CHAPTER 2 PUNISHMENT

"Open the door, Brielle!" my eyes were promptly opened from a deep slumber as I heard Dad yelled. Ngunit agad din akong napapikit ng biglang tumama ang sinag ng araw sa aking mukha na nagmumula sa glass door. I just forgot to close the curtain last night.

"You know what will happen if you don't open it," dahil doon ay inis akong napabangon mula sa pagkakahiga. I first checked my phone to see what time it was and was stunned to see that it was 7 am. I lazily went to the door to open it.

Dad came up to me in business attire while adjusting his necktie. "Dad, I'm sleeping. Bakit ba?" I grumbled irritably at him.

"Sleduyte za mnoy v moy kabinet (Follow me in my office)!" madiing saad niya. It was as if something deep within me had suddenly awaken. He was already walking as I tried to anticipate what my father would fuss. Yeah, sanay na sanay na ako kapag ganiyan si Dad. When he found out I done something he didn't like, we always ended ourselves in this situation.

"Ni pula na pud ang nawong ni sir, mam. Halaka (Pumula na naman ang mukha ni Sir, ma'am)!" kaagad kong inirapan si Lorena— one of our maids and also masasabi kong pangalawa sa pinaka close kong katulong sa bahay na ito.

"Shut up, Lor!" She just reacted with a chuckle before passing me with the window squeegee in her hand. Hindi naman lumalayo ang edad namin. I could also understand the words she used previously because she does so frequently, especially while speaking with Nana. Well, pamangkin siya ni Nana Carmen— ang itinuturing kong pangalawang mommy ko na because she has looked after me since my mother passed away.

I entered Dad's office after lazily touching the doorknob. His face was solemnly staring at me.

"sidet (Sit)," saka niya tinuro ang upuan na nasa harapan niya. He's in his swivel chair, which he uses when there's an appointment or a visitor coming to the household, so I'm in this circumstance like an interviewee.

Sinundan lang ako nito ng tingin hanggang sa makaupo ako. "Are you gonna shout at me again, Dad? YA tak khochu spat (I'm so sleepy)."

Hindi niya ito binigyang ng pansin. "What did you do last night?" he queried up straight. With in blink of an eye, I stared up and shut my lips. I simply gulped because of this uncomfortable feeling.

I tried to address him with a reared frown. "Nag party lang kami kahapon, nothing else."

"Tsk! Didn't I tell you to put your conflicts with Lewis' daughter to end?" I crossed both my arms and shook my head habang nakatingin kay Dad.

"You already know na hindi ako basta basta nakikipag-away kapag walang dahilan, Dad. I apparently gave her a tutorial so she could implant the flirtation she was having in his mind." He turned his glance to me after completing the necktie adjustment. As though self-restrained, he just then clutched his temple. Nagpakawala muna siya ng malalim na buntong hininga at bahagyang napasandal sa swivel chair.

"You won't like it either kapag nalaman mong nag co-complain ang mag-asawang Lewis sa 'yo," kumunot naman ang noo ko. "Their daughter was still wearing a gauze on her head and had an small injury in her left hand." he added.

For a few moments, we were utterly silent before I burst into laughter. Napahawak pa ako sa tiyan ko while chuckling. "Really, dad?"

"What the hell, Brielle! Pochemu ty smeyesh'sya (Why are you laughing?)" he stated frustratingly to me. After I quietened down, I stopped laughing.

"Eto chest' dlya menya, Dad. (It's an honor for me, Dad.) I paralyzed that snake woman." I giggled from what I had said and shook my head.

"Hindi ka pa ba nakuntento sa mga pinagagawa mo? If you're really a model, act like one. Nung isang araw yung secretary ko, bigla mo nalang binuhusan ng kape—

"She's flirt, that's why I did that," pagputol ko sa sasabihin niya. I had a feeling she liked Dad. I can't dispute that, even as he gets older, Dad still has an attraction to the ladies he meets. I was fine with Dad's secretary, but I couldn't stop myself when I discovered that she was often bragging to Dad about her flirtation skills. Nakita ko lang naman sa CCTV kung paano niya binuhusan ang suot niyang damit at pinaniwala si Dad na aksidente lang iyon kahit na kusang loob niya iyong ginawa. Further worse, she undresses directly in front of Dad, revealing her sports bra as her top. Luckily, that woman had no effect on Dad.

