The Last Rule

Chapter 10 - Want

Days have passed at napuno ng libro, netflix at basketball ang mga araw ko. Naka-ilang games na 'rin sila Papa at so far wala pa silang talo, they are really doing great even without Kuya Kriz. Pinalitan lang siya ni Dos and i think napantayan niya naman si Kuya Kriz.

Just like what they all the time, after game ay pumupunta sila dito sa bahay para makapag-celebrate. Nabawasan na din ang araw ng practice nila, hindi kagay dati na halos araw-araw. Katatapos lang ng game pero hindi kagay ng nakasanayan, walang player na dumiretso sa bahay dahil may pupuntahan kami.

Kaya pinatawag si Papa sa mansiyon last time to invite us for dinner sa mansiyon. They summoned him there just to invite us, hindi sila ang pumunta dito para mang-imbita. They could've just called us though, pina-punta pa talaga si Papa doon. Kahit na hindi sobrang layo ang mansiyon from our home, the ride is still 30 minutes. Hindi din naman malapit.

I don't hate them but it's what they always do. They never stepped a foot in our house, they never even saw it. They never even thought kahit puntahan lang ang barangay namin para silipin kung saan kami nakatira. They never supported our lifestyle, for them it's too simple for their luxurious name.

"Son, you really should move out" my Grandpa said, habang kumakain kami ng dinner in their mansion. We are eating in their huge dining table with golden cutlery, shining kitchen utensils and western foods with their very own Martin Wine.

"Dad, we already talked about this" Dad said in a bored tone while eating his steak. He said it na parang sawang-sawa na dahil lagi nilang pinag-uusapan.

"And I never agreed" Lolo said in a serious tone. He glared at my father na parang may gusto pang idagdag pero hindi niya ginawa dahil nasa harap kami ng hapag. Si Lolo ang nasa kabisera ng malawak nilang dining. Ang nasa kaliwa niya ay si Lola, katabi ko si Lola at ang nasa kabila ko naman ay si Kuya Calli. Ang nasa kanan naman ni Lolo ay si Papa katabi si Mama, katapat ko si Mama at ang nasa katabi ni Mama ay si Kuya Astro at ang katabi ni Kuya Astro ay ang pinagmanahan niya ng ugali, ang bunsong kapatid ni Papa na si Tito Dexter.

My Lola tried to change the topic by asking us about our studies. And I thought matutuwa sila dahil kaming tatlo ay academically achievers.

"There are so much better universities than the State University you are currently enrolled, Callisto. With so much better facilities, faculties, and laboratories." my Lolo turned the spotlight to my eldest brother now. I saw how Kuya Cali stared at his food, parang nawalan na ng gana sa pagkain.

"I'm fine with Central Luzon State University, Lo. Mataas po ang passing rate nila ng Medicine" Kuya Calli said respectfully na parang ayaw galitin si Lolo.

"But there are much better ones with higher passing rates, Apo. I'm sure kaya kang pag-aralin ng Daddy mo sa Harvard or Oxford. Kung ayaw mong mangibang-bansa, kahit UP nalang or Ateneo, if your Dad won't support you, I will." My Lolo added. I can't imagine myself studying on those schools he mentioned. Does he want us to study in those? Hell, No!

"Dad, sila ang namili ng University nila. Doon ako sa kung anong gusto nila." Dad said trying to defend Kuya, or himself.

"But that's not what I want" my Lolo said again na parang siya naman ang mag-aaral. If he really want those universities, bakit hindi nalang siya ang mag-aral? I swear I want to role my eyes so bad pero I tried not to.

"Dad, hindi naman ikaw ang mag-aaral eh" finally Tito, spoke. Trying to really save Callisto this time.

"Whatever. I just want what's best for him para naman magkaroon siya ng pangalan sa pipiliin niyang profession."