Ideal Love

Chapter III

Eleven a.m. na ng makabalik sila sa bahay. Her dad was not home yet. Sinimulan na niyang magluto ng paboritong ulam ng daddy niya—sinigang. She also cooked fried tilapia and prepared the fruits that she also bought from the market. Past twelve na ng dumating ang daddy niya and to her surprise he was with someone. The person she never imagined she’ll meet again—the careless driver.

“Aiah, so you’re home. I miss you so much,” her dad told her as he approached her. Niyakap siya nito at hinalikan. “Akala ko makakalimutan mo na naman umuwi,” he teased her.

“Dad naman. Huwag ka na magtampo. I’m here already. You’re with someone?” she asked at tumingin sa lalaking nakaaway niya kanina. Mukhang nagulat rin ito ng makita siya.

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Come here hijo. Aiah, I want you to  meet Kristoff. He’s a family friend’s son. Kauuwi lang niya galing States. Kristoff, this is my lovely daughter, Anaiah,” her father’s introduction. Nagkindatan pa ang dalawa bago inilahad ng lalaki sa kanya ang kamay.

“Small world, I guess. Glad to meet you again Aiah,” he smiled showing his dimple and perfectly white teeth.

Totoo ba ito? Ang lalaking to? Oh, God. You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Hi,” matipid niyang tugon. Naiilang na naman siya sa presence ng lalaki. Napuzzled naman ang daddy niya sa sinabi ni Kristoff.

“Again? What do you mean Kristoff? Nagkita na kayo?” her dad asked.

“Yup tito. She was the lady I was telling you earlier. I’m sorry again Aiah,” nagmukhang anghel na naman ito sa harapan niya.

God, bakit ba masyado akong apektado sa lalaking to.

“Forgiven. You have explained yourself already.” Para naman siya ngayong maamong tupa sa harap nito. “Let’s eat daddy and Kri- Kristoff, I cooked them myself.” Yun lang at nagpunta na siya sa dining table. Sumunod naman sa kaniya ang dalawa. Nagbubulungan pa ang mga ito. They were talking about something she could not hear.

Her dad sat next to her. Samantalang mas pinili ni Kristoff umupo sa tapat niya. Hindi tuloy siya mapakali. She could feel his stares. Na-conscious tuloy siya. When she looked at his direction, the man was staring at her intently.

"Excuse me?" aniya rito.

"Yes?"

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Is it prohibited?" Aba teka.

"Oo nga naman hija. Baka nagagandahan lang sa'yo si Kristoff," her dad said.

"Absolutely tito," sabi nito at ngiting ngiti pa sa kanya. Tinaasan niya na lamang ito ng kilay. He had the nerve to flirt with her in front of her dad. Mabilis niyang tinapos ang pagkain.

“Excuse me dad,” she said and immediately rose from her chair. She can’t really stand his stares.

“Aiah, thank you,” sabi nito. Hindi na lang niya ito nilingon at umalis na siya. She rather locked herself in her room.

“No dad! You’re just kidding right?” she said. She knows hindi maipinta ang mukha niya,

“Anaiah, there’s a spare room in your condo right? Di ba dati plano mo pa na paupahan yon?

“But Daddy not with a guy. Not with that guy!” reklamo pa din niya.

“Listen Aiah, I only care for you and Sam. Pag may kasama kayong lalaki doon to defend and protect you, hindi ako masyado mag-aalala. And I know, Kristoff won’t do anything that I won’t like, that you won’t like.” her dad explained.

“But you are entrusting me and Sam with that guy dad, di ba mas dapat kang mag-alala?”

“Aiah, my decision is final—that is, if you still want to live independently in Manila or stay here.” Final...Oh No!

“Dad! You couldn’t be this unfair to me,”

“Tomorrow, please expect Kristoff, ayusin mo yung spare room na tutulugan niya. Don’t worry he won’t meddle on your stuffs.”

“Dapat lang, pag may ginawa siyang hindi maganda dad papalayasin ko siya!” she tried her best not to raise her voice. Ayaw niyang maupset ang dad niya.

So ayun na nga po.. He’ll be living with me. I mean with us. How long can I take it? Lord tulong...