Sunset of Times

Kabanata 36

"Colleen, huminahon ka muna. Naguguluhan ang bata sa inaakto mo,"

Tito Matthias stood up, he's still wearing his business attire as he manly walks up to speak infront of Mommy. Ngumiti ng marahan saakin si Tito bago niya nilingon ng seryoso si Mommy.

I saw Mommy brushed her hair out of frustration, and then she held onto her chest to take a breath before nodding to Tito Matthias and then gave me small smile.

"Where have you been, Steph?" Mahinahong tanong niya

"Galing po sa school. I signed up for summer class because Cassy don't want to be alone. And then we went to Zeya's house..." Magalang kong sabi,

She nodded to me. The awkward atmosphere begun coming again, others were just silent as they are. I don't even know why they are here.

"And you did not tell me? I just woke up knowing my daughter is not in the house anymore."

Sunod kong nilingon si Dad na seryosong nakatingin saakin. I sighed and rolled my eyes before looking at him again,

Here we go again, mag aaway na kami.... Magsisimula nanaman ang kaguluhan...

"How could I wake you up? You seem so tired," I scoffed "Gosh, I envy your bed. You have time for it and yet you can't even spare some for your own daughter." Sabi ko, I saw his jaw clenched.

"Stephanie." Banta ni Tita Tanya, seryoso ang tono habang nakatingin saakin. Pinakalma naman siya ni Tito Luke.

"You can't just leave the house without my knowledge, Stephanie. I'm still your father," Daddy spoke again, this time, he took a step forward to be near me and Mommy.

Hindi ako sumagot. My sarcastic expression is showing and so does my smirk. I know all of them noticed my reaction but no one dared to say anything. I'm losing patience, I'm losing strength on trying to understand Dad's side pero hindi ko na talaga kaya, kailangan ko na talaga mag salita.

"Uh-huh? What kind of a father who misses out his daughter's birthday? Incase you don't know— I mean, hindi mo naman talaga alam eh. I turned eighteen, Dad. And you weren't there." Blankong sabi ko, namamanhid ang dibdib ko sa sakit pero nanaig ang kasing lamig ng yelo ang aking pakikitungo

I saw a glimpse of pain on Dad's eyes. Just a glimpse of it, I feel like I was just imagining things dahil ang seryosong mukha niya muli ang nakita ko.

Ofcourse, why would he feel pain? He's a cold hearted man.

"Your father can explain about that, Iha. Don't be too angry about his absence," Singit ni Tito Luke, nanatiling kalmado ang kanyang boses.

I sarcastically smirk and then crossed my arms to look at everybody. "Okay, Then. Let's hear your explanation, dear father." Lingon ko kay Dad,

Everybody look at him, but his eyes are looking at mine. I couldn't read his expression and mind. His not really serious, and his not that calm too. Napalunok lang siya habang nakatingin saakin kaya pinakita ko muli na naghihintay ako sa sasabihin niya.

But then his face softened while looking at me, umiwas siya ng tingin saakin saka mahinang yumuko.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered but it was enough for everyone to hear it.

I scoffed. I felt a pain on my chest like it was stabbed by a sharp dagger that made me look at my father with so much resentment. Napahigpit na rin ang hawak ko sa bag ko bago ako nasimulang naglakad palayo sakanila, patungo ng hagdan.