Incompatibility

7

Adeline

After my 3 PM class, I decided to head over to Dad's office.

Grabe! My schedules are so gulo! Late na nga dumating ang prof namin kanina, and she even extended past the class period because she was late. Ugh!

"Sila na ba ni Ma'am Jillian?"

"Hindi ko nga alam eh, dumalaw raw ulit dito kanina. Baka nga."

My ears caught the whispered conversation happening in the elevator that I'm in.

"Mula yata no'ng natanggap ako dito last week, lagi ko nang nakikita si Ma'am Jillian. Akala ko nga, asawa ni Sir Rafael."

One of them looked back to where I'm standing, and accidentally locked eyes with me. She smiled awkwardly then I noticed her nudging her friend's arm.

They're talking about Dad and Tita Jillian? Palagi bang nandito si Tita?

The other passengers got off two floors before mine, sa executive floor kasi ang destination ko.

While walking up to Dad's office, I couldn't help but overthink the gossip I heard from the elevator.

Syempre, as my parents' child, kahit hiwalay na sila, I'm still praying really hard na magkabalikan sila because they're both free, lalo pa't ngayon na sa iisang bahay na kami nakatira ulit.

Kaso, how will that happen if there's something going on with Dad and Tita Jillian?

"Afternoon, Dad!" I put on a smiling face as I entered his office.

He lifted his face up from staring at his laptop screen. "Hey! What brings you here, baby?" he sweetly asked.

I walked over to him to give him a beso and a hug, then I placed the fruit teas I bought for us on his desk, beside the piled folders.

"Just want to have an afternoon tea with my dearest father," I grinned.

After I settled down, we went on talking about each other's day, mostly about me kasi nag-rant talaga ako about sa mga nangyayari sa academic life ko.

"If I really am not dreaming to be a doctor, my goodness, I would just take up Business Management," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Nagulat nga kami ng Mommy mo when you told us years ago that you wanted to go to Med school. Wala naman sa lahi natin ang mga doktor, but you know, you proved to us that you really wanted it kaya I'm sure, you can crush whatever challenge this journey will bring you."

I smiled softly to show my appreciation. "Thanks, Dad. Nga pala, I overheard lang sa mga employees mo, Tita Jillian visits you pa rin pala here?"

I don't know how smooth my diversion was, but I hope he won't be suspicious of me.

His brows furrowed at my question, looking confused. "Yeah, she does. Bakit mo naman naitanong?"

I pursed my lips, trying to think of an alibi.

Brain, I really need you to work quickly this time.

"Uhm--wala naman. Narinig ko lang po."

He narrowed his eyes on me as he leaned back against his chair, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "What is it, Adeline?"

I sighed knowing that I can't lie to him.

"Okay, promise me na you'll tell the truth and this will only be just between us?" kondisyon ko.

He gave me a nod.

"Are you dating Tita Jillian?" I finally spitted it out.

"What? What are you talking about? No. I'm not dating Jillian. Saan mo naman nakuha 'yan?"

I crossed my arms, as well. "Eh lagi kasi kayong magkasama, bumibisita pa here. Whenever I see her with you, she looks so comfortable clinging on to you."

He laughed that's why I furrowed my brows at him. Nas-stress na ako, tinatawanan pa.

"Come here, honey," he called, so even though I'm a bit frustrated, I still obeyed.

I went up beside his swivel chair and he took my arms and draped them around his neck. "Why are you suddenly so concerned about Dad's lovelife, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Because I want you and Mom to get back together."

The second I finished saying that statement, my eyes widened in shock because that was only supposed to be in my head!

"What? You want me and your Mom na magkabalikan ulit?" he repeated.

Wala na, nasabi ko na eh. Panindigan na natin ito.

"Yes. I'll help you, Dad! Kahit ano, tutulungan kita. Just please try?" I pleaded.

Ito na, lumalabas na si inner child.

"Honey, Mom and I are just friends now. She's happy with it being that way." he said.

"Pero ikaw? Are you happy with it?" I shortly followed.

I only received silence as an answer.

Sabi na!! He still wants Mom! AAAAAHHHH!!!

"Dad, you're not answering, so I'll take that as a 'no'. OMG, Daddy! You still love Mom!"

He chuckled, making me think that I'm so right!

"Eh paano nga? Ayaw naman na ng Mommy mo. Masaya na siya."

I removed my arms around him and I placed them on his shoulders instead. "Ito namang Daddy ko, ang hina ng loob! Magagawan natin ng paraan 'yan."

He gave me a hesitant look, but then he deeply sighed, and I swear, I wanted to scream.

"Alright. You'll help me?" he recounted.

I jumped and clapped my hands. "Yes! Tutulungan kita every step of the way, Dad. Basta, help yourself rin ha."

He pinched my nose and laughed, making me giggle.

"Sige na, finish your fruit tea na. Tapusin ko muna itong trabaho ko para mapag-usapan natin ng maayos 'yan."

I cheerfully went back to my seat, happy with the way our conversation turned out.

May chance ka pang magkaroon ng buong pamilya, Adeline!

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End of Chapter 7

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