If I Could Fix You (Hanlim Series #1) (Republished)

Chapter One: Making Choices

- KANG SEOL A -

One of the greatest gifts in the world is making choices. In this world, our choices are what makes us human. The world never cares how we dress, act, talk... We decide things for ourselves around here.

I splashed water all over my face. Wala nang ibang tunog na nariring sa CR kundi ang mahinang agas nang tubig galing sa gripo at ang paghinga ko.

Tiningnan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin. My long bother-some straight hair covered almost half of my body. I don't like it.

Nilibot ko ang mata ko sa paligid at kinuha ang silver na gunting na nakapatong sa lababo. I cut it in the air twice bago bumuntong hininga at tumingin ulit sa salamin.

This is my choice. I make my decisions. If I cut the hair my mother loves so much... She won't have to care.

Tinapat ko ang gunting sa buhok ko hanggang sa may collar bone ko. I held unto the bottom part of it and closed my eyes as I heard the scissors cutting through.

Hinayaan kong mahulog ang mga hibla nang buhok sa sahig. I took a look at my uneven hair on the mirror. Nagawa ko na. There is no way anyone can stop me. I pulled my hair on the other side and cut it the way I did the other half.

The next thing I know. I was cutting a few strands of hair after another. Hinayaan ko lahat nang buhok kong mahulog sa sahig. I styled my hair, wet it, combed it and blowed it... Matapos lahat nang yon, I stopped to look at myself in the mirror. My long hair that made me look feminine was now shorter. It me me look more of a hipster than a lady.

Ginunting ko din ang kokonting buhok na tumatakip sa mga mata ko.

I look nice. I wonder how my family would react.

Kaninang umaga lang nang malaman kong natanggap ang audition ko para sa Hanlim Multi Arts School. My parents were very much excited. My older brothers too, dun gumraduate ang isa eh. And my other 2 brothers are currently studying there.

Wala naman ding problema sa akin. I'm born with talent. You know my father's fame, alam nyo rin na matalent ang Eomma ko. It passed unto all 3 of my older brothers and unto me. That's where the pressure goes in.

I don't wanna disappoint them. Hanlim Arts means a lot to them. I mean a lot to them. Pero pano kung... Hindi ko talaga sila kayang pantayan?

Whatever, dami kong iniisip. Madami pa akong kailangan iprepare para sa paglipat ko sa Songpa.

Paglabas ko nang CR, nakakalat na ang lahat nang gamit ko sa higaan. May tatlong maletang nakabukas, ang isa nasa higaan at dalawa sa baba.

Wow Seol... You are one unorganized girl.

I sighed and got to work. Inayos ko ang headphones sa ulo ko at nagpatugtog bago tuluyang pinili ang mga dadalhing damit.

Ilang minuto rin ang lumipas nang bigla akong nagulat dahil may nangalabit. Si kuya lang pala.

"Kanina kapa tinatawag sa baba. Ba't ang gulo nang kwarto mo? Ginupit mo na naman yang buhok mo?"

"Oppa naman, busy ako ouh" binaba ko ang headphones sa leeg at tiningnan sya nang masama.

"Tsk" panunutya nito "Busy... Kakain na tayo, ikaw nalang hinihintay sa baba" huling sabi nya bago naglakad paalis. "Bilisan mo! Gutom na ko!" Sabi pa nito nang pababa na sa hagdan.