Miara's Mistakes: Part Two

(200) August 30, 2020

Treasure

Supposedly, Primo and Miara planned to explore the city for the whole day before going back to the province. Ngunit nang paalis na sila ng hotel ay tumawag ang ina ni Primo.

Basing on Primo's words, he is arguing with his mom. But even so, he didn't raise his voice once nor showed that he's annoyed. Pero kahit ganoon ay nakikita naman ni Miara na hindi natutuwa ang lalaki sa kung ano man ang naririnig nito.

"I'll talk to Miara first, Mom. I can't promise anything." Nang marinig ang pangalan ay napatingin si Miara sa lalaki.

Primo placed his phone on the bedside table before sitting beside Miara on the couch. Inakbayan siya nito at mabilis niya namang sinandal ang kaniyang ulo sa balikat nito.

"Pinapauwi ka, noh?" Hula ni Miara.

Primo sighed with a nod. "Yes. Apparently, some important businessman is visiting our place. Mom is holding a spontaneous party for him. I think they're considering to be business partners, that's why..."

"Important pala, eh! Halika ka na para makapagpahinga ka pa bago ang party," ani Miara at mabilis na tumayo.

Primo was still on the couch, looking up at Miara with a surprised yet confused look. Hindi siguro nito inasahan na walang problema kay Miara ang biglaang pag-iba ng plano.

Primo sighed and stood up. Lumapit siya kay Miara para mayakap ito. "Babawi ako one of these day... let's go somewhere else."

Miara looked up to him with a smile. Wala naman talagang problema sa kaniya na mauudlot ang plano nila ngayon. Halos araw-araw naman silang nagkikita at sapat na 'yon sa kaniya.

When they arrived, Primo dropped Miara first. Miara spent the rest of the day doing schoolworks. Pinapatawag si Primo ng kaniyang ina ngunit susunduin niya naman mamaya si Miara bago ang party.

Miara fell asleep and was only woken up by her alarm clock. It was now time for her to prepare for the dinner party. Bago sila umalis ng Bacolod ay bumili sila ng damit ni Primo.

The dark-blue satin gown fit and hugged her shape effortlessly. The cloth was comfortable and elegant-looking. Si Primo ang pumili nito kanina dahil anito ay magbabagay daw ang kulay sa maputi nitong balat.

Ang susuotin naman ni Primo ay si Miara ang pumili. Primo insisted that she should pick anything in dark-blue so they'll have matching outfits.

She chose a simple dark-blue suite set with narrow stripes for Primo. Excited na siyang makita ang suot ng lalaki dahil sigurado siyang bagay na bagay 'yon sa kaniya.

Miara put on a light make up before rushing down the stairs. Katatawag lang ni Primo at naghihintay na raw sa labas.

But when Miara stepped out of the door, her heart dropped at the sight. It was Primo with her mother. Malayo ang dalawa sa kaniya ngunit alam niyang seryoso ang usapan nila.

She was careful to not let her footsteps make any sound. She hid in the shadows and eavesdropped despite her mind telling her not to.

If her mother was any mother, she wouldn't feel the rushing anxiety that are seeping through her veins. If her mother was anyone else, she wouldn't feel any doubt.

Pero hindi... compared to most mothers who likes to talk big about their daughters, hers is the opposite. She can't remember the last time her mother complimented her.

"Are you sure about my daughter, Mr. Savatier? I looked into you, Primo Zobel... top of your class, an overachiever, and a businessman," her mother said. Miara couldn't see their expression since she was hiding behind a large tree. "You have a lot. I don't want my daughter to distract you."

Sandali pang natawa ang ina ni Miara ngunit parang kinurot naman ang puso niya sa narinig. She was hoping for the impossible—na hindi siya ilalaglag ng ina. Ngunit iyon nga ang ginawa nito.

"She has a thing for guys who have potential—"

"It's surprising, Mam." Miara's eyes widened when Primo suddenly interrupted her mother. Alam ni Miara na hindi 'yon gawain ni Primo. Maliban na lang kung hindi niya na talaga nagugustuhan ang naririnig.

"Parents usually tell the boyfriends of their daughters to stay away from their precious child... but you are different, Mam." Primo's tone was calm and still respectful. But Miara could still hear the disagreement in his undertone.

"I'm just concerned, Mr. Savatier."

I peeked at them and saw Primo nodding yet a grim line formed on his lips. Alam ni Miara na nagpipigil lang ang lalaki dahil may respeto pa rin ito sa ina niya. Pero hindi niya naman masisisi si Primo dahil siya mismo ay nasosobrahan na sa sariling ina. She's overstepping.

"I think... you should be more concerned with Miara, Mam." Miara saw Primo smile. It was a small but sincere one. "She's amazing and kind... and those two words aren't enough to describe her."

Miara stopped peeking and just leaned on the trunk of the tree. Parang pinipiga ang puso niya dahil sa narinig. She expected him to stay silent. But even so, a small part of her hoped that he wouldn't. And that's exactly what Primo did. It's like the Heavens heard her silent wish.

"I hope you get to see her the way she really is, Mam, because you'll be astonished on how lovable she is," Primo spoke as if he was talking about something really dear to him. Like a student proving and defending his thesis to the panelists.

"You have a treasure for a daughter, Mam." Miara peeked again, and although he's still serious, another proud smile appeared on his lips. "I appreciate your concern for me, Mam. But there's no need for it."