No Time For Love (3)

Realizing that I have no much time to ponder things through, I decided to scribble a note for Mark. His plan of taking me along for camping seems good but I didn't have that luxury of time to spend. I would rather help my parents at home in the farm and earn for my miscellaneous expenses in school. I bet he would be much glad if I asked him for help but I didn't want to be accountable for anything from anyone except from my parents. Besides, my father would be pestering my brother about my whereabouts if I were to disappear with unrevealed reason. He was a very strict disciplinarian man. I will never ever forget how he beat us even with the slightest kiddy mistakes. Every blow of whips on my back and butt were etched in my young mind. Perhaps I will be able to understand him when I'll get to raise kids myself as I heard them say countless times. For now, I would just do what I am supposed to do as a disciplined daughter.

With Mark's proposal and my father's domineering image in mind, I wrote:

Dearest Mark,

Hi my loving sun! You caught me real surprised this time! I'm not sure if I should be happy or be mad at this. I never knew you could be so wierd and indecisive! Im starting to wonder what makes you propose like this! Is there something bothering you? Why so in a hurry all of a sudden?

Mark, let me remind you also of our last night together. I laid down my card first and you agreed. Now you say you are laying your cards and you are actually breaking our agreement? Why so sudden?

I can't be more honest with you, but the reason I broke up with my first boyfriend was because of his seriousness to marry me right away and it scared me big time so I used you as my reason to break away from him. Please don't get me wrong though. You said you'll wait and I took your word as I gave you mine. Im still holding on to that. Can't I pursue my dream first, Mark? Can't you wait? Remember I said feel free to marry if you find yourself liking someone else. Why do I feel I am blackmailed by this? If you truly love me, you don't need to do this. Life is already hard for me, why do you need to add more?

About going to camping, I'm afraid my parents need me more than you. Not to mention my father's reaction if he finds out I've gone gallivanting. I can find some work to earn for my needs during this time too. There's actually no time for love in my world right now Mark. As of writing, I'm pressured by school works and preliminary exams. I'm all dugged into it. Thankfully, my head screw is still intact.

I knew you came here one time, you saw my boarding house too. I am not surprised by your cunning ways. You always do things before saying them.

It's late now, I'm sleepy. Till next time. I love you more! Im returning your spirit. Thanks for the hugs and kisses.

Regards to your Grandparents. Pray they'll live long and healthy... And by the way, I will be here till third Friday of December. I'll head home the day after.

The love is deep,

Fem

...

(Meanwhile at the Arevalos' manor,)

"JP, are you saying you'll merge our company with Brent's Construction Company?" Grandpa raised his astonished voice. We were all seated in the study room on one Saturday evening. My brother sat with grandpa while my grandma and I sat at their opposite.

"Exactly! They are selling us 50% of their shares. Apparently, they are going bankrupt and it will be just in a short while when we'll get to buy the rest, grandpa." My elder brother John Paul announced.

"How can you manage a transportation company and a construction company together? They seem not to be relatives at all!" My Grandpa chuckled.

"Grandpa, as if I'm the one to hold the hammer and the steering wheel! I just need a little help from this useless brother!" my brother's voice sounded a little domineering. Im not at all surprised if he is used to talk like this at work.

"You dont have to sound like that JP. What Im really concerned is that with more loads of work, you wont be able to find a woman to settle with!" Grandma came on point.

"What can I do for you bro, I'll work like a horse to run your torch! " I said in a soft chuckle.

" I just need you to help me investigate any prospect project locations, especially the owners. We should make sure the project does not raise any future complains from neighbors or land owners themselves. Off course this will be the job of our lawyers but we have to check beyond the surface of the situation. This is the reason why Brent's is crumbling because the lands were not settled when they started their developments. They are now facing numerous claims and frozen big projects which maybe the reason why they are selling shares." my big brother presented.

"I see, okay, got that. Just give me the signal But how about your status as the most eligible bachelor? Do you need help as well?" I asked hoping he'll say something about his love life.

"Mark, you might as well investigate if your girlfriend has a single older sister, then you can forget your girlfriend." He said coldly.

"Ha! you're not at any rate attracted to my girlfriend, are you?" I said laughing sarcastically.

"Why not? She's young and smart! What is 10 years gap anyway?" My brother looked at me like he was about to snatch something away from me.

"JP, what's your problem with other girls? You are not bad looking after all." Grandma interrupted.

"Grammie, that's exactly the problem. I'm too good looking for them that I cannot find someone to match this good looks. I thought perhaps my brother can find me one from the province." He continued trying to annoy me.

"JP, when will you take this seriously? You are already 28. I married your grandma when I was 23, and your late father impregnated your mom when he was 19. But look at us! If not for those irresponsible people, we should be a happy big family now" Grandpa was listening to our banterings before spoke solemnly.

"Grandpa, don't worry, in no time, who knows, I might come home one night with a pregnant sexy 18 year old student!" JP said again drawing an ear to ear smile at me.

"Speaking about that Grandpa, Grammie, you won't mind if I marry my girlfriend anytime from now, right?" I said proudly.

"Anytime, anywhere! Atleast our genes will now have good use!" Grandpa answered.

"Bro, when you are ready to start projects with the Brents, I would like to venture a project in the Northern Province. I'll start to scout the prospect land. The place is beautiful with the best view. I have something in mind." I was presenting my proposed project that probably only grandma and me saw.

"Sure Mark, and don't forget to get me also a lady as beautiful as your girlfriend from there." my brother came again which I took note in mind.