How unlucky can I be?
1422 Words
Jerry POV
“But, Dad, I had laid out my plans with you two weeks ago and you had approved it.” This is to frustrating. I just had dinner with my father. I don’t know what this is all about. He had his assistant get me from grandma’s house. And when I got here, in a hotel where he was staying, Dad was telling me about me going to college at another university in another country. Granted that this university is the best in the world, why would Dad have this sudden change in mind? He was saying that I deserve the best because I am his son.
What the heck? He could have done better than that.
I grew up knowing that my father is loaded. He owns a steel factory and had ventured in to real estate. Our family is rich, and yet my Mom, who is a doctor, had us grounded. I still went to public schools, but I was still able to travel around the world and own the car and gadgets I wanted. I was still able to study how to play the piano and had my swimming lessons. I’ve had the best of everything. A complete loving family and the perks of material things.
However, all came crashing down when my Mom found out that Dad had a secret affair years ago, the same time when I was born. Yes, it was long ago that my Mom should just have forgiven Dad. The worse thing is that affair brought out a child. That means I have a half-sibling, or better yet, a half-brother.
They have tried to save their marriage. They attended various marriage counseling and went to another honeymoon. But Mom was still hurting, knowing that Dad is still in contact with the other woman. She thought to end things with Dad. All these had me ended with Mama Mila, my maternal grandmother. After the divorce was settled, I was given the option to choose to live with Mom or with Dad. But I chose to stay with Mama Mila. I chose to stay with my Nathalia.
“Jerry, I don’t have any other choice. YOU do not have a choice. I’m sorry.”
“Dad, what’s happening? What is this all about. I was all set with my future.” I’m totally confused and getting anxious. Dad speaking in mystery was not helping me at all.
“Better if I show you. Your grandpa is already waiting for us.”
“Grandpa? As in your father? You said he doesn’t want to see us.” Other than Mama Mila, I do not know of any other grandparent at all. Dad said that he had a big argument with his father that they could not mend. That was why I never got to meet him. It didn’t bother me at all. Just as long as I have Mama Mila and Nathalia with me.
“I know. But he needs us now.”
I’m getting a headache from all of this.
“Dad, can we talk again the day after tomorrow? Or tomorrow afternoon the earliest. You know that my graduation is tomorrow morning.”
“We have to go, son.”
“Dad, I thought you are here to attend my graduation ceremony. I will be speaking in front of everyone tomorrow as the class valedictorian.”
And I was supposed to introduce Nathalia to him. Mom could not make it to my graduation because she is currently working in another country and her duties as the head doctor in a hospital could not let her come.
“I know, son. Please keep in mind that your mom and I are pleased with your accomplishments.” He took a deep breath then heaved a sigh. “Our flight is at nine tonight. We have to go. And that is final, Jerald Phillips.”
I was so angry, but I cannot do anything. I know when Dad calls me by my full name that I cannot go away with anything. If I had lived like a prince before, he can also make my life a living hell. I was just thinking that probably my ‘grandfather’ is dying that was why Dad would want us to go right away.
I was about to send a message to Thalia and tell her what’s happening. But when I saw my phone, it was already drained of battery.
Damn! Of all days!
I leaned forward to Dad’s assistant seating at the passenger seat in front.
“Do you a car charger or USB for Apple?”
“Yes, Sir. I do have.”
“Oh. Can you charge this please? Thanks.”
I leaned back and was about to borrow Dad’s phone. I can’t wait to talk to Thalia. But Dad’s phone rang. He took the call and started to talk. I was getting anxious again. I want to talk or at least get a message across Thalia. I’m sure she will be waiting all night for my call or text.
Then, like a light bulb popping out overhead, a thought came out of my mind. There is still hope that I will not leave this place tonight! If we are to go to another country, then I cannot go. I don’t have my passport with me!
We were already at the airport, but Dad was still on the phone. Dad ended the call and got out of the car. I followed suit.
“Dad. I don’t have my passport.”
“Here. Let’s go.” He handed me a passport with a royal emblem.
What is this? Royal Kingdom of Solandia? Is there such a country?
We passed through immigration without a problem
That means there IS a Royal Kingdom of Solandia. My plan failed.
We continued to walk to a boarding gate. Dad then walked straight to the plane with the same royal emblem printed on my passport.
“Are we going to use this plane?”
“Yes.”
“You knew someone of royalty?”
“Yeah. A lot of them.”
“That’s cool.”
I heard Dad take a deep breath.
I was about to call Thalia, but I cannot find my phone. I forgot it in the car!
“Dad, where’s your assistant?”
“He left already.”
“Dad! My phone! I left it in the car!”
“I’ll just buy you another one.”
I can’t have another one! My photos with Thalia are in there!
“Dad. I don’t need another phone. Can you tell your assistant to send it to where we are going? Or at least keep it for the meantime?” Dad did not answer.
“Can I borrow your phone for the meantime? I just need to call Mama Mila.” It was really Thalia that I’m going to call.
“I have already called her, Jerry. But here.” He handed me his phone, which was already at the brink of being drained of battery.
Fuck! A text will do.
‘Thalia, I’m so sorry but Dad had different plans for tonight.’
But before I could type any further, the phone died.
“Dad, do you have a power bank?”
“I have.”
Great!
As we boarded the plan, the flight attendant and a pilot greeted us both by bowing down.
“Welcome aboard, Your Royal Highnesses.”
What the?
Dad could only utter a simple thank-you.
Me? Nada.
As soon as we sat down, I asked for Dad’s power bank to charge. The problem is his power bank is also drained!
I asked the flight attendant if she has a power bank that I could borrow. She has but the cable is for another phone brand.
FUCK s**t!
In my frustration and anger, I kept myself mum and my eyes closed.
“If you want to sleep, you can use the bedroom at the back.”
I did not reply. I do not want to talk to Dad nor to the flight attendant, as I might say something I might regret later on.
I just pray that this flight would finish soon.
- Writer
