Lullaby For The Ashes (Del Gallego Series #3)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19: Family

Sinubukan kong alisin pansamantala sa isipan ang mga narinig ko. Although a great part of me was deeply bothered by it for many reasons, I still chose to cover everything when Cael and I walked out of the mansion and faced my Dad.

"Senyor," ani Cael.

Doon napabuntong hininga ang kausap na kanina pa tila malalim na nagiisip.

Dad stared at us and I met his gaze so truthfully. I knew he noticed Cael's hand resting on my waist. Pero hindi ko iyon inalis. Never once did I feel shy having it there. Dad, after all, was already well-informed about our relationship status.

"Mag-ingat kayo roon," he later said and my heart softened.

"Dad..."

He watched me gently, that's why I couldn't help but smile.

The time passes by so quickly, but everything seems surreal. I can't believe that it's already afternoon and this is where my decision brought me. The last thing I remembered was Dad calling me to go inside his office. Kabado ako kasi sinabi na ni Cael ang lahat sa kanya habang nasa gitna sila ng pag-uusap. I didn't blame him for it. It's actually the reason why I felt ever free at this moment because the next thing happened, I freed the love I'm keeping in front of Dad and Cael.

I thought Dad would stop me. I thought Dad would be angry. But looking at him now, seemingly never hesitant to let me be with Cael after we confessed, made me understand that all he had previously done for me was all for love and care too. Even after the days we fought and argued over small things, Dad never falters to give me what I wanted, what I needed, and what I dreamed of.

Likewise, this gift of acceptance and support he gave to me and Cael.

Sinulyapan ko si Cael, ngunit natagpuan ko siyang seryoso lamang na nakatingin kay Dad habang nasa tabi ko at hawak pa rin ako.

"Makakaasa po kayo, Senyor. Hindi ko po pababayaan ang inyong anak," magalang na sabi niya.

Dad nodded his head like he knew Cael as a person and as a man. Lumakad siya palapit sa'min. I let out a sigh before kissing Dad's cheek. I didn't get content so I hugged him too. He didn't say anything but I do understand what his gaze expressed after we parted.

"Thank you, Dad."

"All for your happiness, sweetheart," he said. "Be safe there. Just call me when you need me."

Napangiti ako roon.

This is the first time he trusted a man for me.

I nod my head to assure him. "I will, Dad."

Nilapitan ko rin si Manang Nery at niyakap.

After what I heard this morning, Manang and I didn't talk about it anymore. Even the other maids remain quiet. Naisip ko na mas mabuting ganoon na lang siguro ang mangyari. There's just this line Cael and I mutually consider and that's respect. Regardless of our current relationship status, we respect each other's choices and that includes what we can openly share and what we cannot yet.

Hindi namin iyon diretsahang binuo sa pagitan namin, pero alam kong alam naming dalawa pareho na ang respeto ay napakahalaga sa isang relasyon. Kahit pa sa mga oras na ganito. Kasi kung tutuusin, wala pa naman akong masyadong alam tungkol sa pamilya niya, bukod sa mga narinig ko. So even if that's gossip was true, I don't want to meddle with it since I am in no position to begin with.

But what I can't hold into is my concern for him.

Kahit nirerespeto ko ang hindi pa kayang sabihin ni Cael, nagaalala pa rin ako.