Carrying the Real Trophy ✓

Chapter XI

XI: Everything

"It's raining outside."

Nagambala ang pagiging tulala ko sa sinabi ni dad. I looked at him. Napakurap ako. He seemed to be puzzled by how I have been acting over the last several hours as he stares at me. Tumikhim ako at nag-iwas ng tingin.

It was raining cats and dogs as I glanced out the window.

"You're right, dad." I sighed. Bumalik ang tingin ko sa TV at muling natulala.

"You're pale. Are you okay, sweetheart?"

Dad rubbed my back, and I nearly leaped in the sofa.

"Oh? What's wrong?"

I smiled at him. Kahit na pilit lang.

"Hmm? Wala, dad."

"Kanina pa 'yan. You look down. Inaya nga kitang manood ng paborito nating comedy show pero hindi ka naman nanonood. . . nakatulala ka lang. I was laughing the whole time!" Dad slightly pressed his lips. "And your mind is travelling all over the place!"

"Dad. . ." His goofiness made me chuckle. Pero alam niyang peke iyon. "I'm fine. Napagod lang ako kanina."

"Your actions and your words aren't matching at all! Nasaan ba 'yang Rafael na 'yan? Lulumpuhin ko!" Sinubukan niyang tumayo ngunit pinihit ko ang katawan nito pababa.

"Walang ginawa si Rafael, dad! He waited outside for me. Maayos p-po kami. . ."

He raised an eyebrow when he heard the last three words I uttered. He then shook his head, obviously aware of what was happening between us. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang patayin niya ang TV kahit hindi pa tapos ang show at tumayo na. He's serious this time!

"Ayusin niyo 'yan, Riki," seryoso ang tonong sinabi ni dad.

Just by calling me by my name, I can tell he's really serious! Iba ang pagkakatawag niya sa pangalan ko kapag galit siya saakin! I quickly gulped down my saliva.

"H'wag niyong ipagpabukas pa ang away at tampuhan. That might lead to a bigger problem. You ought to lower your pride and understand him sometimes. Hindi sa lahat ng oras, lalaki ang dapat na magpakumbaba at humingi ng pasensiya sa lahat. We are all humans, after all. Walang ginawang mataas o mababa ang Diyos pagdating sa pag-ibig. In love, there is no hierarchy. "

Wala akong naging kibo sa pangangaral ni dad. I think he is right, but I can't do that still.

"I know you, you're just like your mother. You are stubborn and always allow your mind to win. You often find it to be difficult to be carefree and honest with those you love." He sighed. "It's alright. Do not be afraid to let your emotions out. It's totally fine, anak."

Dad squatted and gave my forehead a kiss.

"I'm not in need of some life lessons right now, dad—"

"Shush. . ." Niyakap ni dad ang ulo ko gamit ang braso niya at halos mamatay na ako dahil walang hangin na pumapasok sa aking ilong!

"D-Dad!" I choked.

Sinubukan kong kumawala ngunit likas na malakas si dad. Tumatawa pa talaga!

"Try to feel well before going to bed because I know you're not. Always remember to avoid stress, papangit ka na!" Iyon ang huli niyang sinabi bago ako pakawalan.

Umirap ako at nagpameywang.

"Goodnight, sweetheart!" He gave me a wink before turning around and rushing up the stairs.

Nang mawala siya sa paningin ko ay muli akong tumingin sa bintana. It's still raining. Tatlong oras na rin ang lumipas nang mangyari ang pag-aaway naming dalawa ni Rafael.