Whimps of Heart (VALENTINE SERIES #2)

Chapter 4

F O U R

I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the straps of my simple maxi backless dress. Tonight was our usual family dinner sa mansion ni lola, and while it wasn’t anything too fancy, I still wanted to look presentable. The dress flowed down to my ankles, simple but elegant, just enough for a family gathering.

As I was finishing up, nakita ko si Ate Elle na kalalabas lang ng kwarto niya. She looked stunning, as always—parang supermodel. With her perfect posture and flawless makeup, she could easily walk down a runway. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of admiration.

"Wow, Ate, you look amazing," I said, though it felt a little unnecessary to say. She knew she looked great. She always did.

She gave me a warm smile. "Thanks, Iris. You look beautiful too. Ready for tonight?"

I nodded, even though a small part of me was nervous. Family dinners always had a way of making me feel on edge, especially with Dad around. I just hope everything goes smoothly tonight.

As Ate Elle and I made our way down the grand staircase, the muffled voices became clearer. We both paused when we saw them—Mom and Dad. They were in the middle of another argument, their voices tense but controlled. Here we go again...

Pero mas may isang bagay ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko. Nakita ko ang pasa sa braso ni Mommy. It was faint, but unmistakable. Bago pa man ako makapag-react, mabilis niyang tinakpan ng cardigan, as if nothing had happened.

I glanced at Ate Elle, and she looked just as uneasy. Alam kong nakita niya rin ito. Hindi na bago sa amin ang ganitong eksena, why does this keep happening?

I clenched my fists, trying to push down the frustration. Hanggang kailan natin ito titiisin? I hated how helpless I felt every time I saw my mom like that. Bakit parang wala kaming magawa?

"Good to see you decided to come home," Dad said to Ate Elle, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "I thought you were going to play VIP again." He added, his tone sharp.

"No choice. Who knows what might happen to my siblings if I leave for good," Ate replied flatly, not even bothering to mask the lack of enthusiasm.

I saw how Daddy's expression darkened, his glare sharp. Pero bago pa lumala ang sitwasyon, mabilis siyang pinigilan ni Mommy, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

"Pag sabihan mo yang anak mo ah!" Daddy snapped at Mommy before turning and walking out, leaving the air thick with tension.

I looked over at Ate Elle, who, despite her calm exterior, was clearly holding back her frustration. "Bakit kasi hindi mo pa iwanan yan, Mom?" Ate asked, her voice softer this time but still laced with concern. "I have my own company now, kaya ko naman kayong lahat tustusan."

The offer hung in the air, and for a moment, everything felt so fragile. I stood there silently, torn between wanting things to change and fearing what might happen if they did. How did it come to this? Kilala ko si Daddy, I know him well.

Mommy looked at Ate, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and pain. "Alam mo naman na hindi madali ang mga bagay, Elle. Mas complicated ang sitwasyon kesa sa iniisip mo," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Kaya sana... intidihin mo."

Ate sighed, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Mom, I just want what's best for you. For all of us. Paano mo kayang tiisin ang ganyan? You're worth so much more." Her voice was full of emotion, and I could see how deeply this affected her.

I felt helpless, torn between wanting to speak up and fearing the consequences. Will this ever change? Tangina, paano ba ako naging president ng Student council kung para naman akong tuta ngayon.