The Royal Series 01: The Royal Agreement

Chapter 2

VICTORIA

“Hindi ka pa naman siguro busog ano? Puro kain kayo kapag magkakasama kayong apat eh.”

“Excuse me, we don’t always eat when we’re together, Kuya.” I defended.

Actually, gusto ko hampasin or alugin si Kuya kaso baka maaskidente kami lalo na at nagd-drive s’ya. Buong byahe ata kung anu-anong pang-aasar ng sinabi ni Kuya. Pero nang dumating na kami sa restaurant kung saan nagpa-reserve sina Mommy at Daddy ay umayos na si Kuya. Lalo na paglabas sa sasakyan.

May waiter namang nag-lead sa amin kung nasaang table parents namin at kaaakyat pa lang namin sa second floor ay tumayo na si Mommy at sinalubong ako ng yakap.

“My baby’s finally home.” Nanggigil na sabi n’ya at natatawa akong binalik yung yakap n’ya.

Matapos naming maghiwalay ay sunod kong pinuntahan si Daddy na naka-dress uniform pa rin. So he probably came from one of the military camps of Great Amber or the academy to give some sort of speech or lesson. While Mommy’s wearing a blouse and pencil skirt. She just came from a business meeting.

And good thing I’m wearing a blue long-sleeved turtleneck paired with a high-wasted pink pants and an unbuttoned beige trench coat. With block heels on, I don’t look too casual. And Kuya’s wearing a suit.

Nang makaupo na kaming apat sa kan’ya-kan’yang upuan ay inabutan na kami ng menu.

“Your father’s paying so order the most expensive dish, Tori.”

Natawa ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. Lalo na nang tingnan s’ya ni Daddy na parang hindi makapaniwala bago nakangiting umiling. Pero nakasinghal na nang magsabi si Kuya ng gusto n’yang kainin. Kaya tiningnan ko kung anong price nun sa menu at nanlaki yung mata ko.

Of course I chose something not too expensive but what I still wanted to eat. While waiting for the food, kinumusta nila Mommy at Daddy yung recent months na pag-stay ko sa Great Crystal. Usually kasi around Spring, Summer, and Winter Break ay nakakauwi ako sa Great Amber.

But not this year’s Spring and Summer Break. May inasikaso kasi kami nina Lauren, Hadley, Vanessa, at Jessie.

“Nage-expand na yung charities n’yong lima? That’s great news!” Compliment ni Mommy

“Yes, Mommy. Goal naming apat this year, magkaroon na ng branches in each of our home countries.” Dagdag ko pa.

“Sabihin mo lang kung kailangan madagdagan ng allowance mo. The five of you are financing your charities and foundation with your own money.” Dagdag ni Daddy.

“Ako kailangan ko ng allowance, Dad.”

“Tumahimik ka, may trabaho ka na.”

Natawa ako sa sinabi ni Daddy kay Kuya kaya sinamaan n’ya ako ng tingin.

“Kung magtatayo ka na ng sarili mong law firm, I might give you an allowance Julius.” Sabi naman agad ni Mommy.

It’s been a while since I had dinner with my family so it was a very good feeling. I felt more home. But I’m still going to miss the friends I have in Great Crystal.

Pauwi ay sa sasakyan ako uli ni Kuya sumakay at nang makarating sa bahay ay dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko. Nandoon na yung mga maleta ko kaya binuksan ko na lang yung bag  para makaligo na ako.

I only took a quick bath because I’m feeling tired already. And while doing my skin care, I messaged the group chat where Lauren and the girls are.

Sinabi kong nakakatamad mag-video call dahil inaantok na ako. Na nag-chat lang ako para malaman nilang nakauwi akong buhay.

My bed was pulling me to sleep so I plugged my phone to let it charge overnight once I finished my skin care routine.