Torn Between Dreams and Reality

CHAPTER 60 Woes

CHAPTER 60 Woes

**ZAC’S POV**

Everyone that witnessed that conversation was flabbergasted. No one, I suppose not even Zoe’s parents saw that coming. But doubtlessly, nothing compares to what the couple is feeling at this moment. Dwight was stunned by the event. I can see how he became stiff in the process of gathering and comprehending the fact that Zoe’s dad hates his family, including him, because of his dad. He did not even manage to defend and save himself from the hatred that rooted from the mistake of his father years ago. Nevertheless, Zoe, being the weaker person by that time – given because she is a girl and she will be vulnerable and emotional than Dwight – almost burst into tears as she slowly takes the illogical statements of her father.

The sudden hate and anger that her father flaunts after almost agreeing to their relationship is very depressing for all of us. But still, no one can paint this gloomy picture better than Dwight and Zoe.

After Zoe left their conversation because her dad told her to, her dad personally spoke to Dwight for a short while. We did not hear anything from that talk unlike the whole conversation earlier. And the lad left the place without a word for Zoe or even for anybody. Then Sophia also left after Dwight.

We bid goodbye and politely thanked Zoe’s parents before all of us walked with her towards my parked car.

Gail is constantly rubbing Zoe’s back to comfort her but it seemed like it can do no better because she remained silent. The tears that are ready to fall during the earlier conversation, slowly drops from her eyes.

No one in the group talks until we reached my car. Gail opened the back door. “Sama ako,” she told me. She let Zoe in and followed after without my approval. Rence rode the passenger seat. Before Gail shut their door, Rica assured Zoe saying, “we are always on your side.” Zoe, being the gracious girl that she is, subtly smiled at her friends outside the car as I’ve seen in the rear-view mirror. Then we finally drove off. That weak smile is the only positive thing we got from Zoe after what happened.

As told by her dad, we drove her to their house. No one really spoke along the way. The only sound present in the car is Zoe’s sobs. Gail still tries to comfort her. I often look to the rear-view mirror to see if they are okay at the back. I know, Rence also relied on his peripheral view to see how the girls are.

I stepped on the break and all of us individually got off of the car. Zoe said an emotionless thank you to us and got right in to their home and that left the three of us outside worried of what will happen next to this event. Though we are still hoping there is no second blow, we know this doesn’t end tonight because after all this, Zoe will now have to choose between her boyfriend and her family.

**DWIGHT’S POV**

“Amanda, magpahatid ka sa bahay sa dalawa mong kanong kaibigan ngayon na at ayokong makikita o malalaman na dumidikit ka pa sa lalaking ‘to,” he firmly told her daughter.

Then Zoe disappeared from my view. Her father came near me and said, “let’s talk.” Tita Laura and my sister left us alone, though I knew Ate Sophia don’t want to.

I am still not talking for I don’t know what to say or if I should say anything. I’ve been confused and dumbfounded from the start until now. “Lalaki sa lalaki. Layuan mo ang anak ko. Wala akong tiwala sa angkan nyo at ayokong matulad sya sa tita nya. Lumapit ka sa anak ko o ituloy nyo ang relasyon na ‘to at lalala ang lahat. Naiintindihan mo ba ako?” ramdam na ramdam ko ang galit nya sa pamilya ko habang sinasabi nya yan. Pinipigilan ko ang sarili ko na sumagot at baka isipin nya pang bastos ako. I can’t defend myself. I can’t even affirm my innocence.