Head Over Heels

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

THE NEXT MORNING, my body was still heavy. I wish I could sleep in case Zoilo was repeating. He insisted that I get up and buy some clothes for our family dinner later.

I only wore faded blue jeans and violet t-shirts and flats. I also wore a cardigan for my body in a way that made me uncomfortable.

My brother exclaimed as he was driving. Zaira was in the front seat next to him. And I, in the passenger seat.

"Why are you so excited, Brother?"

"What? I'm just... happy. You know... for dad." He shrugged his shoulders. The eyes are on the road. "Why, aren't you happy for him?" He looked at me in the mirror.

My sister turned to me but for a moment.

"I don't know." That's all I said. I just breathed a sigh of relief.

"Baby sis, I know what you're thinking. You've never forgotten mommy, are you?" he asked. I was speechless. "It's been... what? Seven years. Seven years without mommy, Zairene. Don't you feel sorry for daddy. She's not with you us anymore. And Daddy needs someone to look after him."

"What do you call to us, brother?"

"Well... you are such a kid for now. Eventually, you’ll accept it. There are things you just don't understand. I just got your point and I understand you."

"I don't question dad for being our daddy. He's the most responsible father. I want him to be happy too," I defended.

"That's it. You know it probably makes him happy, too." Again he looked at me in the mirror.

Gradually my eyes grew dim. Now what? Am I against my dad's life? No I'm not. I do love him because he's my father so whenever I thought he was going to replace mommy, I couldn't help but get angry or upset.

"We need to give Aunt Clara and dad a chance," Zaira said. "Can't you just give it up?"

"I don't think so." I was just sucking on the car. I heard her growling and shook her head. They never spoke again. I just kept quiet. I feel really bad.

MY SIBLINGS AND I had already decided on something we would wear later for family dinner. I thought we were coming out of the department store but I made a mistake. They go straight to a jewelry shop.

"What are we doing here?"

"We will give Aunt Clara a gift," Zaira said as she glanced at the bracelets on the shelf.

Zoilo was on checking out for earrings.

Is it really needed? Haist!

I stepped to the side where the necklace with beads were placed. They are beautiful and obvious. I didn't even have the intention to buy because I didn't want to have one.

But one necklace get my attention. It has a pendant gold necklace whose design are mother and baby. The detail is noticeable. When I looked at very closely, there was a diamond-shaped heart in it.

I bought it and immediately wrapped it.

I didn't know what to do there because I didn't buy it to give to my daddy's girlfriend.

I'll keep that up because the design is nice.

Our house maids prepared many dishes. It was only seven o'clock in the evening when my sisters and I were in bed. Daddy even texted that they were going home with his girlfriend.

I'm nervous. I drank some water because my chest was tight and wondered what would happen later.

"You look tense, dear sissy," she said with a grin. I watched her soot. It is floral dress and sandals. While I have plain pink dress then flats that are almost pink too.

"No, I'm not."

She laughed then clung to my arm. "You got it. You just refused, so I noticed. Calm down!" My sister slightly fixed the fuzzy hair I had on my cheek. "Why don't you want to tie your hair? Try to make messy bun style. It's suits you."

"I'm fine with this, sis. Thanks for your suggestion," I just nodded.

She dragged me into the living room where Zoilo sat on the sofa. He is busy typing in his cellphone.

"Are they here?" Zaira asked.

"Almost. Come outside, let's wait." Zoilo grabbed Zaira and my arms. It is very central. You thought he was the muse and we were his escorts. I laughed softly at the thought.

We stood at the entrance of our house. We watched our car come in of the gate. Immediately the guard approached and opened it. Shortly thereafter, daddy's car sped the road closer to us. It stopped in front of us.

Daddy goes down first. Smiles wide and opens the arms immediately. Waiting for us to hug him.

"My children." We hugged him one by one. He said something to my brother and sister. And as I hugged him, he smile widened. "My baby girl," he said, and I hugged him tightly. Daddy even kissed me with my hair.

"Daddy, I'm not a baby girl anymore," I told her.

"You're only fifteen so you're still a baby for me." He said funny. "I can't wait to introduce my girlfriend... I'm nervous."

"Daddy is like a teenager," Zoilo joked. They just laughed but I didn't.

I'm nervous. My hands are cold. I feel like many eyes are now open and looking at me but nothing.

"Come on, I'll let you know." Daddy turned and went straight to the back seat where Aunt Clara was probably sitting. He opened it and held out his right hand.

I stooped as my dad's girlfriend got out of the car. I have never been able to see daddy with anyone else.

"This is your Aunt Clara... Clara Romualdez," said daddy.

Alert my eyes widened and looked at the aged woman who was not far from daddy. It is white skin and has short brown hair. She was nice even though she looked strangely. Her eyes were familiar to me.

"Hello to you. Finally, I have met your children." She smiles broadly at us. She ate at him and went to talk. I, too, seemed to be standing in my place. I couldn't do anything.

"Zairene, aren't you going to greet your Aunt Clara?"

Apparently, I was shocked when daddy said that. I hurried to the steps and greeted them.

"Nice to meet you, Zoilo, Zaira and Zairene," said Aunt Clara with a warm smile.