaquin, please take good care of Venice and don't break her. She's our only child and she's very precious to us," sa sinabing iyon ni Dad ay napaangat ako ng tingin.

I can feel my eyes start to water as I heard those from Dad. I turn my gaze to Mom who gave me a smile that shows that she's in favor of Dad too. I can't help but hug her and I felt her hugging me back. 

"I'm not against with Joaquin, Venice. I can tell how happy you are with Joaquin and I know that you've been controlling yourself not to fall in love with him. Just focus on your studies first and balance your time well. Know your limits," bilin niya at hindi ko na mapigilan ang pagpatak ng luha ko sa sinabi niya.

Kahit strikto si Mom sa akin ay hindi ko maitatanggi na mahal na mahal ko siya, sila ni Dad. Kahit minsan ay nagalit 'man ako sa kanila, hindi pa rin mawawala ang pagmamahal ko sa kanila. Kapagkuwa'y humiwalay na kami sa isa't isa at nagtama ang mga mata namin. 

My Mom was weepy but she offers a smile that shows her love for me. I felt her delicate hands gently wipe my tears and fix my hair. 

"You've grown up now, Venice," she then emitted and divert her gaze into Joaquin, "just know your limits, Joaquin. I'm not against but when you hurt our daughter, I don't know what to do with you, Joaquin. I trust you with this," she continued. 

Nalipat ang tingin ko kay Joaquin na nakangiti at maluha-luha na rin. 

"Opo, Tito, Tita. Hindi ko po sisirain ang tiwala na binigay ninyo sa akin. Gagawin ko po ang lahat para mapasaya po ang anak ninyo. Maraming salamat po," magalang nitong tugon at napasulyap ako kila Dad na tumango lang sa sinabi ni Joaquin.