Obnoxious Oxygen

Chapter Thirty Nine

Tita Moana dropped me at dad's place by lunch, she insisted of giving me a ride even after I told her that she doesn't need to be so worried, I can drive. I understand her, she's just worried about the safety of my babies.

When she pulled over, dad is already upfront waiting for me. I thanked Tita Moana and invited her to come in first which she politely refused. I understand, she's not a fan of my dad.

"Dad!" I went into his welcoming arms and kissed his cheeks, same old thing I grew up doing whenever I get home from school. "I love you,"

"Love you, too." He kissed the top of my head and motioned the front door. "I grilled some salmon."

My smile went wide at the sound of food not to mention grilled salmon was one of my favorites. "Thoughtful as ever, daddy."

"All for my baby," he smiled back at me.

I was about to say something when I noticed his bruised knuckles on his right fist, I held that up to my eyes and I heard him sigh. I looked back up to him. "Where'd you get this?"

A shrug was his only response. "Let's get inside."

Much as I want to ask more, I know dad, he'll say it if he's willing to. Looks like he's not. I won't push it.

"Where's Zander?"

I look around dad's old house. I've been here once and I was so young then to remember what exactly it looks like. All I know is that it's simple and not spacious. Well being extravagant is out of my father's character. That was mom.

"He visits but he's not always here." He said, leading me to the small dining room. With just a wooden wall dividing it from the kitchen. "You want juice?"

"Yeah," I let him pull a chair for me. "So you mean, you live here alone?"

"More so,"

That made me sad. I watched dad stalked towards the fridge to get me the juice I want, I looked at him and the loneliness in his eyes was unmistakable. He's not happy here. Who would be? He went back to the table with the pitcher of juice on his hand. He poured my glass an enough amount and turned to his seat.

"How about," I paused, wasn't sure if I should ask it.

His gaze shifted on me waiting for my next words to complete my question.

"How about Derek? H-he's not coming here?" Maingat kong tanong.

A small smile broke his lips. "He's always here but not today. He wanted to give us private time together."

I don't wanna sound rude but at least he thought of that. He'll ruin the lunch if he was here. "I'm sorry, I'm still not over the idea of him being a part of the family. I'll come around. For you, dad. But just, just give me some more time."

"I understand, sweetheart." He said. "Let's eat while the food is hot."

I nodded and grinned when dad made an effort to put the fish on my plate and ready my food. Made me remember of some good old times. Every time we eat, dad always fill my plate. Mom doesn't like that, she wants to control my eating habits which dad disapproved. He always made sure I'm eating enough. When mom's out somewhere and its was just us eating, I eat so much. When mom's there to watch, I eat a little. But dad will bring me another plate in my room just so I'd be satisfied.

"You need to eat a lot of fruits, I have baskets of ripe mangoes, apples and oranges outside. All for you." He winked at me and continued eating.

"You're spoiling me!" I beamed. "I swear, right now you're the trio's favorite person."