KUMPAS

Chapter 7

Ella.

"Dad, you know from the start my stand about our business. I don't want anything to do with it. Don't take it against me please, I'm happy where I am right now." I explained on the phone.

"I know but the offer still stands. You can come home anytime and take the position. I will keep it open for you." Dad said.

I sighed and tried to calm myself.

"Ate Joyce can do a better job than me besides you are still young and capable Dad. Why are you such in a hurry?" I asked.

I can sense his agitated feelings even if I can't see his face. Na guilty naman ako ng slight.

"Iha, just come home. See and observe the business first then you can decide after whether you'll accept or not." he replied after a long while.

"The answer is still no, Dad." I firmly said.

"Do you want me to ask your Mom to call you?" he asked.

Oh no, eto na naman kami. He will use Mom so I'll agree with what he wants. Alam kasi ni Dad na hindi ako makakahindi pag si Mom na ang nakiusap.

"I'll think about it Dad but no promises." sagot ko just to end the conversation.

"That's my girl. Thank you." sabi niya.

"Don't thank me yet. Love you Dad, bye." I said before ending the call.

It's been like forever that my Dad is encouraging or rather forcing me to be involved with his company. Family business daw ito so dapat hindi lang si Ate Joyce ang may alam sa negosyo kundi pati ako.

Isn't it a show of not fully trusting Ate Joyce?

Siya ang panganay kaya dapat lang na siya ang susunod sa yapak ni Dad. She is doing a great job as far as I know.

How about kuya Jorenz? Siya ang pangalawa sa amin, so next in line kay Ate si Kuya.

Matagal pa ako sa linya, at marunong akong pumila.

The problem is, Dad still wants me huhu.

I am Jorella Marie De Jesus by the way. Ella for short. Bunso sa tatlong magkakapatid.

Puro J pala initials ninyo.

I am staying and working here na sa US in a prestigious company. Pinaghirapan ko ito. Ako kasi yung taong ayaw umasa sa ibang tao o sa family business namin kaya nagsikap talaga ako na makahanap ng job dito.

Ganun din si Kuya Renz pero sa UK naman siya. Ang naiwan kila Dad and Mom sa Pinas ay si Ate Joyce lang.

I'm not saying that Ate relies only with our parents, she really work hard too for the company. Kaya bagay talaga sa kanya na maging kapalit ni Dad in case he wants to lie low na from working.

However, I'm surprised when Ate called me nga at pinapauwi daw ako ni Dad. But I am fully satisfied and contented with my work here tapos pauuwiin niya lang ako basta basta.

No way!

I somewhat agreed kasi with Dad na uuwi nga muna ako sa Pinas eh kaso nagka pandemic kaya hindi natuloy. That was two years ago, akala ko nakalimutan na ni Dad.

Tinatawagan niya nga ako but I'm not answering his calls kaya si Ate ang nangungulit sa akin. Siempre sinagot ko na din ang tawag ni Dad baka kasi itakwil niya na ako.

I called Ate after talking to Dad.

"Ate, why didn't you warn me about Dad's request?" tanong ko agad pagsagot niya.