That Summer Night of August

Kabanata 38

["I'll catch up after revising, Love. I'm sorry, I need to revise some chapters of my thesis."]

Today is Timothy's 20th birthday. December 19. Dad booked an exclusive restaurant for dinner, but we'll be going there early since Timothy has something to show us.

"It's fine, Gabriel," I said on the phone, smiling to myself despite the fact that Gabriel cannot see it. "Just don't overwork yourself. I'll be waiting."

["Yes, my love. See you later."] Gabriel said before I ended the call.

Huminga ako nang malalim saka tumingin kay Tita Tiffany at Dad na naghihintay sa akin sa loob sasakyan. After that confrontation 1 month ago, our family had somehow became closer, and I'm beyond grateful for that. The media has stopped swarming around our house too since the issue has finally died down. But still, may mga reporters pa rin na nakakakilala sa amin at kumukuha ng mga scoop nila para i-publish.

Ang laki rin ng pinagbago ni Dad mula noong nagkausap kami. Madalas ay sumasabay na ito sa amin sa dinner, madalas na rin siya sa bahay, at hindi niya na rin masyadong pinapansin kung ano ang mga issues tungkol sa kanya na gawa ng medias.

"He's not coming?" Dad asked while starting the engine.

I sighed heavily as I shook my head. Terence immediately cuddled beside me as soon as I took a sit on the back seat. I gently ruffled his hair before looking at Dad.

"You two seem so close, son. Is there something I need to know?" Dad asked again.

"Kuya Zachy and Kuya Dee are lovey-dovey!" My little brother suddenly cheered.

I eyes widened. He wasn't supposed to be saying that! I could already feel my body trembling. I saw Tita Tiffany holding back her laughter while I saw Dad's face on the rearview mirror became serious.

"Gabriel seems to so fond of you, Dee."

"Are you sure you and Gabriel are friends?"

"Aurelius, is there something about you and Gabriel?"

Those were just some of Dad's questions for the past month. He often ask me about Gabriel. Dad has become more open to me and my brothers ever since I asked him that favor. And I really see that he's trying his best to keep that promise.

"I, uh, we're actually..." Fuck. How should I say it? "W-we're dating, Dad," I said, looking down.

Alam kong hindi ito agad matatanggap ni Dad, pero at least, wala nang mabigat sa aking dibdib. After knowing what Lolo did, I have lost my respect for him. I would never forgive him for what he did.

"It's okay, Dee," Dad said, surprising me with his calm tone. "I just want you to be happy. If Gabriel makes you happy, then I will support you both. I'm sorry if I made you feel that you can't tell me about this."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Dad," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "That means a lot."

Tita Tiffany gave me an encouraging smile from the front seat. "See? Everything's going to be fine."

Terence, still cuddled up to me, looked up with wide eyes. "Does this mean I get to play with Kuya Gabriel more?"

I chuckled, ginulo ko ang kanyang buhok saka tumango, "Yes, baby, it does."