A Burnt Flower's Ashes

Chapter Fifteen

I thought I made myself clear that no one is allowed to disturb me at this time of the month when exams are coming up. All the people who had their own share of participation in my life were informed by yours truly that I cannot be disturbed for the next three days.

Kailangan kong mag-aral at ayaw kong maabala.

That's why when somebody knocked on my house, I was irritated, which is unusual because humans don't irritate me as much as bills do.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. "Sino po sila?!"

A man cleared his throat from the other side.

"Suna?"

I blinked twice. That voice... Could it be?

Binuksan ko ang pinto at hindi ko naitago ang gulat sa aking mukha nang madatnan ko ang pamilyar na lalaking nakatayo sa labas, may bitbit na mga plastic na mukhang pagkain ang laman. Natameme ako nang magtagpo ang aming mga mata.

It has been two years since I last saw him. He looks pretty much the same, minus the grey hair and the kinder impression of his appearance, perhaps due to the lines on his face brought by aging.

Hindi ko maitatanggi na masaya akong makita siya, pero bakit siya nandito? Why did he decide to reappear in my life? Why now, of all times?

"Hi, Suna." He gave me a small smile. "Long time no see. Do you mind if I invade your humble abode for a bit?" My father, Leonard Altaria, politely asked.

I still haven't recovered from the shock of his sudden visit, so I quietly opened the door in response. Dad thanked me as he gracefully made his way inside the house.

Ramdam ko ang panginginig ng mga kamay ko nang isara ko ang pinto. Isn't it sad to feel this way? To feel so nervous being with someone who's supposed to be a normal person in your life?

Unfortunately, that's not how my relationship with him works. He is my nonexistent father, the one who disappears from time to time then pops out of nowhere whenever he feels like it.

I am his illegitimate child, and I am not certain whether his family is aware of my existence or not. Assuming that the latter is more likely, if word about me reaches them, it will surely cause commotion. For sure, Sir Lars will despise my existence even more. Sa tingin ko, hindi rin ako matatanggap ni Ma'am Lucy bilang kapatid. Kailan ba naging madali ang pagkakaroon ng kapatid sa labas?

Ayoko ng gulo. Wala akong intensyon na sirain ang pamilya nila, kaya gusto kong malaman kung anong kailangan niya sa akin at naisipan niyang magpakita ngayon.

Naabutan ko ang aking ama na nakatayo at tahimik na nakamasid sa aming tahanan. There was a distant look on his face, obviously feeling sentimental upon crashing into our home.

"Uhm," I cleared my throat. "How have you been?"

His face softened. "Come here, my little girl."

My father raised both of his arms to initiate a hug. Naiilang man, lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap ko siya. Two years... It has been two years since I last felt the warmth of his hug.

"You've grown taller," Dad commented as he gently patted my head. "And prettier, I see."

I blinked twice. "Well, Mama is the quintessential beautiful girl and you're not bad either. May hitsura ka naman. What do you expect? Of course you're bound to have a nice-looking  offspring like me."

"Dear, your choice of words is incredible as usual. You sound like your mother." He chuckled heartily. I simply shrugged. "Anyway, are you busy? Pasensya na at pumunta ako nang walang pasabi."