As a result, her intentions ultimately failed. It's fun to slap her across the face and say, "Better luck next time." Also, just in case, I don't want her to be a stepmother, but I know that won't happen. Besides, unless Dad desires it, I will never allow mum to be replaced in that way. However, knowing him. He seemed to have lost interest in falling in love since my mom passed away.

"Watch your mouth!" sigaw niya. Napayuko naman ako and bit my lower lip. It's true naman talaga eh. When Dad watched all of it on CCTV, he was furious and quickly fired that woman from her position. But, in the end, he condemned me for pouring coffee on that woman despite the fact that I had the ability to converse with her in depth.

"Alam nating hindi lang 'yan ang ginawa mo. Remember, 3 days ago ay sinapak mo iyong bodyguard sa labas ng company ko kahit na ilang beses na kitang pinagsabihan na bawal ka sa loob." nakikita ko ang frustration sa kaniyang mukha habang sinasabi iyon. Well, I can't blame him, pero hindi naman counted yun kasi may kailangan ako kay Dad. I have also no choice at that time dahil nagmamadali ako.

"And the worst thing that you did ay iyong pagpapahiya mo kay Jandeil sa mga office mate niya. Thankfully, I was able to stop him from resigning at that point, allowing him to return to work." I did nothing but rolled my eyes. Jandeil is Dad's hardworking employee—with quotation. Kaya sinubok ko kung magaling ba talaga siyang magtrabahoI gave him a thousand documents to verify and fix before sending them to the director of operations. He was the only one who eventually gave up. Duh, puring puri siya palagi pero kapag ako ang nagpapagawa sa kaniya umiiyak.

"Dad, how many times have I told you that he was just pretending to be hardworking. So I did that so he could find himself in the right positio—"

"Ostanovka! (Stop!)" The ferocity of Dad's scream surprised me a little. I've only ever seen him upset once in our entire existence. As he glanced at me, his face was devoid of emotion and empty. You notice his frigid stares, which can give you the shivers from head to toe.

Inis itong napahilamos sa mukha at nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga. "I'm so disappointed with you Brielle. I already made a decision. Ipapasama kita kay Manang Carmen sa pag-uwi niya sa probinsiya para magtanda ka na talagang bata ka."

My smile vanished, and I was astonished for a second. When I stared at him, my brows suddenly arched. "What are you talking about, Dad?"

Ngumisi lang siya at nagkibit balikat. "Brielle, everything is in order. This is the only thing that comes to my mind if your behavioural changes."

"And what the hell are you planning to do, Dad? Ipatapon ako sa ibang lugar? Wala tayo sa teleserye para sa bagay na 'yan." biglang napataas ang boses kong usal.

"Parang ganoon na nga. Get ready to pack your things and belongings dahil bukas na bukas ay aalis na kayo." After making his final point, he stood up peacefully, leaving me dumbfounded. My senses didn't wake up for a few more moments.

"Are you kidding me?!" sigaw ko pa ngunit hindi na ako nito nilingon at tuluyan ng lumabas ng opisina. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko papunta sa may bandang likuran na nakaharang sa mukha ko.

I returned to my room in an irritable manner. I sat up in bed after massaging my temple due to the demands I was enduring. This is what flashed to me when I first awoke.

Kinuha ko ang phone ko sa table na nasa bandang bed side. I open my IG at bumungad kaagad sa akin ang mga sandamakmak na notification's. My message inbox was full of messages from friends and colleagues. It's mostly about what happened last night in their chats. I immediately message Andrew to meet me at High Grounds Café Deluxe this afternoon.

I decided to take a hot shower a few minutes later. I was in the tub for more than an hour. I didn't even realize I was falling asleep, while viewing Netflix on my iPad.

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"Welcome to High Grounds Café Deluxe, ma'am Brielle." bungad sa 'kin ng security guard. I simply nodded and smiled at him. When I need a sense of calm, I always end up coming here with Andrew. Heinz's brother is the owner. Nathan, I presume his name is.

