Should Not Fall Deeply

Chapter 2
Celebration

Sometimes at night, I stare from my window filled with thoughts of myself living a carefree life. A life in a farm, or perhaps in an isolated island where I could smile in spite of my struggles. I would open my eyes at dawn because of the chicken crows. My nose would be filled with grass' fragrance. The heat of the soaring sun would touch my skin as the morning breeze would dance my night dress.

I have always yearned for a life detached from the impossible expectations of this society. But then, in the end, the realisation that it's just a forbidden dream beyond the bounds of possibility would always knock me hard. In truth I'm still stuck, like I've always been, and like how I always will be.

"In four weeks, we're announcing your engagement party."

I slowly chew the steak as I put down my fork. The dining hall is expansive with dazzling chandeliers hanging from above. A mixture of brown and gold colours dominates the carved chairs and long tables filled with many tempting dishes, although its appearance of elegance and the aroma of the food could not reform the pungent atmosphere that lingers in the four corners of the hall.

Ngayon ko lang nakasabay sa hapag-kainan si Daddy simula nu'ng dumating ako. Today, I decided to take my breakfast at home. I refused to go even near the coffee shop after the incident with Kairon. Pero ngayong ganito ang bungad sa umaga ko, dapat pala hindi na lang ako nag-almusal.

Anong mero'n sa mga tao at ayaw yata akong pag-almusalin?

"Ni hindi ko nga man lang kilala kung sino ang mapapangasawa ko, ngayon naman ay may engagement party na?" Hindi makapaniwala kong turan.

"Do you prefer to get to know each other instead?" I thought about it. Mas maganda iyon, diba? At least I would know if I'm going to marry a nice man.

Saka pwede ko rin siyang makumbinsi na huwag magpakasal sa akin. I mean, I'm a woman everybody could ask for but it's not really my concern to settle down. I don't even do relationships!

I smirked at my thoughts. Natigilan ako nang umismid ang kaharap ko.

"Sa ngisi mo pa lang, mukhang hindi na magandang ideya iyon. No, you'd meet him in your engagement party." The firmness of his voice had me gripped my fork out of annoyance. Panira talaga 'to ng plano ko kahit kailan.

"Let's not bloody assume things here, Daddy. Those who're diagnosed with paranoid disorder often suppose that people surrounding them will cause them harm or deception. You're beginning to be like one." I hid my displeasure through sarcasm.

Humalakhak siya, pero halatang sarkastiko rin iyon.

"Gusto mo pa ba ng juice, hija?" Si Manang nang lumapit. Umiling ako. I lost my appetite. Si Daddy ba naman ang sumalubong sa akin sa umaga, hindi na talaga ako maayos na makakakain!

He wiped his mouth using a napkin, brow's raised. "I see you've pretty much gained some audacity. That is one quality your fiancé is looking for."

Asar akong napabuga ng hangin. He really knew how to piss me off. Sa araw-araw akong gumigising, stress na lang ba lagi ang kakainin ko?! I throwed dagger at him through my gaze. "I have my ways to elude the wedding."

"I also have my ways to stop you elude your wedding." Hindi talaga siya papatalo. "We'll see who wins. But I warn you, Iris Dale Fianzchell, in due time you will wed the man whether by force or not."

I leaned at my chair. Ayokong ipahalatang naiinis ako dahil mas lalo niya lang akong aasarin. I won't give him satisfaction. "What classic words to hear from you. Busog na busog na ako sa mental abuse."

Matapos kumain, nagtungo ako sa kwarto ko dala ng inis. Padabog kong sinara ang pinto saka iyon nilock. Bwisit talaga ang tatay ko! He never changed!  Mula noon hanggang ngayon, walang character development!