Naked Series #3: Unleash My Soul (COMPLETE)

Chapter 1

I was thirteen when they told me that I will be marrying a stranger.

Even though I was use to follow everything they say, that was the first time I objected to their order.

That day was my first taste of slap from my mother too. The day of my birthday.

"You have no right to disagree, Ysabella! I am your mother and I know what's the best for you!" She said after slapping me.

I was fifteen when I accepted my life. I'm like a doll being controlled by them and I have no right to decide for myself. They gave me this life so I should always obey them. Even if it means losing my self.

I saw Alice running towards me. "Keisha!"

Huminto ako sa paglalakad at inantay siyang lumapit.

"Calm down." Mahinahong sabi ko bago ko inabot sa kaniya ng hawak na tumbler.

Uminom siya sa tubigan ko at huminga ng malalim.

"I-I got in! Nakapasok ako sa Saint Benilde! Full scholarship pa!" Tuwang tuwa na niyakap niya ako.

I smiled and pat her back. "I'm so proud of you, Al. Congratulations."

"Thank you! Alam mo naman na ayokong malayo sa'yo kaya gusto kitang sundan kung saang school ka man mag-aaral."Kumapit siya sa braso ko at hinila ako papasok ng room namin habang patuloy pa rin siyang nagkukwento. "Tuwang tuwa si Mama nung nakita namin ang resulta. May allowance pa akong makukuha, tapos malaki din ang financial assistance ko sa 4p's."

Alice is my first friend. Yes. The first one. Even if many people tried to reach out and offer friendship to me, no one lasts long enough. Isang mali ko lang, nilalayuan na nila ako. I was raised to be perfect so people assumed me to be one, and I hate it.

Magkalapit ang kindergarten school na pinapasukan namin ni Alice noon at madalas siyang nakadungaw sa school namin lalo na tuwing uwian. Nanay niya pala ang teacher ko sa Filipino, at doon ko siya nakilala. She was so nice and bubbly. She could express herself without worrying about other people, unlike me. Kaya siguro gustong gusto ko ang pagkukwento niya tungkol sa buhay niya dahil natutuwa akong nagagawa niya ang bagay na hindi ko magawa.

"Mama was a bit worried about the miscellaneous fees and other expenses, but I told her I could help. Pwede akong maglabada or tumulong sa karinderya nila Aling Sonya." Tukoy niya sa matandang babae na nagtitinda ng ulam sa katabing bahay nila.

Sinulyapan ko siya. "Hindi ba't sabi mo, masungit 'yon sayo dahil menopause na?"

Napangiti ako ng tumawa siya sa sinabi ko.

"Oo, pero kaya ko namang magtiis lalo na't kailangan kong mag-ipon para sa mga kagamitan katulad ng laptop at printer. Balita ko kailangan iyon kapag tumuntong ka ng high school."

"I could give you one of my macbook or ipad." I suggested. "I'm not using all of those anyway. Might as well just give it to you since you need it."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"Nako huwag na, Keisha! Marami ka nang naitulong sa akin at abuso na ako kung tatanggapin ko 'yan-"

"Who's counting anyway? I'm not." I smile. "You need it, Alice. I don't mind giving my things to you since you're taking care of them more than I do. Look at that watch." Tinuro ko ang white gold na watch sa pulso niya. "I gave that to you when we're in grade one, but it's still working now that we're in grade six. Kung nasa akin 'yan ay paniguradong nakatambak lang iyan sa jewelry box ko. You know that Mom wouldn't let me wear the same thing twice."