Against the Tides

CHAPTER 2

“What? Mama, ang OA na neto,” I said while we were in a mall.

Nakakabigla nga lang eh. I'm here to relax and walk around since nalalapit na ang paglipat namin sa bahay ni Dad. Tapos, nakatanggap ako ng text mula kay Mama na kung nasan daw ako. Hanggang sa eto, pumunta pala siya sa bahay ko at siguro nahalata niya na walang tao. Kaya ngayon ang ending, magkasama kami at namimili siya ng ipapasalubong kay Dad.

“What? Gusto ko lang pasalubungan ang Dad mo.”

“Ma, may I remind you na hindi naman tayo nangibang-bansa?” I frowned.

Hinampas naman niya ako sa braso na ikinadaing ko. Ang nanay ko talaga na 'to, kakaiba kung kiligin. Kaya nakakatakot mag-boyfriend. Kung ganito ang nanay ko, eh di paano pa kaya ako?

Napailing na lang ako nang hindi ako pakinggan ng nanay ko at pumasok na siya sa isang store. Hanggang sa inabot na kami ng ilang store, pabigat na ng pabigat ang bitbit ko. Pero iilan ay sa kanya at sa akin naman kaya hindi na ako magrereklamo kasi meron na ako eh.

“You should buy some for your Uncle,” sabi ni Mama habang kumakain kami sa food court ng Yowell, my fave.

“Ano naman bibilhin ko dun? I don’t even know him. Is he single?” Bilhan ko siya ng mapapangasawa para lumayas na siya sa pamamahay ng tatay ko. I mean no judgment, pero for sure nasa 40s na 'yun, lalo na si Dad na mag 50 na next year. For sure rin naman na 2 years lang ang pagitan niyan.

“Alam mo naman na maganda rin ang lahi ng Dad mo.” I just shrugged.

“I don’t care, Ma. My Uncle may just be busy with his paperwork.” Ano ba gusto ng mga ganung edad? One of my friends said her Uncle spent his time on plants. Plantito? Well, I don’t know how old people want to buy stuff. And besides, we’re not close and I haven’t seen him yet.

“Malay mo, the reason why your Dad let him stay in his house kasi mabait siya.” I just looked at the people that were walking in the food court because I didn’t know what to say, to be honest. Why do I feel tense knowing one of my father’s side is living with us?

Three days left before we live with my Dad. I spent my days as usual in school. Lots and lots of stressful but enjoyable activities happened. And now, after fixing my foldable trolley cart for my dent supplies, I slowly put it in the back of my car. I was about to enter my car when I heard voices, more like sigawan. Hindi man ako chismosa, pero hindi ko mapigilan na hindi lumingon dahil sobrang lapit lang nila.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at dahan-dahan na sumilip sa medyo malayo-layo na kotse na nakaparada sa akin. My eyes widened when I saw an upper level of dent and a man wearing a tuxedo, I guess, na nakatalikod sa akin.

“Akala ko ba uuwi—" I immediately covered my friend’s mouth and signaled her to look at the two people. Her eyes widened as she peeked as well.

“So what? One night stand lang 'yun? Come on, Elias!” the woman said, almost in tears.

“Before something happened between us, you knew that already. So stop acting like it’s my fault.” I suddenly felt chills at the depth and coldness of the man's voice. Jas and I exchanged glances upon hearing that.

“I’m sorry... but I want you, that’s why you’re here, right?”

“Don’t assume too much— that’s why you’re getting hurt. I’m here for important matters. So, please? Give me peace.” The man’s cold reply was about to make him pass the woman when she grabbed his arm.

“You like me too, right? That’s why you slept with me.” Jas nearly pulled my hair out over what the woman said.

Girl, you’re beautiful. Stop wasting your tears on that asshole.

My heart suddenly raced when I heard the man’s soft laughter.

“You know who I am, right?” Upon hearing that, the man slowly turned his back on the woman.

Jas and I widened our eyes as we left our hiding spot, pretending to get into my car. I’m thankful that Jas and I share the same brain cells.

“Hey, do you know where the Accounting office is?”

Damn.

I sighed as I slowly faced him, and I was shocked. Now, I understand why the girls can't really let this man go. Hell, he is so incredibly handsome.

A dangerously rich bad boy with an intense, cold aura. His messy hair falls perfectly into place, effortlessly adding to his rugged charm. His full, reddish lips contrast against his sharp, well-defined jawline—strong enough to leave an impression. Deep brown eyes hold an unreadable mystery, made even more striking by his naturally furrowed brows. His nose is straight and well-sculpted, adding to his undeniable allure. With sun-kissed moreno skin that radiates heat, he’s the kind of man who turns heads without even trying.

I shook my head mentally while smiling respectfully.

“Um, sa guard niyo nalang po itanong.” I felt Jas’s intense gaze on me.

The man raised his eyebrow and chuckled, making my heartbeat quicken.

“Okay, thanks. Beautiful.” I gulped at his voice—what a player.

“Welcome, dick.” I smiled, turned my back to him, and got inside my car. Once inside, I took a dramatic breath. Jas quickly entered too, and as she closed the door, she suddenly screamed at the top of her lungs.

I rolled my eyes, glanced in my rearview mirror, and sighed in relief when I saw the man was no longer there.

“Ikaw naman! Bakit mo siya ginanun?” I raised an eyebrow at Jas and started the car engine.

“What the hell, Jas? Didn’t you see how he treated our upper-level?” Hello.

“Girl, may I remind you that girl is well-known…you know. Hindi lang si Elias ang nakama ng babaeng yun. And based on the rumors na naririnig ko, she wanted Elias because Elias is a f*****g billionaire. Unlike sa mga nakalandian niya. Kaya she made sure na may mangyayari sa kanila pero, Elias is Elias. He doesn’t repeat.”

I just rolled my eyes while driving. Thank God, hindi ko na makikita ulit ang lalaking yun for sure. Toxic.