When Playboy Meets The Odd

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

SAGE

It's already 3 in the afternoon and I am on my way to the condo. Antonio and I had a wonderful time last night. I've never slept so comfortable in my life.

Katatapos ko lang sa work. Hindi ako sinundo ni Antonio dahil meron daw silang family meeting.

I opened the fridge to drink some water when I felt my phone vibrated.

It's Mom. It's been a while since she called.

"Hello Mommy?" I asked a bit smiling.

Isang buntong hininga ang narinig kong pinakawalan niya. "Are you free tonight?" She asked.

MONSERRAT

Dad and Mom called me in their office. It's only 9 in the morning. I wonder what is it all about.

I opened the door. Bumungad sa akin si Mom and Dad na problemadong nag-uusap. Mom is seating in her swiveled chair while Dad is standing beside her.

"Oh, anak. Maupo ka." Iginiya sa akin ni Daddy ang sofa. Mom gave me an awkward smile as I sat down the sofa.

"Is there something wrong?" Diretsahan kong tanong. "Did something happened to one of our projects?" I asked quite concerned.

Dad shooked his head at sumulyap kay Mommy. Mom cleared her throat and gave me a serious look.

"Uh, Monsy, this isn't about our company." Panimula niya. I gave them a more confused look. "This is about our family."

Napakunot ang noo ko. I glance at Dad and he look so serious as well.

"Why? What is this all about?" I asked with so much curiosity.

Mom hestatingly looked at Dad. Tumango naman si Dady kinukumbinsi si Mom. Bumuntong hininga ito.

"Actually Monsy..." Naghintay ako ng kanyang sasabihin. I suddenly felt nervous because I've never saw them like this. Kahit pa mayroong problema sa kompanya hindi sila kailanman naging ganito. They looks so concerned. "You know that I treated you like my own right?" Aniya. "Uh, no. You're my son. Whatever people says, you're my son."

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko. "Of course Ma, I'm your son." Napalingon ako kay Dad. He still looks serious.

"Just go straight to the point Ma." I said impatiently.

Muli siyang bumuntong hininga. "Your Dad already knows about her. I don't really know if you'll accept her but–" Luminga si Mommy kay Dad na puno ng pag-aalinlangan.

"Come on, say it, Mariclaire." Dad convinced Mom. She looked at me with her eyes full of worried.

"I have another child, anak."  Natigilan ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. I feel like the words aren't sinking in my mind. She has a child? Is it from another Mom? Kailan pa? Did she cheated on my Dad?

"Ang totoo niya ay may anak na talaga ako bago ko makilala ang Daddy mo." Aniya na para bang nakita ang mga tanong sa isip ko. I looked at Dad who's nodding.

"Yes, Monsy. Actually, you have a stepsister." Dad explained.

I continue looking at them frowning. "What do you mean I have a stepsister?" Nagkatinginan muli sila. "Then if I have one where is she? Is she living with her Dad? Why didn't I know about her?" Sunod-sunod kong tanong.

Daddy sighed. "It's a very long story, son. But she isn't living in her Dad. Actually, she's been living under your Mom's care for a almost two years now." Nagtaka naman akong tumingin sa kanila.

"She is? Then where is she? Why isn't she living here with us?" She's my Mom's child. She's my sister. She's a family.

"You know your Mom–" Bumuntong hininga siya. "You're Mom and I decided to let her stay away from us, in the meantime."