Letting Go Liberty

Chap 04

Later that week I decided not to hide and avoid people because what good does it do to me? I know myself and this was my hard pill to swallow, I avoid confrontations to make myself feel better. Confrontations stress me out.

My dad also called me, he calls every week. When I ask him why not settle with simple texts he said he wants to hear my voice, at least once a week. I just agreed, I actually like talking to my dad, pakiramdam ko kasi aside kay Jai siya lang yung kakampi ko.

"Hi, Lili ko... How are you?" My dad's voice sounded so comforting.

"Hi, Pa. I'm okay, same old. How are you?" I was sitting on the cold floor, busy fixing the fridge, I did groceries earlier that day.

"I'm good, anak. Your mom is asking about you.." He carefully said. 'Di ko napigilan mapairap.

"Pa, this conversation won't go well if you continue.." I warned him. I don't want to sound rude but I needed people to know that I have limitations. It's up to them if they want to go out of line.

"Anak. Sooner or later, you will have to face your mom. I know I told you to take your time but don't ignore me too." His voice was stern and I was silenced. That was rare of him and it was a sign to listen to him.

I sighed defeatedly.

"I know Pa. Just give me this week. I promise to drop by."

I heard Papa take a deep breath, "You know that we love you, right?" I stopped and dropped whatever I was doing. I was taken aback.

Maybe deep inside I felt a sense of comfort with that assurance but now I can't let them use it as an excuse for what Mama is doing.

"I'm not telling you this to guilt trip you. I know you're already thinking of that, Callista." He continued. A pause. "Just come home, anak." He ended the call.

Speaking of Jai, I haven't seen him in a while. The last time I saw him, I was with Karmen about to go to the library. He was inactive in his socials too! Eh, yun pa ba? Everyday kaya 'sya may story, most of the time, he's not in the picture but he posts his ganaps. Weird...

Today is a Friday, and I only have three classes. It means I'll be stuck with Ynnia and her constant playfulness. This'll be a long day.

My eyes shifted to the girl beside me when I heard Ynnia grunt while looking down at her phone. I raised my brow at her.

She mouthed 'wala' and dismissed me with her hands and she went back to typing aggressively. I instantly went back to listen to the discussion. Pag siya nakita ng prof 'dyan... She's not being subtle at all. 

After three classes that felt like years, I left Ynnia dahil mukhang badtrip siya sa kausap niya. She was frowning so bad it looks like her face would rip.

I went to the cafe right beside the university alone, it was okay since I was craving something sweet too. After deciding what to order, pumila na ako and the line was a bit long so I got my phone out of my pocket. As I was watching a video on my phone I heard someone call my name.

I looked where the voice was coming from and saw Louie standing behind me, he was next in line.

I glanced at the line, may dalawang person pa before me.

"Dito lang pala kita makikita," I smiled at him. I miss my friend.

Ngumiti siya na para bang nahihiya siya, "I'm sorry I've been distant."

"Para 'tong sira." I scrunched my nose, being awkward wasn't usual for us. That's why I don't know why he's acting this way.

I was in front of the cashier but Louie suddenly went beside me and placed his hand on the counter putting his weight there. I saw the cashier shyly stealing looks at his face, "What's your order, sir." Baka type ni ate ang masungit tignan.