Fierce

Chapter 11

No Choice

"Oh, nandito na pala ang dalawa!" masayang bungad ni daddy nang makita niya kaming dumating.

I casually greeted my father and kissed him on his cheeks. I also did the same thing with my mom to show my affection to them.

"Hello, Attorney," nakangiting bati rin ni Gael kay daddy at saka bumaling kay mommy. "Tita..."

"I cooked carbonara and mozzarella sticks for afternoon snacks,” anunsyo niya. “Blair really likes mozzarella sticks. Sana ay kumakain ka rin noon, Gael. Sabay-sabay na tayong kumain ng meryenda."

"Of course, tita,” agap ni Gael na mas lalong nagpasaya kay mommy. “I like that, too. Thank you po."

"I'll just eat later, mom. Sa kuwarto po muna ako," paalam ko na siyang nakakuha sa atensyon nilang lahat. "I have some homeworks to do."

Just the thought that Mom prepared mozzarella sticks made me want to run straight into the kitchen, but thinking that Gael would join us made me hesitant. I already endured being with him for a long time. I needed a break.

"What homeworks, Blair?” pagsingit ni daddy. “It's the weekend tomorrow. You don't have classes during weekends. Puwedeng bukas mo na lang ‘yon gawin."

"Don't you like mozzarella sticks anymore?" nagtatampong sabi pa ni mommy.

"No, mom. I love it but..." I sighed and nodde, finally giving up on running away. "Okay po. Kain na po tayo."

Nauna pa ako sa pagpunta sa kusina kung saan naamoy ko kaagad ang bango ng carbonara at ang cheese sticks. Whenever I was having mozzarella sticks, I liked it served with a spare melted mozzarella dip.

"I can see that you really like mozzarella,” Gael commented when he saw me indulging myself with it.

"I have a thing with mozzarella cheese. We're in a deep relationship." Ngumisi ako kay Gael bago sinubo ang mozzarella stick.

"I never knew that being a mozzarella cheese is a good thing," he playfully said. "Makes me want to be one."

My parents chuckled while my cheeks were flushed and hot in embarrassment. I wanted to kill him for throwing such words in front of my parents, especially my father who was trying to set us up. He was basically putting the both of us in a tough position.

"It seems like someone likes our daughter, Helena," daddy said with a wide smile on his face, showing how pleased he was.

My mother smiled as well. "I can sense that, too."

I thought my mother disliked that my father was pairing me up with Gael because she stopped him while we were on our way home from the dinner meeting with the Ondevillas. But why does it seem like she has a different take about it now?

"Do you like our daughter, Gael?" Mom straightforwardly asked Gael.

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata. "Mom! Stop it, please."

I could feel my cheeks heating up. I was positive that I was as red as our carpet. I realized that it was finally the right time to speak up about what I was feeling and what was on my mind. I couldn't let this go on.

"It's okay, Blair. Don't be shy," natatawa pang sabi ni Daddy sa akin bago muling bumaling kay Gael. "So, do you like my daughter, Gael?"

I was just staring at my plate while waiting for Gael's answer. Halos magdugo na ang ibabang labi ko dahil sa diin ng pagkakakagat ko.

"Actually, I’m still in the process of making sure of my feelings for her. We’ve just met, and I don’t want to rush things," he seriously answered while explaining himself. "But I have to say that I’m very interested in her. I like her."

I quickly snapped my head towards him in irritation. "You shouldn’t joke like that in front of my parents, Gael.” Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata upang bawiin niya ang mga sinabi niya. “Hindi nakakatuwa.”

"Blair, don't be like that,” Dad immediately stopped me from an indifferent tone to Gael. “He just confessed and I like it that he took the courage to tell us about his feelings for you."

Hindi natanggal ang matalim na pagkakatitig ko kay Gael. On the other hand, it seemed like he was just looking back, trying to figure me out. He didn’t have to be confused though. I wasn’t wearing any mask. One look and I was pretty sure he could immediately tell how serious I was.

"Take that back, Gael," I sternly told him, ignoring my father’s warning.

He c****d his head on one side without breaking eye contact with me. "I don't take my words back, Blair."

"But you're lying!” Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagtaas ng aking boses. “You don't like me! This is just all for a show!"

"What do you know?" he calmly asked me. "This is my own feelings. Ako ang nakakaramdam at nakakaalam ng sarili kong damdamin."

"Cut that crap out, Gael!" I shouted. “Don’t try to fool me and my parents.”

"Blair! Watch your words!" Daddy’s voice was strained like he was trying to stop himself because of Gael’s presence.

"No, tito, it's okay," sabi ni Gael kay daddy bago siya lumingon sa akin. "If you don't want to believe me, then it's fine, Blair. But I just told your parents the truth and I would like to get to know you more.”

"Don't make me laugh, Gael. You just came from a failed relationship and now you're saying that you like me?" I stood up from my seat, finally fed up with everything. "And even if you really do like me... I don't. We don't feel the same way and never will."

I turned my back at him and headed outside the kitchen while my parents were calling my name. However, I didn't look back and went up to my room, no matter if my father sounded like he was ready to scold me for more than an hour. 

My relationship with my parents was ruined even before. Wala naman nang mawawala sa akin. Even if my parents would stop noticing me, it was fine with me. Ganoon naman na talaga kahit dati. Sanay na sanay na ako.

"Blair..."

Natigil ang aking pag-iisip at napakunot ang aking noo nang madinig ko ang boses ni mommy mula sa labas ng aking kuwarto. Napabuntong hininga ako bago lumapit sa pintuan.

I slightly opened the door. My mother was right outside, holding a tray with a plate of mozzarella sticks and a glass of water.

"I just feel like you want to eat more since it’s your favorite..." nag-aalangang sabi ni mommy. “Can I come in?”

