Selfish Love [On Going]

CHAPTER SEVEN

"You should be kissed

And often, and by someone

Who knows how."

Gone with the Wind

Fox Stegner:
Ikaw na yata ang karma ko. I can't imagine how difficult it would be for me to let you go just to see you pleased. I love you, my love. I'll see you tomorrow.

Good night!

I received the message as soon as he left. Hinatid niya ako sa bahay dahil hindi na niya ako pinababa pa ng sasakyan niya.

"Good evening po Ma'am." Bati ng gwardiya sakin,

"Good evening. Nasa loob na ba si Manong? Nakauwi na ba siya?" Tanong ko.

Tumango naman ang gwardiya sakin, I smiled at him then I stopped from walking for a second.

Lyke:
You're insane. You should see a doctor. A cardiologist, perhaps.

Fox Stegner:
You are more than enough, my love :)

Hindi na ako nagreply pa. I was about to ring the doorbell when Raven suddenly opened the door. Nakapako ang tingin niya sakin. Alam na alam ko na yung mga titig niyang yon. Alam kong marami siyang gustong itanong o sabihin sakin.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong kinalaman mo sa pag-aaway nina Gunner at Fox kanina pero sana naman tumigil ka na." Bungad niya sakin.

"Ano bang ginawa kong masama? Sinunod ko lang naman yung sinabi mo."

"Mom and Dad is here. Pati na rin si Gunner at ang parents niya." Halos pabulong niyang sabi. "I don't have the slightest idea why but I could sense that this must be something important."

"Raven, hindi ko kasalanan ang mga pasa at sugat sa mukha ni Gunner. Hindi ako ang nakipagsuntukan sa kanya. Bakit sila nandito?" I'm a bit confused and nervous.

"Oh di ba gusto mong makita at makausap si Gunner? Kausapin mo sa loob kaharap sila Mommy at Daddy." Pananakot pa ni Raven sakin.

Napalunok ako bago pumasok sa loob. Dad could easily lose his temper while Mom was sarcastic as hell. We may have the power and wealth but our parents didn't tolerate our comforts. Raven and I don't even have our own cars. They don't let us drive on our own. Bumili sila ng mga mamahalin at magagarang sasakyan para lang ipamaneho sa driver. Ironic, isn't it?

"H-Hi Mom. Hi Dad." My voice was trembling. I couldn't even look straightly at them. "Good evening." Bati ko naman sa mga magulang ni Gunner. Nakaupo silang lahat sa living room. Kanina halos naririnig ko pa ang pag-uusap nila pero nung dumating ako. Natahimik sila bigla.

"Aren't you going to kiss me, my dear?" Malambing na boses ni Mommy.

Lumapit ako at binigyan ko sila ni Dad ng halik sa pisngi. "I miss you both." Labas sa ilong kong sabi. Hindi kasi namin gusto ni Raven na nasa bahay sila. Hindi kasi kami makahinga. Parang ang liit-liit ng space kahit na ang laki-laki ng bahay.

"Sit down." Utos ni Dad sabay turo sa bakanteng sofa na nasa gitna. Agad naman kaming sumunod ni Raven. Naupo kami at ramdam kong hindi din siya mapalagay kagaya ko.

"We all know that our families have been acquaintances for decades and we owe Della Vega's a lot. From starting one of our businesses which was approved by Congressman Della Vega to being one of the successful now in the market. It may not be possible without your help, kumpadrè." Dad slightly raised his glass to Cong. Della Vega. "And we want to continue this legacy. I know it's too early to say this, but it would be our honor if your son, Gunner Della Vega, will marry my eldest beautiful daughter, Raven Del Basco."