Knowing the Vixen

Twelve

Alright, let's do this. It's now or never. I knocked three times before pushing the massive door to open.

"Goodmorning, dad." I smiled at him and he returned it with a fatherly smile. It's always this good when he's around, pero buong linggo siyang busy. Only tuesdays is his off.

"Goodmorning, Tim. You're earlier than usual. Sit."

Umupo ako sa kanang upuan para hindi niya makita ang kabilang parte ng pisnge ko.

"Anong sadya mo?" He dropped his pen and place both arms in his desk, resting his chin on it.

I pushed my pair of glasses up my nose before speaking, "I'd like to buy a condo, if you permit."

He laughed and tapped my shoulders. I smiled awkwardly kahit nagtataka ako kung bakit siya tumatawa nang wala namang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko.

"Why are you asking, son? Malaki ka na, you can always do what you want."

Yes, only if your wife wouldn't meddle with my business and convince you that I'm wrong. Only if her brainwashing tactics wouldn't influence you.

"I want to bring Jill with me."

He stared at me for some time with his brows furrowed, "You want her to stay there also?"

I gave him a determined nod.

"Your sister is young, Tim. Nag-aaral ka at ganoon din si Jillian sa prep-school. Paano mo siya mababantayan? Marami ditong katulong na nag-aalaga sa kapatid mo."

Pero mas inaalagaan nila ang imahe sa mata ng asawa mo. They all wanted to be loyal to her so they could keep their job. They were forced to lie to you and tolerate her. How can I leave my little sister knowing she's nowhere safe in this place?

"Please dad."

I never begged. If I can't get what I want, hinahayaan ko lang iyon, forcing my brain to accept that maybe some things were not meant for me. But this time I will, even if have to kneel. I will. Sapat nang ako lang ang saktan ni mommy, I can endure it but Jillian can't.

"Why? Why is this sudden?"

I pursed my lips and fought the urge to cry. Not because I'm tired or hurting but because we both know well why I'm doing this.

"Was it because of Claudette again?"

I was about to answer no but I flinched when he smacked the table so hard, the sound dominating the whole room.

"Tell her to come here, Tim! Ilang beses ko ba siyang dapat pagsabihan-"

"Dad, no please!" I stood up and blocked his way.

"Move aside!" he ordered as he pushed me to the side but I was quick to regain myself and stop him once more, kneeling in front of the doorway.

"Kapag ginawa mo 'to Dad, pwede kang siraan ni mommy. Not just that, hindi na niya titigilan si Jillian knowing na nagsumbong ang bata. Please... just let us leave. Dad..."

We stayed in the same position for a moment before he drew a deep breath and walked back to his desk. He seated again and played with his fountain pen. I know mapapapayag ko siya because the last thing he want right now is to taint his political image now when election day is getting closer. Claudette- or mom could swiftly do that.

"How about her studies?"

"I'll get her a nanny." I replied fast. "I keep my eyes on her, Dad. You know me."

He seemed amuse. "Is this a do-or-die situation?"

I nod, "You could say that."

I ate my breakfast happy, napapayag ko si Daddy. Siguro mamayang lunch ay bibili na ako, I can also buy necessary things for the unit dahil umaga lang ang examination schedule ko. It was the second day for the midterm examination so walang klase sa hapon para makapagpahinga ang mga estudyante. Good thing for me.