CREAM OF THE CROP

Chapter 54

Matilda. It means a mighty battle maiden. An Italian lawyer married to the late Duke of Edinburgh.

I couldn't remember her face. But the situation in our house right now makes me remember her mighty presence.

I do not know the whole story why we cut our ties from Grandma. But I do know that Papa feels indifferent towards her.

There's a limousine in our garage. Lahat ng poste, may nakatalagang royal guard, making our house more intimidating. Ayaw ni Papa sa ganito. It's why our guards were trained to blend in the background so Mama and I would not feel that they're there.

I raised my left eyebrow. What would the Duchess do in here? What could she need from us?

"Pumasok ka na. Ikaw na lang ang wala." I thanked Toffer. Hinintay kong makapasok siya sa gate nila bago ako pumasok sa bahay. Good thing that the Arevalos never made me feel unwanted. I never had to long for my Father's family's attention.

Mula pa lang sa labas , ramdam na ramdam ko na ang tensiyon. The wide space suddenly felt smaller. I wasn't surprised to see my father's disapproving look. I now know whom did Papa get the powerful stance. Though seated, both of them still managed to project that dominating presence. Here's the answer to the mystery why I only have a few friends.

Mas nagulat pa akong makita si Mama who's obviously pleasing the duchess. Napakunot noo ako.

"Aging has got me thinking of my only grandchild. I want her to live a comfortable life with a man who would treasure her like the jewel that she is." My heartbeat started to race. Heto na ang naabutan ko. I'm sure mas malala pa yung mga hindi ko narinig.

Papa let out a growl. "You will not do that to my daughter, Mama! And my daughter is not a possession you could just... trade!"

Nakakatakot si Papa. He looks like he's gonna burn Grandma. Naagaw ko ang atensiyon nila noong napahawak ako sa doorframe.

Only mother stood up when they noticed me.

Father looked problematic. While the duchess remained I don't know. She's so composed. It's hard to guess what's going on in that head. Pinasadahan ko lang siya ng tingin.

I noticed my mother's sharp stares at me. "Why don't you greet your Grandma, Avi?"

Tinignan ko si Papa. He sighed and nodded halfheartedly. Galit parin.

Without enthusiasm, I said, "Good Evening... po." With what I have heard, I can not greet her cheerfully.

Hindi ko alam kong guni-guni ko lang yung pagngiti niya.

"Good evening, dear." Perhaps she was expecting me to kiss her or what.

"Sitting is free, Avi." Si Mama.

I rolled my eyes mentally. I do not like how things are going.

The duchess laughed. So elegant. Pino.

"Come sit beside me, dear."

I'm really pressured to act like a princess in front of her but doing it means I am easily affected.

When I took my seat, she said, "You got my eyes."

I only managed to smile stiffly. I may look constipated right now. In my peripheral vision, I can see Mama's sharp glares. I can't understand her really.

Binalik ko kay Grandma ang tingin. I can see our similarities. Up close, her eyes are softer and warmer. She's looking at me tenderly. I haven't had an encounter with her before. I barely even know she's still alive. We didn't get to talk about her at home.