Shelter in a Storm (Elyu Series #2)

Chapter 40

Note: R18 content
-

Major General Cajucom stared at my face intently. Saglit lang na dumaan ang gulat sa mukha niya pero nawala rin iyon. He smiled at me.

"I've met my only son, Trey's girlfriend before... and I'm pretty sure it's not you."

Hindi ko binitawan ang titig sa kaniya. "You know who I'm talking about, Major General."

Mahina itong natawa sa sinabi ko. "You're a doctor?"

"I have a PhD."

"Really? What's your research all about?"

Sa wakas ay binitawan niya na din ang kamay ko. I was nervous, but I would never betray myself in front of him. I know he's just being polite, so I tried to explain it as briefly as I can.

Major General Cajucom glanced at his wife who's been patiently waiting for him. He excused himself after our small talk and went to their table. Ako naman, naupo na rin at nakitang papalapit na si Enrique sa akin.

"Anong sinabi niya sa'yo?"

Hindi na nakatiis si Enrique at tinanong ako nang makapasok kami sa sasakyan. He went pale when he saw me talking to his father, on the way back to our table, but he didn't say anything.

I shrugged. "Wala naman. He asked about my research and he was being polite about it."

"Did you say... who you are?" He almost whispered.

I nodded and smiled at him. "I wanted to see his reaction."

Enrique shook his head. "You'll never get that from him. I tried to follow his footsteps on PMA and graduated as class valedictorian but I didn't get as much as a nod of recognition from him. Kahit na nung ma-promote ako nang maaga..." he trailed off and shook his head.

"Is it important to you?" I asked softly. "To get your father's recognition?"

Enrique went silent. After a long while, he sighed.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko din alam..." he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Siguro dahil palagi kong nakikita si Mama na umiiyak dahil sa kaniya. Gusto kong tapunan niya din kami ng tingin, ng atensyon, ng kaunting pagmamahal..." he chuckled humorlessly. "Pero mukhang impossibleng mangyari iyon."

I thought about his sisters. Enrique is strong and resilient. He can withstand his father's cold attitude towards them but what about the girls? Every time they see their father on the news, they can't proudly claim him as family. Lumaki silang wala ang ama sa piling nila kaya napilitan si Enrique na magpaka-Tatay para sa kanila.

"But tonight, after seeing him receive all the awards for all the years in service, I decided that this fight is finally over." Enrique leaned back and closed his eyes. "I won't chase for his approval or love anymore. I'm going to start accepting the fact that my father will never, ever love me."

I leaned on his shoulder and said nothing. We were both exhausted and drained from the event, but somehow, Enrique's surrender brought an air of calmness in him. The storm inside him has finally died down.

"I'm proud of you..." I reminded him again as we both dozed off to sleep.

As the day of his departure neared, I felt strangely calm. Hindi tulad noon na para akong mababaliw sa tuwing iniisip ko na aalis ulit siya. I even asked my friends what to do with myself once he leaves again.

But right now, after everything that's happened... I think I'll be okay.

Kinapa ko and dibdib ko kung may natitira pa bang galit, puot, o hinanakit dahil aalis ulit siya. I couldn't find any. All I know is that I'm proud of him and I'll definitely wait for his return with a happy heart.