I quickly caught up with Andrew, who was frowning and folding his arms as I walked in. I was nearly amused by his state. He has the appearance of a candy-addled youngster.

"Why are you always lying about being on your way?" umiiling nitong reklamo. I just offered him a crooked grin before seating down in front of him.

"Anong oras na ba?" napairap siya sa hangin at saka ipinakita ang cellphone niya. I looked at the time on his phone. This wasn't the first time it had happened; I was always late for practically all of our unexpected walks.

When I realized why I was going to see him, my mindset altered dramatically. But first, we ordered both latte and dessert.

"Dad order me to go with Nana Carmen's hometown tomorrow," panimula ko sa pag-uusap namin while taking a sip with my peppermint mocha latte. While he began devouring the red velvet cake that we had ordered.

Saglit naman siyang natigilan at dahan dahang inangat ang tingin patungo sa akin. "Really?"

I stared at him puzzled because of his reaction. I assumed he would be surprised by what I said, but I was confused when I observed his amusement. "What's with that reaction, idiot?"

"Well, kung tutuusin mas maganda nga iyon dahil makakapag-bakasyon ka pa." nakangiti niyang saad saka muling itinuon sa pagkain ang kaniyang sarili.

Napahilot naman ako sa sentido. "Dad punished me at iyon ang punishment na binigay niya," bigla naman siyang naubo sa sinabi ko. Agad ko namang nilapit sa kaniya ang water bottle.

Nang mahimasmasan ay tumingin ito sa akin. "We wouldn't have had such a lengthy talk if you had said it straight away."

"So, kung ganoon, paano na ang modeling career mo? It means... iiwan mo rin?" tanong niya. Even if I end up living with Nana, he is one of the people I would miss. Isa rin yan sa mga problema ko. I'm really praying right now that even with the modeling stuff, he won't intervene and that it won't be affected.

"I don't know. Isa pa yan sa mga aayusin ko. Baka sakaling mapakiusapan ko pa sa Dad mamayang gabi ay gagawin ko." this thing is really stressing me out. Nakakawalang gana. Palagi naman kaming hindi nagkakaintindihan ni Dad pero hindi yung ganito kalala.

"Sana nga girl. Uh, teka? Was it because of your altercation with Vanessa the night before?" I nodded absently. I explained why my predicament, which we are currently discussing, had progressed to that stage.

"Pero kung tutuusin mali naman talaga ang ginawa mo. I know na may kasalanan si Vanessa pero Brielle minsan, huwag tayong pasobra ha." sinamaan ko naman siya ng tingin. He seemed to understand me as well. I failed to mention that they bear a passing resemblance to Dad. To be honest, I'm allergic to sermons, but not when it comes from Dad. When I'm in front of him, I just pretend not to be affected, but I'm already annoyed. So sometimes I'm the one giving those sermons to others.

"You and Dad are indistinguishable. Since you don't comprehend what I'm attempting to say." the atmosphere between the two of us suddenly shifted from the earlier pleasant greetings.

"Yes Brielle. Gets ko yung point mo, walang kabuluhan." walang limang segundong agad akong napatayo at kinuha ang bag ko. He just looked at me and shook his head. He continued to eat as if nothing had happened.

"Mne nado idti (I have to go). We'll meet up again when everything is in hand. You don't get what I'm saying." my final statement before I finally left him. I know that's rude but I don't give a damn. I feel like he's on Dad's side. And at this point, I need comfort not lecture.

Susuyuin ko nalang siya mamaya. I'm sure our disagreement won't last long either. We've known one other for a long time, so I'm confident it will subside.

I'm heading my way now to Western Horizon Models, Inc. —my modelling company's name. Gusto ko lang kasing i check ang schedule ko for tommorow. Kay Andrew ko sana itatanong iyon kasi siya ang may hawak ng mga schedules ko pero ang kapal naman siguro ng mukha ko para bumalik pa roon.

I decided to start my car and arrived just a few minutes later. Before entering the company, I parked my automobile. I was still perplexed because nearly every employee was staring at me. I'm used to stuff like this, but now I'm not so sure. Something unusual seems to be going on around me that I am not aware of.

