Dancing with Fire

CHAPTER 2 - Father vs Daughter

CHAPTER 2

On the way back home ay tahimik silang tatlo ni Sandra, ang kanyang Papa at Mama sa kotse. When they arrived, dumeretso na si Sandra sa kwarto niya sa itaas nang tinawag siya ng ama nito para kausapin.

Great. Nagsumbong ata ang sipsip.

"Bakit Pa?" tanong niya dito pagpasok niya sa opisina nito. His office is a room of many artworks of great Filipino artists. On the side are rows of documents neatly piled up in a shelf.

His father was busy reading a census report. "Be home tomorrow at five. We'll be having dinner with the Constantinos."

"Tito Samuel?" Pagtataka niyang tanong dito. "Eh diba nasa States siya ngayon?"

"They just arrived last Saturday with his family. I want you to meet his son, Anthony."

"Hindi naman ako importante sa dinner na yan."

"Well you are, young lady. Samuel and I talked about you and Anthony's marriage in the next five years."

"What?!" she said with a surprised look in her face. "You're shitting me."

"Watch your mouth there." He warned her.

"Why don't you watch yours Papa?!!"

"What did you just say???!!!"

"Don't treat me like one of your business deals. You really think you can control my life like what you did kay Ate?"

"Do you happen to hear what you're saying?!!!" Biglang tumayo ang kanyang Papa sa kanyang kinauupuan.

"Yes, and I know damn well what you're thinking right now!" Pabalang niyang sagot sa kanyang ama.

"Don't you talk to me like that Alessandra, anak lang kita!"

"Hindi ako katulad ni Ate na pasusunurin mo lang sa lahat ng gusto mo. I own my life and I will live it the way I want it to!"

"Hindi mo alam ang sinasabi mo! Hindi kita pinalaking bastos!" He yelped.

"Nagpalaki ka ng katulad mo Pa!" She hissed unstoppably.

And with a loud, sharp sound, Leonardo slapped her face. Nabigla naman si Sandra sa pangyayari at agad na hinawakan ang pisngi kung saan may namumuong pamumula sa parteng ito. It felt hot on her palms. She looked at her father with hatred and walked out on him. Her mother was just outside the door when she went out.

"Anong nangyari anak?" She said when she saw her crying.

"Punta muna ako sa kwarto Ma." She said, crying all the way to her room.

"Alessandra! I'm not done talking to you!" Sigaw ng kanyang ama. Susundan sana niya ito nang hinawakan ni Carol ang braso niya.

"Magpalamig muna kayo ng ulo Leo."

Bumuntong-hininga si Leo at halatang naiinis. "Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin sa batang yan." Turning his back and went inside his office.

"Alam mo kung saan siya nagmana." Carol sighed silently.