Chapter 4

There was a sound of knocking on my room's door. Not minding it, I was searching about the future happenings in New York this month. This is not because I am interested in any event but I always want to travel overseas somehow. My dad couldn't let me go on vacation for a month and therefore, I needed an excuse.

This morning at the boutique, there was that nutcase obsessed with marriage who surprised me. Ah! The guy simply didn't make sense! He's so weird! He can be compared to a stalker since he is always around me whenever I go.

Remembering that incident made goosebumps rise on my nape. Honestly, I can't get him.

There came another knock; it sounded louder this time round. It bothered me some more. I rose up and headed towards the door and made heavy stomps while walking. Pagkabukas ko palang ng pinto, nakita ko ang naiiritang babae sa buong buhay ko.

When she saw me, Colette offered an awkward smile."H-hmm pinatawag ka ng Daddy mo para sa hapunan."

My arms folded across my chest as my eyes narrowed. "And why are you here? Did I ask you?"

Agad siyang nahiya at napayuko sa sahig. "I-I'm sorry.. b-busy kasi ang mga katulong kaya-"

"Tsk! Fine. Don't talk na. Can you please leave?" I snapped using my sharp tone. Pinahalata ko sa kanyang naiirita ako sa presensya niya.

Colette's face flushed with embarrassment and her eyes darting away as she nodded quickly. She turned and hurried down the hallway, her shoulders hunched as if trying to make herself smaller. I took a deep breath, feeling no guilt whatsoever because, honestly, I didn't care about her at all.

Her hurried departure only increased my irritation. Her shy behavior and constant apologies annoyed me. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my frustration.

She's always here because Daddy approved her to live in our house. Ayoko sana talaga, pero bwesit ang mga kapatid ko dahil parang mas okay na siya nalang rito.

Feeling frustrated, I shook my head and closed the door with unnecessary force, the sound reverberating in the room. I returned to my computer and my mind was consumed with thoughts of wanting to escape from everything and everyone.

Ginalaw ko ulit ang mouse ng laptop at nag open ng mga emails galing sa labas ng bansa. Kahit hindi sa new york, tatanggapin ko. I even clicked on the spam to check anything but there's no one!

"Kapag marami akong ginagawa, doon naman dumadating ang invitation!" naiirita kong reklamo. "Tapos ngayon wala?"

I was irritated as I rushed through my emails, hitting the keys harder than necessary. I quickly looked through the screen, hoping for a chance to take a break.

I sighed deeply while leaning my back in the chair and massaging my temples to ease the growing headache. Humarap ako sa salamin at kinuha ang face mask sa mukha ko. Tinapos ko nalang muna ang beauty routine ko bago ko naisipang lumabas ng kwarto.

Usually kapag pinatawag ako para kumain, tatawagan nila ako ng early thirty minutes kaya nakarating ako sa dine area during mealtime. Pagbaba ko palang nang hagdan, they are already in their seats.

Nasa dulo si Daddy, katabi niya sa right side si kuya King, then Colette. Tapos si kuya Alas sa left side tapos ako pero may one space kaya hindi ako tumatabi sa kanila. Nakaugalian ko na kasi doon na umupo simula noong bata pa ako.

The four maids already stood there and assisted them. Nakita ko rin ang isang batang maid na hinila ang upuan ko nang makita akong papunta doon. Umatras agad ito nang umupo na ako.

Dad looked up from his seat at the head of the table but I didn't give a dàmn about it.

"Good, you're here," he said.

The room was filled with the aroma of delicious food, but I had no appetite. Kahit sila kuya ay tahimik lang rin. Simula noong sa resort, hindi na kami halos nagpapansinan. I distanced myself from them. Ayoko na ring mangialam sa kanila from that day. Minsan ay gusto nila akong kausapin pero ako na mismo ang umiiwas.

Tánging vegetable salad lang ang nilagay ko sa plato. I also put in warm water. Ganito talaga kami kumain, walang imikan kung meron man, sa business o mga pinagkakaabalahan namin pero bihira lang magtanong sa akin si Dad. Parang napilitan lang talaga siya minsan.

I heard Dad cleared his throat. Uminom ako ng tubig nang makakain ako ng dalawang kutsarang salad. Wala talaga akong gana pero pinilit ko lang. Nag iisip pa rin ako ngayon kung ano gagawin ko.

What about going to private resorts? Kahit one week? Feel ko kasi ang toxic na ng paligid ko at gusto ko ng mag rewind. Partying is not enough, I want to be alone on a secluded island.

"So, Reina.. are you ready to consider another relationship?" Dad asked, which make my eyebrow met.

I looked up sharply. "What?"

"I mean.. It's been two months. Naka move on ka na kay Davin?"

"Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?"

Two months pero parang magtatanong lang kayo ng bagay na ibabasura lang. I gathered myself to did that to Davin and her women in the resort at hindi iyon madali para sa'kin. I didn't even have a proper communication with Davin and I broke up with him on the phone!

At dahil na mentioned ang pangalan ni Davin, alam kong may guilty rito. She's one Davin's women! The nerve.

Dad put his fork and knife before facing me. "I want you to meet someone and maybe, marrying him is not bad."

Nahulog ang tinidor na hawak ni kuya King. Si kuya Alas naman ay napahinto sa pagkain. I didn't look at Colette because I really don't care about her.

Hindi rin ako makaimik agad at prinoseso muna ang sinabi niya bago tumawa nang mapakla. "Don't joke on me, Dad. Wala ako sa mood."

Sumeryoso si Dad. "I'm not joking, Riena."