I just ignored them and continue walking confidently. Pumasok na ako sa elevator para maka akyat sa 25th floor kung saan naka assign ang main office namin. Ilang minutong paghihintay pa ang ginawa ko bago ako tuluyang nakarating.

The befuddled employees were quick to open up to me. The others looked at me with surprise, as if I hadn't been expected. That's right, be scared little ducklings.

Papasok na ako ng office nang biglang may humarang sa akin. My brows immediately escalte as I look at her.

Umiling muna ito bago nagsalita. "Sorry po ma'am Brielle pero bawal po kayong pumasok,"

"At bakit naman?" natigilan siya saglit at alanganing sumagot.

"U-utos po kasi ng m-management," I let out a frustrated sigh and decide to ignore what she had just said. If I find that she is definitely lying, I will immediately fire her.

Nilagpasan ko siya at saka hinawakan ang door knob bago ito binuksan. I didn't expect Vanessa to greet me with a bandage still on her head and arm in an instant. I was taken aback as he simply smiled foolishly at me.

"W-what are you doing here?" malamig na saad ko sa kaniya. Lumakad ito sa akin ng dahan dahan at inalapit ang bibig niya sa tenga ko.

"I'll take your seat." She responded slowly, which made me feel uneasy. With a broad smile on his face, she stepped away.

"What the nonsense are you talking about?"

She brushed his hair and gave me a stern look. "Let's just say na ako muna ang uupo sa trono mo habang nagbeau-beauty rest ka pa,"

"Hindi ako aalis!" sigaw ko sa kaniya. Sinuklian lang ako nito ng nakakairita niyang irap.

"Go tell that to our beloved booking agent. Look behind you oh, nandoon siya sa likuran mo." I turned around to see Timothy looking at me with a dissatisfied expression on his face.

"What is this bullshit, Tim? Tell me na she's lying." sabi ko at itinuro si Vanessa. Kita ko pa ang paghawak nito sa dibdib na parang hindi inaasahan ang pagturo ko sa kaniya.

He reach his hands into his pockets. "Before that, let's have a sit first."

I sat calmly, and I could tell the intensity in what he was about to say was apparent.

"First and foremost, Brielle, I know you are one of our management's greatest and most successful models. Because of you, all unrecognized products become well-known. I'm going to have to let you go for ten months out of my own for—" He was caught off guard when he saw my uncontrollable outburst of emotion. Doon na ako umiyak. In my whole existence, sa modelling lang talaga nakakakapit ang kasiyahan ko.

Wala namang pake alam si Dad kung anong course ang kunin ko dahil sabi niya, kung saan daw ako masaya ay susuportahan din niya. I graduated after taking a final qualifying exam with the major in Architectural Design. Yeah i know, crazy right? Architecture ang kinuha ko pero modelling naman ang inuna ko.

When my father took me to a fashion show, I developed an interest in modeling and walked down the catwalk. I admired almost every outfit the models wore, and I told myself I wanted to dress like them. I want to be the one who walks the runway and leads it. I never failed in my own dream in the end. So, after graduating, I decided to pursue modeling since I wanted to get experience before starting my degree course.

"B-brielle? Are you okay?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Timothy. Tanging iling lang ang sinagot ko sa kaniya while I was still crying from the depth of my sentiments.

"Oh come on, tanggapin mo na, Brielle. Ang daming drama." sinamaan ko naman ng tingin si Vanessa.

"Shut up!"

"Okay..." I simply ignored her before returning my gaze to Timothy.

"As what I said. Napagdesisyunan ko munang ipa take ka ng break dahil napapansin ko these past few day's, you seem to be under pressure from events in your environment that I think are affecting your interactions with other people." hindi ko na alam kung ilang beses siyang bumuntong hininga. I gently massaged my forehead and firmly closed my eyes.

"I'm not dumb para hindi malamang si Dad ang may pakana nito," singhal ko sa kaniya. Kita ko naman ang bahagya nitong pagkagulat.

"I-i j-just— fine. This one is part of your Dad's plan. This subject has previously been discussed extensively.. In fact, kinumbinsi ko pa nga siya pero parang wala lang din nangyari." malungkot na pahayag niya. I clinched my fist.

