Torn in Two (Elite Girls 2)

Chapter 5 - Missed

"I'll think about it." Ayun na lang ang sinabi ko dahil hindi naman talaga ako sigurado kung makakauwi ba ako. I still want to spend more time with Irene.

"Kuya." I could hear that he's upset with my answer. Dash doesn't usually call me 'Kuya' unless our conversation is serious. "You haven't been home for two years straight. I'm sure Mom and Dad would be happy to see you. Nung pasko ka pa namin huling nakita."

Simula nang mag-college kasi ako ay doon na ko sa University of Melbourne nag-aral. Wala naman talaga sa plano kong pumuta sa ibang bansa ngunit nahikayat ako nila Silva at Art. Dash was supposed to study there too last year but unfortunately, his application was not accepted.

"I'll visit on Christmas again," tatawa-tawang sambit ko.

"Kuya naman." He really sound disappointed at me.

"Ask Dad to watch. I-record mo na lang ang game mo for me." Hirap kasi umuwi ng Pinas ngayon, ang hassle.

If Dad sees me, I'm sure he'll convince me to stay in the Philippines again. Ayaw niya kasi talagang mahiwalay ako sa pamilya. Ako ang panganay kaya malaki ang expectation niya sa akin. Bata pa lang ako, palagi niya nang pinaiintindi sa aking ako ang tutulong sa kanya balang araw. Of course Dash will also help but it has been decided, way before my brother was born, that I will be the next CEO after my Dad.

My family owns 'Donito Lewis Construction & Development Incorporation', isang tanyag na kumpanya sa buong mundo. Halos lahat ng mga kilalang establishments, buildings or malls ay kami ang gumawa.

It's one of the reasons why I took architecture.

"Nakakalimutan mo yatang hindi ako ang paboritong anak."

I pursed my lips and frowned. Sometimes I feel bad for my younger brother. Iba kasi talaga ang trato sa akin ni Dad kumpara sa kanya. I don't want to admit that he has his favorite son but we both have seen how he is for years.

Sobra-sobra ang suporta ng tatay ko sa akin. Sobra ang pagtutok niya sa progreso ko. When I was a kid, he made me took a lot of classes; piano, violin, guitar, swimming, soccer and basketball. Pagdating nung highschool ay nadagdagan pa ito. He made me study different languages; French, Spanish, Mandarin and Nihonggo. I never complained because he raised me to be obedient to him. Lahat daw ng iyon ay magagamit ko baling araw.

But when it comes to Dash, he has lesser time. Palagi siyang busy at walang panahon para dito. Ang advantage lang talaga para kay Dashiell ay mas may freedom siya kaysa sa'kin. Dad allows him to do whatever he wants to do. Hindi niya ito hinihigpitan.

"You know that's not true," I lied, trying to comfort him.

"Hindi mo naman siya kailangang ipagtanggol. I'm not mad or jealous. I just want my brother to be there for me. Besides, kahit naman pumunta si Dad sa laro ko ay hindi naman niya ito maiintindihan," pagtawa niya.

I smiled and took a deep breath. Bahala na.

"I said I'll try. Just focus on the game, okay? Goodluck." I ended the call and grabbed my phone and wallet.

I went out of our house here in Paris and as expected, my driver's already there. He's waiting for me with a smile. "Good Morning, Sir Damian."

"Good morning." Tumigil ako at ngumiti. "I don't need anyone today. Kaya ko nang magisa ngayon."

Halatang nagulat siya ngunit agad din naman inabot sa akin ang car keys. "Okay po, sir."

"Here, take this. It's your day off. Enjoy Paris." Inabutan ko siya ng makapal na cash pagkatapos ay sumakay na 'ko ng kotse.