Against the Tides

CHAPTER 3

“Are you ready?” Napangiti ako ng makita ang masayang mukha ni Mama. I’m also very happy and excited. Living with my Dad, my childlike self will be exceedingly joyful. Even at 22, I feel like a child again.

“Let’s go.”

We sat in the car quietly, but the noise of our hearts beating was loud, revealing how excited we were. Our driver was in front while Mama and I were in the back. I wore my headset while Mama watched some videos on f*******: again. Sometimes I guided her because sometimes she watches fake news or AI-generated content. There was even a time she almost ordered something because of what she saw. So, I happily took on the role of teaching her. It's cute, but at the same time, it's a bit scary because I worry she might get scammed for real, and that would be tough.

Then, I found myself in front of an unexpectedly large house. I stood by the tall iron gates, feeling small compared to the immense mansion ahead. A long driveway stretched before me, lined with neat trees and glowing lights. The mansion itself was massive, with smooth marble walls and giant glass windows glistening under the evening sky. Tall pillars flanked the entrance, making it look even more grand.

In the middle of the courtyard, a large fountain flowed, the sound of water filling the quiet air. Surrounding it was a beautiful garden with colorful flowers, trimmed bushes, and tall trees, making the place feel even wealthier. Everything about this mansion screamed affluence and power.

I took a deep breath. This wasn’t just a house—it was another world. And I was about to step into it. When we were in front of the door, I thought Dad would open it, but it was a man in a suit.

As we stepped inside, the air felt different—cool, rich, and almost too perfect. The high ceilings arched above me, with crystal chandeliers glowing like stars. The polished marble floors reflected the soft golden lights, making everything shine. A grand staircase with gold-accented railings curved up to the second floor, resembling something straight out of a palace. The walls were adorned with expensive paintings and elegant details, each corner of the mansion screaming wealth.

To my left, a spacious living area featured plush velvet couches, a massive fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in just the right amount of light. Everything was quiet, but not empty—it felt powerful, like every piece of furniture and every little detail had a story of its own. I couldn’t help but stare, soaking in the luxury surrounding me.

What the hell? Alam ko mayaman ang side ni Dad, pero mismong tatay ko may ganitong kalaking bahay? Woah. I couldn't tell how many times my eyes darted around. This is one hell of a luxury indeed.

“Where’s Dad?” bulong ko, ngunit ang lalakeng naka-suit ang sumagot.

“His coming down, my lady.” Yumuko pa ito sa akin na ikinataas ng kilay ko. My lady?

“Your shock, huh?” natatawang sabi ni Mama at naupo na sa couch.

“I didn’t expect it. And you look like you do.”

“I’m always here while waiting for you to be ready.” Nagtaka ako, tsk. Mas nauna na pala ang landian moments nila. Akala ko sabay kami na unang pupunta dito.

“My baby girl,” napalingon kami sa nagsalita. At ito ang aking Dad, pababa sa magarbo niyang hagdanan.

Ngumiti ako ng malaki at tumakbo sa kanya nang makababa siya at niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit.

“At last.” Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit.

I love this. At last indeed.

Bumitaw kami sa yakap at tinitigan niya ako ng punong-puno ng pagmamahal at may ngiti na matatamis bago masuyo akong hinalikan sa aking noo. Ang saya at sarap sa pakiramdam.

“I missed you, Dad.” Bulong ko at hindi ko maiwasan na hindi maiyak. Tears of joy, eh?

“You’re here now, baby girl. My big baby girl.” Nagtawanan ako habang umiiyak at niyakap siya ulit.

And sumilip ako kay Mama na nakangiting nakatingin.

“So, what do you wanna eat?” tanong ni Dad habang nasa couch kami. Pinag-gigitnaan namin siya ni Mama habang nakaakbay siya sa amin.

“Ikaw talaga, pagkain na naman.” Asar ni Mama sa kanya na ikinatawa ni Dad.

“Hayaan mo, mamaya ikaw naman.” Napakunot-noo ako ngunit nang ma-gets ko, nag-frown ako.

“Really?” Tumingin ako sa kanila na puno ng disbelief na ikinatawa lang nila parehas.

What weird beloved parents I have.

“What about my school, Dad? Ilang oras din ang biyahe.” Siguro mga 1-2 hours, I don’t know.

“Don’t worry, you will be having a driver.” Nag-pout ako sa sinabi ni Dad.

“Dad, I have a car, remember?”

“But nakakapagod yun.” Umiling ako.

“Depends.” Sagot ko na lang.

“Later, dinner. We will eat outside.” Nakangiting sabi ni Dad na para bang napakagandang ideya ang nasabi niya.

“With whom?” Bulong ko.

“I’ll ask them if they are available later. Since it’s a special day for us, right, hon?” Pinanlakihan ko si Mama na mas lalong dumikit kay Dad habang tumango-tango.

Traitor.

Meet with Dad’s side, huh? So, eto na. Sana hindi sila pwede mamaya, kasi sa tagal ng panahon, kung ngayon lang sila magiging available. Duh, my ass.

Habang naglalambingan ang mahal kong magulang, napatingin nalang ako sa cellphone ko na puro missed calls ni Jas. Pero mamaya nalang, mahirap makipag-chikahan sa harap ng magulang. Mamaya, may masabi si Jas na di magandang pakinggan, edi nalagot na ako.

“ You’re awake!”

Napaangat naman ako ng tingin kay Dad at napatingin sa tinitingnan niya. Halos lumuwa ang mata ko sa gulat habang pinapanood ang lalaking pababa ng hagdanan. Parang prinsipe na bumababa. Napalunok ako nang makita ang suot, walang iba kundi robe lang.

Tumayo si Dad nang lumapit sa amin ang lalaki na hindi ko inaasahan na makikita. Napatingin ako kay Mama na tumayo na nakangiti. Kaya dahan-dahan naman akong tumayo na parang hindi ko pa sigurado kung gusto ko bang tumayo o matutumba na lang.

“They're here already, huh?” napadiin ang hawak ko sa cellphone dahil sa kanyang malalim at husky na boses sa umaga!

He slowly looked at me so I made myself look fierce. His frowned face turned into a gorgeous smirk.

Who is he? Anong ginagawa ng lalaking nakausap namin sa parking at may kaaway na babae? Sino siya? Bakit siya nandito sa bahay ng tatay ko? Anong ginagawa niya dito? Wait, maybe a guest? Amm, friend of my Dad? Best friend? Or maybe… no way, my step-brother? Since he looks young na medyo matanda sa akin ng kaunti.

I raised my eyebrow when he looked me up and down.

"Hindi mo ba ako ipapakilala sa pamangkin ko?" he said while smirking at me.

Wait, what? Did I hear it right? No… it's impossible.

“Jade, meet your Uncle. Elias De Guzman.”