Hindi naman ako sumagot. A few seconds of silence prevailed between the two of us.

"So... what's your plan now?" It was as if that inquiry had caught me off guard. My mind is currently blank. I'm not sure what Dad did, but I believe I felt chained and imprisoned in a persecution cell.

"I-i dont know. Susubukan ko ulit na kausapin siya." tanging naibulas ko sa kaniya. He just nodded me.

Ngumiti siya sa akin saka ako tinapik sa balikat. "Kung sakaling matutuloy man ang 10 months leave mo. Always remeber na nandito lang kami para sa iyo. Your WHM Family are always on your side."

Hindi ko naman napigilan ang sariling yakapin siya. Kung mangyayari man ang sinasabi niya ay isa siya sa mga sobrang ma mi-miss ko. Timothy is the management's agent. He actively seeks employment for the model/actor and is compensated for each booking he makes. Models usually work with modeling agencies and are supervised by a booking agent rather than directly with agents. Isa rin siya sa mga taong nagpursue at gumabay sa akin na ipagpatuloy ang modelling career ko.

"Sige na, baka gabihin ka pa. You should go home and rest. Let's just hope that everything will be back to normal again." matamis naman akong ngumiti sa kaniya. Sana nga.

"I'm leaving now then. Thank you so much Timothy for the advice. It really calms and comfort me." I expressed my deep gratitude to him. I hugged him once more before leaving. Vanessa abruptly phoned me as I was about to turn the door knob. Nandito pa pala 'to?

"Brielle, wait up!" I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrows at her.

"I guess you're so much happy because of what you heard,"

She reddened slightly as she scratched the back of her neck. "I-i just want to say sorry sa mga n-nagawa ko. Ang c-competitive mo kasi kaya minsan ay napupuwersa ko ang sarili ko na patulan ka."

"Are you taking drugs, Miss Lewis?" I asked him with a smile. She then glared at me.

"What?! Of course not! Kahit labag sa kalooban kong mag sorry sayo ay ginawa ko pa rin. I only wanted to remind you that I will take care of your spot before you depart." natigilan naman ako sa sinabi niya. Napatawa na lamang ako sa isip dahil sa mga sinasabi niya. It was pointless for me to question her because I could see in her eyes that he was sincere in his statements.

Tinanguan ko lang siya at pilit na ngumiti. I don't usually do that, especially while I'm in front of her. It's merely awkward since the anticipation of a quarrel is passed when you talk as if nothing has happened.

I arrived home at exactly five o'clock in the afternoon. Walang tao at tanging sa Nana at Lorena lang ang nadatnan ko.

"Oh, Brielle anak. Saan ka ba nanggaling? Gutom ka na ba? Sumabay ka na sa amin hali kana." bungad sa akin ni Nana Carmen na nagpagaan ng loob ko. I secretly smiled.

"Ah, huwag na po, Na. I'm still full but I'll eat later." saad ko sa kaniya. I honestly feel like I've lost my appetite because of all that happened today.

"Ganun ba, sige sige. Basta kumain ka ha?" tumango naman ako at ngumiti. I walked up to the staircase and went into my bedroom.

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Ringggggg!

Ringggggg!

I murmured from my slumber as a result of the loudness. When I realized I had fallen asleep, I would not have ignored it. Kaagad akong napabangon sa kama at ganun pa rin ang suot ko.

Napatingin naman ako sa cellphone ko kung saan nanggagaling ang kanina pa nag-iingay na ringtone. I scowled as I went closer because Andrew's name and phone number appeared on the screen. What had happened before came to memory right away. Nag-aalangan pa akong sagutin ito dahil na rin sa hiya pero wala na akong nagawa nang kamay ko na mismo ang sumagot.

"Ayan, salamat naman at sinagot mo! Bumaba kana rito dahil pinapatawag ka ng Dad mo." What he said made me wince. I checked the time and noticed that it was 7:30 p. m. I just bit my lower lip really hard. Ang sinabi kong iidlip ay naging tulog.

"U-uh sige. Magbibihis lang ako." ani ko before hanging up the phone. What the heck is he doing here? And Dad is calling me? Nang-uutos pa sa iba kung pwede namang siya nalang ang tatawag sa akin.

