Loving Aria

Chapter 35

Aria

"There you are, my girl."

Pinilit ko ang ngumiti habang papasok ng dining area. My Dad's smiling widely habang nakatingin sa akin. While my Mom is sitting comfortably beside him. Tapos Ate Louella is facing Mom's.

"Good morning, Dad." I tried to sound in glee. Kahit ang itsura ko ngayon is in contrast.

"O'Yeah. My morning has never been this better."

My Mom gave me one of her usual stares as acknowledging my presence.

"You look like a mess." Komento ni Ate Louella as she slice her baked chicken into small strips.

Umupo naman ako sa upuan na kaharap ng kay Dad.

Mabilis naman akong nilagyan ng juice ng kasambahay namin matapos akong umupo. I silently mouthed thank you.

"We've got the good news this morning." Sabi pa ni Daddy.

Hindi naman ako umimik. For sure it's about the break up last night. And the agreement I've made with Mom, na magtatrabaho na ko sa kumpanya namin. At last. Just for one condition, they won't lay a hand on Corinne.

"Hey, okay ka lang?" Mahinang bulong sakin ni Ate Louella na kunwari ay nilagyan ako ng chicken sa plato.

I didn't say a word. I guess alam naman nito na hindi. My eyes are puffed because of nonstop crying last night. I don't even have the strength to wake up this morning. But I have to. From now on, I am no longer just Aria. I have to live up with my name, Ariana Elise Calvry. A Calvry.

By then, I could be able to claim her back someday. Hopefully.

"So, when are you planning to take over sa businesses natin sa Cebu?" kaswal na tanong ni Daddy habang nagsisimula na itong kumain.

I lazily took my glass of orange juice.

"I can have my flight today." I sipped my juice.

Tila naman lalong natuwa pa yung Daddy ko sa narinig.

"You're now growing up, kid. You're now making sound choices."

"Thanks to Mom." Blank na sagot ko bago nagsimulang kumain.

Ayaw man lunukin ng lalamunan ko, ay pinilit ko pa din. This is what I choose. Dapat panindigan ko.

This is for our own good, Corinne.

"I've already talked with Jennifer's family. They'll talk with the owner of the company you have been working for these past few months. We'll settle for the breach of contract for any damages of your immediate resignation. It's as if they can even pay your worth."

"Thanks, Dad. I really need to do that."

Tumango naman ito habang nginunguya yung kinakain.

"You owe us, kid. We let you do what you want to do since your break up with Kiel."

Natigilan naman ako. Utang na loob ko ba na hinayaan nila ako na gawin yung gusto ko? Isn't a family supposed to stand by their family's side? Without conditions. Because that's what my friends did for me. Something that my family could not.

"You could have just pulled your stocks in their company if you truly cared for me that time." Hindi ko maiwasang sabihin.

Sabay na napatawa lang ang mga magulang ko in a sarcastic way.

"Business don't need a heart, Ariana. You can't let your emotions riled up your decision making in our business. Kiel's company are in good shape. That's still a good investment. Never been that good since last year now that Kiel is taking it up. His management is commendable. Such a waste that you had to break up with him. "