The Merciless Stud (Hot Trans Series #3)

Chapter 9

Nakarating kami sa bahay pasado alas sais na ng gabi. Medyo traffic sa Taguig at ang Kuya ko— ang bagal magpatakbo dahil sa ewan ko anong dahilan. He looked like he was taking his time earlier. At hindi naman ako maka reklamo at puna kahit pagod na pagod na ako at gusto ko nang mahiga dahil lutang pa rin ako sa reply ni Tyson. Kaya nang nakarating sa bahay ay kumakain na sina Mommy at Daddy.

"Oh? You did not attend the dinner in La Villanda? Your ticket was VIP, right?" Salubong ni Daddy kay Kuya. We both did mano to our parents. At kahit gusto ko ng matulog ay bastos naman kung hindi ako uupo muna at kakain ng konti.

"Yeah. Nakakapagod, Dad. Tagaytay is unusually hot today." Sagot ni Kuya at nag sandok na ng pagkain. I saw Nang Lupe giving me her warm smiles and cute hand gestures. Nag-lalagay siya ng ulam malapit kay Mommy.  I smiled at her.

"And you, Apple? Where have you been?" Baling ni Daddy sa akin. My heart skipped a beat at what he just called me. He has never ever called me that! Napa-sulyap ako kay Mommy. At kay Kuya. They were also looking at me too.

Bahagyang nanginig ang labi ko sa pagpipilit sa sariling mag-salita. I couldn't seem to utter anything.

"M-mall, Dad. With Kobi and Jade. I already asked permission po." Ngumiti ako at pinakawalan ang nabarang hangin sa lalamunan ko. I gave Kuya a meaningful look. Mommy cleared her throat and that broke the little tension that's surrounding us.

"Nagpaalam kaninang umaga, diba? Makakalimutin ka na, Ariel." Ani Mommy. Marahang tumawa si Daddy at umiling. What's happening? I mean, we are never this awkward! May pagkakataong masama ang timpla ni Daddy at indifferent siya sa akin lalo na noong nag simula na akong mag transition. Pero bakit ngayon ay tila lumuluwag na siya sa akin at maganda ang mood ay parang mas awkward? Hayy, Apple. You're just tired.

"That's your nickname, right? Apple." Kibo ulit ni Daddy. Napa-angat ulit ako ng tingin. He's looking at his food while waiting for my response. I gulped.

Is this bad news?

"Y-yes, Dad." No, Dad. It's my name.

I looked at Kuya with my eyes begging for help. I don't know what to do!

"Chill." He murmured.

"You want to be called that way?" Tanong ulit ni Daddy. Nag-uumpisa nang mamuo ang mga luha ko. So much for being polite and kind enough to sit down here for dinner even when I do not want to eat! So much for being courteous and respectful!

Hindi na ako sumagot pa. Hindi ko na alam kung ano na ang itsura ng mukha ko ngayon.

"I read the article you authored in your school publication. Engineer Mendoza's daughter happened to be your school mate. And she loves your work so much she forced her Dad to get your ideas for our project. You included some paintings in there, right?" Ani Dad.

Umawang ang bibig ko. I remembered my contribution in last year's publications. I was a member of the school publication kaya umeksena ako sa Arts category.

"Yes, Dad."

"And one of your pieces, was chosen to be displayed in the new condominium we are building now in Ortigas. Together with the country's famous artists works. The client liked it too. Good job." Ngumiti si Daddy sa akin. Isinara ko ang bibig ko at ngumiti na rin kahit naguguluhan.

"Thank you, Dad. But that was not up for something big like that. I mean it was just a mere painting. Para may ma publish lang sa school." I can't help but still doubt my worth and value in Dad's eyes. He hated me for wanting to pursue Fine Arts. And now he's complimenting me for some random painting I made.

"Correct. But Engineer Mendoza was asked to present painting ideas for the condominium's amenities since his Interior Designer who was expected to gather works from famous artists just passed away. And that's when his daughter, your school mate, came in the picture."