This Could Mess Up

Chapter 2 In A 4-Cornered Room Called Condo

"Dad?! Are you serious?!" I am furious.

Really, really, furious.

Ang magaling kong Daddy, na walang kamalay-malay, ay siyang uminom lang ng kape na akala mo'y myembro siya ng Royal Family.

"Do I look like I'm not serious with it?" seryosong tumingin sa akin si Daddy. "January, I will not leave you here or anywhere, alone."

My brows furrowed as I sighed deeply, "Pero Daddy, bakit—bakit lalaki? Why do I have to live with a guy? Ano nalang sasabihin nila Grandpa? Nila Tita? Ni Ate? Dad—" mahinahon na ako ngunit may diin pa rin ako sa bawat salita.

I just can't believe it. Alam kong legal na ako, pero conservative pa rin ako 'no!

May ipinakita sa akin si Dad na listahan sa phone niya. May iba't-ibang apelyido na nakasulat doon at lahat sila ay may markang 'x'.

"Ano yan Dad? Listahan ng mga nareject kong business partners mo?" sarcastic kong tanong sa kaniya.

Really, this is a blind date or matchmaking—ibinubugaw niya ang sarili niyang anak!

Inirapan ako ni Daddy, "List of dormitories and condominiums near your university, nagcanvas ako last week for available slots. Do you really think that I would just let you live with Arthur's son?" tila may disappointment sa boses niya.

Nahiya ako sa sinabi ni Dad. Okay, I was a bit foul right there. But—"Pwede naman akong makitira sa mga Ramirez, Dad. Sure akong papayag si Edward—"

"And what? You'll let yourself be a burden to them?" huminga nang malalim si Dad at hinawakan ang balikat ko. "Anak, I don't want to do it but this is the least upsetting option for you. Ayaw kong nahihirapan ka."

"What about the guy? Hindi ba ako pabigat sa kaniya? How can you be so sure na safe ako sa kaniya, hindi ko nga siya kilala," I blurted out.

"I know Arthur's son, he's your schoolmate. He's a studious person and I bet that he won't even lay his eyes on you," paninigurado ni Daddy.

Napataas ang kilay ko. "Wow, Daddy. So I am now paired to a genius naman."

"Think about it, he lives two blocks away from the university. I can find you a condo but far away from your school, kaya mo ba ang traffic?" tumigil sandali si Daddy. "He's a good guy, Anak. I can sleep peacefully every night thinking that you're safe with a guy like him."

Nakuha na ni Daddy ang loob ko ngunit hindi pa rin ako natinag, "Have you talked to Ate about this? Kuya? Paano pumayag si Mr. Arthur?"

Napaawang ang sulok ng labi ni Daddy, "Your siblings gave all of their support to this, and anak, it's just for a month. I will be checking on you daily."

"What about Mr. Arthur? Hindi ba siya mag-iisip ng masama na babae ang kasama ng anak niya?"

"He's the one who proposed this," ngumisi si Daddy, huli ka balbon may pinaplano ka na naman. "Besides, wala rin kasama ang anak niya. The condo has two rooms, enough for you to stop thinking that I am pairing you with him."

Napahinga nalang ako nang malalim at napailing kay Daddy. Wala naman akong choice kundi ang sumunod sa kaniya, he's the only parent that I have after all.

"We'll be leaving on Wednesday morning. You can slowly pack your things now, ihahatid kita on Tuesday after your classes," utos sa akin ni Dad.

Tumango ako sa kaniya at dumiretso na sa kwarto ko para mag-impake. Wala na akong lusot sa sitwasyong ito kasi masyadong pinaghandaan ni Daddy. He really chooses his battle wisely.