Beyond Forever

“Good morning, mom and dad,” I greeted as I descended the stairs. My hair was still wet and I hadn’t combed it yet. I’ll just do it later because I’m still feeling lazy.

I kissed both my parents on the cheeks. My dad reciprocated the kiss on my cheek while mom only nodded at me. I just shrugged it off, she is cold and not the affectionate kind of mother. According to Daddy, I got that trait from her. I’m really good at being aloof and that’s something I inherited from my mom.

Dad pulled out a chair for me, so I sat down. I scooped some rice and took a piece each of bacon, ham and egg. I was busy eating while my parents were discussing something about a potential business partner.

“Fuentes are cunning when it comes to business, are you sure you want to have a business partnership with them?” My mom asked.

My gaze shifted to my mom. She was sipping on her coffee and her eyes met mine. As usual, her stare was cold. I looked away and my gaze landed on dad.

“Of course,” Dad replied. “If ever something goes wrong, you’re there, right?” Dad grinned.

My mom shot him a death glare. “And if ever something bad does happen, I’ll definitely help you but you will never ever step in this house and show me your face ever again,” Mom retorted, which left Dad open-mouthed.

I chuckled slightly, amused at how my parents talked to each other. This is how they are in the morning, their topics vary and if Mom doesn’t like Dad’s answers, she immediately cuts him off. Dad never wins against Mom.

Mom looks like an angel but she is scary and deadly. Dad can be intimidating too, but not all the time. Sometimes, he just cracks jokes and at times, he’s funny. Not like Mom. Just knowing she is in the same room can make your knees tremble. That’s how scary her presence is. Her eyes are like daggers, as beautiful as they are, everyone avoids her gaze because they’re as sharp as a knife.

My mom is unlike others, she’s not affectionate and her words can hit like a punch. My mom is a straight forward person. She hates sugar-coating words and fake people, just like me and dad. Of course, everyone dislikes people who are pretentious.

“It’s just a joke, wife,” Dad said, laughing, but there was a hint of nervousness in his voice. “As I said, nothing bad will happen, Fuentes are surely not the ones who will start a mess, trust me with this, wife,” Dad said, still nervous because my mom, who was sitting in front of me, was still giving him a death stare.

She rolled her eyes and returned her attention to her coffee. Only then did my father breathe a sigh of relief.

“Be sure with that, Antonio. I do not trust anyone when it comes to business. If the legal system in our country is dirty, the business system is just as dirty. Everyone can become your enemy and I don’t want our child to get involved in the mess that is business.”

“Of course, our child will never be involved in business troubles because I know that things will turn out well once we’ve partnered with the Fuentes.” Dad smiled at me. I understand their conversation. My Dad smiled at me. I understand what they’re discussing. My dad taught me how to handle our company because I am the only child, the most spoiled and favorite Herrer at all the time.

I am now in my twenty-three years of existence already. I graduated two years ago in Harvard University. A master of business administration.

And currently, I am a law student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I am currently in my second year, it will still be a long time before I become a full-fledged attorney. After finishing breakfast, my mom’s grumpy face also softened. She kissed me on the cheeks and handed me the book I needed. I haven’t even spent thousands of pesos to buy the books that law students like us need. My mom’s old law school books are still intact and in good condition. All of them are covered in plastic and not a single page has any writing on it.

“Thanks, mom,” I said.

I organized my Prada logo-plaque multi-pocket backpack. It is a gift from my mother when I was seventeen years old. It has been with me for six years now and it is still sturdy despite its age. I placed the book my mom gave me inside and made sure all my necessities and belongings were in there.

“Study well, Yvonne. No baby first,” said by my dad.

I felt annoyed by his last statement while my mom gave my dad a sharp look with a smirk on his lips. Irritated, my mom averted her gaze from him and turned to me again.

“Don’t be like your father who is so flirtatious, from then until now,” my mom ranted. I smiled and nodded at my mother. I looked at my dad and bid goodbye just as a horn honked outside our house.

“Remember what I said, Yvonne, no baby first. Even if I want a grandchild already, I want you to become an official attorney first!” My annoying dad shouted. I heard my mom’s voice, irritated by my dad’s words. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but be amused by my dad’s mischievousness.

I waved my two hands and closed the gate. I ran towards my boyfriend’s fancy car. I opened the door and he greeted me with a kiss on cheeks.

John Kyle Quinto has been my boyfriend for two years now, and we will soon celebrate our third year anniversary. He is my first boyfriend and my first kiss. Just like me, he is also a law student, and we have similar schedules, which is why he often picks me up and drops me off. He is also wealthy, intelligent, and incredibly attractive, which is why I fell for him.