In The Professor's Shadow

Chapter 5

Jasmine

"Jasmine!" Tawag sa akin ni dad nang pumasok ako sa kusina. I walk straight to the refrigerator and get an apple. An apple a day can make a lively day.

Tumingin ako kay dad at ang seryoso niya na parang may kasalanan ako.We still didn't settle everything.

"You need to explain something." Sabi niya at inilapag sa mesa ang isang papel.

"About what?" Tanong ko at dinampot ito saka binasa. This is the first time that I got involve in school issues.

"Did you just hit someone's car yesterday?" He asked me using his authoritative voice.

"Yes." Sagot ko. There's no point of lying anyway. If I will lie, dad will find ways to know the truth.

"Why did you do that?" He asked while looking at me unbelievably. Baka akala niya nagre-rebelde ako.

"Who gave the information dad? I just teach her a lesson, that girl is acting like she can do anything she wanted just because she have connections at muntik pa niya akong banggahin." I explained with a little bit of complain.

"Paano nalang kapag nabangga niya ako? Edi mas malaking problema iyon." Dagdag ko.

"I just received a letter given to me by Zsofia. Maybe it was an accident you said muntik na." He answered. The same school pala kaming dalawa but different building. Did she used Zsofia to reach out for dad?

I just rolled my eyes."Alam ko ang pinagka-iba nang aksidente at sinasadya dad." I said and bite on the apple I am holding. I can't believe that I am becoming a villain in the house.

"1st warning for your offense and they are asking for payment para sa side mirror na nasira. I will give Zsofia the payment so she can give it to that girl." Dad said and continue sipping his coffee. Wow! He can't entrust me the money for the payment?

"Don't get yourself involved again to any fights or issues." He said.

What's happening between us dad?"I'm sorry dad but you don't have to pay for it. I'll take care of it. It's my mistake and my responsibility." I just said because I know I can't win on him.

"Let me handle it, it's my responsibility as your father. Take Zsofia and Aicee with you as well." Utos ni dad habang nakatingin sa hawak niyang newspaper.

Dad is letting me get along with them but I just can't. Bakit ba pinipilit niya?"Yes dad." Sagot ko nalang kay dad at saktong pumasok naman sila Zsofia sa kusina. I can't express myself the way I want it to be. Everytime that I am having a conversation with dad, it always end up with a misunderstanding.

"I'll just wait for you in the car." Sabi ko sa dalawa at naunang umalis dahil tapos na akong kumain.

"May dadaanan muna tayong kaibigan bago pumasok." Sabi ko kila Zsofia nang makapasok sila sa sasakyan at pinaandar na ang sasakyan para masundo ko na rin si Adrian. Akala mo young master na dapat sinusundo.

"Pasensiya pala tungkol doon sa nalaman ni tito na nangyari kahapon nagpagawa kasi si Riza ng letter tapos sinabing ibigay ko raw kay tito David." Zsofia apologized to me. Despite of me not liking the idea of this family set-up, I still have a soft spot for these people.

They are actually genuine people but I just can't let anyone replace my mother, especially our family."I understand.By the way did dad gave you the money?" I asked and she nod. She looks so guilty on what happened. I think they are also feeling what I am feeling.

"Don't give it." Sabi ko sa kaniya habang nakatingin sa may kalsada.

"Pero...paano kung magtanong si tito? O baka gumawa pa lalo ng gulo si Riza?" Malumanay na tanong niya.