That Kiss (feat. AlyDen)

Chapter 23

“So how’s it going between you and Rayne?”

“Do you even have to ask? Hindi ba sya nagrereport sa’yo?”

Her dad sighed.

“Unfortunately, he doesn’t.”

She scoffed. “That’s news.”

“Rayne is a good guy, Dennise.”

Napatirik sya ng mata. “Sure he is.”

“He will make a great husband.”

“Yeah. But not to me. I’m not going to marry him.”

“You will.”

“Pa—”

“You will.”, putol ng papa nya sa sasabihin nya. “You know I always get what I want. I’m doing this for you.”

Napatayo sya. “You’re doing this for me and yet you don’t give me a goddamn much of a choice! Hindi mo ba nakikita ang lungkot sa mga mata ni ate Dara mula nang ipakasal mo sya sa lalaking hindi nya mahal?! At ngayon gusto mong gawin sa akin yon?!”

Nagulat sya nang hampasin ng ama nya ang desk nito.

“Watch your mouth, young lady!”

Natakot naman sya bigla sa papa nya kaya nakayukong napaupo sya.

“I’m doing this for your future. Alam mong ikaw na ang magmamanage ng firm pagka-graduate mo. And Rayne can help you do that.”, mahinahong sabi ng papa nya.

“I can manage the firm without getting married, pa. Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?”

Hindi sumagot ang papa nya. Napailing sya.

“I guess, wala.”, malungkot nyang sabi.

“Dennise, alam mong meron akong tiwala sayo pero gusto ko lang makasigurong maayos ang magiging lagay ng firm sa pagtake-over mo.”

“Yeah. You only care about this bloody firm and your money. Wala kang pakialam sa nararamdaman ko. Sa nararamdaman namin.”

“Dennise—”

“I’m going.”, putol nya sa ama nya. Tumayo na sya para umalis.

“Stay.”

Takang napatingin sya sa papa nya.

“We’re going to have dinner with Rayne’s dad. He wants to meet you.”, sabi ng papa nya.

“What?! Hindi pwede!”

“And why the hell not?”, napipikang tanong ng ama nya.

Naghihintay si Ly sa akin. May usapan kami. Nangilid ang luha nya. “Rayne’s not even here. Why would I meet his dad when he’s not even here.”

“He wants to meet you. He’s excited to meet you, actually. Rayne’s being not here is not a problem.”

“Pa, wag ngayon, please. Kahit bukas na lang, pa. Wag lang ngayon. Please, wag lang ngayon.”, naiiyak nyang pakiusap sa ama nya.

“Waldo is a busy person, iha. He’ll be here in ten.”

“Pa, please.”, patuloy nya pa ring pakiusap.