The Story Of Us

Chapter 12

It was a Friday night and I still haven't told my friends about tomorrow. Tonight though, I was thinking of asking my dad if he meant what he said on that night we argued. Of course, he meant it. What was I thinking? Just maybe.

My shoulders melted from my thoughts. We were eating our dinner that my dad had prepared at the table. He cooked ginisang monggo which was the only vegetable I loved to eat. Ever since when I was still a child, my dad always served our foods. Even though he was a single parent, he managed to raised us by on his own. And it wasn't an easy task because he had to sacrifice some things in order for him to take care for us. One of those is his romantic life. My dad was still young when my mom died, he has looks, he has a good job, and he is a responsible man. Any woman would swoon to him if he only let them to but my dad is my dad. He still loves my mom.

"Kev, there is something I want to tell you."

I raised my chin from my food. I put my spoon and fork down. I couldn't help myself to tense up. After our argument on that night, everything just seemed like it was back to normal but today, it was different. Since this morning, it felt like he wanted to tell me something, me too as well. I will ask him after this.

"What is it dad?"

He took a deep breath before he spoke up, "You can still go tomorrow."

My forehead formed into a knot from his statement.

"What do you mean I can still go tomorrow?" I asked in confusion.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Do I still have to spell it out for you? About the formation."

My jaw was in ajar when his last word registered in my brain. I quickly stood up and hugged him in his chair. I held his broad shoulder to better stare at him.

"Do you mean it?" My voice was breathless.

"Yes." He smiled. "If that's what will make you happy."

***

"Okay, M16! Proceed to your area now!" Sir. Comamau yelled to us.

We immediately dispersed.

"Mr. Chato?" our platoon leader asked in the throng of people leaving.

I hoisted my arm so he could see my small frame.

"I'm here sir!" Good thing he saw me quickly.

He gestured me to come over to him. I ran to his direction. The formation has already started and our platoon was about to start as well.

"You called me sir?" I asked him.

"Just stay here," he said and he left me there standing.

My mouth was wide open and my arm was hanging in the air as I stared at him jogged together with my platoon.

What was that? Did he just tell me to stay here? I roamed my gaze, I was standing in front of the stage, I suddenly felt awkward when I noticed I was the only person on that spot. I stared at the field, all platoons were busy perfecting their marching and I was just there, looking and doing nothing. I shifted my weight on my other foot to ease my boredom.

"Mr. Chato, I'm glad I finally see you."

I spun and Gorio was standing in front of me. His hands were on his biceps as he gave me his smug smile. He was wearing uniform and they looked heavy to my sight, how can they move with that kind of clothing? His eyes were peeking from his hat and I could feel they bore to my direction. I took the lump in my throat to hide my surprise.

"Gorio, if you think I'm going to talk to you then you're wrong," I scoffed.

I was about to leave from his sight when his rough palm connected to my wrist.