AGS 3: The Stag Party (PUBLISHED)

2. Bad, Bad Boy

"Anak, come here!"

"Wait po!"

I have a morning class today, and Daddy told me he was going to pick me up para ihatid sa uni. It's been months since the last time he visited me sa bahay ni Mommy.

Sumakay na ako sa red SUV sa harap ng gate. Dad was smiling at me and took my bag so I could fix my seatbelt.

"Where's Tita Hellen?" I asked about his wife.

"Sa flower shop. I'll pick her up after this."

"I loved the flowers she sent me last time. Like din ni Gina. Tell her I said hi." I smiled at Daddy and took my bag.

"I will, honey."

Dad drove along Dolleton paalis. I studied in FE Alabang before, a few streets away from Mommy's house, and had to transfer to FE Manila to study in college under the tourism course.

My parents were separated. It wasn't that sad since they were still good friends. Walang third party sa kanila. After their annulment when I was five, nagkaroon na sila ng sariling buhay.

Daddy married Tita Hellen, a florist and store owner sa Dangwa and sa Araneta. Mom has a girl partner named Gina. Nagpakasal sila sa Los Angeles two years ago, and they managed several gun shops in the Metro. It was easy for them since Mom's family works in the gun industry.

Mom was the one who initiated the annulment when she found out that they couldn't work the relationship out anymore. It was a healthy breakup for me kasi hindi emotionally drained si Mom even after she learned na hindi niya gusto ang asawang lalaki.

Dad is a good man, and he wanted my mom to be happy even if he wasn't the reason for that happiness anymore. I didn't feel a lack of love or toxicity between them kasi para lang akong nagkaroon ng extended family. There were times na sama-sama kaming nagdi-dinner as a family.

"Mr. Ybañez called, running for president's lister ka raw," Dad said, and I nodded.

"Yes, Dad! I'm keeping my grades high para puwede na ulit akong makapag-China by April."

Dad chuckled and nodded. "As you should."

My dad, Adrian Chua, is the youngest son of the owner of Asia Lite Brewery. Exporter at importer sila ng iba't ibang mga alak na sinu-supply sa restaurants na nagke-cater ng exotic food at Asian cuisine. Isa sa mga client din nila ang family ng isa sa directors ng school, si Sir Ybañez. Although si Daddy, working siya ngayon abroad at kauuwi lang for a vacation.

8 a.m. ang class ko, and after we headed to Morayta, ibinaba na ako ni Daddy sa may entrance ng building namin. May three cars pang naka-park din sa unahan niya at nakikita ko na ang iba kong classmates.

"How about your last class, honey?" Dad asked after he opened the car's door for me.

"Night class po ako. Seven po ang out."

"Oh." Dad frowned, and I understood what that meant. He needed to be with Tita before six kasi susunduin pa niya sa flower shop.

"It's okay po. Susunduin ako ni Gina."

"Much better." He smiled at me and kissed me on the forehead. "Sunday, may family dinner. Sabay na kayo ng mommy mo pumunta."

"Sure thing, Dad. I love you!"

"I love you too, honey."

My dad is the sweetest dad in the universe. He loves to travel, and he always takes me abroad if there's a chance. I was planning to go to Beijing this coming summer and was looking forward ako na makita siya sa bahay ng grandparents namin doon.