Surrender to Me

XXIX

Evan Gallego

"The cargos in the Seattle are intact, Papá. Everything is doing well in there, the stocks are still higher than the Grosvenor's. No hay problema." Balita ko sa kanya habang pinapanood siyang magsulat ng kung anu-ano sa papel na kanina niya pang ginagawa simula nang dumating ako dito.

Sandaling katahimikan ang pumainlang.

"The pirates, are they still being a nuisance until today?"

Sumimsim ako sa aking inumin. "Nah. Haven't heard of them since the hostilities happened last month, Pop. And our seamen are taking care each of our ships on a pressure everyday. They know what to do when they strike again."

"Still, give them orders not to slouch on their works. You don't know when those swindlers will be attacking again."

I looked down on my glass, staring at the red-orange liquid inside it as I felt myself nod at my father's commands.

"Yes, Pop. Will do."

I didn't hear him reply afterwards. I'm in the study room right now where my father spent his morning after breakfast. At gaya noong nasa opisina ako habang kausap siya sa video call ay kabado pa rin ako hanggang ngayon sa kanya.

Inisang lagok ko ang alak sa aking baso. Damn it, this tension in the air is making me feel light headed. I now extremely regret why I came here. Ngunit alam ko namang manganganib lang lalo ang buhay ko kapag sinuway ko siya kaya wala pa rin talaga akong lusot.

"I didn't see your little fiancée at the dining table, Evandro. Where's she?"

I almost choke on my own saliva with the way my father enunciated the subject. Tumigil na ito sa pagsusulat at sinalinan ang sariling baso ng alak habang nakatutok ng maigi sa akin. He looked at me with piercing eyes that I could feel my heart beating so fast I think it would elope any moment from my rib cage. He's talking to me so calmly and I can't help but to fear for my life. I maybe overreacting, but it's the truth. I know him better. I know he's trying his very best to confine himself from exploding and he's almost there. Oh fucking deities and saints, heed my prayers of what buttons should I push or not to save my last breath.

"She's still sleeping, Pop. You know how women gets lazybones when they're pregnant." But here goes my way to my funeral because I pushed the wrong button. I fucking slipped. I just opened the portal to hell. I started the damn pregnancy topic!

"Embarazada." He said stoically. "A baby on the way."

I anxiously tapped my fingers on the armrest at my side as I let out a nervous laugh. Suddenly, I felt the need to kneel before my father and ask for forgiveness.

"Yeah, Pop. You know, tiny little feet and hands. Sweet annoying cries--" Ngunit hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko nang sulungin ako ni Papá at sinimulan akong paghahampasin sa binti ko at braso gamit ang tungkod niya na sa tingin ko ay parang gawa sa dos por dos.