Academic Temptations

Chapter 50

Dad was furious. Who wouldn't be when everyone's against him? Achie had asked me to go to my room to rest while they tried to calm him down, so I had to send Harriet home first since this was already a family issue and she needed rest as well. I had to reassure her that I wouldn't run away anymore.

While they talked to my Dad, I went to my room to unpack all my stuff and also took a hot shower. When I feel upset, I take my time in the bathroom, just letting the water flow over my head. It's somehow therapeutic.

A knock on my door interrupted my shower, so I immediately grabbed a towel and got dressed before leaving the shower. I opened my door, revealing my mom.

"Isla, can I come in?" I nodded and stepped aside to let her in. I stayed silent, just waiting for her to say something, but she grabbed a hairbrush and had me sit at my vanity table. She removed the towel from my head and started brushing my hair. This feels so cliche, but I don't mind at all. She used to love doing this when we were kids.

"I am sorry for not speaking up earlier," she started. I just let her talk.

"You know how stubborn your Dad is. He is also old-fashioned, so it's hard for him to accept it." I looked at my mom's reflection, meeting her eyes.

"How about you?" I asked.

"Tama ang Achie mo. For most of your life, we've been absent, and yet you've been nothing but perfect to us. I'm grateful for that. You never resented us despite our absence, and you understood us, so I think it's about time I do the same for you, Isla. All I want is for you to be happy, and if she makes you happy, then that's what matters. But please promise me, finish your studies first before you enter a relationship with Miss De Veres. I'm worried about what others will say, especially since she's your university president. Can you do that for me?" I nodded in response. They have a point, after all.

"About your dad, don't worry about him for now. We'll be gone for a while because many business trips have been postponed, and while we're away, I will do my best to convince him. For now, focus on your studies and continue doing what you've always been doing. Don't hesitate to contact us, especially your siblings. Alright? I love you, Isla," after her words, she leaned in to place a kiss atop my head. I stood up and hugged my mom.

"Thank you, mommy. I love you too." Alam kong hindi pa buo ang approval na natanggap ko mula sa mga magulang ko, pero gumaan ang pakiramdam ko dahil hindi ko na kailangan pang magtago sa kanila.

Nagpaalam na sa akin si mommy na aalis na sila, pati na rin ang mga kapatid ko. Kaya naiwan na naman akong mag-isa sa mansion pero ayos lang dahil balak kong puntahan si Harriet para makipag-usap, dahil hindi rin kami masyadong nag-usap simula noong sinundo niya ako sa kanilang restaurant.

Nagsimula na akong mag-ayos at magbihis. Sa condo lang naman niya ang pupuntahan ko, kaya hindi na ako masyadong nag-ayos. Magpapa deliver nalang daw siya ng pagkain naminpara doon na lang din ako mag dinner. Once I felt content with my appearance, I grabbed my phone and car keys before heading outside.

I drove to Harriet's place, and in just 15 minutes, I arrived at her condo. I don't know why, but I still feel nervous about seeing her. She just has this effect on me. I pressed her doorbell, and it swung open almost instantly as if she had been expecting my arrival.

I was caught off guard when she pulled me inside and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. I couldn't help but bite my lip to suppress my smile. Hindi ko pa rin mapigilan ang kilig tuwing kasama ko siya.

"How did it go?" She asked, leading me to the kitchen.

"Dad still can't accept it, but Mom said she'll handle it. She's fine with us, but I have to graduate first so..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say next. I didn't want to say I'd break things off with her after saying yes, but I have to respect my mom's wish.

"I understand, Isla. We'll take it slow. I love you, and I will wait for you." I smiled at her as she squeezed my hand in comfort.

Umupo na ako sa tapat niya at nagsimula na kaming kumain ng dinner. She had ordered roasted chicken from Kenny Roger's.

"What about your mom? What did she say about us?" I asked her this time.

"She knows I'm gay, and she doesn't care who I date as long as I do well at the university."

"I'm sure you'll do great," I replied. I can't believe she'll be the university president next school year.

"About your missed exams, I talked to the dean, and he said you can take them by Monday, but you only have two days to finish all those subjects because they need to finalize all recorded grades soon." I nodded in response. I knew I could finish all of it but it would be draining.

While I was eating, I realized I still had the ring she gave me, so I took it off and handed it to her. She looked at me with confusion.

"You gave me this to be your girlfriend, but since it's void now, I don't think I deserve this," She took the ring and my hand as well, catching me off guard. She placed the ring back on my finger.

"I gave this because I love you, so you should have it," she said. I pouted at her statement, realizing I hadn't even given her any gifts at all.

"I didn't even give you a token of love," I told her, making her chuckle.

"You are enough," she said before kissing my hand. I grinned widely at her gesture.

"What are your plans, by the way?" I asked her.

"Tomorrow, I have to go back to work and deal with everything that needs to be done. My mom's pushing me to work harder," she replied. " Bigla naman akong nakaramdam ng lungkot. Her mom's treatment was so different from her dad's, but I guess they just show their love in different ways. I'm sure her mom loves her.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault your mom's giving you a hard time."

"No, it's not. She's really like that noon pa," she reassured me.

"Your Tagalog is getting good you should speak more often, it makes you look hotter."

"Really? You find me hot?" She replied with a teasing smile, which I immediately regretted. She had that look again, the one that's hard to resist.

"Stop it, Harriet," I laughed as I saw her cheeks redden. She stood up from her chair and walked beside me, wrapping her arms around me from the side and resting her head on my neck.

"I love you so much, Isla. I don't mind waiting if it's for you. So, take all the time you need for your studies, and I'll just be here, alright? By then, maybe we can live together or even get married, I don't know. All I know is I just want to be with you. Is it weird? I know we only met a few months ago, but I can already picture you and me in the future," she said lovingly making me smile at her words.

Even though we've only known each other for a short while, I feel it deep in my heart. It's said that when you meet the right person, you just know. And in my case, there was no doubt in my heart that Harriet was the one.