Ferocious Affection (COMPLETED)

34TH

Ysa's

The solely-business atmosphere in every dinner with our family seemed to disappear because of my Mom's excitement in meeting Brett. As soon as we got out of my room, she welcomed him at the end of the staircase with her pair of eyes staring in awe; While my Dad welcomed him the opposite of how Mom did. He stared at Brett sharply, observing every movement he makes.

"Good evening po," Brett shyly greeted them.

Napangiti ng malawak si Mom. "What a respectful man! Good evening din, hijo!"

She turned to Dad who was staring intently at Brett. Brett tried to give his best smile to him, kaya't siniko ni Mom si Dad.

Mom chuckled. "Don't be like that, hon! Tinatakot mo naman 'yung bata!"

Inspite of Mom's statement, Dad stilled. Nang umaangat ako ng tingin sa aking katabi, bakas ang unti-unting pagdaloy ng kaba sa kanyang mukha. I pursed my lips to stop myself from laughing and caressed his arm.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Dad sa kamay kong nasa braso ni Brett at agad siyang napangisi. Maya-maya ay agad na nasira ang mukha ng aking ama at napahalakhak.

His laughter was followed by Mom and I's chuckle, while Brett's chuckle was a bit awkward. Hindi na kami kinabahan kay Dad dahil kilala namin siya bilang isang mapagbirong lalaki. Though intimidating when it comes to business, he's utterly a different person when he's at home with his family.

"I'm just playing around, tall boy. Don't take me seriously," Dad said and winked at Brett. Brett only chuckled as a response.

Muling nabalik ang aking paningin kay Brett nang siya'y tumikhim. "I haven't introduced myself properly po." He showed them his bright smile. "I'm Brett Anderson, your daughter's boyfriend."

Napataas ang kilay ni Dad at bumaling ang tingin sa akin. Nginitian ko lamang siya. Well, kilala naman niya ako bilang isang pasaway na anak.

"I already know you!" Mom exclaimed. "I've seen you in some business gatherings, you're Mr. Anderson's son!"

Napangiwi si Brett. "But I prefer you po, as Ysa's parents, to characterize me as her man, not the son of our company's CEO-if you don't mind po."

Napaawang ang labi ni Mom dahil sa sinabi niya, habang si Dad naman ay napangisi. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. Paninindigan nga talaga niya ang kanyang sinabi sa 'kin.

"Well..." Dad trailed. "I suppose it's more ideal to treat you the way you have suggested. What an interesting man." Doon sumilay ang ngiti sa labi ni Brett. "Let's cut the formality in this part, shall we?"

All of us nodded. Then, Mom motioned us to the dining room. From there, Kuya Rudy was seen sitting and waiting for us to come-though I know he's only up for the food. Nakahanda na sa mesa ang iba't ibang pagkain katulad ng bulalo, kare-kare, brown rice at iba pa. Glasses of wine were also prepared for each of us in the table.

"No," Dad said when Brett was about to sit by my side. "Sit in front of her, you'll hold hands for sure." Napangisi ang aking ama at napalingon sa kanyang asawa. "Been there, done that."

With cheeks getting reddish, Mom chuckled. Natawa rin kaming lahat bago pumunta sa kanya-kanyang naming pwesto. Dad ordered me to sit beside my mother, while Brett sat beside my brother on the other side. Tahimik lamang si Kuya Rudy at hindi pinansin ang kanyang katabi, making Brett nervous. Well, they'll get along in no time.

As dinner began, my parents started to hot-seat our guest. Sinimulan nila ang mga tanong mula sa kanyang personal na buhay hanggang sa kanyang hangarin sa buhay. Brett answered their questions with confidence, giving him pogi points for my parents. I felt proud.