Block the Raging Heat

Chapter 2

"Yes, ma'am!" Napalakas kong sambit. Mabilis akong uminom ng tubig dahil kinabahan. Medyo nanginig rin ang mga kamay.

The moment that I heard what Mrs. Cuevas said I know for sure na may mamumuong kung ano sa isip ni Papa.

I don't want that.

"Your youngest?" Papa asked attentively. The mentioning of kids really caught his attention.

"Yes, Chief. My Lorenzo is really a good boy. Mabait ang anak ko. I can see that you will be good friends, hija." Pagbubuhat ng ginang sa bangko ng anak.

Nangingiti na lang ako sa ginang at hindi na makasagot. This is what I hate the most. I hate pushovers.

"I will call him so you two can meet and eventually get to know each other." The woman said excitedly.

I want to stop her but Papa's eyes are telling me not to do anything that will ruin the moment.

"We can meet some other time, Ma'am." I said with a smile. Binalewala ang nakakamatay na tingin mula sa ama.

That's when I felt my father gently kicking my feet. Damn, I am doomed for sure.

"It's okay, he's not busy, hija. Pwedeng pwede siyang dumaan dito. Saglit, Diomedes. I will call our son. I excuse myself, Chief." Paalam niya sa amin bago lumabas.

I can't help myself but sigh. Hindi rin nakaligtas yon kay Papa lalo na at napansin ni Governor.

"I apologise for my wife's behalf, hija. She's a little match-maker, isn't she?" Natatawang sambit ni Governor. Natutuwa sa akto ng asawa.

Habang ako naman ay hirap nang lumunok dahil sa narinig.

"Not really, Sir. It's okay, I was just... surprised." Nasabi ko na lang lalo at matalim na ang tingin sa'kin ni Papa. His eyes was murderous. Parang sinasabi sa akin na anong karapatan ko para tumanggi.

I'm dead.

Not too long and the woman came back with a wide smile. Like her wishes is finally granted. I on the other side ay parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa ang mukha.

"He just got off from his classes. He'll be here few minutes from now." She announced happily that I felt guilty for declining her wish earlier.

The woman was all smiles. Too happy that with her decision.

"Let's eat first." Papa when the food was served.

Gaya nga ng sabi ay kumain kami. It lasted for about half an hour dahil kapag kuwan ay may batuhan ng tanong at tawanan sila Papa at ang dalawang Cuevas.

Ako naman sa gilid ay tahimik lang sumisip sa hawak na baso. Ini-enjoy ang sago't gulaman. Mahal kasi kaya pinipilit kong ubusin.

Dahil medyo nakakaramdam ng antok bahagya akong nakatungo. Kagagaling ko lang sa training ng umuwi ako kanina. Hindi pa nga nag-iinit puwit ko sa pagkakaupo nang nagyakag si Papa. Hindi man lang sinabi sa akin na may plano palang ganito para sana maaga akong nagpaalam na umuwi.

Mabagal ang pagkurap ng mata ko ng may marinig akong yabag papalapit. Since we're in the private area, kakaunti ang okupadong mesa malapit sa amin. Kaunting kibot ay rinig talaga.

Hindi ko naman pinagkaabalahan ang tumunghay. Like what I expected it was the young Cuevas.

"Good evening, Ma." The baritone voice greeted his mother first. Though his voice is serious I heard a hint of fondness in it. Whole different when he greeted his father and Papa. It was cold.

I remained quiet. Hindi siya pinagtuonan ng pansin. I know that Mrs. Cuevas wants me to meet her son not for formality but for something more intimate. Ayoko noon. Kahit pa mag-away kami ni Papa ay hindi ako papayag.