Our Fallout: A Second Chance

Thirty Four

Chapter 34:
Protect

Kasama ko si Papa ngayon sa isang friendly tennis game kasama ang mga business partners niya. "Will, I never thought you'd bring your girls to events like these." at malaswang tumingin sa akin ang lalakeng matanda.

Damn, I can't believe I need to be with people like him. I guess Papa's right in the world of business you need to suck everything.

"Louie, don't talk to my daughter like that!" ngising sabi ni Papa pero ramdam ko ang inis niya at nagulat ang matandang Louie. "Your what? I didn't know you had a daughter? Is it from your mistress or the wife?" hindi ko maiwasang mapairap sa mga sinasabi niya.

Hindi na lang siya pinansin ni Papa at dumiretso sa isang grupo saka niya ako pinakilala sakanila. Ang ibang kasamahan niya ay dala din nila ang anak nila tila mga palamuti nila.

"Finally Bro! You brought your daughter. You know, your Dad's the only one who comes here without any child." hindi ko alam kung nang aasar siya o masaya siya kay Papa.

And now I understand why they bring their children here. It's to associate your child with another wealthy family. Keeping your social close to you. It's purely a business relationship again.

"Jake." "Max." "Keane." "Carli." sunod sunod silang nagpakilala sa akin. Bale nasa iisang table na lang kami. "Kirsten." sagot ko naman sakanila.

I am already bored here. They're talking about their background things. Having the newest cool trend items. Boasting their money and shits. Just the same brat rich kids.

I don't like it here.

Nakipaglaro din ako sakanila at dahil sa sobrang bored ko napunta ata sa laro lahat ng lakas ko. I didn't mean to smash hard and hit Carli's head. Oo, natalo ko silang lahat.

Seryosong nakatingin naman sa akin si Papa at halos itakbo na nila sa hospital si Carli. OA! Hindi naman masakit yon eh. "What are you doing, Niana? We're here to socialize not to compete." diing sabi niya habang nakasunod ako sakanya papunta sa kotse.

"I don't like this." seryosong pag amin ko na ikinatingin niya agad sa akin. "How can you be a successful businessman if you don't know how to socialize? This is important for your career." he deeply sighed.

Yes, I wanna be part of their business but not in a way like this. I wanna work my ass off in a conference room, office or anything not socializing with people who aren't even my friends.

"And what did I tell you? Just suck everything up even though they're stepping into your ego. So what? Just don't let it get into your head. This is purely business." inis niyang sabi na ikinairap ko.

Kung alam niya lang kanina pa nila ako tinatapaktapakan at kanina pa ako nagtitimpi. Bumawi lang ako sa tennis!

"What? Like what the old man said to you? I'm sorry but how can I trust my partner when he doesn't even respect me—" "This is not friendship or any serious relationships but business. Respect doesn't revolve here. It's money!" napabuga ako sa narinig ko.

Okay. Fuck.

"Then I won't bet my money on that old shit man." diretsong sabi ko at ramdam ko ang inis niya. "Are you listening to me, young lady?" he said in his serious voice.

I never saw him get angry at me. To be honest, I don't think he knows how to handle having a daughter. This is his first time, I understand that.

"Yes, I clearly understand you, Papa. But business is also building relationships with your partner because how can you trust someone with your money with no respect? I believe that doing business harmony and unity should be the one leading your relationship with each other." akala ko mas lalo siyang magagalit pero napangisi siya.