Shelter in a Storm (Elyu Series #2)

Chapter 41

"Hiwalayan mo ang anak ko! Ngayon din!" His angry voice thundered inside our hallway.

Despite my situation, I managed to let out a strained, sarcastic chuckle.

"Magta-tatlong dekada mo na siyang idini-deny sa publiko at ngayong akin siya, bigla mo siyang aangkinin?"

Nagtitigan kami ni Major General Cajucom. Pumipintig pa rin ang pisngi ko sa sakit. He was wearing his bull ring when he slapped me, for God's sake! Sana ay sinuntok nalang ako!

"Ikaw ang rason kung bakit magre-retiro siya nang maaga, diba?!" Mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa kwelyo ko.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw some concerned co-workers trying to get to me but the two privates stopped them. Marahan akong umiling, ayaw na madawit pa sila sa gulong ito.

"Ni minsan ay hindi ako sinuway ni Enrique!" Dumagundong ang boses niya sa building namin. I could see why he was such an asset to the army. He is so ferocious."At alam kong dahil yun sa'yo!"

"It's his decision, Major General. Wala akong sinabi sa anak ninyo dahil buhay niya naman yan. Kung ayaw na niyang mag-serbisyo, sino ka ba para pigilan siya? You have no right to dictate him what to do with his life when you can't even act like a father to him! You don't even want the public to know that he's your son and you want him to obey you?!"

"Pasalamat si Enrique at sinusuportahan ko pa ang mga kapatid niya kaya dapat lang na sumunod siya sa akin! My legacy in the army will continue—"

"What fucking legacy are you talking about?!" I screamed, and finally pushed him away. I wobbled a bit but I finally managed to break free from his grip. "He's not even carrying your name and he will never, ever carry your name! You are rotten!"

Pumula ang buong mukha niya sa galit. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I can't help myself anymore. Ngayon lang din ako nakaramdam ng ganito ka-tinding galit.

"If he continues this relationship with you..." dinuro-duro niya ako. "I will cut him and his siblings off. For good."

"That's great, because they don't need an absentee father like you." I touched my nose when I felt something warm coming out. Blood. Great. I harshly wiped it and glared daggers at him. "Kahit patayin mo pa ako, hinding-hindi ko hihiwalayan ang anak mo!"

He signaled to his two privates. I thought they were going to hurt me again but they just pushed my co-workers away. Mukhang aalis na ata.

My steps were brisk and fast as I caught up with him before he could turn his back from me. Bago ko pa mapigilan ang sarili ko, isang malakas na sampal ang iginanti ko sa kaniya.

"Eye for an eye, Major General." I gritted my teeth as my hand trembled. "I was raised by a strong woman. I'll never let you walk all over me."

"You fucking bitch—"

"Dr. Perez! What the hell is going on in my laboratory?!" Dumagundong ang malakas at galit na boses ni Dr. Kagawa.

I have never seen him this angry before. He had always been gentle and kind, kaya natakot kaagad ako. Umatras ako mula kay Major General at hinarap ang matanda.

"Dr. Kagawa, I'm s-sorry—"

"Who the hell are you?" He bellowed at Major General. "Get out of here at once! This is an academic institution! I won't tolerate any kind of violence here!"

Major General sneered and glanced at me once again.

"I hope you'll take the responsibility of his siblings from now on. Kasalanan mo na ngayon kung bakit sila mawawalan ng ama."