Virtue of Love in Mendiola (Manila Series #1)

Chapter 23

"Talk about what, Daddy?" I asked my father. Umupo si Mommy sa tapat ko nang matapos siya sa paggawa ng coffee para kay Daddy.

"Hindi naman sa ayaw namin ng Daddy mo kay Jazen. But Ara, you shouldn't allow yourself to get attached to those people na iiwan mo rin one day." Mom said.

"W-What? What on earth do you mean, Mommy?" naguguluhan kong tanong.

"We'll leave this country soon for good." Daddy said.

"What? Why? For what reason?" I asked trying to figure things out.

"Your Daddy and I have decided na lumipat na sa Jersey. Naisip namin na lumipat, for you to have the quality education you need." Mommy explained but I don't still get it.

"But Mommy, I have a life here in this country. I'm getting the quality education that I need. Everyone that's close to my heart's in this country. Why would I leave?" I asked.

"Because you have to. We have to. Hija, Philippines isn't for us anymore. Our business isn't here. Our life's not here and our life don't remain in here." Mommy said. I looked at my Dad to see his reaction but he isn't saying anything.

"Mommy, this is my life! Ang my life is here! No one can change that. I've made up my mind, I will not leave this country—"

"You will, Arabella!" Daddy yelled which made me stop from speaking. "You will leave this country with us, or you'll not continue studying that damn Law!"

Nanatili akong nakatingin kay Daddy habang pinipigilan ang mga luha ko mula sa pagpatak. Naipon lang sila sa gilid ng mata ko habang pinipilit na maunawaan lahat ng nangyayari.

"Do whatever you want! Do not leave this country if that's what you want. But instead of studying Law, you'll take Architecture. End of discussion!" Daddy said and I saw him leave this area.

I can't help but to let these tears fall from my eyes. Mommy hugged me as she saw me burst in tears. She even tried to stop me from crying.

"Hija, I'm sorry. Please, stop crying na, okay?" Mommy said but instead of making me stop from crying, her words just made me cry even more.

"I don't get it. I don't get why I have to do everything he wants me to do when I have my own life." I said. "Lagi nalang ako, tayo, naiinvolve sa business niya na wala naman tayong mapapala."

"You have to understand your Dad, Ara. Hindi niya 'to gagawin if not for you to have a better future. Gusto niyang makinabang ka dito once you've graduated." Mommy explain while she's wiping the tears off my face.

"Makinabang? How can a Law student run an Architecture Business. I even know nothing about Architecture. This isn't what I want, Mommy. Not even a bit." I said, explaining my side to my mother. "Can't we just stop him and tell him how I wanted to be a Lawyer?"

I even begged my Mom to understand me and to tell Dad my rants but she didn't say anything at all. I then left her on the kitchen and then I went inside my room. I locked the door up then I burried myself on my bed. I then dialed Ali's number and fortunately, she answered my call right away.

"Hey, Ara? Are you alright?" she asked on the the phone.

"To be honest, no." I said. "Can you pick me up here tomorrow morning?"

"Sure. What happened ba? Sure ka okay ka lang?" Ali asked.

"I'll tell you everything tomorrow. Nakauwi ka na ba?" I asked Ali.