Life really loves to throw unexpected things.. kung ano pa ang hindi mo inaasahan, iyon pa ang darating.
It's funny how life plays out for each of us, almost like we're all pieces in a giant chess game. Checkmate.
I quickly parked my car in the garage at home. I decided to go home first before heading to the address Xandrev gave me before he left for Morroco. Morroco. Gusto ko ring makarating diyan.
Samantalang si Lexus naman ay parang may importanteng pupuntahan dahil maya't maya ang tumatawag sa kanya. Hindi ako manhid. I knew that during those moments, he just didn’t want to leave me alone at the café, so I insisted on going home so he could take care of what he needed to. He even offered me a ride, but I refused.
I turned off the car engine and got out of the car.
"Zafhyrna," it was my father.
"Dad," bati ko dito bago humalik sa kanyang pisngi.
"Where have you been?" He seem so worried.
"Café? What are you doing here, dad?"
"I was waiting for my daughter. Everything's good, sweetheart?" Matapos ay ngumiti ito.
Oh dad. " Everything feels better, dad,"
Tumango tango naman ito matapos ay inakbayan ako nito sa aking balikat.
Napangiti ako. I miss this. I miss this being with my father.
"You really grew into a beautiful lady. But you should always remember that you were once my little angel Zafhyrna."
"Dad... I'll always be," I replied.
He chuckled. "I miss you, Zafh, especially your mother. If only you and Xandrev could be here every day. But your mother and I know it’s for your own good. For you and Xandrev."
Dad’s words made me pause. What does he mean by "for your own good"? Did I hear that right?
"Bakit dad? Mayroon ba kaming dapat ipag-alala?" Makahulugan kong tanong dito. Umaasang sabihin niya kung ano man ang bagay na bumabagabag sa kanya—sa kanila.
"Nothing, Zafh. What I mean is, it’s better for you to get used to being without your mom and me around."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Zafh. You don’t have to worry about anything. Shall we go inside?" Tumango ako at magkaakbay kaming pumasok sa loob ng bahay.
Doon ay naabutan namin si Mama na naghahanda ng mga pagkain sa lamesa.
"Arrah," tawag dito ni papa.
Tumingin ito sa amin at ngumiti.
"You're here, sweetheart! Hinatid mo ba si Xandrev sa Airport?"
"No, Mom. I went to the café and saw Dad there in the garage."
"Your dad just misses you a lot, Zafh. He still can't quite accept that you're a grown lady now," Mom laughed.
"Arrah!" Now, she's teasing Dad. My clever mother. Mom and I both laughed.
"What’s up, Alec? Come here, let’s eat. I cooked all your favorite dishes!"
Sinipat ko ang oras. 6 pm.
"Why, sweetheart? May lakad ka?" nagaalalang tanong ni Mama. Ayoko namang biguin ang mood nito kaya inadjust ko na ang alis ko.
"7:00 pm pa Ma. I won't miss a chance to have dinner with you again."sabi ko bago tuluyang umupo. Kapwa sila napangiti.
How I miss their sweet smiles.
"Sayang nga lang at wala ang kapatid mo ngayon."
"Bakit nga ba Dad? Bakit kailangang pumunta ni Xandrev sa Morroco?"
Napansin ko ang biglang pagtigil ni Dad sa pagkain bago tumingin kay mama. "May importante lang kaming pinapaasikaso sa kanya."
How important is it that they can’t even tell me?
"How's school?" Mom changed the topic.
"All good, Mom. The ball just ended. It’s our freedom week." I simply replied
"Oh, I see. So, it looks like we will be seeing you and your mom for a while," she said. I smiled and nodded in reply.
"Do you have a boyfriend, honey?" Muntik na akong mabilaukan sa naging tanong sakin ni Mommy.
Bakit parang ay biglaan naman ang tanong nito? Hindi ko inaasahan yun. I was expecting her to ask how's the ball? Something like that..
"Arrah.." saway dito ni papa.
"What Alec? Your daughter is 22. Walang masama sa sinabi ko. So Zafh, do you have a boyfriend now?" Ulit na tanong ni Mama.
"Wala, Ma." Lumiwanag naman ang mukha ni Dad at ngiting ngiting tumingin kay Mama na parang tila nadismaya at inirapan si Dad.
Dad just laughed. Maging ako ay nangingiti na rin. "I told you, Arrah. I’m not ready for anyone to take my place in our daughter’s life," Dad said, laughing.
"God, Alec! Our daughter isn’t even married yet! You’re too possessive."
"Of course. When it comes to my most adorable women in my life— you as my wife and her as my only daughter."
"Whatever, Alec! You’re still a possessive jerk." I smiled. They weren’t really arguing, it was just their way of bonding. They’re cute, though.
"Stop it, Mom and Dad. I’m not in a relationship. Not yet... But let’s just say there’s someone who’s shaken up my world and makes me happy right now."
Now, I can even picture his handsome face. He’s close to being perfect.
"Oh! What do you have to say now, Alec?" Mom teased, looking at Dad, who stared at me as if I’d said something wrong.
Nah-uh.
" Dad, are you mad?"
Nagaalinlangang tanong ko dito.
Lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito at ngumiti. "Okay. Kung napapasaya ka ng kung sino mang taong iyan ay masaya na rin ako para sayo. I am looking forward to meet him."
I smiled. He's still the best father that wants the best for his daughter.
"To punch him."
"Dad!"
"Alec!"
"Sa oras na saktan ka niya."
"He won't dad." I assured.
I'm afraid I will.
BINABASA MO ANG
The One Who Stares Behind
RomanceWhile I was desperately searching for answers, I stumbled upon you-unexpectedly finding you amidst the chaos that even I couldn't untangle. You arrived just when I needed someone the most, yet despite your presence, everything still feels so wrong.
