Callum and I were fully clothed now as we sat in the living room with my parents. Dad's face was flushed with anger as he held a glass of whiskey in one hand to calm his nerve. While Mama's hand rubbed Dad's thigh soothingly as if it was her way of trying to calm him down.
"Tell me you're kidding, Audrey. Tell me this is just a joke." Dad said, putting his glass down the coffee table.
"No, Dad. Kasal kami ni Callum." I chewed on my lower lip.
"Why are you kids doing this to me?" He muttered as he massaged his temple. "Bakit ginagawa niyo sa akin 'to?" Kayong magkakapatid, mula sa Kuya Miggy hanggang sa'yo ba naman? Medyo nabunutan na nga ako ng tinik sa kambal mo, ngayon ikaw naman."
"Babe, don't stress yourself out. Audrey's old enough to make her own decisions. Pakinggan muna natin ang explanation nila."
"We don't even know who the fuck this is!" He held his hand out to Callum. "Tapos malalaman kong asawa ito ng anak ko."
"I know who he is. Napakilala na sa akin ni Audrey si Callum noon." Mama defended.
"And you didn't even tell me?"
"Because I know this is exactly how you'd react."
"Kung matinong lalaki yan, magpapakilala muna sa atin yan bago siya nagpakasal sa anak ko." Dad said in controlled anger. "How long have you even known each other?"
"Dad, we love each other." I said.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cordova. I guess it just never crossed my mind. I've always been independent and I'm used to doing things on my own. Hindi ko naisip kayong pamilya ni Audrey. I didn't mean to disrespect you." Callum apologized with his head hung low.
"Iba naman kasi ang culture ng mga kabataan dito sa US." Mama explained to Dad.
"Hindi pa rin tama iyon! Tayo ang mga magulang niya pero wala tayong kaalam-alam na kasal na ang anak natin!" Dad's voice boomed in fury. "Kung hindi namin nalaman ito, wala ka bang balak sabihin sa amin, Drey?"
"This is so stupid and impulsive. What if he's just after our money?"
"Mr. Cordova, I don't need your family's money. I may not be as wealthy as you but I earn enough to give Audrey a comfortable lifestyle." He said in an even tone. He obviously was offended by Dad's remark, his eyes were of distaste.
"He's a doctor, Dad." I defended him. "Dad naman, asawa ko na si Callum. Please, don't be like this."
"How can you tell me not to be like this when you married a man we don't even know!" He brushed his fingers through his golden hair in frustration.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I'm so sorry. I know it was impulsive but I love him. I've been trapped in the past for so many years. Akala ko nga hindi ko na mararanasan ulit sumaya. But then Callum came and turned everything around. Dad, I just want to be happy." My voice croaked at the effort not to cry.
Dad's hard face slowly softened as he looked at me.
"Oh, Audrey." Ma said her eyes watering with understanding and pity. "Mahal na mahal ka namin ng Daddy mo. We just want the best for you. I understand where you're coming from pero naiintindihan ko din ang Dad mo. We just wish you told us about this. Nabigla lang kami ng Dad mo."
"We want you to be happy, Drey. You've been through a lot and I'd give you all the happiness in the world if I could. Wala akong hinangad kung hindi ang maging maayos kayong magkakapatid. I would protect you at all cost and the last thing I'd want is to see you hurt." Dad quietly said.
"Sir, mahal ko si Audrey. I've never loved any woman as much as I love your daughter." He clasped our fingers together. "Marrying her in Vegas was a spur of the moment decision but it was the best decision I've ever made in my whole life."
