Mondragon Empire 02 - Astraea Denise

Chapter 17

"I see how worried you are, son." napatingin si Nox sa ama na umakbay sa kanya. Pinisil nito ang balikat niya bago tinapik-tapik iyon. "I was surprised by her outburst. And that she was imprisoned but that didn't change the way that I see her."

"Theia is not that kind of woman, Dad. There must be a reason why she was in jail."

"That's true. At sa tingin ko, kahit whim lang iyong pagkakakulong ng batang iyon ay hindi ako madi-disappoint. There is something about her that makes me like her. I can't explain it but I do like that kid."

Me too, Dad. "Thanks, Dad."

"May alam ka ba tungkol sa pagkakakulong niya?"

"Wala po," hindi niya magawang umamin sa ama na siya ang nagbayad ng piyansa para makalaya ang nobya.

"Go, son. Magpahinga ka muna. Our day just started but I know how tiring that scene is for you."

"Not at all, dad. But I like the offer to rest. Akyat po muna ako," bago tuluyang makalapit sa hagdan ay lumingon siya sa kanyang ama at nagtanong, "Dad, will you get mad at me if I say that I wanted to marry Astraea Mondragon?"

"Are you sure?" paupo na sana ito sa sofa ng marinig ang tanong niya. Bigla itong napaderetso ng tayo. Muntik pang mabitawan ang salamin nito sa mata na isusuot na sana nito dahil may balak itong magbasa ng dyaryo.

"I've never been this sure, Dad. I am willing and I want to marry Astraea. Do you think Mom and Tito Maru will agree?"

"Of course, anak," nag-thumbs up pa ito sa kanya. "Your marriage, your decision. Hindi kami makikialam ng mommy mo sa kung anumang desisyon mo. And I'm sure your Tito Maru will be delighted by this news."

"Did you know that I loved that girl ever since I met her? She was just five then, for Pete's sake. I've always wanted to have a daughter. Theia is perfect for me. I wanted her to be my daughter-in-law." pagpapatuloy nito.

"Thank you," niyakap niya ang kanyang ama, "This approval means so much to me."

"We will support you in anything that you want, Anak. We will always have your back."

May binabasang papeles si Nox ng kumatok ang kanyang ina sa kanyang silid. Bakas sa mukha nito ang pag-aalala kahit na nakangiti ang mga labi. Ibinaba niya ang hawak at pinapasok ito. Inalalayan niya itong makaupo sa kama.

"Hindi ka ba busy, anak? Okay lang bang pumasok ako dito?"

"Of course, mom. Kahit anong ginagawa ko, pwedeng-pwede mo akong istorbohin."

"Ikaw talagang bata ka," hinampas siya nito sa dibdib. Bago humilig doon at huminga ng malalim.

"Anak, may gusto akong itanong sa iyo."

"Ano 'yon, Mom?"

"I trust you, Anak. I trust your choices. Pati na rin ang gusto ng daddy mo. But I was wondering... who is the girl that you are talking to with your dad?"

"Ah," ngumiti siya bago kinuha ang telepono sa bulsa. "Narinig mo na pala, mom."

"I've heard your conversation with your dad. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I got curious. I wanted to hear what approval you are seeking for your father. Tapos narinig ko na sabi ng daddy mo ay she wanted a daughter-in-law. Are you getting married?"

"Not yet, ma." natatawa niyang hinalikan ang ina sa noo.

"Eh, ano 'yon?"

"This is her, ma." Nakangiti niyang ipinakita sa ina ang litrato ng girlfriend niya. Alam niyang matalino ang kanyang ina at magtatanong ito kung bakit siya nagpakita ng picture ng isang babae.