The Old Songs

Chapter 13: Men and Wine

Isen Leone

"Good evening, Sir"

He motioned for me to sit down.

"How are you, Mr. Smith?" he asked with eyes looking at me intently, scrutinizing every move I make. For a minute, I sat there, scared shitless but knowing that I'm doing this for her, I feel braver than ever.

"I'm doing good, Sir.." I replied as I settled myself on his office couch.

I watched him move as he walk towards his wine cabinet. He grabbed one bottle and filled two glasses with wine. He walked back to me and offered me a glass.

"Drink.."

"I'm not yet allowed to drink alcohol, Sir" I refused, trying to sound polite. 

He raised an eyebrow. 

I don't want him to think that I am rude, kaya tinanggap ko ito.

He placed his glass on the table as he sat down across from me. Folding his hands over his chest, he said, "It's wine. Don't worry, I won't get you drunk. Besides, we're having a man to man conversation and a good wine will help lighten the mood" 

Aware that he is observing me, I took a sip of the red wine. 

A familiar taste filled my mouth.

"Does it taste good?" he queried. 

I nodded. "Is this Bollinger wine, Sir? Uh, if you don't mind me asking"

"Wow, you know wines" he said, amused.

"Just this one. My mother's favorite"

"That's my wife's favorite too. Kaya hindi kami nawawalan niyan.."

I'm starting to have a nice feeling about this conversation nang maalala ko ang dahilan ng pagpunta ko rito sa opisina ni Mr. Delgado.

"Sir, I--" he cut me off by simply clearing his throat.

"What are your intentions for my daughter?" he asked, grabbing his glass of wine.

"I-I would like to ask for your permission. Gusto ko pong ligawan ang anak niyo. In a proper way, Sir.." I asked.

He swigged his wine in two gulps before asking, "Proper way?"

I nodded. "Yes, Sir. Liligawan ko po si Elle sa tamang paraan, gaya nito, I want you to know and be aware that someone wants to court your daughter. Ganoon ko po kamahal si Elle, at ganoon po ako kaseryoso sa anak ninyo.."

"You say, you love my daughter..?"

"Yes, Sir.."

"Since when?"

"Since the first day I saw her, Sir.."

He placed his wine glass back on the table. He leaned forward sitting by the edge of the couch, his elbows on his knees and his hands ruffling his hair. "How old are you, Mister?"

"I'm 16, Sir. Turning 17 on July.."

"And my daughter just turned, 16.." his lips curled into a sneer.

I know what he's pointing at. Pero hindi ako magpapatinag, kung kailangan ligawan ko ang dad ni Elle gagawin ko.

"I am very aware of that, Sir.. But--"

"At young age, how sure are you that what you feel for my daughter is love?"  he's giving me this 'I-am-the-dad-be-intimidated' expression.

"Her beautiful face is always the first thing I'd see every time I wake up, and before closing my eyes when I go to sleep. Her singing voice calm my nerves whenever I feel anxious. My whole worlds stops every time she walks towards me. Whenever she's around me, I feel like my heart would sometimes stop and beat ecstatically at the same time.." I said, wholeheartedly.