Always, My Jade

Decision (42)

"Tito Gus?!" masayang salubong ni Althea sa matandang lalaki na halos kasing edad ng Dad niya. Niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit at hindi napigilang umiyak sa dibdib ng kayakap.

"Hey there! No wonder until now I bet Cath hasn't stopped calling you 'Baby' cause you're really are one." sabi nito habang mahigpit na yakap yakap si Althea.

"Tito?!" biglang protesta ni Althea at natawa na lang ang matanda at kinusot na lang ilong ni Althea, the same gesture ng kanyang anak sabi na lang sa isip ni Althea.

"Dad, she's my baby not yours." sabat ni Cath na nakasunod na pala sa ama.

"Speaking of the bossy baby, ok now that you're here sweetie we can start our business." sagot ni Tito Gaston.

Nasa RK sila ngayon at masaya si Althea dahil nakita niya ulit ang Tito Gaston niya, ilang buwan din itong nasa abroad dahil sa negosyo nila.

"Another business Tito? Kaya pala laging busy itong si Cath, I thought she's just interested in investing sa RK." sabat naman ni Althea.

Nagkatinginan lang ang mag ama at parehong ngumiti kay Althea.

"Actually sweetie I'm here to invite you to attend the Annual General Assembly of our company next week." umpisa ni Gaston.

"Me? Bakit naman po kailangan akong umattend, I mean I'm not part of the company Tito."

"You are, Althea. You've always been part of your father's company."

"But Dad sold his shares to you, Tito, he told me about it." pagtatakang sabi ni Althea.

"He bought it back, Althea. When he was diagnosed with cancer, we often see each other and expressed his intention to buy back his shares  because this is his first love and he wanted it to give it to you. He saw how you love his company, too. Remember you always have arguments with regards to our projects, you love to cook but also you're a builder, Engr. Guevarra." nakangiting sabi sabay kindat kay Althea.

"But why tell me only now, Tito?"

"Carlos asked me a favor, Althea. I will hold on to the shares until you and Jade are both settled or have your own family. This is to avoid future conflict because we know how you love Jade. Hanggat wala kang sariling pamilya o si Jade, you can never be at the company, ayaw ng gulo ng dad mo lalo na sa mga Tanchingco. Although I know your promise to your Dad but still he wants to be sure."

"Tito." tanging sambit lang ni Althea.

"And since you're married now, you ought to be in the company, Althea." sabay kindat ni Gaston

"I can't be in the company, Tito. They won't accept me."

"Oh come on, Althea. Believe me there are a lot of people in the company who looks for the ability and character of an individual regardless of gender and sexual preference. Even the conservative of all conservatives will agree, right? Or you're just too nervous to work side by side with your Father-in-law?" sabay tawa ng malakas.

"Don't worry sweetie, we seldom report to work anymore. You're the new breed of Titan Builders, we're just here to guide and assist you guys, right Cathleen?" baling ng matanda sa anak. Tumango lang si Cathleen sabay kindat kay Althea. Wala na siyang nasabi, nabigla pa rin sa pangyayari. "Ask anything and I'm sure Cathleen here is willing to answer your question." Sabay tapik ni Gaston sa mga kamay ni Althea.

"So, next week then at 10 in the morning, hope to see you Engr. Althea Guevarra. Can't wait to see you sitting at your father's chair.

Wala ng nagawa si Althea at natulala na lang sa balitang nalaman.