The Runaway

Chapter 4

The sound of the car entering the garage woke me up. Then, I heard Dad's voice downstairs. So, they just got home. I closed my eyes again and thought of going back to sleep.

"Miss Kath?" I flipped my eyes open when I heard a knock on the door of my room.

"Come in." I said and it opened. I get up to see our maid standing by the door.

"What is it?"

"Pinapatawag ka po ng mga magulang mo sa study room."

"Right now?" she nodded and I sighed.

"Ok." I fixed myself and went out of my room.

As I walk in the hallway, I prepared myself to whatever Dad will say. I've learned when I was young that being called to the study room is not a joke. It's serious business. I knocked at the door and went inside. I found Dad seating in his swivel chair with his elbows on the desk table. His staring at me while Mom stood by his side.

"You called for me, Dad?" I asked but he didn't respond. There was silence in the room and not long, he sighed.

"You know well what you did, right?"

"Yes." I firmly answered.

"You scared me. Your Mom. The Montecillos. Everybody! If we didn't call here, we will not know. We thought you were kidnapped or something."

"Well, I'm not. I'm safe. You didn't call the police and search the whole Metro, did you?"

"We almost did! God! You made us all worry! Tell me why you did that and I demand for a valid reason." I looked at him then at Mom, who looks mad. I averted my eyes and shrugged.

"I just feel like going home, that's all."

"That's it? You left without telling us! You know what, Anton's son came tonight because I asked him to. For you. Because I don't want to disappoint you but I guess the joke is on me. After all our efforts to bring you together."

"And what? So you could have me engaged to him?" I lost control of myself and went on asking them. They looked to me in surprise.

"You knew?" he asked. I nodded.

"I heard it. You planned all of it without even asking  how I would feel?"

"We're doing this for your own good, darling. You have nothing to worry about your future. We're taking care of it and I'm sure you're in good hands."

"Does he know about this?" I was referring to Tito Anton's son and he nodded. I clutched my fist.

"And I'm not supposed to know until you announced it tonight, is that it?" they nodded.

"Why? Why do you want me to marry that guy? I don't even know him or even met him once."

"The Montecillos were like family to us and since we want to really be one, we decided that you two will have to be married at the right time."

"But I don't want to marry him! You can't decide for me!"

"But, we already did."

"No! You can't force me! I have my own rights, for God's sake! What happened to the democracy of this country?"

"Don't be stubborn, Kathreene. We're doing for you. For your future."

"You can't decide for me." Dad ignored me. I turned to Mom. "Mom?"

"Please do it, sweetheart. We're just concern for your future and besides, he is a nice guy. I know he will take care of you."

"What?! I couldn't believe this! This is so unfair!"

"You'll soon understand why we're doing this." Dad added.

"You can't make me!"

"Enough! I've had enough of your stubborness, Kathreene! You're going to marry him and that's final!"

"You raised me, gave me everything I want, for this?! Then, I wish I was never born to this family! I wish I were dead!" I shouted and then a hand landed on my right cheek.

"Anton!" Mom centered herself between us. I touched my swollen cheek and tears came down my face. For the first time in my entire life, Dad slapped me.

"I-I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean-" before he could finish, I already turned my back and walked out the study.

I sat on my bed with tears keep on coming down my face. I don't believe any of this! Dad had hit me because of this stupid arrangement and I'm being forced to marry someone I don't even know. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on my door.

"Sweetheart?" it's Mom. I didn't answer, just kept silent.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. You're Dad didn't mean to hurt you. Please, don't hold a grudge on him. The reason why we're doing this is because we love you. I know you're confused right now but I hope you'll understand someday. Just take a rest. I know you're tired. We'll talk about this again later. Goodnight." after that, she left.

I just sat on my bed and listened to what she said. Somehow, I calmed down but that doesn't change my mind. I'm not confused. I can think clearly right now and I want to do what I want. And a crazy idea came to my mind.

"If I can't be free here, then I'll find some place where I can."

I waited until the lights were off, which means everybody is now asleep. I looked at the clock in my bedside table. It's already midnight. I got out of bed and grabbed my bag with my clothes and things  inside. I also changed into a simple blouse and a pair of jeans and sneakers. I slowly turned the doorknob and went outside my room. I tiptoed my way past my parent's room then down the stairs. I opened the front door, quiet enough so no one would hear, went straight to the gate and out.

I clutched my back nearer to me and walked in the sidewalk but before I could go far, I looked back at our  house. A hint of regret filled me but I shook it off.

"I'm sorry, Mom. Dad." I said and walked away.