Three Steps To You ✔︎

Chapter 23

CONSEQUENCES

“Iʼm going to call tomorrow, youʼve better have a good explanation for everything.” I recorded my voice using my phone. It was to be sent to Mr. Lopez, who hasnʼt sent his response to my email since yesterday evening.

Nakauwi na ako kaya nagkaroon na ako ng lakas ng loob na mag-send ulit ng email kay Mr. Lopez nang hindi nalalaman ni Bliss.

What a shame if he havenʼt even responded to his daughters reminder? What a shame that he neglects her daughter just like that? What a crap. Heʼs been like that since I have come to see him almost two weeks ago.

What a selfish man also? Hindi niya man lang naisip na madadamay ako kapag hindi niya binayaran ng buo ang utang niya. Tomorrow is November 22 already at kailangan ko na ang kabayaran niya. Kung hindi, malalagot ako kay Dad. Screw you if that happens, Mr. Lopez. Binigyan ko na siya ng dalawang buong linggo para makapag-ipon man lang o makapaghanda pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin akong balita sa kaniya.

At ang nabalitaan ko pang wala siya sa Canada. I saw him at the mall with my own two eyes! I canʼt make mistakes. It is him! I really saw him. I was just about to tell my brothers because I thought they could help me but the plan came up instantly changed. I donʼt need their help at this point. I assure my self for that. Ang kailangan ko na lang gawin ay hintayin ang reply niya hanggang bukas. Kung wala pa rin, I will ask help from my brothers.

— TSTY —

Kinaumagahan, I sat on my swivel chair again to check if thereʼs a response from him. Nadismaya lang ako sa nakita ko. Wala pa rin hanggang ngayon.

Sakto, dahil nai-forward sa akin ni Bliss ang numero ng kaniyang Papa. It will make things easier for me.

Nag-almusal akong hindi maipinta ang mukha. Kakagising ko palang, wala na agad ako sa mood. Paano pa kaya mamaya kapag kausap ko na si Mr. Lopez.

“Awful morning.” bati ng pinakasarkastiko sa aming tatlong magkakapatid.

“Youʼre the one whoʼs awful.” I said.

“Whatʼs with the attitude, Leonardo?” his forehead furrowed.

“Hindi ba halata? Panget na nga ng umaga ko, panget ka pa. Grabe na ʼtong nangyayari sa akin.” I complained.

“Masyado akong gwapo para laitin mo.” he crossed his arms. Sinamaan ko lamang siya ng tingin. Nakakasira lalo ng umaga na makita siyang ganito kayabang. “Sa sobrang gwapo ko, pati si Liana at Bliss nagkagusto sa akin.”

“Shut up, Calvin.” biglang sumingit si Adrian. “And how could you say na nagkagusto sa ʼyo si Liana? She loved me for seven years and she only met you a year ago.” pagdipensa naman ni Adrian sa sarili. Masyadong defensive!

“Tsk whatever.”

Hindi kami nakailag ni Adrian doon. Hindi naman talaga sobrang nagkagusto si Liana kay Calvin, paghanga lang naman iyon, sa totoo lang.

Si Bliss...? How did Bliss fell for Calvin. Wala siyang nabanggit na ganoon sa akin. Is it because we are not close enough? Is it because she donʼt trust me enough?

It was such a relief when I didnʼt saw my dad anywhere at the mansion. I asked the maids where he could be and they told me that he left early.

Mabuti at wala siya rito. Kung nandito siya, si Mr. Lopez na naman ang pag-uusapan namin. Hindi ko pa siya pwedeng kausapin regarding sa utang nila. Malalagutan talaga ako kapag nalaman ni Dad na wala pa rin hanggang ngayon.