The Opposite of Hate (Upper Crust #1)

Chapter 48

Chapter 48
"History"

"Why don't you try dating Slater again? Bakit nga ba hindi kayo natuloy na dalawa?" ani Lola after her failed attempt in matching making. I am not even a bit remorseful for treating that Terrence badly.

"Nothing is gonna work out, Lola, not with Slater, or anyone else."

If only she knew how hard I tried to fight these feelings. Pinahirapan ako nito nang matagal na panahon. Hindi ko ginustong mahulog kay Aris. I hated him, for real, at one point. At ang matanto kalaunan na mahal ko siya, it was such a big hard slap. Para iyong malaking ganti sa akin ng panahon at pagkakataon.

Kinalaban ko ang sarili ko, at sa huli, talo ako. Hate could not stand the scorch of love. Nanalo man sa simula, but it comes back with a bigger fire, hanggang sa wala ng kawala.

"Because you didn't try hard enough," she continues. Pinalagpas ko iyon at hindi na umimik para pagbigyan siya.

I don't know how hard is enough for her. Kung kulang pa ang halos ikawala ng sarili ko, then I don't know anymore.

Pagkauwi namin naroon na sila Mama at Papa. Dumating din si Tito Chady at Tita Tratra kasama ang kanilang anak para dumalaw.

Lumapit ako kay Mama at agad niya akong niyakap.

"Are you alright?" nag-aalala niyang bulong sa'kin.

"I'm alright, Ma."

"Good thing you're here, Clarke," sabi ni Lola. "We need to talk."

Papa would like to go with them to Lolo's office, pero pinigilan na siya ni Mama.

I sighed. I can't stay another night here.

"What's happening?" May kalituhang sabi ni Tito Chady.

"I heard the maids, ayaw daw ni Mama na magkatuluyan itong si Laviña at Aris." Si Tita Tratra ang sumagot sa asawa.

Frowning a bit, Tito turned to me. "Sila na pala?"

"Charles," tawag ni Papa kay Tito.

I excused myself at umakyat na sa itaas para makapagpalit na ng damit. Muling bumalik ang isip ko kay Aris at sa trabaho. Wala naman sigurong ginagawang dapat ikapangamba si Aris. He is just probably working in his office or out somewhere for business.

Nanatili lang ako sa kwarto, naghihintay na ipatawag o ng hapunan. I was mapping my plan. Aalis ako rito pumayag man si Lola o hindi. I am not delaying now. Heck, I am not really that patient and composed.

Kahit gaano pa ako magpakabait at magpakatama, it's impossible to be approved by everybody. I value my family, I value my grandmother, but I can't wait until Lola changes her mind. Kung hihintayin ko iyon maraming mawawalan sa akin... baka mawala siya sa akin.

We all gathered sa dining para sa hapunan. Nakaupo na kami, nagtitinginan. Tahimik at parang iba ang hangin. What could have happened sa pag-uusap ni Lola at Mama. Did it went well?

Bago paman makapagsimula sa hapunan, dumating ang katulong na mula pa sa labas.

"Andito po ulit si Sir Aris," imporma niya.