Academic Temptations

Chapter 49

"I'm sorry," bulong ko sa kanya habang ang ulo ko ay nakasandal sa balikat niya. Matapos ang mini-reunion namin, ipinakilala ako ni Harriet sa kanyang daddy. He's really kind, just like she talked about. Sinuportahan niya ang aming relasyon, pero inudyok rin niya kaming umuwi muna para makipagusap sa mga magulang ko. So, here we are now on the plane headed to the Philippines.

"It's alright, I understand. I just wish you had informed me that you were somewhere safe," she replied, planting a kiss on the top of my head.

"What made you go there?" she added.

"Remember when you told me that it was your place? Somewhere you feel comforted? The moment I decided to run away, that was the first place I could think of."

"And did it give you comfort?"

"It did, but I just wished I had the chance to taste the desserts of the owner's daughter. He said she makes the best ones," I heard her chuckle at my remark.

"Don't worry. I'd make you one," Silence fell. I couldn't help but overthink what was going to happen. With both sides opposing our relationship, the future seemed uncertain, and the stakes high. I longed for my parents to be more understanding and open-minded. Hindi pa nga kami nag iisang buwan sa relasyon pero parang daig pa namin ang mga kasal na sa problema namin.

"What's troubling you?" Harriet asked, breaking the silence.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin pag uwi. I'm scared."

"Don't be. We'll face your parents together, and I'll be there to support you every step of the way," she reassured me.

"Pero paano kung tutol pa rin sila satin?"

"Isla, all I want is what's best for you. And if they insist on—" Hindi ko na agad siya pinatapos mag salita dahil alam ko na kung among sasabihin niya.

"But that isn't what's best for me. Even if we were to part ways, it wouldn't change anything. They refuse to accept me for who I am."

"If that happens then I'll still be here for you. I accept and love you just the way you are. For now, let's rest, so we'll have the strength to face them tomorrow," she said gently. Without a word, I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to a deep slumber.

"Isla!" Biglang nagulat ako nang makita ko ang aking pinsan at mga kaibigan na sumalubong sa amin sa airport. Sabay-sabay silang tumakbo patungo sa akin at niyakap ako nang mahigpit.

"Nag alala kami sayo! Hindi ka man lang nagsabi kung saan ka pupunta," sabi ni Althea, at parang paiyak na ang kanyang boses. Pati si Hailee, napansin kong may luha sa kanyang mga mata. Hindi ko mapigilan ang nararamdamang pagsisisi dahil sa aking ginawa. It was indeed a stupid decision.

"I'm sorry. I swear it won't happen again," I apologized.

"It really shouldn't," Ezekiel said, pulling away from the hug. It had been a while since I last saw him, and I noticed how he looked different, better actually. Maybe it was because of the 'girlfriend effect'—I remembered Thea telling me he was seeing someone.

"Thank you for coming here guys, I appreciate it."

"Papunta na ba kayo kila Tito?" Hailee asked, and I nodded. The worry on her face was evident, so I hugged her again to reassure her.

"I'm fine, Hailee. I can do this. I'll keep you updated. I'm sorry for making you worry," I told her before breaking the hug. Harriet and I bid farewell as we headed to my family's house together. Hailee brought my car; I didn't know how she got it, but I was grateful she did. Harriet told me her mom confiscated her Jeep again.

Hinayaan ko na si Harriet ang magmaneho dahil hindi kami makaabot sa bahay kung ako ang magmamaneho dahil sa dami ng aking iniisip.

When we arrived, the guards were surprised to see me, immediately opening the gate and informing my parents of my arrival. My legs felt like jelly, and I just wanted to turn back and never return. I didn't think I could handle this.

Harriet held my hand, guiding me out of the car. I took a deep breath before stepping out. The renovations on our home were still ongoing. I guess the mansion was still mine.

As we entered, our parents, along with my older brother and sister, were there. They were all shocked to see me with Harriet, but my siblings rushed to hug me.

"Isla Margaux, where have you been?" Achie asked, but I didn't respond and pulled away from the hug.

"I'm safe. That's what matters."

"You could've told me or Ahia about your situation so we could've helped you," she said.

"If I told you I was in a relationship with a woman, would you still help me?" I asked, knowing she was taken aback by my question, so I smiled bitterly.

"Yes, I would still help you." Her response left me stunned, but before I could respond, my father intervened.

"You have returned her safely, so just as promised, I'd forget anything. I hope you two have ended whatever is going on between you," As promised? What did he— I looked at Harriet confusedly. Did they make an arrangement about me?

"I have returned her safely, sir, but I'm afraid I can't do what you asked me to do. I admit what I did was not right. Isla was my student, and I should've kept my boundaries, but what I feel for her is genuine, and I would like all of your blessings for our relationship. If I must wait until she graduates, then I will. My intentions are clear; I love her, sir." Tears fell from my face as I heard what she said. For a second, I thought she had betrayed me, but she was actually fighting for our relationship.

"I'm not sure you understand what I said before, De Veres. I no longer care who you are. You may not be our business partner or Isla's teacher, but you're still a woman, and there's no way I am letting my daughter be in a relationship with a woman. She is not gay. You just polluted her mind," I couldn't help but step in front of Harriet this time, facing both my parents.

"She didn't pollute my mind. Why can't you all accept that I like a woman? All my life, I never did anything to disappoint you, and all I ask for is acceptance from you. So, why can't you give me that? That's all I ever asked as your daughter."

"Dad, times have changed. Many people accept same-sex relationships now. I don't see anything wrong with Isla's relationship. They can carry on if she graduates, so it won't reflect badly on us." Nagulat ako nang si Ahia ang biglang nagsalita. He just defended me from my parents. I never thought both of my siblings would be here for me. I always assumed they'd have the same mindset as my parents.

"Stay out of this matter," Dad replied to him.

"No, we will not stay out of this matter. We're family. Isla is our sibling. And don't you forget she is also your successor because Ahia and I won't do it. Isla has never asked anything from us. We all moved out of this mansion, but did we hear any complaints from her? She's lived most of the time by herself, and I won't stand here watching you treat her like this. If you won't accept her, then you won't just lose your daughter, but you'll lose all your children,"  I gulped hard when Achie spoke. I had never seen her this mad, nor had I seen all of them go against my Dad. I didn't know how to feel, but I probably felt bad because I felt like I had ruined my family.

I gave my Ahia and Achie a reassuring smile and mouthed 'thank you' to them. I had always thought I was alone in this battle, but I was wrong. I had my siblings with me, my cousin, friends, and of course, Harriet. I was never alone.