One Day After School

02: Scientist

One day, after school

_Pretty_poisonous_
© Copyright 2021

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Chapter 02: Scientist

I watched how the pouring rain cried in agony.

Nakatulala lang ako habang pinapanood ang mga taong naglalakad sa kalsada. Thousands of people are walking with you, breathing the same air, seeing the same scenery, but you depicts the world differently.

Isang tanong ang kanina pang gumugulo sa'kin. How did she know my name? I thought I've already extincted in anyone's mind?

I know I messed up bad. . . Again.

The car entered the familiar black gate and parked at the same place.

"Ready yourself, Solana." I whispered. Ah, basta, bahala na.

Pagpasok ko ng bahay, isang galit na mukha ang sumalubong sa'kin. I opened my mouth to explain, but I decided not to.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo sa sofa namin. The dim surroundings is making me uncomfortable. Silence reigned between us.

Tinitigan ko ang mga kamay ko'ng nasa ibabaw ng aking mga hita.

My nervousness is affecting my sense. The heavy and unstable breathing that I produced irritates her more. She doesn't want cowardice from me.

Minutes have passed. Naiiyak na ako habang nakatutulala't pinapakinggan ang pagsesermon sa'kin ni Mommy. Her loud voice echoed thru the whole living room and it's making me sad and nervous at the same time.

"What did I told you, Solana? Fo-llow-your-sche-dule." May diin sa tono niyang sabi. She pace back and forth while massaging the bridge of her nose.

I bit my lower lips to stop my self from talking back.

"Nagbubulakbol ka na ba, ha? Gaano ba kahirap ang ipinapagawa ko, Eurydice?" Nakataas ang kilay niyang tanong.

"Answer me!" Bulyaw niya. Napatalon ako ng bahagya dahil sa gulat. I felt how my tears form at the corner of my eyes. I refuse to answer her. I know it's my fault.

"Solana Eurydice Martinez isn't like this,"

Nanatili akong tahimik. Palagi nalang ganito. She can't accept my reasons for being late for a few minutes. Kahit i-defend ko ang sarili ko wala pa 'rin namang magbabago. Still, I am late.

Noong nakaraan nga natraffic kami kaya medyo natagalan, hindi niya parin 'yun pinakinggan.

And what's the big deal? I am just late for a freaking fifteen minutes.

"I'm sorry po," I whispered in a shaky voice. Tears started cascading on my cheeks.

Umiiling siyang lumingon sa'kin. Ibinuka ko ang bibig para magsalita pa sana, pero walang salita ang lumabas sa bibig ko.

Her eyes showed irritation for that action. She doesn't want me to talk be back. Siya 'raw ang tama dahil Mommy ko siya.

Pati ba naman ito ipagdadamot niya? First, my freedom, next to the list is my freedom of speech?

Humugot ako ng isang malalim na hininga. My Daddy is not here to defend me, nakaalis na siya kaninang umaga pa, so, it's better to shut up and eat my own words.

Umiiling na binagsak niya ang sarili sa sofa'ng nasa harapan ko. She looked at me with furrowed brows. Her eyes showed dissatisfaction. Napatingin siya sa kaniyang cellphone ng tumunog ito.

Mas lalo ko pang kinagat ang mga labi.

Kulang pa ba lahat? Ginagawa ko naman ang best ko para sundin sila eh, pero bakit kulang pa 'rin?