One Last Time

Kabanata XLII: A SCENE AFTER THE RAIN

A Scene After The Rain.
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       BINASAG NG PAGTIKHIM ni Dad ang katahimikang nahulog sa pagitan namin pagkaalis ni Tita Norin. Tita and I just had dinner. Yes, tinanggap ko ang alok ni Tita na dito mag-dinner habang hinihintay na makauwi si Dad. It was exactly 10:00 pm when we finished our dinner, the same time Dad arrived home. Hindi na siya kumain. Kumain na raw kasi sila ng mga ka-meeting niya bago umuwi.

"What is it that you wanted to talk to us about?" Dad, sitting across from me with a firm expression, started our conversation in his authoritative tone.

Mariin kong pinagdikit ang mga labi ko bago siya seryosong tiningnan. "Dad, you said before that you won't force me to join Yturralde Properties-"

"That's exactly what I said," Dad interrupted, matching my serious expression, which only heightened my frustration.

"You said that, but why did you still ask my Project Manager!?" Medyo tumaas na ang tono ko. Kung nagawa kong palampasin ang ginawa niya noong unang beses siyang pumunta sa MAD, pwes ngayon, hindi! He really crossed a line at hindi na ako natatakot sa galit niya, lalo na't ngayong alam kong tama ako! "Offering to buy her firm is one thing, but why do you need to ask my Project Manager to convince me to resign and join your company?!" My tone just rose as the blood rushed to my head!

Dad sighed roughly. "Huminahon ka, Keira," kalmado pero mariin niyang sabi, trying to control me, but I refused to be subdued. My chest heaved even more roughly as annoyance gripped me more.

"Come on, Dad! I know you can do better than this. What you did is too much! You're trying to manipulate not just me, but my Project Manager too!" I clenched my teeth with anger boiling inside me. "What were you thinking, Dad? Nakakahiya kay Ms. Aya!" I couldn't help but hiss frustratedly.

I know I'm disrespecting Dad right now, but I couldn't stay silent while he was trying to manipulate me and those around me for his own benefit! He could be furious with me or even disown me again, but I wouldn't just sit back at mananahimik na lang!

Umigting naman ang panga ni Dad. "I am not trying to manipulate her," he said defensively, voice thick with growing anger, but hell I care! Mas galit ako sa kanya ngayon.

"For goodness' sake, Dad. I'm not a teenager you can control anymore! I'm an adult with my own life, and I am capable of making my own decisions! I don't need you leading me or making choices for me! I'm not your puppet, for Pete's sake!" I hissed fumingly.

Meanwhile, Dad's serious eyes lingered on my face before he sighed in defeat. "I understand your rage. I apologize if it seemed like manipulation. But trust me... I never intended to manipulate or offend anyone, especially your manager. When I said I wouldn't force you, I meant it. I was meaning to, but after talking with your Project Manager and learning about your firm's situation, I was forced to make that decision..." Dad deliberately paused as he sighed deeply. "Your career is at stake here, Keira. And as your father, I can't help but to interfere. I would allow you to work at MAD if it were stable, but it isn't."

Nagtiim-bagang ako, hindi umimik. See? He really must have had a fever when he said he wouldn't force me that time.

"I promised Leigh I'd look out for you and make sure you are okay in exchange for her agreeing to let you stay here. As your father, I consider it my responsibility, whether she asked for it or not. Even if you disagree or get mad at me, I will do everything within my power to ensure that you are well taken care of," ani Dad sa seryosong tono.

I, meanwhile, couldn't help but roll my eyes. "So you're saying I'll be taken care of if I join your company?" I countered, not letting his words get to me. Mas nangingibabaw ang inis ko kaysa ma-touch sa mga sinabi niya.