CHAPTER XVII: Trouble in Our Paradise
975 Words
I’ll never give up our love…
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July 2016.
Mom and I picked up my father from the airport. He’s not alone though, PJ’s with him. I’m going to miss my Baby Mimi because Dad will guard my every move. He wanted me to date Mr. Ugly Arrogant Face and tour him in the city. I hate to keep pretending to be in love with that jerk. PJ’s parents actually caught him having s*x with some girl at their house, but they still wanted me as their daughter-in-law!
Weeks passed, and I got busy balancing my work at the hospital and doing part-time jobs at Dad’s company. I went to my room and opened my computer to print some documents. I smiled as Milena’s face appeared at my desktop wallpaper. I touched the screen like I’m touching her face. I miss my girl!
“Who’s that girl in your wallpaper, Eliza?”, Dad said in his serious tone as he entered my room without knocking.
Holy macaroni! I quickly turned off my computer’s monitor, but my Dad already saw the picture of me and Milena smiling at each other, holding hands and lips almost touching. It’s one of our first pictures together.
“Oh! Hey Dad! What are you doing here?”, I asked nervously.
“Who’s that girl? Is that the Milena girl that your Mom told me? Your special friend?”
“Um. She’s… Um… She’s no one, Dad. Ahem. I thought you have a business meeting with PJ’s parents?”
He looked suspiciously at me, but I smiled sweetly at him. He then said, “PJ’s downstairs and I came in here to tell you to have a date with him. We’ll also talk about your engagement.”
“Huh?! What engagement, Dad?! I don’t want to be married to that jerk!”
“His parents are our friends and big investors in our company and we could see that you two is perfect for each other. Dress up now, sweet pea. Don’t make PJ wait too long.”, he said then left.
What the heck?! They already talked about our engagement without informing us?! I grabbed a backpack and packed some clothes and cash. I needed to run away from them. Dad and PJ were busy talking at the kitchen. I sneak out at our back door without them noticing me.
I went to a bus terminal and rode a provincial bus to Albay. I’m going to my cousin’s house. I cursed silently when I couldn’t find my phone in my bag. I left it at my room! I couldn’t inform Milena that I’ll be gone for a while. She’ll be mad at my sudden disappearance again.
“Oh, cousin Liz! Why are you here?”, Nadja said surprised when she opened the door.
“Can I crash on your place for a few days?”
“Having problems with your parents again?”
“Dad wanted me to marry some jerk. Didn’t see this one coming.”
Nadja laughed and gave me a lemon soda and a piece of triple choco cake to calm down.
“What about your ex? Last time, you told me you’re going to win her back.”
“I’m still not out with my family, Nadj. I think I’m still that coward Eliza back in our high school days. Oh, before I forgot, could I borrow a phone? I need to text her.”
“I’m sorry cousin but even if I can lend you a phone, there’s no cellular signal in here. You need to be in a higher area.”
I sighed. Well, I’m not staying here for long. I’ll just visit Milena at her place next week and make up for my MIA moves again.
“So, Liz how’s the s*x?”, Nadja said without warning. I almost spit out the soda I’m drinking at her face.
“The hell, Nadj! You really have a bad mouth!”
“Based on your reaction, it means you still not reached the 7th heaven or the Big O!”
I frown and said, “I couldn’t seduce her with my s*x appeal. She’ll never like me back, Nadj! I’m not pretty at her eyes anymore!”
“Don’t be such a dramatic! You said you could still feel her love for you? She might have little hate left in her heart, but she could never ignore the beauty of my favorite cousin! I’ll be her worst enemy if that’s her reason for not having s*x with you!”
Nadja laughed again and I punched her arm. I sighed and said, “I really love her, Nadj. But I don’t want my parents to hate me, especially Dad.”
“Oh! I forgot that you’re still Papa’s sweet little girl.”, Nadja teased.
“Talk to your girl and tell her that. If she really loves you, she will understand and wait for you. And tell her about your upcoming engagement.”
“PJ has other girls than me. I don’t want to be married to a guy like him.”
Nadja and I had a long conversation that night and I dread the day that I’ll be back in Milena’s arms.
- Writer
