I'm A Motherfckng Woman [TRANSWOMAN X MAN]

7

Kiara Valentina Paladin

"Eksklusibong kinumpirma sa RNT News ni Miss Universe Philippines Minnie Lorelie Strasser na hiwalay na sila ng fiancee niyang si Alejandro De Asis na isang kilalang engineer sa bansa. Hindi na siya nagbigay ng iba pang detalye pero ayon sa kanya maayos ang kanilang paghihiwalay. Kahapon din ay lumipad siya papuntang New York para sa gaganaping Miss Universe Pageant. Katrina Vilasco, RNT News." 

I watched as images of their photos together flashed through the television until it was gone. Napabuntong hininga ako at napailing. It's about a month na rin since that day happened. Minnie and Alejandro stopped coming into the café and I never tried to ask for any news about them.

I decided that I should not associate my life with them, not even with Alejandro. My life is already complicated as it is. I don't need a man who makes me feel even more miserable. Sa kanila na si Alejandro. Hindi lang naman siya ang may abs sa mundo. Hindi lang siya ang gentleman. Hindi lang siya ang gwapo. Hindi lang siya ang marunong mag-ayos ng wheels of the bus char car talaga 'yon. In short, Alejandro is not the only man in the world. 

I don't have to be so worked up over him. He helped me a lot of times and I'm thankful for that. I was just being to childish when I said na I want him for me. His life is absolutely not for me. 

"Hoy! Kiara!" Napatigil ako sa pag-aayos ng gamit ko dito sa locker room slash employee's lounge slash meeting room at napatingin sa may pintuan. I saw Den's face poking on the door way with a big grin plastered on her lips. Napataas ang kilay ko. 

"What's wrong? And why are you grinning like that?" Medyo kinabahan ako ng kaunti sa paraan ng pagngite niya. There's something fishy about it. 

I pulled out my bag from my locker and locked it. I then walked toward her. Kakatapos lang din kasi ng shift ko. I'm on my way to pick up Stela from school then do a little grocery na din to celebrate her amazing performance sa school. You don't know how proud I am everyday for having such a smart girl in my life. 

"Naalala mo 'yong blind date na sinabi ko before?" Ang pabebe niyang tanong pagkatapos niyang umangkla sa braso ko. I rolled my eyes and continued walking. Kaya naman pala. Akala ko nalusaw na ang planong 'yon.

"Yes, what about it?" 

"Matutuloy na nga siya bukas, beh. Maawa ka naman sa akin samahan mo ako." She pleaded as she moved her body in front of me. Nasa labas na kami ngayon ng cafe at nag-aabang ng masasakyan. 

"Okay, first of all, do they know you're going to bring a transwoman with you? Cause if not, girl, I'm telling ya, kalimutan mo na lang na may napag-usapan tayo. I am not taking any transphobic comments from your peers tomorrow. And, second, I have a kid with me. I can't stay out too late. Third, where do I leave my kid?" Ang sunod-sunod kong tanong sa kanya. 

Eksaheradang napasinghap ang gaga at saka napatakip ng bibig habang gulat na gulat na napatingin sa akin. "B-Batang ina ka? P-Paano ka nabuntis? Sinong ama? San lumabas? Jusko!" 

"Gaga!" Bwiset ko itong binatukan para naman matauhan siya sa kabaliwan niya. "I adopted her. She's nine years old."

"Ay alam ko na! Pwedeng-pwede sa mama ko. Mahilig 'yon sa mga bata." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. 

"Are you sure? Baka makaistorbo kami sa mama mo."