Polar Opposites

Acknowledged Existence

"And what makes you think I want this?"

Nanlilisik ang blue eyes ni Mr. Lucescu. Parehong pareho sila ng tingin ni Alec. Kahit sinong makakita sa kanila na magkatabi ay agad na malalamang mag-ama sila. Hindi ko maintindihan kung paano naitago ng pamilya nila ang sikreto nila. "You're independent and head-strong which, when used correctly, can make you a good leader. And it also does not hurt that you're intelligent and can speak all the languages our company has offices in. You're practically already a CEO in the making."

"You made a mistake in choosing me. I don't want to be your puppet."

Disappointed ang tingin ni Mr. Lucescu. "How about you, Sophie?"

Nagkatinginan kami ni Leone at naalala ko yung pinagusapan namin kagabi bago siya umalis. Ang sabi ko gusto ko lang magkaayos kami ni Alec at maka-graduate. Okay na kami ngayon ni Alec. Pero after graduation hindi ko pa alam kung anong plano ko.

"Thank you very much for the offer. Pero okay lang po ba if pag-isipan ko muna? Need ko rin po muna kausapin si Alec about this."

Mabilis na napatingin si Alec sa akin at pinisil ko ang kamay niya. Alam kong magagalit siya pero kung kinabukasan ko na ang pinaguusapan, kailangan namin ng masinsinang diskusyon sa kung anong plano namin sa buhay.

"Of course, take your time. I'll let you graduate first but if you want to start early, I can make you a paid intern so you don't have to work part-time in that fast food restaurant. As for Alec... If that's your final answer, then it's all right. I won't force you anymore. But if you ever change your mind, tell me. You know I still want the best for you."

Napatingin ako kay Alec. Medyo nabawasan na ang galit niya sa ama niya. Hindi na rin nanginginig sa galit ang kamay niya.

"Thank you po. I'll let you know po when I've made my decision."

Tumingin si Mr. Lucescu sa asawa niya. "Your turn?"

"Yes, thank you for breaking the news, Leo. As for me and Leone, we're keeping the house, and again, Sophie and Alec, dear, you are both welcome to stay for as long as you want."

"Thank you po."

Hindi sumagot si Alec kaya pinisil ko siya ulit sa kamay kaya at binigyan na lang niya ng pilit na ngiti ang actress.

"Leone's band is going on a hiatus while Louisse is away so she's going to join me for a mother and daughter album and concert tour. We're going to let the issue with the shooting die down for now before doing a press release. Sophie, Alec, keep in touch and we'll make sure you get tickets, okay? Leo, ikaw din. If you ever feel like watching, let us know."

"Thanks."

"Yes po. Thank you po ulit."

"And this is just a reminder. I know Leo will never let Olympic Industries fail. His insistence to find an heir apparent for the company is initially my asking. When Leone showed signs na hindi siya sasali sa family business, I knew we had to look somewhere else. I'm sorry Alec, for getting you dragged into this. But you are still part of the family."

"Anak ako sa labas, anong part of the family pinagsasabi mo? Naghahanap lang talaga kayo ng ipapalit kay Leone." Galit na sabi ni Alec.

"Anak din ako sa labas." Sagot ni Leone.

Napatingin ang lahat kay Leone. Parehong gulat ang magulang niya na madali lang para sa kanya na ianunsyo ang malaking sikreto nila samantalang hindi makapaniwala si Alec sa narinig niya.

"You're the only one who still doesn't know because you refuse to listen." Dagdag niya. "Alam na kaya ni Sophie."

Humingang malalim si Alec at muling nanginig ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa akin.