After biting my lower lip in hesitation, I smiled at my mother, nodded, and widened the opening of the door to let her in. Agad siyang pumasok at inilapag ang tray sa ibabaw ng center table. Nilapitan iyon at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain. Although I wasn’t in a great mood, I couldn’t resist food.

"I'm sorry about your father, Blair," Mom apologized on behalf of my father after a few moments of silence in between us. "We've been talking about it since we had dinner with the Ondevillas. He really likes Gael for you. I told him that we shouldn't push you since you have your own choice but... I guess your dad's hopes suddenly went high when Gael confessed earlier."

"But mom, I'm sorry…” I sighed and shook my head. “Hanggang kaibigan lang ang kaya kong ibigay kay Gael. I don't like him."

"I know and I understand..." Tumango-tango si Mommy. "You already voiced out your feelings earlier. You stepped on Gael's ego bigtime, but I have to admit that he’s a good man. He told us not to worry about it and asked your father not to put any pressure on you.”

Kinagat kong muli ang aking pang-ibabang labi at saka bahagyang yumuko.

"To be honest, Gael has potential, Blair," Mom suddenly said which caught my full attention right away. "I was actually happy when Gael admitted he likes you. I've been waiting for this moment that someone would like to court my daughter because I know that if that happens, there will be someone who'll take care of you while we're outside the country."

"There’s no need for that, mom. I can take care of myself,” I assured her.

"I also know that…” she said. “You are strong and independent. There's no doubt about that. I'm also glad that you grew up to be that kind of woman. It makes me feel prouder of you."

I never thought that my mom thought of me as that kind of woman. I couldn't help but to get teary-eyed, especially when she said she’s proud of me. No words could explain the happiness that I was feeling.

"Blair."

My smile vanished when I heard my father's voice. I wore my cold expression when I faced him who was holding the door to my room open.

"Helena, please go out for a minute,” dad asked my mother. ‘Your daughter and I need some time alone. I need to talk to her."

Dad's tone made me shiver but I just remained firm with expression.

"Jay, remember what I told you..." she reminded my father.

My father shut his eyes hard like he was having a hard time.

"Jay..." tawag ni mommy sa kanya nang hindi siya sumagot.

"Helena, just please. Let me handle this,” dad told her without even compromising.

Mom heaved a sigh as she shook her head. Before she left, she kissed me on top of my head and gave one last glance to my father. And as soon as she was gone, the room got colder and I felt uncomfortable in my own space.

"What you did earlier is beyond me, Blair," my father started speaking with a controlled baritone. "You embarassed Gael in front of us."

"I'm just telling the truth, Dad. Is it bad to be honest now?"

"I won't beat around the bush, Blair," he said without answering my question. "You're my daughter and I would like you to end up with a man who's capable and deserving enough to be your partner in life. I want the best for you. I like Gael for you. I like you to end up with him."

"Dad..."

I already saw that one coming. Gael warned me the first night our families met. Hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwalang talaga pa lang iyon ang magiging kapalaran ko. If my Dad wants me to end up with Gael, of course I can be a rebel. But the question is: Until when can I defy his orders?

"Are you asking me to date him?” I asked to make things clearer.

"Yes, Blair," he answered without batting an eye. "And as my daughter, I expect you to grant my request. This is also for you. One day, you'll realize why."

I shook my head. "I won't, dad," I told him right on the bat. "I'm sorry but I can't grant what you want."

“Blair!” His voice thundered.

“I grew up independently without you and mom in my life,” I said with my teeth gritted. “I know how to make my own choices and I know what’s the best for me. Now, I’m sorry if I’m going to fail you, but I’m already done pleasing you.”

“Blair Nicole!” Muli niyang galit na tawag sa akin. “Wala kang respeto!”

I ignored him and walked out of my room. My mother was surprised when I opened the door. I didn’t know she was listening outside and I only found her teary-eyed. I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty because of what I said. But I was just telling the truth. 

"Excuse me, mom…” sabi ko na lang.

Her lips were slightly trembling as she stepped aside. Bago ko pa makitang tuluyang bumagsak ang luhang namumuo sa kanyang mga mata ay mabilis akong umalis. I left our house and drove my car on the way to the Mallaris.

Pagkalabas ko ng aking sasakyan ay mabilis kong tinawagan si Ida. Mabuti na lang at agad niyang sinagot ang aking tawag.

"Yes, hello, my dear best—"

"Open the door, p-please…” I told her, my voice sounded so fragile that I couldn’t even recognize it. “I'm here right outside your house."

Hindi ko na siya narinig pang sumagot. Agad niyang pinatay ang tawag. Wala pang isang minuto ay bumukas na ang pintuan sa aking harapan.

"Blair!" Ida exclaimed and immediately hugged me, knowing how I was feeling just by the tone of my voice when I spoke with her through the phone. "What happened?"

"Gael...“ That was the only word I had to say and I knew that she already understood what I meant.

Bumitiw siya sa pagkakayakap sa akin. Her eyes were wide open when she realized what was happening. She quickly grabbed me by the hand and dragged me to her room where we could talk.

"I can't believe it, Blair!" Ida kept walking back and forth. “I can’t believe tito would do that! At saka anong panahon na? Hindi na uso ang ganoon!”

Napakagat ako sa aking labi. She was so angry when I told her what happened back at home.

"I told you!” She snapped her head to me with a determined expression. “We should tell Kuya about this! Maybe he can do something to help you!"

"Ida—"

"What is it that you two have to tell me?"

Both of our eyes widened when we heard a very familiar voice. As I turned to the door, I found Isaiah who just walked into Ida's room.

“Oops…” sabi na lang ni Ida nang makita ang kapatid habang ako ay napabuntong hininga na lamang.