Disobedience

Chapter 11: Political Dynasty

Kimberly Jane

"So when you hear the term generational wealth. You often think of wealth, money, riches acquired by earlier generations in a family from a business. Well, a lot of families here in the Philippines use politics as a form of generational wealth, which is a form of corruption if you ask me. You might be thinking; Attorney Kim, what do you mean by that?" I said as I stood in front of the whiteboard where I have a big 'Political Dynasty' written in capital letters since that was our lesson for today.

"I'm going to use my name again as an example. I don't want to use real names here because I might get shot." I said dryly and they all chuckled. "Just kidding, not actually scared of anybody. If you have been a lawyer longer than I am and if you have faced the worst of the worst in the courtroom, you wouldn't be too." I smiled humorlessly.

"I'm gonna use my name, because if I use a real political family dynasty name that still exist today, I know that a lot of you will have different standpoints than mine, which will then lead to arguments and debates amongst you all that  "oh, they're not a political dynasty family" "oh, they're actually really bad people", "oh they're this and that", "oh, they actually help people"  and next thing you know, naging debate class na tayo imbes na political science, at wala kayong natutunan sa akin kasi naubos ang class time. You see where I am getting here, folks?" They all nodded and murmured in agreement.

Surprisingly, Elijah's eyes were on my face and I can tell that whatever I am discussing genuinely interests him as he was sitting in his usual spot, in the front row. His back resting on the chair, his arms crossed, and his lips were pursed like he was focusing on what I was saying. He was manspreading kaya naman hapit na hapit ang athletic shorts na suot niya, dahil doon ay may malaking umbok sa crotch niya.

Sa sobrang bakat noon ay mukhang may ini-stash siyang bote doon.

I could still feel the warm and soft sensation of his tongue on my skin. I don't feel disgusted by it. That one time Travis gave me a kiss on the cheek for publicity, I quickly wiped it off. Hell, I rubbed my cheek so hard that it was red after I was done cleansing it..

....meanwhile, Elijah, he was different. He literally ran his tongue on my skin and I didn't have the urge to wipe it clean. Instead, I wanted more.

God. Kimberly. What is happening with you?

Napalunok naman ako at mabilis na naglayo ng tingin, bago pa ako ma-distract.

"Alright," I turned around and started writing a name on the board, which I am gonna use to make a mind map. "Sabihin na natin na ang great grandfather ko na si Attorney Arthur Wencezlao ay naging Governor noong ninety-twenties." I said and turned towards my students again, my non-permanent marker staying in my hands. "Let's just say that he was in power for both terms, then when his last term ended, instead of endorsing a non-family and very qualified candidate, he endorsed his son, Armando. Now, Armando Wencezlao has no background in politics and absolutely has no desire to serve the citizens..."

"...Now, even then, he will win because he's a Wencezlao and my grandfather who endorsed him has already existing connections in the political world, right?"

They nodded.

"Now, when Armando's term as a Governor ends, he will repeat what my grandfather did and endorse his son or daughter, campaign for them. And oh, suddenly, Armando's niece wants to run as congresswoman, and Armando's second son now wants to be a mayor, and next thing you know, this city is run by the Wencezlao's from Baranggay Captain to the Governor. For many, many years no changes and benefits will actually be received by the people because news flash, they are a corrupt family and they benefit from pocketing the people's money, hence they want the power all for themselves. This political dynasty now became a family business."