The Runaway

Chapter 2

"Good morning!" I greeted Mom and Dad with a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, my princess is awake." Dad sipped on his cup if coffee.

"You've been pretty blooming lately, dear. Something happened?" Mom asked.

"Nothing." I smiled.

"Is it that 'Villamor' boy? Better don't tell us na kayo na. I'll be really angry for sure."

"Dad, hindi kami, ok?" I explained.

It's been a month since he confessed to me at the coffee shop and Bryan would ask me out and bring me to different places. Julienne was right. He is a nice guy and I think it's impossible for me not to fall for him, too.

"Good because I would like you to see someone." I stopped eating and I looked at him still reading the newspaper.

"See someone? What do you mean?"

"Oh, just get to know him and make friends."

"Him? A guy?" I asked. He nodded.

"Whose 'him'?"

"You know my dear friend Mr. Montecillo, right?" I nodded.

"I want you to meet his son. You'll do it for me, right?" I feel weird with this request but I don't want to disappoint him.

"Of course! Anything for you, Dad."

"Good. Meet him tomorrow at 3:00 at The Havannah. We prepared everything for you two."

"Got it."

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"I'm sorry, Bryan. I can't go with you. Dad has something for me to do."

"I understand. There's plenty of time later so don't worry." he said on the other line.

"I know. I'm really sorry." I said apologetically.

"Don't be. Pa'no ba yan? I need to catch a meeting. I call you again next time. Bye." and he ended the call. I dialled Julienne's number.

"Hello?"

"We need to talk."

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"What do you want to talk about?" nagkita kaming dalawa sa isang bench sa park.

"Dad wants me to meet someone."

"What? Who?"

"Anak ng family friend namin."

"Bakit daw?"

"I don't know. He said I just get to know him and make friends."

"So, it's a guy?! Oh, my gosh! Di kaya ipapakasal ka nila sa kanya?"

"Ano ka ba? Sa'n mo naman nakuha yung idea na yan?"

"In a movie. Ganyan kasi yung nangyari before sasabihin na arranged yung mga bida for marriage."

"It's just a movie. It's a story enacted by those who act."

"But can happen in the real world."

"That's ridiculuous! Dad will never do that to me. Maybe he just want us to be friends to build a stronger bond in business."

"Or maybe have you two married para mag-merge ang companies ninyo?"

"Enough of it. I'll just make friends with him and we're good."

"Suit yourself."

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"Thank, God." I said as I walk in the restaurant. I thought I was late. I can't afford a bad impression.

"Can I help you, Ma'am?" said the receptionist.

"Oh. I'm hear for a reservation. By the name of Mr. Montecillo."

"Oh, right this way." and we started walking in the hall.

"Has he arrived?"

"Mr. Montecillo? No, he hasn't."

"Ok. I just wait for him." he helped me sit on the chair and left the table. There's just a few people eating here at this time of the day. It's just 3:04pm.

I went to the powder room for a retouch. I fixed my red dress and make myself pretty just as what Dad told me.

"Ok na 'to."

Bumalik na ako sa table namin just to find no one there. I looked at my watch. It's already 3:15.

"He's a little late, is he?"

I sat there and waited for him to arrive. 30 minutes. 45 minutes. An hour. I irritatedly ordered for a glass of pineapple juice.

How long does he want to keep me waiting? It's really rude to have a girl wait on you, for Pete's sake. If not for Dad, I won't be doing this.

My pineapple juice arrived a few minutes after. I sipped on it to calm myself and decided to wait for another 15 minutes. I finished my drink but still no sign of him.

"Forget it." I asked a waiter for my bill, paid for it and left.

"Hi, dear. How was it?" Mom asked me as I entered the house.

"I don't want to talk about it, Mom. I going upstairs. I'm tired." I went to my room then to my bed and slowly drifted myself to sleep.

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"Nasabi sa'kin ng Mom mo ang nangyari. It didn't went well?" tanong sa'kin ni Dad the following morning.

"It could have if he did show up." I answered irritatedly.

"So, he didn't come. Just as Anton told me."

"Curse him."

"Now, now. Maybe he's just busy yesterday. Just give him another chance."

"After what he did? I've never felt so embarassed in my entire life, Dad. I looked pathetic, sitting there waiting for him."

"Ok. I'll set you up again but this time, I'll make sure he comes."

"No, Dad. I won't see him again. Wasting an hour and 15 minutes of my time is enough reason not to."

"This coming Saturday, two days from now, our company will have a party and I'm inviting the Montecillos. I'll have him accompany you through the night."

"Dad, I won't, ok? And it's final."

He looked at Mom in surrender.

"Darling, just give the person another chance. Malay natin, he's a good person and you'll make good friends with him. You'll never know." I sighed in defeat.

"Ok, fine. I'll see him but if he won't show up, you can't make me again. Promise me, Dad."

"It's a deal."