TAKE A CHANCE (MikhAiah AU)

7

Mikha’s POV

“Good evening, ma’am Mikha.” One of our maids greeted me as I entered the mansion.

“Good evening, din po ate Jocelyn. Sina Dad at Mom po?”

“Na sa dining room na po sina Maam at Sir hinihintay ka na po.”

“Sige po. Salamat.”

I’m here at our house for family dinner, and we do this for at least once a month for us to catch up as what Dad wanted dahil minsan na lang ako nakakauwi simula ng lumipat na ako sa sarili kung condo when I started my college life, and they are also busy with work. My Dad is a businessman, while my Mom is a lawyer, and I'll forever be grateful for them for their efforts and sacrifices to give me a comfortable life. Upon entering the dining area, I saw dad and mom talking. Agad naman akong nakita ni Dad, and he walks towards me while he opens his arms, suggesting a hug.

“Good evening, Dad.” I greeted and hugged him.

“Good evening, my lovely daughter. I miss you.” He said when we broke our hugs.

“I miss you too, Dad.” I said and smiled.

“Good evening, Mom.” I said as I tried to give her a hug, yet I was not able to as she immediately took her seat while my dad gave me a comforting smile and signaled me to sit.

“How are you, Anak? "Do you need anything ba?” Dad asked while he sliced his steak.

“I’m doing fine, dad, and I have everything that I need thanks to you and Mom.” I said and smiled after I chewed my food.

“That is good to hear. If ever you need anything, don’t hesitate to tell us, okay?” He spoke.

“Thanks, Dad,” I replied.

“Kumusta naman pala ang mga kaibigan mo?” He asked while wiping her mouth with a table napkin.

“They are good naman. They still act like kids.” I replied, which makes him laugh.

“You are friends with them, which makes you a kid also.” He said, laughing, which makes me pout and my brows furrowed.

“See you act like a kid talaga.” he added, trying to contain his laughter. Which makes me giggle.

Our conversation was cut off when we heard a sound of a chair scraping the floor coming from Mom as she stood.

“I’m done. I’ll be in my room now.” Mom said in a cold voice.

"But, hon, you didn’t even finish your food, and it’s been a while since we had dinner with Mikha.” Dad said.

“It’s okay, Dad, Mom must be tired.” I said and nodded at him, and he let out a deep sigh.

“Good night, Mom.” I said, but I didn’t hear any reply from her as she immediately turned her back to take the upstairs.

“I’m sorry for your Mom, Mikha.” Dad said apologetically.

“You don’t need to say sorry, Dad. I understand.” I said, reaching out to his hand to give it a slight squeeze to tell him that it’s okay.

“She loves you, Mikha. Always know that we love you always.” Dad said while also giving me a hand squeeze. Dad and I finished our dinner, then he excused himself to take a call from work.

I was on my way to my parents’ bedroom to bid my good-bye to them as I planned to go back to my condo, but I halted when I saw the small opening of a door in one of the rooms in the mansion. It brings back a lot of memories just by looking at it, and before I get lost in my own thoughts, I close it and continue my way to my parents’ room. I was about to knock at their door when I heard the two of them arguing.

“It was a long time ago.” Dad said.

“No matter how long it is, it will still hurt. It still hurt, Alexander.” I heard mom say with anger and sadness evident in her voice.

“I know. As the father, I feel it too.” Dad said in a calm way.

“But you cannot blame her forever. She’s your daughter, Sandra. She is our child too,” Dad added.

“Mikha never wanted what happened too.” The moment that Dad mentioned my name, I knew instantly that it was me, and what I did before was the reason why they are arguing again.

“I want to sleep now.” Mom said, and before I could leave the door, it opened, revealing dad with a surprise look.

“Mikha, kanina ka pa dyan?” Tanong ni Dad sa akin.

“No, Dad. I just got here.” Pagsisinungaling ko.

“Do you need anything?” He asked.

“Mag papaalam lang po sana ako para bumalik na ng condo.” I said.

“Hindi ka matutulog dito?” Dad asked again.

“Hindi po. I need to be early tomorrow for school po kasi.” I answered. Dad let out a sigh, then we took the stairs, and he walked me to my car.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay here for tonight?” Dad asked, looking worried.

“I’m good, Dad.” I said and gave him a smile.

“I should go na Dad. Say my goodbye to Mom na lang for me.” I said and hugged him.

“I will.” He said, tapping my back.

“Drive safely, kiddo.” Dad said as I opened my car door and got in. I waved at him and started to drive my way back to my condo.

While driving, I can’t seem to shrug off what mom said earlier; her words kept replying in my mind. I turn off the car engine and stop at the side road where cars seldom pass by, making it echoing silence. My chest felt heavy knowing that everything is my fault and I am the one to blame for the ruin of my family. I rested my head on the steering wheel, and the sound of the raindrops pattering on the windshield started to fill up the silence.

I’m sorry.