Kinalaunan ay nagbihis na rin ako ng casual attire lang naman na sinusuot ko kapag nasa bahay lang. Nang makapaghanda na ay napagdesisyunan ko na ring bumaba. Baka kung ano na namang sasabihin ni Dad at baka mas lalo pang lumala ang init ng ulo niya.

Nang makababa ay naabutan ko sina Dad, Andrew at Nana Carmen na mukhang nagkakatuwaan sa living room. Dahil siguro sa presensiya ko ay bigla silang natigilan at tumingin sa akin. Namula pa ako dahil sa hiya dahil ang atensyon nila ay nakabaling na ngayon sa akin.

"Halika Brielle. Kanina ka pa hinihintay ng Daddy mo." Nana's interruption of the previously deafening silence. I joined them with a nod.

"Maiiwan ko muna kayo ha," paalam ni Nana. She was about to leave when Andrew stopped him. "Ay ako rin po,"

"Goodluck gurl!" pabulong pa na saad niya sa akin. I decided to ignore him and concentrated on my dad.

Tumikhim muna ito saglit bago tuluyang nagsalita. "So, about earlier. I simply want to express my regret for what I did earlier. Perhaps I was simply carried away by feelings and stress and did so."

I just silently listening to him habang nakayuko. "And... sa mga sinabi ko tungkol sa plano kong ipapasama ka kay Nay Carmen, I really meant it. Matutuloy iyo—"

"Dad, please! Just this one. I promise na hindi na ulit ako makikipag-away. I will promise to change my attitude if that's what you want." putol ko sa sinabi niya. I pled like this again just now. I may appear desperate at the moment, but my mind is completely void.

Umiling siya. "Mne tak zhal' (I'm so sorry), Brielle. My decision is final. If you really adapt at all, it will not be straightforward. Before you can say it wholeheartedly, you must first work hard and prove it."

"As a father, ang gusto ko lang ay kung ano ang best para sayo. I know na balang araw ay maiintindihan mo rin ang mga sinasabi ko. You'll be leaving tomorrow, and Lorena will assist you with packing. No devices, make-up, or accessories are allowed in your luggage. You can communicate with your friends through phone, but not personally. There are no gadgets, however you can use your phone twice a week and only in an emergency. I just gave Manang Carmen the money you'll need for the duration of your stay."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili at naiyak na lang sa harapan niya. "Dad please..." I begged him, but he remained silent. He then stood up, letting out a sigh.

"I'm sorry baby but this is for your own good. I hope na mahahanap mo ang sarili mo sa buong pananatili mo roon. Magpakabait ka at huwag magpapasaway. I know na hindi mo bibiguin si Daddy." aniya saka iniwan ako.

My lips trembled as I sobbed on the floor. I merely shook my head and hid my face. I sincerely hope this is not true. That hopefully it was just a nightmare from which I needed to awaken since I was no longer comfortable.

When I turned slowly to see who it was, I noticed Andrew crying as well. I held him tightly without hesitation while still crying.

"It's okay Brielle. Masakit at nakakalungkot man pero kailangan nating tanggapin. Besides, it's for your own good naman." pag-aalo niya sa akin habang hinahagod ako sa likuran. Napabalikwas naman kami ng yakap sa isa't isa mga ilang sandali lamang.

"B-but how about you? H-hindi na kita makikita." he just let a giggle at what I said.

"Silly. Kahit na maldita ka at mataas ang pride ay ma-mi-miss rin kita. Basta tumawag ka lang kapag may hot boys— este kapag may kailangan ka. I'm always here for you." Amidst the heavy emotions around I was still able to laugh because of him.

Now I wonder what fate awaits me there. I am not yet ready to leave the life I enjoy now but I know it will also pass and I can accept it.

Ang hinihiling ko na lamang ay sana maging maayos ang pananatili ko roon. I know na hindi ako pababayaan ni Nana Carmen, and I pledge not to disappoint Dad. Even though we always fight about misconceptions, I can't deny that he is one of the best fathers in the world. I used to think that I would always defend the situation, but that seems to have changed lately. I'm not sure where Dad's plan will lead, but I'm confident that everything will work out in the end.