The Devotion of Damien And Augustus

TDODAA 3

I was ready for office when I get down on our dining room. They are already there together with Phoebe who's probably first time to eat with us. She was dressed properly. I wondered where she's going when last night dad grounded her for 2 weeks.

She has this sleepy face while chewing her food. Mukhang napilitan siyang bumangon ngayong umaga.

"I have a favor to asked."

"Good morning too, dad."

I remember when he was the boss on our company. He always greeted me with things about office. I never heard him saying me good morning. Even these days. And I am fine with it. Nasanay na lang ako.

I wonder if he's like this with the girls.

Dad and I didn't share the bond what others do. I understand that he was left me with me and he has to do so much just to give me life. Of course, I don't understand when I was a kid. I lost my mom on an early age and it felt like I loss my father too. He got no time for me. Even my birthdays, he wasn't there. There are also times that he's not around in Christmas and New Years where I loss my hopes that he will be with me on those days.

I didn't think twice to have a grudge on him.  Who am I to judge my father? Hindi lang naman ako ang nawalan. Pati rin siya.

"Phoebe needs a job."

"I don't need job dad. I already told you. I want to enjoy my life after --"

"You've been enjoying your life on those days of your college. Anong enjoyment pa ba ang gusto mo?"

Everyone keep quiet except Phoebe who wants to fight for her wants. She put her utensils with  tense that cause a noise in the dining. Tita Patricia warned her.

"Just listen to your father, Phoebe."

"Listening to him will only be the death of me. Right, Phoenix?"

"Don't include me with your problems, Phoebe."

Phoenix answered without looking at her even though Phoebe didn't even bother to look at her. They are both focused on their foods.

I look at Penelope who's looking at her sisters. Napansin naman iyon ni tita Patricia kaya tinawag niya ang isang kasambahay at pinakuha ito. Ngumiti ako ng maliit at kumuha ng pagkain.

"Let me eat my breakfast first."

I calmly said. I was wondering how they eat breakfast back then. Are they usually like this? Or just this morning? I don't know.  This is the first time that I eat breakfast with Phoebe since she's always asleep in the morning.

"I am serious. Bring Phoebe to your work."

I swallowed my food first and drink on my water before I answered my father.

"Dad, maybe we should give the enjoyment that Phoebe's asking."

I look at Phoebe who seems surprised to what I said. I didn't expect her to have a glance with me or at least say thank you. I look back at dad who also surprised.

College fucked up my life. Kahit anong course ay babaliwin ang buhay mo. Sobrang hirap at wala kang magagawa kundi tapusin kasi para sayo ang kinabukasan ng tatapusin mo. And I know where Phoebe's coming from. She just want a time out on her life.

"Just a month. Also with Phoenix. After a month, they both need to work. If Phoebe wants to work with our company, then she have to arranged her papers so after her vacation, she'll work. If not, then let her work where she wants dad. Let the twins decide for their lives. Let them stand on their own feet."

"Fine. But if Phoebe fails again, ikaw ang malalagot sakin Damien."

"Sure, dad. No problem."

After the breakfast I went straight to the office with the twins. Dad wants me to handle their one month vacation. Since ako raw ang magkukunsinti sa dalawa, ako na rin daw ang sumalo ng sakit ng ulo.