Princess Athena (Completed)

Chapter Twenty One

Raphael turns his laptop off after his MBA on-line class. He prepares himself to go out to do the grocery for their weekly supply. When he is about to leave the unit his phone vibrates, he saw a message from his mother upon checking it.

Only Athena and his mother know his new contact number. "Son, let's talk via skype please" says his Mom's message. Raffy turns his laptop on again for a skype conversation with his mother. He knows that she would not request this talk if it is not important.

"Hello Mom" Raffy greeted when he finally gets on line. "I miss you" he said

"If you miss me then come home immediately" Liza replied

"Not yet Mom, I want to stay here a little longer" he declared

"Anak nakakahiya kay Richard and Dei kapag nalaman nilang dyan ka tumutuloy sa apartment ni Athena" Liza said

"Tito Richard already knows Mom so most probably Tita Dei knows also" Raffy said

"What? How did he knows about it?" Liza asked

"He saw me in Zurich. Thirdy saw me at Dusseldorf airport. And I left my cologne in my room where Tito Richard and Tita Dei stayed. Mrs. Horn also mentioned to him that Athena has a certain friend named Raffy whom she is always with" he explained

"How did he take it?" Liza asked

"Wala naman na daw syang magagawa. He just asked me to take care of Athena. Tito Richard knows my feelings for Athena. I told him and Tita Dei first before anyone else" Raffy said

"Are you behaving son, I mean .... well you know what I want to say" Liza said

"We are behaving Mom, stop worrying. Athena and I know our limitations" Raffy replied

"You have to make sure of that son, Richard and Dei entrusted their daughter to you make sure not to loose that trust" Liza said

"Yes Mom, I always keep that in mind. I promise Tito Richard to take care of Athena and I will never take advantage of her" Raffy said. "At wala naman talaga akong balak gumawa ng kalokohan, I respect and love Athena so much" he added

"How are you son?" Liza asked.

"I am good Mom and I am very happy" Raffy replied

"I can see that son, and I am very happy for you" Liza replied

"What do you want to talk about Mom?" Raffy asked

"I just miss you son, that's why I asked for this chat" Liza said

"I believe that you miss me Mom, but I know that is not the only reason why you asked for this talk. Go ahead po, makikinig po ako even if this is about Dad" Raffy said

"He misses you. Believe me son, he wants you to come back home. Your kuya's wedding will be in a month we want to see you there" Liza said

"Nag-attend naman ako ng engagement party nya di ba, baka naman pwedeng spare na ako sa wedding nya. Besides it is only Daddy who wants this wedding to push through for his collegues and business partners, we all know that Kuya is already married last year pa" Raffy said

"At least think of me Raphael, show up in his wedding. Wag mong idamay and kuya mo sa misunderstanding nyo ng Daddy mo. Come back home na bunso please" Liza said.

"I can't leave Athena alone Mom, please understand" Raffy said

"Athena is a strong girl, she was already living on her own when you came" Liza said

"That was before Mom, nandito na ako, hindi na sanay si Athena na mag-isa" Raffy explained

"Would you like me to talk to her?" Liza asked

"NO!" Rafy exclaimed "Athena does not know that I told you about us. Yung kay Tito Richard at Tita Dei nga po sobrang guilty na ako, dagdag pa kayo" Raffy said

"What if she founds out, what would you do?" Liza asked

"That would be the death of me Mom. I do not know what will I do once she learns the truth about you and her parent" Raffy said

"Then make sure that you watch what you say. Ikaw pa naman yun hindi makapag sinungaling kapag nara-rattle" Liza said "I'm sure the truth will not come from me or Richard and Dei, sa tanda naming 'to we already know how to handle situations like this. You should be the one to be extra careful"

"I'll keep that in mind Mom" Raffy replied. "How's Dad?" he asked which makes his Mom sweetly smiles at him

"I'm glad you miss him too" Liza said "Hindi ba talaga pwedeng mag-usap na kayo para mas magkaintindihan na kayong dalawa. At least hear him out, for sure he only wants what he thinks is best for you" Liza explained

"What's he thinks is best for me but will not make me happy" Raffy said

"What about we compromise with your Dad, I'll suggest that you take the luxury ship management while we wait for Athena to finish her school then when she comes back to Manila, balik ka na rin sa Pilipinas and pursue your dream of having a career in academe. I'm sure your Dad will consider" Liza said.

"Ayokong pong iwan si Athena dito mag-isa" Raffy said

"Don't you trust her that she can take care of herself?" Liza asked and Raffy gave her a blank stare "I'm sure you know that she can" Liza added smiling

"I just can't be away from her. It is not that I don't trust her love for me but it is the people around her that I really don't. Athena is having a hardtime in school. I want to at least lessen her hardships throug my presence. I want her to feel that I will always be beside her" Raffy explained

"Bunso, when Daddy works as ship captain I was left to take care of my three sons. We do not have the technology that you have right now. Can't you see how lucky your generation now? Your dad and I never had this chance to talk like this before when he was onboard" Liza said

"Son, sometimes being together makes both of you weaker because you would never have a chance to test your individual strength and eventually ends up on depending on each other. Like I've said, Athena is a strong girl, let her realize that by herself alone and not because you tell her. I understand you predicament on leaving her alone but you need to endure it so that you two would grow stronger. Both of you are still young, determine first your strength, your individual strength and when the right time comes you will find out that, that strength is your key to a stronger relationship" Liza explained while she still gets a blank stare with Raffy "Please think about it bunso, you know that I only wants the best for you and I want you to be happy.  Being with each other will teach you a lot of lessons about life and relationship" she added

"Alright Mom, for you, I will think about it" Raffy replied

"That's better than a No" Liza replied smiling

"I'll talk to Athena about this first Mom" Raffy said

"You should, that is the right thing to do" Liza replied

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You're mother has a point Paeng, but at the end of the day your decision still prevails.

Thank you as usual for the reads and votes 😚🤗😚😚🤗