Beyond Constellations

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"Suspend Tanya Diaz for a month."

My eyes widened at the lady in front of me, "This kid is so disrespectful! Look at her staring at the elders like that! She already punched my son in front of everyone and she doesn't have any remorse!"

I will never have a remorse. Hindi ako nagsisisi na sinapak ko si Manuel kahit makickout pa ako sa eskwelahan na ito. Binastos niya ako at si Savannah. He tried to rate us like we are his new online game. He deserves more than a punch.

"Tanya..." Mommy called me before looking at Manuel's mother, "Mrs. Tan, I think that we should talk about this calmly. My daughter, Tanya, isn't the type to be involved in things like this. She explained her side to us and—"

"She's the one who committed violence and therefore, should be punished according to the school rules." Fix your eyeliner sabi ng rules ko, mhie.

"I will accept whatever punishment awaits." I told everyone inside the room, "But I also want everyone to know that I don't and I will never regret punching a misogynist jerk in front of the whole campus." I looked at Manuel, "What happened to your guts, Manuel? Why don't you tell them that you are shamelessly rating women like objects? What did you say about me? Diaz looks tough but also easy to get?"

"What?" Dad uttered beside me, "What did you say about my daughter?"

"Attorney," Chancellor spoke.

"No, Chancellor." Dad said, "I know my daughter. If she's wrong then me and my wife won't have any problem and will let her receive the punishment she deserves. But, you know me," he looked at Mrs. Tan, "And I'm sure that you know me too, Mrs. Tan. If my daughter was harassed, physically or verbally, I don't care whatever label you can put in harassment, I will make sure to bring this on a bigger court."

Mommy held my hand tightly.

"Attorney!" my adviser spoke, "Please calm down, I—"

"This kid is of age. 18 years old." Dad said, "Do not try to turn the table on me, especially on my daughter who had a clear reason for starting the fight. I do not condone any forms of violence from anyone, especially from my children. But believe me..." Daddy scoffed.

"Attorney," Mrs. Tan gently called him, "Baka naman nagbibiruan lang... mga bata pa ang mga ito at—"

I was about to answer her but Mom spoke first, "The reason why children thinks that misogyny is okay is because of the mindset of the adults around them!" she uttered, "Mrs. Tan, kahit kailan, hindi tama at hindi biro ang magsabi nang ganoon, hindi lang sa mga babae but for anyone, no matter how they identify. They are not clueless kids who needs to be taught about the basic of what is right and what is wrong. They are adults, pushing 20, going to college in a year. They know exactly what they are saying and they need to be held accountable for it."

Manuel ended up apologizing with a month long suspension. I ended up with one week suspension for punching him.

Why are my parents so cool?

Halos kuminang ang mga mata ko habang pinapakinggan silang dalawa. They really scared the fuck out of them. Hindi lang sa mga Tan, kundi pati ang mga school officials namin. Pero kahit na ganoon, nahihiya pa rin ako sa kanila. I know that they understand what I did but I am still ashamed that I brought them in the guidance office.

"I'll go to your brother's teacher, mauna na kayo sa sasakyan, Dad." Daddy nodded at mommy bago kami dumiretso sa parking lot ng sasakyan. Hindi ako makapagbukas ng conversation dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat sabihin.