MISSION 3: Claiming You

Chapter 33 - Overheard

Ilang segundo pa lang na nakakaalis si Clifford ay sinubukan nang muling tumayo ni Pretzhel. Nanginginig pa rin ang tuhod niya pero wala siyang planong basta lang mahinga at mag-antay sa library. Nakakahiya sa mga kasama nila sa lamesa kung bigla siyang hindi babalik doon.

May nakita siyang nakaset-up na desktop sa isang gilid ng library at doon siya dumiretso. She opened the desktop and she's glad that she's able to access the Guest Account without any problem. She's able to download the document, and have it printed out. Matapos iyon ay muli niyang pinatay ang computer saka lumabas sa library.

She made a quick visit to the washroom to check her appearance before she proceeded to the dining area.

"There is absolutely nothing you can do to make me change my mind! Si Pretzhel ang magiging ina ng mga apo ninyo. The faster you accept that, the better!"

Clifford's angry words stopped Pretzhel dead in her tracks. She'd never heard that tone on him before.

"Pero anak, you're an accomplished army officer! Napaka alangan sa iyo ng babaeng iyon. Hindi siya nababagay sa iyo!" sagot nang ina nito. "She's just a baker for crying out loud! You deserve someone better."

Naglapat nang mariin ang mga labi ni Pretzhel. Unti-unti na namang nabubuhay ang inis sa dibdib niya.

"At sino sa palagay ninyo ang nababagay sa akin? Si Myca?"

"Oo, anak, siya ang nakikita kong babaeng nababagay sa iyo. She will be a good partner. Someone you can be proud off. Iyong may tangible contribution sa society."

Pretzhel wanted to storm inside the dining hall and shout at Clifford's mother. She can be a good partner, too! Okay, granted, she's not as noble or heroic as what Leticia wanted, but she's helping in her own little way!

But instead of storming the room angrily, Pretzhel leaned on the wall and took several calming breaths. Ayaw niyang sumigaw sa harap ng lolo at lola ng nobyo. Leticia wanted to break her. And if she showed aggression, she just let Leticia win.

"I don't need someone I could be proud of, I need someone who would put me first, who will be a good mother to my children. And Pretzhel is just perfect," Clifford answered flatly. His voice is devoid of any emotion.

Napasinghap si Pretzhel. She recognize the voice, but not the tone. Flat. He seemed detached. Unfeeling.

May bumundol na kaba sa dibdib niya.

"Myca is better suited for that role, Clifford. She will be a good mother for sure. She's a doctor, after all."

"Ilang ulit ko bang sasabihin sa inyo na hindi ako mag-asawa ng uniformed personnel?" ani Clifford na muling tumaas ang boses.

"But why? It's an honor to have a partner na kasama mo sa serbisyo, anak."

Clifford snorted. "A great honor? For you, perhaps. But for me na anak ng dalawang uniformed personnel? Not really."

Napasinghap si Pretzhel. She never anticipated hearing pain and bitterness laced Clifford's voice.

"What do you mean by that, Clifford?" Sabat ng ama nito. May kalakip na babala sa tono nito. "Hindi ba't kaya ka nag sundalo ay dahil gusto mong sundan ang yapak namin?"

Nanatiling tahimik si Clifford.

"Come on, anak. Get to know Myca first. I'm sure magbabago ang desisyon mo oras na makilala mo siya nang lubusan," himok ng ina ni Clifford makalipas ang ilang sandali.

"I said this before and I will said it one last time - hindi ako mag-aasawa ng uniformed personnel!"

The finality in Clifford's angry voice sent chills down Pretzhel's spine.