Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 64

"When you told me that you wanted to go shopping for clothes, 'di ko in-expect na dito." Jordyn stated as soon as they entered the clothing store.

Pa'no ba naman kasi, nilagpasan ni Sydney 'yung mga skirts, dresses, couquette and other kineme styles na Jordyn expected the older to buy as soon as they got here.

But no, Sydney's currently at the end of the female section, almost at the men's, where basic tees and other comfy clothes are aligned by the clothing racks.

"More reasons to hang out with me, then! Napaghahalataang wala kang masyadong alam tungkol sa'kin." Sagot ni Sydney habang isa-isang tinitignan ang mga damit, trying to pick something she'd like.

"Sobrang unexpected lagi ng tastes mo, 'no?" Jordyn commented. "Una, 'yung taste mo sa music. Ngayon, 'yung sa clothes naman. First impression ko pa naman sa'yo spoiled brat na gusto lagi ng princess treatment."

"'Yan, ganyan ka. Napaka-judgemental mo." Sydney deadpanned, obviously naman na nagbibiro lang.

"Edi sorry? 'Di ko naman kasi sinasadya na matapunan ka ng kape that time."

Sydney rolled her eyes before she continued scanning through the rack of clothes. "Si daddy lang kasi bumibili ng mga clothes ko. Siyempre, nag-iisang anak tapos babae pa, he wants me to always receive good compliments kasi it benefits him din. Kesyo alaga raw niya kasi ako, kasi raw mana ako sa visuals niya like, ew. Stop associating me with that man. Last thing I want is to be compared to him."

"Nakakaloka ka rin," Jordyn couldn't help but laugh at Sydney's reaction. "Pero alam mo, I get it. Nakakapagod din naman 'yung lagi kang pressured na maging perfect."

"Ugh, I know, right?" Sydney responded, playfully flipping her hair. "Pressured ako for my image while ikaw naman for your academics. Pero mukhang chill ka lang naman?"

Jordyn scoffed. "Akala mo lang 'yon. Everyday, pag-uwi ko galing school, ang laging bungad sa'kin ni mama is how I did in class."

"But you're always doing well naman." Sydney complimented. "Hanggang ngayon nga wala pang nakakalamang sa GPA mo. The fact na you even have the time to hangout with others while keeping your academic responsibilities in tact is impressive."

Jordyn chuckled. "It's nice to hear those from you, Syd. Eh, ikaw ba? Pine-pressure ka rin ba ng daddy mo with academics?"

"Obviously. Pero ako naman ayoko. Average is enough, 'no? Kung pwede lang na magkaro'n ng average life, 'yun na lang din hihilingin ko."

Jordyn glanced at Sydney with a hint of surprise. "True ba? Kahit na mawala pa 'yung kakayahan mo na mabili lahat ng gustuhin mo?"

Sydney nodded, caressing the fabric of a white cropped-coat. "Kung average lang din naman naging buhay ni daddy, pretty sure he'd treat me better than what he does throughout the years I've been born."

"Sometimes, I just want to be me, you know? Yung simple lang. Hindi 'yung living with the expectation from my dad." Sydney added, not removing her gaze from the coat she's holding. "It's more of like finding myself outside of his shadow. Kailangan ko ring alamin kung sino ba talaga ako, not who he wants me to be."

"I find it amusing na you still take things casually or chill lang kahit ganyan na talaga pinagdadaanan mo." Jordyn commented.

"Nothing would happen if I'd just let him have his way, like treating me so poorly." Sydney told her, a small smile appearing on her lips. "The time he wants me to continue my studies here in the Philippines, siyempre ayokong sundin. I'd be here alone, kahit pa may maids and butlers kami sa bahay kung sa'n ako nakatira ngayon. Kaya nga thankful ako kay Mich for coming with me."