PHANTASMAGORIA

CHAPTER 37

- AZIEL -

Because of what Kiah did, our wedding schedule was moved closer. Pagka-graduate na pagka-graduate ko ay ikakasal na kami. And it's already 1 year from now. Kiah smiled in victor. I was so angry but I couldn't blame her. Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin.

After that night, I finally decided to go against them. I just knew they wouldn't accept Shimmer in the family because they always wanted Kiah. And I couldn't do anything about that. Gan'yan lang naman sila ka-dominating dahil alam nilang hindi ako magrereklamo dahil sila pa rin ang sumasagot sa mga expenses ko academically. They would always bring that up everytime I tried to defy them. They'd threat me that they would no longer pay for my tuition and other stuffs if I refuse to obey them and it's frustrating. Dad was toxic. They were all toxic. Si Mommy at Ate lang talaga ang kakampi ko sa bahay na 'yon ngunit maging sila ay walang magawa sa gusto ng Daddy at Tito ko. They're just unstoppable.

I decided to find a part-time job to sustain myself alone. Mabuti na lang at hindi ako gastador kaya may ipon ako. I would not rely on my parents anymore. Especially on my father.

The work... It was draining and tiring. I would work and study at the same time and I barely slept anymore. It was hard for me because I was never used to it.

“Are you still wearing your uniform?”
I was taken aback when I heard Shimmer's question.

I immediately looked at my shirt. I was wearing my work uniform. I had a part-time job in a 24/7 convenience store every 1 AM to 3 AM.  Basically, 4 AM hanggang 5 AM lang ang pahinga ko because I still had a work as a food crew in a fast food restaurant at 6 AM. Wala na talaga akong tulog. Tumatanggap din ako ng mga gig offers mula sa mga bars at kasal para pang-dagdag kita. Good thing I have a talent in singing. It's an advantage.

“Seven!” Sir Ronald called. He's my manager. I turned off the microphone in an instant and lowered my phone down so that Shimmer won't suspect a thing. We were on a video call.

“Sir?” I plastered a smile on my face.

“Paki-restock noong isang shelf doon,” utos niya at tinuro ang isang shelf na halos wala nang laman.

“Yes, Sir, I'll just take a call..”

“Bilisan mo.”

“Yes, Sir.” Agad kong binuksan ulit ang mic. Shimmer gave me a confused look.

“I'm sorry, love, come again?” I asked her again. Naputol kasi ang sinabi niya kanina noong ni-mute ko ang mic.

“Ang sabi ko, sino 'yon?” tanong niya.

“Uh.. driver namin.” I had to lie on purpose. I didn't say a thing to Shimmer because I knew she wouldn't approve. I felt so sorry for lying but I had to.

I also asked my Mom if I could use her condo near my school. I just couldn't be in the same house with my Dad anymore. Nakakasakal. I decided to move out of my own unit. It was from Dad's anyway. Siya ang bumili sa condominium na iyon. Ayoko ng magkaroon pa ng utang na loob sa kan'ya dahil alam kong uungkatin niya ulit iyon para i-manipulate akong pakasalan ang inaanak niya.

Mom was hesitant and worried for my decision but she still supported me. She just knew what I felt. She would sometimes give me money in secret but I always refused to accept it. Gusto kong pera ko mismo ang ipang-gagastos ko sa sarili ko. Besides, I have 3 part-time jobs. Marami akong source of income. Sapat na 'yon para pang-tuition ko. Not to mention, I was already in 4th year. Graduating na ako. I knew I could do it. I would survive on my own.