To Give In

Kabanata 35- Miguel is Waiting

Kabanata 35

We found out that Dad was just beside the running for Vice Governor Angeles, on stage after the electoral debate. The former Mayor has been threatened for numerous times already. Sa kasamaang palad ay si Papa ang natamaan when he was about to present his speech as a Former Governor. My father doesn't have any plans to run for any position right now kaya hindi 'rin maisip ni Dad na may magtatangka ng buhay niya. But then, I'm glad when the police explained the real story behind it.

Miguel and I stayed with him. He even called for security to make sure na wala talagang masamang mangyayari kay Papa hanggang maka-uwi kami sa bahay. But Miguel came back to Manila dahil may aasikasuhin.

I'm glad he left.

"Your mother is just overacting. Hindi naman ganoon kalala." Ani Papa when we reached our home.

"Dy, normal lang na mag-alala si Mommy. Buti nga ay braso mo lang ang natamaan." Sabi ko sakaniya.

"For all we know, baka nga ulo pa ang tinitira ng sniper at buti nalang you're taller than Former Mayor Angeles." Naiinis kong sabi.

"Dapat ay mag-ingat siya at wag nalang lalabas. That's scary, dad." I worriedly added.

"That's why I asked for your father to stop being a politician already. May mga business naman na pwedeng asikasuhin nalang dito sa province." Ani Mommy. Tumango-tango ako bilang pag sang-ayon kay Mama.

"Ngayon ka lang bumisita rito." Ani Papa ng naka-upo na kami sa balkonahe.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'm just really busy." Marahan kong sagot sakaniya.

I touched his hand and glanced at his bandage.

"Are you pregnant already?" Anito sa akin kaya mabilis ko siyang tinignan sa nanlalaki kong mga mata.

"No, Dad." Mabilis kong sagot. Doon ako lalong kinabahan. How would I tell them I have kids already? Paano ang plano namin ni Spencer?

"Dad, baka mag-trabaho ako sa states." I said carefully.

Kumunot ang noo niya at pinagmasdan ako.

"I thought you'll marry Miguel." Aniya sa matigas na boses.

I bit my lips. I don't know how to explain to him what's happening.

Bumalik si Mommy na may dalang juice at inilapag iyon sa lamesa. Dala naman ng kasambahay ang plato ng iba't-ibang tinapay, inilapag din sa lamesa pagkatapos ay umalis.

"We are not getting married." Pinal kong sagot.

Nanliit ang mga mata ni Papa. Naguguluhan sa mga sinasabi ko.

"Miguel said he'll marry you weeks from now." Aniya.

"I have to go abroad, Dad." Yumuko ako.

I felt his calloused hand on my face. He held my face up to face him.

"What's the problem?" Tanong niya sa akin. His eyes are serious.

I don't know what to say.

Dahil ano nga ba ang problema? Sinabi ni Hanse na nagkakamabutihan na sila. But how about my kids? Paano kung kunin niya sina Nicho at Nichie sa akin kapag nalaman niyang nag-sinungaling ako?

Magsasama silang masaya at kasama pa ang mga anak ko?

I cursed inwardly and I swallowed hard.

"I can't marry him." Simpleng sagot ko kay Papa.

Bumuntong hininga siya.

"Don't be stubborn, Anaisse. Miguel and I talked already. I cannot find any problem to the both of you." Aniya sa akin.