Chasing The Wild (Del Galiego Series #2 || ON-HOLD)

CHAPTER 3: CASA DEL GALIEGO

"I called you many times! But you didn't answer! Pinag-alala mo kami, Tia!" Dad's voice boomed across the room, but I didn't look back. I just kept walking towards the stairs, my feet heavy with exhaustion.

I had just gotten home, and that was the first thing I heard. It was already the eighth time today that Dad had lectured me, but it felt like he'd been repeating the same lines a thousand times. His voice bounced off the high ceilings and echoed through the grand hall, making every step I took feel heavier.

Mom stood beside him, her calmness the total opposite of Dad's fiery temper. She wasn't saying anything, just holding his hand like she was trying to silently remind him to calm down. I glanced at her for a second—she was always the mediator between us. It was like she knew when to step in, without even having to say a word.

I reached the middle of the staircase when Dad's voice sliced through the air again.

"Celestiana!"

I stopped in my tracks, closing my eyes for a moment before turning around. I sighed loudly, not even trying to hide my frustration, and faced him, my arms crossed over my chest.

"Dad," I started, my voice already tired, "I already told you, I slept at the hotel. And I'm fine, okay? Please, Dad, I'm really tired."

He took a deep breath, and I could see Mom gently rubbing his arm, as if to remind him to ease up.

"Ramon, please," Mom said softly, giving me a sympathetic look. "Pagod ang anak mo. Alam mo naman na galing lang siya sa break-up sa lalaking 'yon."

Dad's eyes darted to Mom, frustration mixed with something else, maybe concern, before he looked back at me. His finger pointed at me, a clear sign he wasn't finished.

"Don't ever do that again, Celestiana," he warned, his voice firm. "Baka pabantayan kita kay Manong Reguel."

I could feel my face heating up in embarrassment. I threw my hands in the air, feeling completely drained from the entire day.

"Dad! Ugh! Fine, okay! I won't do it again," I muttered, more to get him off my back than anything. Then, I turned back around and climbed the stairs, each step feeling like a tiny victory. At least, I could finally escape.

As I made my way to my room, I couldn't help but think about how it wasn't always like this with Dad. Most of the time, he's sweet, caring, treating me like his little princess. I know deep down he's only worried, and this is his way of showing he cares, but sometimes it just feels like... too much. I feel like covering my ears and blocking him out.