Nathan’s 25th birthday is currently being held at his parent’s mansion. It was just a small gathering of his family, relatives, and friends because he had no plans to waste time smiling and talking with the people in high society.
Nasa garden siya at hinihintay na lang ang pagdating ng dalawa niyang abnormal ngunit matatalik na kaibigan.
Kanina pa siya rito nababagot pero sanay na siya sa dalawang iyon na halos late nang dumarating sa mga lakad nilang tatlo.
Nasa ganoon siyang ayos nang lapitan siya ng kanyang mga magulang upang batiin.
“Happy birthday, son,” his father, Nathaniel, greeted him. “I can't believe that I will have the chance to greet you today. You are old but I am much older. Malapit na ang oras ko at—”
“Dad,” he cut him off. “Heto na naman kayo, kung anu-ano na naman ang sinasabi niyo.”
His father chuckled. “I’m sorry for spoiling your night, hijo.”
Tumango siya.
Ang kanyang ina namang si Samantha ang yumakap sa kanya ngayon.
“Be patient with your father. That’s a sign of aging.” Bulong sa kanya ng ina. Ngumisi siya at tumango.
“I heard that, Samantha.” His father said.
Tumawa silang mag-ina.
“Hay, anak...” Hinaplos nito ang pisngi niya. “I can’t believe that the baby I used to hold just turned twenty-five today. Happy, happy birthday, darling!” Emosyonal na bati ng ina sa kanya.
He kissed her forehead and smiled at her. “Thanks, 'My.”
“Continue to live a happy life, okay? I wish you all the best, anak. Mahal na mahal ka namin ng Daddy mo.”
“At nandito lang kami kapag kailangan mo.” Segunda ng ama niya.
He stroked his mother’s back as he smiled at his father. “Thank you for loving and raising me, po. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if not because of you and your unending support. Salamat po.”
He was sure his friends would laugh at him when they saw him like this. This soft side of him only comes out in front of his parents. Because when it comes to other people, he is always elusive and arrogant.
“You’re welcome, anak.” Kumawala sa kanya si Samantha at ngumiti. “May inaasahan ka pa bang bisita bukod sa mga kaibigan mong sina Mark at Jake?”
Nagkamot siya ng ulo at alanganing sumagot. “Uh...si Janine.”
“Tapos na kayo ng anak ni Mayor Sandoval?” Tanong ni Nathaniel. Simpleng tango lang ang sagot niya rito. Mariin ang titig nito sa kanya. “Do you think you can take that Janine seriously now, Nathan?”
Umiling siya. “No, Dad.”
Ni hindi niya kayang isiping nakatali siya sa iisang babae sa seryosong relasyon. Kahit kay Janine pa. Magiging kabagut-bagot ang bawat segundo ng buhay niya kapag nangyari iyon. At least that’s what he thought.
Nathaniel’s shoulders slumped. “Hijo, naman. You’re getting old so make up your mind. Stop playing around with women. Aren’t you tired yet? You also know that you hurt women every time you just throw them away when you’re tired and fed up. Babae rin ang nagsilang sa iyo. Igalang mo sila.” Pangaral sa kanya nito.
Palibhasa kasi magkaiba ang paniniwala nilang dalawa. Ang ama niya ay hopeless romantic, siya ay hindi. Kaya madalas ganito ang nagiging takbo ng usapan nila kapag nababanggit ang mga nagiging babae niya.
“Dad, what’s wrong with what I am doing? I am just enjoying my bachelor's life. At isa pa, hindi ko naman sila pinipilit. Una pa lang ay alam na nila na hindi ako iyong tipo ng lalaki na nagpapatali sa iisang babae. Boring 'yon, 'Dy.”
BINABASA MO ANG
NATHAN & CAMILLE ✔️
General FictionWARNING: SPG | R18+ --- Nathan Angelo was born and raised in a family that believed in the true meaning of love. Love. What a big word. The problem is that he doesn't believe in it. For him, it was as if he had dug his own grave if he believed that...
