Echoes of the Past // MIKHAIAH

Chapter 14: Risk it?

Matthias' POV

The party was in full swing. Mostly, close relatives were only left in the mansion with my friends.

I looked around, trying to spot Aya, but to my dismay, I could not see her anywhere.

I immediately went to our circle to ask them.

"Sai, nakita mo ba si Aya?" I asked, whispering through her eyes since the music was loud.

"Hindi, eh. I think she got water earlier." she whispered back.

I smiled at her and gestured that I was going to look for Aya, but then someone tapped me from the back.

"Hey! Where are you going? Let's party! By the way, who are these guys?" Chie asked, one of my friend/bandmate here in Manila.

I gathered them and introduced them.

"They're my friends from Cebu."

"Glad you finally have friends, except for your books." Chie sarcastically remarked.

I rolled my eyes. They started talking to each other, and I decided to excuse myself since I still did not spot Aya anywhere.

I went inside the mansion, heading to the kitchen.

I was surprised to see Aya talking to Lolo.

"Aya!" I called out excitedly.

She was turning her back against me, but I noticed she wiped something from her face.

"Everybody's looking for you, nandito ka pala with Lolo." I looked at her with a worried look. "Are you okay?"

She smiled widely. "Sorry. I got distracted sa kwento ni Lolo mo about you. We should go out."

"Lo, what did you tell her?" I pouted.

"It's for you to find out." Lolo said teasingly.

"Thank you for the time, sir!" Aya told Lolo and dragged me outside.

I stopped, which also made her stop.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she faced me.

"Are you okay? You look like you were crying."

"I'm okay, Matty! Let's enjoy it, please!" she said as she dragged me again.

I had no choice but to brush off my thoughts as we went back to our friends. I also introduced her to my friends, and all of them were getting along just fine.

The party was getting good when suddenly somebody turned down the music.
"I just want everyone to slowly exit the premises right now!" someone announced with the mic.

I gritted my teeth as I realized who that person was.

Dad.

I marched my way towards him and grabbed the mic from his hand.

"You have no right to stop my party, Dad." I said firmly.

"No right? I'm your dad. I have every right." he smirked.

I felt Cole was behind me, trying to calm me down.

"Come on, Dad. Just stop." I pleaded.

"I have every right to be here, Matthias."

"Max, let's go home." Mom joined in and tried to lead Dad outside.

But he brushed off her hands. He was obviously drunk.

"I am here for my daughter's birthday, but I will never be welcome."

"22 years, and now you decide I am your daughter?"