The Last First Date (ON-GOING)

Joshua's POV

Ang gulo-gulo ng gamit ko!  Para akong baliw na nag-iimpake.  Dalawang linggo lang naman sa Cebu, pero feeling ko, kailangan ko ng dalhin ang buong closet ko.  Excited na excited na ako para sa bakasyon namin ni Jonalya at ng mga kaklase niya.  Pero... may kakaiba.  Parang may mabigat na bato sa dibdib ko.

Nasa apartment na naman ako.  Mas gusto ko na rito kaysa sa mansion.  Mas tahimik.  Mas peaceful.

Hindi ko alam pero parang lagi na akong tinatamad pumunta sa mansion simula nung bigyan ako ni mommy ng katakot-takot na sermon, ito kasing si Adiana nag sumbong pa kila mom at dad.

-Flash back-

Pagkauwi ko galing sa birthday ni Cathy, sinalubong ako ng malamig na hangin at ng mas malamig na tingin ni Mommy.  Galit na galit siya, nakaupo sa sala, ang mga kamao niya nakakuyom. Hindi ko alam na nakauwi na pala sila ni Daddy galing Guam.

“Where have you been?”  Her voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

“Mom, nakauwi na po pala kayo,” I replied, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Answer my question! Where have you been?!”  Her voice rose, sharp as broken glass.  Her eyes, usually warm and welcoming, were cold and accusing.

“Sa birthday ng asawa ni Ricky, why, Mom?” I asked, my voice laced with confusion.  Ano nanaman kayang problema?

“At Cathy’s birthday?  And what have you been doing all these days that you’ve been neglecting the company and leaving everything to Adiana?!”  Her voice was tight with barely controlled fury.

Talagang nagsumbong pa talaga si Adiana!

“Answer me, Joshua!”  Her voice was a low growl.

“Answer me, Joshua!” Her voice was a low growl, menacing.

I took a deep breath.  “With the most important person to me,” I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension.

“And who’s this important person? Is she more important than the company? That’s why you’ve been neglecting your responsibilities?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.  She folded her arms across her chest, her posture rigid and defiant.

“If I tell you, will you stop questioning me?” I asked, my patience wearing thin.  I was tired, frustrated.

“You’re being disrespectful!”  Before I could react, her hand shot out, her slap stinging my cheek.  The sound echoed in the sudden silence.  “I don’t care who this person is! Stay away from her!”  She turned away, her back to me, her shoulders shaking with barely controlled fury.