Unwavering Solace (At Odds Series #2)

Chapter 23

Xeriel's POV

Who would have thought that in our second year attending the pride march, we'd be with my grandmother?

Parang tumatalon sa saya ang puso ko habang pinagmamasdan ang colorful na flag na hawak ni Lola. May rainbow din na painting mula sa kaniyang pisngi tulad ng amin ni Theo.

Kasama rin namin ang mga kaibigan namin. Kuya Uno is the one driving. This scene feels like a dream.

We are here, speaking our story. We are here, asking for our rights.

My grandmother is also excited kaya napangiti na lang ako. She held my hand before smiling widely at me.

Colors are everywhere. It feels so warm to be here.

Hindi na jacket ang knitted sa akin ngayon. Colorful na sando lang habang nakapantalon na black. Si Theo ay nakaputing t-shirt at maong pants pero mayroon ding paint mula sa kaniyang pisngi at may hawak-hawak na rainbow flag ngayon.

Last pride march, my experiences were really wholesome. Theo and I enjoy it together lalo na't ang sarap sa pakiramdam na tanggap na ako ni Lola ng mga panahong iyon. My march become so meaningful. I felt known and acknowledge.

Napatingin ako kay Lola nang makita siyang nakatingin sa ilang hindi gusto ang nangyayaring martsa.

"Our purpose here is to celebrate, there's no need to engage to people who are asking to be heard but is not also open to listen," ani Lola na hinawakan lang ang kamay ko namin bago kami hinila palayo roon. Wari ba'y hindi naging ganoon ang pag-iisip niya noon. Natawa na lang ako nang mahina because we never engage.

They are not the reason why we are here. But sometimes I don't understand how do people preach when they can't even start with themselves. Be kind to others. Napakadaling gawin, ang hirap para sa kanilang sundin. Respeto lang naman hinihingi ng komunidad, napakadaling ibigay.

We joined in the parade. Ang dami ring natanggap na mga abubot ni Lola. She even interact with them.

"They are just the same," sambit ni Lola kaya nagtataka kaming napatingin sa kaniya.

"Just also people who deserve kindness... and love... love that is expressed in different ways," she said, making us smile.

We went to a booth. Going here feels so comforting. Hawak-hawak ko lang ang kamay ni Theo habang sabay kaming naglalakad. I can feel the sense of belongingness here. I can't help but smile while looking around the place.

Lola seems like she's enjoying having a conversation with some of the people she interacts with.

Kalaunan nga lang ay kinailangan na rin niyang umalis dahil hindi naman siya pupuwedeng magtagal sa maraming tao. Before she went to the car with Kuya Uno, niyakap niya ako nang mahigpit bago bumulong sa akin.

"Thank you for letting me know you, Xeriel," aniya bago ako hinalikan sa noo. Pakiramdam ko'y nangingilid ang luha mula sa mga mata. Parang biglang gusto kong umiyak.

"Thank you for embracing me, Lola. You coming with us means a lot to me. I love you..." I can just feel how warm it is to be hugged. I hope everyone can receive the same warmth I am experiencing.

Nilingon ko si Theo nang makaalis si Lola. Smile tugged at his lips before kissing me in the forehead.

"Sana all." Narinig kong saad ni Gideon. Agad naningkit ang mata ko bago siya inasar kay Jael na hawak-hawak ang mga gamit niya at parang tutang nakasunod dito. We always tease him he is under. Laging sagot na top daw siya. Parang gago.

Pero lagi rin naman talagang under kay Gideon. Hindi niya kaya ang kasungitan nito.

Mayamaya lang ay nagtungo na kami sa main events. Some singer and some personality is coming here to perform and to talk.