The Last Teardrop (TS3)

Chapter 12

"Have you talk to Edzel?"

My father's critical voice broke the silence on the dining table. He called me earlier and told me to come over so I could join them in dinner. Juliana's here too.

"Uh, h-he said yes, Dad but he can't join you these coming weeks since he have lots of things to do", my heart was beating so fast. I've been thinking for how many weeks now how to tell Dad that about it.

"You didn't persuade him enough then", his voice was so cold that it made me shake in fear.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I really did try inviting him to your golf course next weekend", I put down my spoon on my small bowl since dessert na lang naman ang kinakain ko, "But he said that he's still busy with his requirements. Aside from that, he's either going home to Ilocos or staying in their apartment to review every weekend"

"When's your finals?"

"Two weeks from now", my eyes moved towards Juliana who's smirking right now.

"Make him attend the golf course after your finals! If he still won't go with us, I'd get back your condo unit and your car and you'll stay here again!"

"But Martin", Tita Monica protested immediately, "Let her stay in her condo. Yung kotse na lang ang kunin mo"

Should I be thankful to her? But why does it still hurts?

"That's my decision, Monica!", Dad cold voice made Tita Monica silent. His wife then turned her sharp eyes at me, as if accusing me about something.

The table was covered with silence moment after. No one dared to speak up after. I silently took my spoon and forced myself to eat eventhough I could feel the daggers Tita Monica was throwing at me.

It's been how many months since I last dined with them. Wala man akong naaalala na masayang dinner na kasama ko sila... but still, iba pa rin ang pakiramdam na may kasama ka sa hapag.

Being alone and eating alone just stroke differently. Kahit gaano pa kasarap at karami ang pagkaing nakahain, kapag wala kang kasabay kumain, parang hindi ka rin nabubusog. Kaya nga, minsan inaaya ko na sina Gerlie na pumuntang mall at doon na kumain after ng klase namin. Having people around especially when eating feels better than being alone.

"Uh, Dad", Juliana's cheerful voice broke the silence few moments after. I was done with my food but I couldn't stand up yet since they're still eating, "Can I stay in London this vacation? Tita Vienna's inviting me to spend my vacation with them. Mom already knew about it"

She turned her head to her mom, who's smiling sweetly at her. Dad was looking seriously at Juliana, I couldn't read his expression.

"Martin, let Juliana be with Vienne for the whole summer. Instead of being bored here at home since she'll be left most of the time then why don't we just let her go, right?"

"Instead of spending your vacation somewhere else, why don't you spend your summer in the company? That way, you'd be familiar with the business!", Dad's serious voice surfaced the dining room. Agad umasim ang mukha ni Juliana, a sign of her protest.

"But Dad", she's frowning before turning to her mother fo help, "Mommy, convince Dad, please!"

The way she acts reminds me of that someone who's like a kid having tantrums whenever his wants weren't granted. Siguro kaya rin sila nagkakasundo dahil pareho sila ng ugaling dalawa.