Cyrus's happiness over being called 'son' by Lena's dad was short-lived. After the picture-taking, Cyrus dared to call her dad 'dad', for which he got this reply: "Anak ba kita? Call me Sir." She wanted to scold her dad for saying that. Fortunately, her mom and grandma did the scolding for her.
"He was just kidding," her mother told Cyrus.
When they dispersed and they got to have drinks with Lacey and Martin, she took the chance to apologize to him.
"I don't get it. He gets to call me son but I can't call him dad?" reklamo nito.
"Advanced ka kasi, pare," kumento ni Martin. "Ako nga, e. I've known him all my life but I still call him Sir."
"Akala ko naman kasi, approved na 'ko."
"You are," singit ni Lacey. "Trust me, you already are."
"Yeah, for like 30 seconds."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Cy. Lena's dad is just a bit of a grump when it comes to his kids, especially his girls. Alam mo na, protective. He doesn't want anyone to take his little Lena away."
She was about to comment on that when her dad appeared and told Cyrus to follow him in his study room upstairs. She looked at her dad incredulously. Hindi siya makapaniwalang umabot sa ganoon. Ayaw niyang papuntahin si Cyrus. The study room was a very scary place. Their father only talks to people there when the topic was delicate or grave, and when he's really serious about something.
She had been there once, noong nagsabi siyang gusto niyang bumukod. Mahigit isang oras din silang nagkausap ng daddy niya noon. She was crying when she got out because she felt really guilty about her decision. But her father assured her that it was okay, and that he only wanted to know from her directly that she can be responsible for herself.
--
When Cyrus went back, he was not smiling, which she took as a bad sign. Tinanong niya kung ano ang napag-usapan ng dalawa pero ayaw nitong sabihin.
Nang makauwi ito ay daddy naman niya ang kinulit niya. But he didn't tell her anything. Guy stuff daw. Man things. He told her it's about her so she shouldn't ask.
--
Since she stayed at her parents' house for Christmas vacation, she only got to spend very little time with Cyrus. Palagi kasi itong nasa pamilya nito, also enjoying his vacation with them. So they planned on spending their New Year's Eve together, para makabawi.
Sinundo siya ni Cyrus nang gabi ng December 31. She can't help but notice the sparkle in his eyes when he saw her. Lacey and Kenna made her look beautiful that night. Mabuti na lamang talaga at may mga kikay siyang kapatid. God knows what she'll do if they're not there to help her prepare.
Sa hotel ng pamilya ni Julie gaganapin ang nasabing party. Cadence and Clem were already there when they arrived. It was only 3 hours to midnight, but she brought several gadgets to keep herself entertained until then. Hindi naman kasi siya sumasayaw. Cyrus never left her side, kahit may mga pinsang nag-aaya rito para sumayaw.
"Someone might steal you away," dahilan nito sa kanya.
"Trust me, no one would be interested," she told him.
"Have you looked in the mirror?"
She blushed at the question. Yes, she did look. She couldn't stop looking, actually. That's why she's not worried even with Alexa around. She knew Cyrus will only be looking at her.
"Ang tagal namang mag-12," sabi pa nito. He bit his lower lip and smiled teasingly. They haven't kissed in a while. The last time was probably the day after Christmas. That's why she's looking forward to New Year. This will be her first New Year kiss. She knew it would be special.
