Some Things Never Change

Tiya Amelia, my Dad’s sister, invited us over at my father’s house to have some Kare-kare (hers made the old fashion way). But then she said something that made me more inquisitive,  she claims we have an intruder in the house. I’m not kidding, but that was how Tiya Amelia said it to me. She didn’t go into detail since Dad was walking around and said to just see it for myself.

Half hour later we made it to my Dad’s house and true enough, there was an unexpected guest. I paid my respects to my elders, said a quick hello to the guest and then walked to the kitchen to help Tiya Amelia in setting the table. Five minutes after, my two other siblings were with us in the small kitchen. I guess, they too, are curious. Now according to our investigator, este our aunt. Dad has been dating this woman lately. What? We said in chorus. I could not believe that my father has turned into a lunatic. How can he have an affair with a woman that is as old as my sister? Okay fine, my sister’s 23 and she’s probably older by a couple years. But the sight of them together is giving me the creeps.

I was able to keep my sarcastic remarks to myself while having dinner. But I can’t help but throw some questions while having dinner. So looks like you and my father are exclusively dating, am I right? I said. And before she can even answer, my sister asked a follow up question. And how old are you, Miss? she said. Dad gave us the look, but she was kind enough to answer our questions. I’m sorry, I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself. My name is Leila and yes, your father and I are seeing each other for the past two three weeks. Oh and I’m 27! she answered. Heavens have mercy, I can’t believe my Dad’s falling for her. A sixty something year old man dating a twenty seven year old chick. There’s something wrong with this equation. Like my sister said, this is screaming Dee-Oww-Mmm all over!

I excused myself after dinner and told Dad that I had something else to do at home. My siblings did the same thing, and I think my father had a gut feeling why we were leaving so soon. And as we were heading out, Dad asked to speak with us in private inside our car.

Dad: Don’t you think you guys are being unfair?

Nell: What do you mean?

Dad: I know what’s going thru your heads. You think I’m going crazy!

Sis: No Dad, you’re not. I think you’re getting desperate.

Nell: Epee, don’t say that! You do not talk to Dad in that tone. Apologize, now! (slightly raising my voice)

Sis: Sorry Dad, but…

Nell: Watch you language, I need not repeat myself.

Sis: Whatever you have with this woman is totally bizarre, Dad. I mean, can’t you date a woman close to your age? Why her? Why a 27 year old? C’mon Dad, you’re better than this. You don’t want to called a sugar daddy or a dirty old man.

Nell: You’re a descent man, Dad. But only heaven knows of her intentions, and hopefully she has some good ones to begin with. We are all aware you’re an adult, so we trust that you can make wise decisions. Right, Pops?

Sis: Kuya, don’t condone Dad’s behaviour!

Nell: I am not condoning Dad in any way. He’s our father and he knows better! And I don’t really think Dad would like the tag, dirty old man.

Sis: I am not hearing this. That woman is a freaking gold digger, and you’re not doing anything to stop it.

Nell: Like I said, I am not in favor of this either. Who would want a 27 year old for a step mother?

Dad: I’ve heard what you have to say and for the record, I am not marrying her. So you guys can calm down. I’t’s just a date, that’s all!

Sis: So she’s just your flavor of the month? (she calmed down a little bit)

Dad: Don’t be using that word on me, young lady. It’s a date, that’s it! I haven’t exactly found a woman comparable to your mother. And if you’re thinking I’m giving her money, the answer is no. And if she’s in for the money, sorry but she’s not getting it. Are you forgetting I’m an intelligence officer in the military, so you guys know how critical and suspicious I can be of people.

After that five minute conversation, everybody eventually calmed down. And Dad asked that we do not share this story with mother, and he made us promise that. Dad also asked that we stay a bit longer, and we did eventually went back inside the house. It’s funny cause my sister and I looked at each other giggling when Dad said, she has yet to meet a woman comparable to Mom. Guess that means, father has never stopped loving mother all these years. Which reminded me of my parents wedding song (by Perry Como), it goes: 

When your hair has turned to silver,
I will love you just the same,
I will only call you sweetheart,
That will always be your name .

Through a garden filled with roses,
Down the sunset trail we’ll stray,
When your hair has turned to silver,
I will love you as today.

Endless Love… Giggles, giggle, giggles.