Love Stories Over A Cup Of Coffee

Seventeen: Unspoken Words

Ring.

It's father.

"Hmmm?" I said.

"Kao, how dare you walk out the other day? You even dragged Earth! What would our business partners think of us, you, and me as a father?" He began. I know this isnthe beginning of a series of scolding from my father.

"I was not comfortable." I answered.

"Really? If you were not comfortable being introduced as Earth's fiance, why did you even enter into such a relationship?" The usual comment I get from him these days.

"It's not that. It's not about be being uncomfortable being Earth's fiance. It's about the judging gaze of your partners and their sons." I explained.

"But still!!! They are our partners!" Now he's beginning yo shout.

"With all due respect, let's talk again when we both have cooled down." I suggested. I said it as calm as I can.

"That's why I'm talking to you now. Why do you think I did not talk to you that very same day? Or even yesterday? Because I know that we will fight for sure." He explained, ai can sense he is trying so hard to calm down.

"But you are still getting angry now. Let's talk some other time." Then I end the call. He tried to call again but I did not answer anymore.

My father and I have this kind of relationship. I know he tried majy times to get close to me. I've given him chances. But we were not able to break the wall between us. To me, he will always be my father, the father who is strict and business minded. I appreciate everything he has done for us, but I would appreciate it more if he doesn't meddle with our lives. It may seem harsh, but I'd prefer for us to remain this way. Being too close is too cringey for me.

It's 3:00am. I woke up early again. I'm used to the silence of early morning, but this time, I hear someone crying.

I went out of my room to see if there's anyone outside. But there's none. I tried to calm myself and listen to where the sound is coming from. It's from the library beside my room.

The room was dark when I opened the door. The sound gets louder.

I saw a figure seated on the floor. The person is hugging his knees, his face burried on his knees.

"Earth." I called him. I am so sure it is him. Fluke is still asleep, and the old man's body is way bigger.

"P'Kao?" Earth murmured as he lift his head.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I approached him. I sat down beside him.

"P'Kao, I'm so sorry." He said and then start sobbing again.

"For what?" I asked him as I wipe his tears using my hands.

"I heard you talking to uncle awhile ago. I'm so sorry, Phi." He once again apologized.

I let out a sigh.

"Earth, it's not your fault." I assured him.

Silence.

"I have one question to ask. And this will be the last time that I will ask you." I told him. He nodded, as if telling me to continue. "Why were you uncomfortable the other day?"

Earth looked at me in the eyes and I saw fear in his eyes.

He gave me a faint smile. "Have you seen their eyes? I can clearly see the disgust in their eyes. They don't like the idea. They hate it so much. That enough made me uncomfortable. But what made me more uncomfortable is that they've been judging you, because you're my fiance." Earth's tears began to fall again. "P'Kao, can i ask you a favor?" He said as he wipes his own tears.