Sunset

Chapter 15

            The following day, Leila went t to her parent's house. She decided she cant put if off any longer. She has to talk to her dad. It has long been overdue. Tumawag siya sa Daddy niya kung pwede silang mag-usap. She is preparing herself for this day. 

        Humalik siya Mommy niya pagdating niya at sabay sila pumunta sa home office ang Daddy niya. She is nervous but determined to do it. She need and has to do this.

         Nakaupo ang Daddy sa computer chair kaharap ng desk nito." Hi Dad!'sabi ni Leila at humalik ito sa ama. Her Dad kissed her, turned off the computer, stood up and gave her a hug.

          " You have something important kamo na gustong e-disccuss sa akin?'tanong ng Daddy niya.

          Leila took a deep breath." Dad,................... is it possible for me not to marry the Tito Oliver's eldest son, and marry his second son instead?' dire diretsong tanong ni Leila.

           Her Dad gave a peculiar look na parang hindi nito naiintindihan ang sinabi. Leila then explained kung paano sila nagkakilala ni Troy and how they loved each other. Nakiusap si Leila kung pwedeng kausapin ng Daddy niya si Tito Oliver to change his mind.

            " Leila, hind naming pwedeng baguhin ang contract, ang agreement,"galit na sabi ng Daddy." That's why it was put in place, because of things like this."

"Things like this?" ulit ni Leila." Dad, I am not a thing. I am your daughter. We are not things. This is not just a thing. This is our life we are talking about. And why not Dad? Why cant you guys change it.Kayong dalawa ang gumawa non. Bakit hindi ninyo kayang baguhin? What is so difficult with it? I would still marrying the same family. Bakit hindi pwede si Troy, dahil hindi siya ang magmamana ng company ni Tito Olive, ganoon?" galit na sagot rin ni Leila." Nag agree naman ko Dad eh. Konting change lang naman ang hinihingi namin, hinihingi ko."

" Hindi papayag si Oliver na palitan ang kasunduan namin,"sagot ng Daddy niya na parang walang narinig sa sinabi ni Leila.

"But Dad, you can try and talk to him. One son for the other,"kampi na rin ng Mommy ni Leila." Tama si Leila. Kayo naman ang gumawa ng contract. You guys could changed it. You are best friends after all."

Her Dad started pacing the floor."No, no......he wont change his mind...."

Leila was exasperated." Dad! Try..... try naman.Hindi mo pa nasubukan, you are are telling me na na it wont work..........You wont even try?  You wont even try for me?"Leila cried." You sound so sure. I thought you are a good business negotiator, this is a just business, right? Then why don't you negotiate? Negotiate for me?"

" Leila!" sigaw ng Mommy niya."That is not the way to talk to your Dad."

Hinarap niya ang Mommy niya." Bakit Mom? Isn't it true?I was not given a chance to choose. I was told to do what I needed to do. At least, si Troy, he was willing to give up everything for me........what about you Dad? I have never asked you for anything all my life. Just this once Dad, "

" Oliver will not concede......"

Leila could not believe what was coming out from his Dad's mouth. Parang hindi siya naririnig ng daddy niya. Ganito ba ka importante ang business nila. Mas important kesa sa akin, she thought. It made her heart bleed.

"You wont even try? For me? Dad, I am your daughter..... am I less important than the business ..."  she said hoarsely.    She looked at his Dad but did not wait for an answer and walked  out of the room. She cant take this another. She refused to listen to what her Dad would say. It may break is heart again. She can hear her Dad and Mom calling pero hindi huminto si Leila. She got into her car and left.