The Bitter, The Better (Salvador Series #1)

Chapter 37: Driver

"Talaga po? May malaking aso po kayo?" di makapaniwalang tanong ni Valerie kay Mom at Dad. I'm so happy na nagkakatuwaan kami ngayon.

Valerie is eating her snack na dinala nina Dad. Dad cooked chicken lasagna for her. Sarap na sarap si Valerie at bakas ang malalaking ngiti sa kaniya. It's like we lighten up her mood just by doing this very simple action.

"His name is Rudolf, Val. But I like kittens more, I have a cat, her name is Kazy, named after me." and after her real owner, Zander.

"Luhh ang cute, sana makita ko sila. Kaso bawal po ang mga alagang aso o ano dito sa hospital po diba?"

"Oh Valerie. You will see them soon. Sa bahay. Gusto mo ba dun?" asked Mommy. Halatang naexcite din siya nung makita ni si Valerie.

"Nakakahiya naman po. Wag nalang po."

"It's okay, dear. May sasabihin nga pala kami sa iyo kaya kami andito, we want to ask you kung okay lang ba sa iyo." naguluhan nang konti si Val sa sinabi ni Dad.

"Ano po yun?" she asked while still eating.

"Gusto mo bang ampunin ka namin? Like our real daughter, Ate Kaitlin will be your sister and you can live a happy life with us, malayo sa nang-aapi sayo na ina." nanlaki ang mata ni Val at napatigil sa pagkain. I suddenly became alarmed.

"Okay ka lang ba, Val?" I asked and then hold her arm.

"To-too po?" we all nodded at nagulat kami nung niyakap niya bigla si Mommy.

"Matagal ko na pong pinapangarap na magkaroon ng mabuting magulang, lalo na po ng ina. Buong buhay ko puro pagmamaltrato na po ginawa sa akin at ... at ang saya ko po ngayon. Salamat po, salamat ate Kait." humihikbi na siya kaya niyakap siya ni Mom.

Dad is smiling but deep in his eyes is the sorrow he felt for Val, alam ko. I hushed Valerie and tapped her back to comfort her.

"Sisiguraduhin namin na sasaya ka samin, Val. Ilalayo na kita sa mga nang-api sayo, sinisigurado ko sayo, future sister."

The small planned talk with Val lasted for hours. Umalis na lang kami nang seven pm na, as much as I want to stay more, Mel called me asking if I'm free since Mr. Clarkson wants to have a small meeting with me at may itatanong lang about some stuffs. Ayaw ipagpabukas.

"Yes, Mom. Baka malate na ako ng uwi sa bahay. I have to attend this dinner meeting with Mr. Clarkson. Mukhang may problema."
"Problem? We had no problem with Mr. Clarkson since then, sweetie. How come he will just call you to talk about problems? The company is doing well." Dad's forehead wrinkled. Thinking for a deeper reason.

"Dad, let me handle this. I'll be going, Md. Clarkson must be waiting for me at the hotel venue. Ingat pauwi Mom, Dad drive safely! I love you both!" I said and then kissed them both on their cheeks.

"Ingat ka rin. We're going." Mom uttered with finality.

Entering the said hotel agad akong dumaretso sa restaurant nito. A waitress approached me.

"Table for one, Madame?"

"No, I'm here to meet with Mr. William Clarkson. He has a reservation here."

"Oh yes, Madame, please follow me." on our way to the table, may mga nakita rin akong kakilala ang some familiar faces. They waved hi to me and I waved back.

"Good evening, Ms. Salvador, I'm from DVN, can we ask some questions!" biglang sulpot ng isang babaeng reporter, doon ko lang napansin na marami na ring lumalapit. Wow, what is this all about?

"I'm sorry, maybe some other time. I still have a business meeting with an important person." sabi ko.

"Ms. Salvador! Ano po ang sinasabi ng modelong si Ms. Jeanine Delucio sa twitter post nito na nagkaroon ng problema sa Boutique de la Salvadoré?"