Against The Odds

1

You only live once, they say. Many people use it as a powerful reminder to live life to it's fullest potential. It serves as a break free from the constraints of fear, encouraging people to seize opportunities, explore, and embrace every moment.

That's also how my friend loves her life. She's carefree and living her life to the fullest. While I can't. Funny right, the outgoing and the obedient daughter became friends. I don't even know how did it happen. Nagsimula ang pagiging close namin sa seating arrangement noong highschool. She was always so eager to hang out with me that time. Gusto pa nga niya akong isama sa mga lakad niya. I tried, once.

"Oh come on! It's my birthday Adi! Sa bahay lang naman tayo e. Ako na ang magpapaalam kay tita, let's go to your house." Umiling ako habang nililigpit ang mga notebook. Kakadismiss lang ng klase at heto si Jessa pinipilit akong sumama sa house party niya.

"My Mom's not home, Jess. She's in her office all day and you can only talk to her once you schedule an appointment." Umirap siya at humalukipkip. I stared apologetically.

"What about your dad? Can you just... go with me, as a gift? Please?" Nagpuppy eyes pa siya and trust me it's so hard to resist her. She's the only friend I made.

"H-how?" Lumunok at naimagine ang magiging reaction ni Mommy kung malaman niyang tatakas ako.

"I'll talk to your brothers na lang, or to your Dad!" Umiling ako.

"Dad's out of the country. My brothers are busy." Umupo siya sa lamesa ko at ngumisi. I creased my forehead and started shaking my head.

"No Jess. I-I can't sneak out! Don't you have any other ideas? That won't get me dead please." I chuckled nervously. Knowing her, she probably have, dangerous ideas just to go out.

Dangerous for me.

"They won't know, trust me."

She, indeed, convinced me to sneak out. Pagpasok sa kotse ay halos pagpawisan na ako sa kaba dahil sa gagawin. I don't really like this idea. Napatingin ako sa driver slash bodyguard ko. Sila pa lang nakakatakot na, paano pa kaya si dad or worst, si Mom.

"They won't know, Adi. Unless we tell them."

Pinaulit-ulit ko na lang ang mga sinabi ni Jess. I promise myself this is just for tonight. It's her birthday. Kung magpapaalam ako kay Mom, she probably won't let me. Sasabihan lang na mag-aral kaysa sayangin ang oras sa walang kwentang bagay.

Pagdating sa bahay ay sinunod ko ang sabi ni Jess na maghanap na ng outfit at ilagay sa isang bag. The plan is, i'll sneak out wearing my pajama then i'll change in their house. I told her I just have an hour then i'll go home na. Susuotin ko ulit ang pajama. Kung sakaling may makakita, madali na gawan ng excuse na nagpahangin lang ako sa labas. I sighed as I think of all the lies I would said if ever.

After dinner, naghanda na ako. I put a pink cropped shirt and a white cargo skirt inside the small bag. I fixed my face a bit. Nakaupo lang ako sa kama habang nakatitig sa oras. The party will start at 10 o'clock and it's already 9:00.

My phone beeped and that's when I knew. Saktong lumabas ang guard sa gate para manigarilyo. Mapuno ang village namin kaya madali akong nakalayo. I saw Jess' car and went inside. Napapikit naman ako sa tili niya.

"You're a bad influence Jessa." Her brother said. She just laughed and hugged me.

"I know and im sorry. I just really can't missed this night without my you." I just sighed in relief. "You'll even thank me, masyadong bored ang buhay mo Adi." Tumayo siya at binatukan ang kapatid. My mouth opened, did she just?!

"Woah, easy there. You looked really shocked Adrina." Tumawa si Jericho.

"Y-you do that to your brother?" Gulat pa ring tanong ko. Sumabog sa tawa si Jess.