Nights Like This

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Drive

I knew Papa and Mama would eventually confront me for always going home late. Makalipas ang isang linggo ay napansin na nila iyon.

"What have you been doing these past few nights?" Papa asked in an accusing tone. I fought the strong urge to roll my eyes and walk out.

I know I didn't really set the best record in this family but it just doesn't feel good whenever they imply that I'm doing something... not right. Halos ayoko nang itanong kung ano ba ang iniisip nila na ginagawa ko. Could be anything that I swear in my life I'd never do.

"I've been working, Papa."

Kitang kita ko kung paano nanlaki ang mga mata ni Papa at kung paano si Mama napatayo mula sa pagkakaupo. Is it too shocking? Or unbelievable? Naiintindihan ko sila. Kahit ako naman nagulat na kaya ko palang magtrabaho.

"No, you're not. Ano'ng tunay na pinagkakaabalahan mo?" si Mama.

"As I said, I work. I applied for a part time job."

"You're lying..."

Napailing ako. "Whatever. Your choice if you believe me or not. Just don't pester me anymore, please."

"Sino 'yong naghahatid sa'yo kapag gabi?" tanong ni Papa.

"Iba-iba," I replied. Just to piss him off. And I'm not lying. Talagang iba-iba naman ang nabo-book kong sakay.

Napasinghap si Papa. Si Mama ay nanatili ang critikal na tingin sa akin.

"Look, it's been a tiring week. Gusto ko nang magpahinga. Good night," pagpapaalam ko bago nagtungo sa ikalawang palapag.

I heard Papa calling me. He just stopped when Mama asked her to call Kuya Mikael and Kuya Nikko to confirm if I really do work or if I was just bluffing. Tss. Can't they just take my word for it? Hindi ako sinungaling. If anything, I'm straight up honest. Ewan ko ba sa mga magulang ko. Wala na yata talaga silang tiwala sa akin.

Totoong nakakapagod ang linggong ito. I'm fine with my studies but it was mostly the part time job that made me really tired. Sure, nakatayo lang ako pero nakakapagod pala na gawin lahat ng kailangan. It felt rewarding, though. Lalo na kapag naiisip ko na may perang kapalit ang pagod ko.

"This isn't what I had in mind when you said we'll meet up for drinks," Ethan said.

"Coffee is a drink and this is a meetup?"

It's Monday again and I have work. Katatapos lang ng shift ko at pagod na pagod ako. Ethan wanted to claim the favor I owe him. Gusto niya na mag bar kami but since I'm really tired, I suggested we meet up here instead. Hindi niya inasahan.

"Really, Bob. I thought we'll party."

Umiling ako. "Can't. I'm exhausted."

Hindi rin ako makapaniwala na tumatanggi ako. It's really just a different kind of tired. Before, even if I'm beat at school, I'll still party. Ngayon na may part time job ay gusto ko na lang umuwi agad at magpahinga.

Damn, is this growth? Nag-iiba na ako, ah?

"We'll resched, then?"

"Huh? Hindi pa sapat itong libre kong kape sa'yo?"

Ethan laughed at me. "Fine, fine. This is okay."

Mukha siyang napilitan pero wala rin siyang choice. Hindi niya rin naman ako makukumbinsi.

"What's up with you and Yael? Tinanong niya ako kahapon kung may nabanggit ka ba sa akin na problema."

Natigilan ako sa ambang pag-inom sa cold tea.