Attention

QUALITY TIME

...

Irene understood that her daughter required some personal space following the recent incident.

She chose not to disturb her for the time being. It had been nearly a week since they had consistent communication. Irene longed for her daughter's presence, but she respected her daughter's needs and desires.

While working in her office at Forbes, Irene's attention was drawn to Fiona's portrait.

"My days just don't feel the same without seeing you." she whispered.

Clara had just returned home from school and was about to head upstairs when she noticed Irene staring at her twin's portrait.

She noticed her teary eyes. Since the communication between her mom and her sister ended, she had been happy because she could have Irene all to herself, but everything later became unbearable.

Irene did nothing but constantly talk about Fiona, which irritated Clara.

"Manang, pagawa nga po ng favorite juice ni, mommy; just put it on the table, ako na maghahatid sakanya," Clara said. The maid gave a nod.

Afterwards, Clara went downstairs. She entered the dining room, grabbed the juice, let out a deep sigh, and stormed into Irene's office.

"Mom." Clara called her.

Irene lifted her head and made eye contact with Clara. She noticed what Clara was holding.

"What are you doing here? Hindi mo ba nabasa ang nakalagay sa labas?" Irene asked her. Clara pouted and frowned, but Irene was irritated by her reaction.

"Nabasa ko po, but I want to give you this. Your favorite juice, mom," Clara said, about to place the juice down when Irene placed some files on top of it.

"I'm not in the mood to take that. Ilayo mo 'yan sakin. Makakalabas ka na," Irene stated flatly, pero nilagay niya pa din ito sa ibabaw ng files dahilan para mabasa ang mga papeles na pinirmahan niya.

"Ano ba, Clara! I told you, ayoko nga niyan. Hindi ka ba nakakaintindi? And look, natapunan mo yung mga papers with that damn juice!" Irene yelled. Clara was startled.

"S-sorry mom." Clara's voice cracked. Irene rolled her eyes. "Shut up and get out."

Clara bit her lips as she leave the office. Her tears started to stream down on her cheeks.

"It is all your fault, Fiona!" she exclaimed as she tossed the glass into the sink and went upstairs.

....

"Congratulations, Denise! Perfect score ka sa math! Iba talaga. Libre naman diyan, beh," Fiona teased her after she used her inhaler. Denise teased her back,

"Magaling tutor ko, e. And duh, wala akong pocket money dito. Ako kaya librehin mo. And hoy kang bakla ka, nangako ka sa 'kin dati na ililibre mo 'ko. Aba, pakilabas ng pera mo beh." She added, crossing her arms. Fiona laughed, and someone called Denise.

"Pa'no ba yan? Next time na 'yong libre, nandiyan na yung parents mo." Fiona said and laughed. Denise frowned and hugged her.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Congrats ulit, boo!" Fiona shouted and Denise winked at her.

She paused and shook her head. She checked her phone and realized it was too early to go home.

"Ang aga pa pala. Sa San Juan na lang ako uuwi," she said to herself.

When she arrived at the parking lot, she saw her driver waiting for her.

"Sa San Juan po ako Kuya George." She said and he nodded.