My Professor's Secret

Kabanata 33

"Who called?" tanong ni mommy

Agad kong ibinaba ang phone at ibinalik sa loob ng bag. "My boyfriend. He's waiting outside, ihahatid niya raw po ako sa school."

"Oh! He's here? Nakauwi na pala siya, that's good then." agad na segunda ni mommy.

Binilisan kong tapusin ang natitira kong food para agad ng makaalis. While eating, hindi maalis sa isipan ko ang maiksing pag-uusap namin ni L. I can feel his coldness and it breaks my heart. Hindi ako sanay na ganito siya. I'm used to him being sweet, gentle, and caring and I've always wanted him to remain that way.

You're a fool Becky! Didn't you say you'll break up with him the moment he comes back? Paano mo pa magagawa yan kung ngayon palang nasasaktan ka na!?

Kailangan mong patigasin ang puso mo. Your feelings are your weakness, don't let it consume you.

"Normal lang sa isang relasyon ang magkaroon ng problema. Those are challenges that are meant for you to overcome, to become tough and to test your faith. Not all the time you'll experience happiness. Kaya ikaw anak, huwag mong pansinin ang sinabi sa'yo ng daddy mo. Don't let his words influence your decision, baka magsisi ka sa huli." mahabang paliwanag ni mommy habang iniirapan si daddy.

Nang marinig ito ni daddy ay agad na nagsalubong ang kanyang kilay. "Ikaw talaga Rowena–"

"What!? It's the truth. Ikaw kasi Leonardo pinapangunahan mo ang anak mo. Malaki na siya–"

"I'm just trying to protect our daughter–"

Natawa si mommy. It was like she finds dad's statement ridiculous. "From who? Gosh, why are you saying this? Liam's a good man, hon."

"How can you be so sure, Rowena? Hindi natin siya gaanong kilala. Kahit nga siguro anak natin walang masyadong alam tungkol sa kanya, including his origin. We don't know even the least details about him, so how can you be so certain that he's really a good man? That his intentions were pure?" dad argued

"Well, I have my own observations. I've learned that he's a genuine person who truly cares for Becky. He's capable of influencing many people and I think he's going to be a good leader. He's direct and a gentleman and he's matured enough to handle serious situations. At ano naman ngayon kung wala tayong masyadong alam sa kanya? Can't we just respect his sense of privacy? O baka may iba rin siyang dahilan? Ayokong hinuhusgahan mo siya Leonardo, you're stressing me out!" bakas ang iritasyon sa boses ni mommy habang kinokontra niya si dad.

Tahimik lamang akong nakikinig sa kanila habang malalim na napapaisip.

"Rowena–"

"Ah, basta! Gusto ko siya para sa anak ko, tapos!"

This time, natahimik si daddy at hindi na nakapagsalita. Mukhang natatakot na yata sa pagtaas ng boses ni mommy. I took that as an opportunity to say goodbye before leaving.

"Uhm... I should go, I'm done with my breakfast."

I kissed them both on the cheeks. Si mommy ay matalim parin ang tingin kay daddy at tinanguan lamang ako.

"Alright, take care." ani dad

I grabbed my bag and slowly went out of the house. Ramdam ko ang namumuong kaba habang papalapit ako sa gate. Sandali akong huminto para damhin ang pintig ng aking puso. It's beating so fast, I don't know if it's because I'm a little nervous or because I'm overwhelmed of excitement and anticipation to see him. I realized, he's the only man who made me feel this way.

Isang malalim na hininga ang aking pinakawalan bago tuluyang lumabas ng gate. I saw him leaning on his car with his hands inside his pocket. I took some steps toward him and his gaze met mine. I stared at his handsome bare face as I came to realize that days without him felt like years. I want to hug him right at this moment and tell him how much I've been longing for his presence. Pero alam ko, hindi ito ang oras para dito.