EMBRACING THE DARK PRINCE

SIMULA

I hurriedly run down on our grand staircase as soon as I woke up. I didn't even bother to change my clothes or even wash my face and teeth. Today is a special day for me because I will get to see someone that I have been missing for such a long time.

I find my grandfather in our dining room, nakaupo ito sa kabisera habang nagbabasa ng newspaper at umiinom ng kape. I slowly walked towards him.

“Morning lolo.”  I greeted and kissed his checks before I sat in the chair beside him.

“Good morning too princess.” He replied while still looking at the newspaper.

Hindi ko nalang ito pinansin at inilibot ang tingin sa aming dining room. Bakit wala si lola?? Tatanungin ko sana si lolo ng biglang lumabas si lola galing sa kitchen. Kasunod niya ang ilang maids na may dalang mga plato.

Lumapit ako kay lola at humalik sa pisngi niya.

"Good morning La."

"Good morning din apo. How's your sleep??"

Inilagay ng mga katulong ang dala nilang mga pagkain sa dining table at umlis. Grandma sat in the chair opposite to mine.

"It's fine, La. Saan pala si Dad?? Hindi ba siya sasabay ng breakfast sa'tin??"

Nagtaka ako ng sabay na nagkatinginan si lolo at lola. Nag-uusap ang dalawa gamit ang kanilang mga mata at may senyasan pang nagaganap. What's with this two?? May nangyari ba na hindi ko alam.

"What's the problem?" Tanong ko.

Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa ng hindi sila nakasagot. Is there something wrong with my question?? Ilang segundo ko pa silang tinitigan bago nagsalita si Lolo.

"Laureen iha, hindi pa kasi dumadating ang daddy mo. Alam mo namang busy iyon sa negosyo. But don't worry. He already promise you that he will be present on you're birthday... right?"

Nanlumo at nawalan ako ng gana sa sinabi ni Lolo. Even though grandpa's voice sounds assuring hindi ko parin maiwasang malungkot. He already said that he will be here the day before my birthday to have us some time to catch up. I already have so many plans for today. But I guess, I will just have to stay in my room the whole day.

Ngumiti at tumango ako kay lolo at lola para hindi na sila mag-alala.

"Okay let's eat!  Lumalamig na ang pagkain." Nakangiting sabi ni lola.

The day of my debut came pero walang Arthuro Fernandez ang dumating. Siya dapat ang first dance ko pero wal, hindi siya sumipot. I welcome my legality without the presence of my beloved father. Pinunan ng grandparents ko ang responsibilidad niya sa araw na ito.

It is supposed to be a happy day for me. My grandparents entertain me the whole day and prepared a big party in the evening with my close friends, families, relatives and classmates. All of them are present,  even the people who are not connected to me came.

It is a majestic night matagal itong pinaghandaan. From my gown down to the last details of my debut. Being their only granddaughter they want to give me everything they could. And their efforts has been paid off because my debut came out the way I wanted it to be.  But without the presence of my father everything just crush down. Everything looks empty just like my heart. I appreciate the efforts of my grandparents but I cannot bring myself to be happy. Honestly speaking I am not happy with what's happening tonight.

Even though my mind is clouded with so many question, I still manage to hide the disappointment I feel towards my father. I don't want them to worry and think na hindi ko gusto ang ginawa nila sa debut ko. They put their hearts in the preparation of this. The least I could do to pay their efforts is to say thank you and be happy infront of them even though I am not.