The Truth Is Not True

Chapter 45 - Off

Jhoanna's POV:

This month was so hectic. The past few days were almost all about business meetings, proposals, and projects. The reason why I chose to go home to my condo and not to our house.

But today, I decided to take an off from work. I am craving for my family's presence since I became so busy. Matagal na akong hindi nalalagi dito kaya gusto kong bumawi sa mga oras na wala ako.

“Good morning po!” I greeted them happily as if I hadn't seen them in a year. Then, I unloaded the gifts I bought for them.

Daddy: "Oh, Tintin. I thought you had forgotten about us, Hahaha." He jokingly greeted me before giving me a hug, which made me smirk guiltily even though it was just a joke.

Mommy took the gifts I brought and arranged them on the table one by one.

"Daddy, come on. I'm here na nga oh." I quickly kissed his cheek. I always revert to being a child when it comes to my dad. With my parents, especially since I'm an only child, I become softer.

Mommy: "Are you gonna stay here for the whole day?" She asked, so I approached her and kissed her on the cheek before going to Grandma's side and greeting her with a hand gesture before kissing her cheek.

“Bakit parang ayaw niyo po yatang nandito ako?” Malungkot at may pagtatampong tono ko.

Daddy: “Hay nako, nagtampo na ang Tintin ko. Halika nga dito, Anak.” With his affectionate words, I approached him and sat on his lap, prompting him to hug me tightly.

Daddy: “Hay, ang bilis ng panahon. Dati ang liit-liit mo pa, ngayon damulag ka na at mas malaki pa ang paa sa akin.”

“Ehhh! Daddy naman eh!” This is what I really missed. Being a child with my parents, free to be myself. Unlike in the office, where I have to be brave and strong, where I have to wear a mask.

Daddy: "Hayyy. I feel so old, hahaha." He joked, causing me to pout.

“Si Baby Tintin niyo pa rin naman po ito. Ayaw niyo na po ba ako maging baby? Hahahah” I leaned on him, and I felt his hand gently brushing through my hair.

Mommy: "Kayo talagang mag-ama, you can't be separated when you meet. And you, Boyet, our child is already grown up, yet you still treat her like a baby! Halos yung mga kaedaran ng anak mo ay pwede nang mag-asawa."

Mommy scolded both me and Daddy before sitting down beside him. That's also what I missed about Mommy, her scolding. In the office, I'm the one who always does the scolding.

Daddy: “Hon naman! Tintin, hindi ka pa naman mag-aasawa 'di ba? 'Wag muna anak haa.”

“Daddy, I'm still young po. Wala pa po sa isip ko 'yan.”

Mommy: “Nako, Boyet. 'Pag yang anak mo bigla nalang nagpakasal, 'wag kang iiyak-iyak sa akin. Sinasabi ko sa'yo, nasa tamang edad na ang anak natin.” Dahilan para magtawanan kaming tatlo.

Daddy: “Tintin ko, huwag muna haaa. Hindi pa handa ang Daddy.” Paglalambing nito at kita sa mga mata nito ang lungkot.

Lola: “Kayong mag-ama, tama na ang drama. Halina at kumain na tayo, sumabay ka na rin, apo.” Kaya naman dumeretso na kaming apat sa dining table para kumain.

Lola: “How are you and Nicolette?”

“Ayos naman po kami.”

Grandma: "Hasn't Nicolette asked you to get married yet?" She asked calmly as if we were discussing something light. While Daddy seemed like he was choking.