In The Professor's Shadow

Chapter 1

"Informing earlier is better than letting that person discover everything, when it is already done. It makes them feel like they cannot be trusted."

Jasmine

I am busy cooking dinner when I heard someone calling my name."Jasmine!" It was dad from the sala. I think he arrived already from work.

I walk towards our sala at naabutan ko si dad na tinatanggal ang coat niya. Napatingin siya sa akin after he loosen his necktie.

"Looks like you're busy cooking?" Dad asked and smile.

Hawak-hawak ko pa ang tong kasi nagluluto ako ng fried chicken."Stating the obvious." Sagot ko rito saka tumawa ng marahan.

"Nagpapatulong lang ako kay manang para sa dinner natin. It's been a week at gusto kog bumawi" Dugtong ko. I just came from a vacation with my friends this morning. We went out to have some fun before proceeding to our individual mission and studies. Sometimes,we need to stop and enjoy the moment because every second that pass is a treasure.

"That's my little princess." Sabi ni dad at ngumiti. I might accept if he said that I am his young lady but little princess?

"I am not a little princess anymore dad. I am a grown-up woman." Reklamo ko at ngumiti ng pilit. I am already a college student and still treating me like a kindergarten.

Something fishy is really happening with dad."What's with the smile? Last week ko pa napapansin. Any exciting happenings?" Tanong ko kasi napansin ko na parang mapupunit ang kaniyang labi ka-kangiti.

"Exciting it is." He said while his eyes are twinkling like stars. This is quite mysterious.

"Are you free this weekend?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Day or Night? I have a gig dad during weekends with my friends that's why I need to adjust my time. I am using my vacation time wisely." Sagot ko sa kaniya. I am just enjoying the given vacation because when the school year starts again, all of us will be busy, most especially that our missions will be given.

Our secret trainings are already done and we are prepared to face our mission for the justice of our family member who died. We just need to do a mission for the organization, in exchange of justice that they promised.

"I already told you not to overwork yourself. I can provide for your needs hija." Sabi niya sa akin. I know that he can provide for us but I also have the capability.

Ayokong nakakulong lang dito sa bahay kasi bumabalik ang nakaraan kapag hindi puno ang aking isip sa ibang bagay. Lalo na at hindi ko pa lubusang napatawad ang sarili ko.

"Dad this is what makes me happy." Kalmadong saad ko.

"If that's what you want. Going back to our discussion. Let's have dinner this Saturday night." He initiated and smile.

"I would love that." I excitedly respond to him.

"I'm glad to hear that." He said and joy can be seen in his face.

I lost my mother two years ago because of an incident and everything changed in this house.

"Balik na ako sa kusina dad I'll prepare our dinner." Paalam ko at tumango siya.