Shadows And Spotlights

01; foreshadowing

"Have you ever experienced true love?"

I shook my head at Rielle's question.

"Why not?" Theo asked.

I smiled, "I don't believe in love. Para sa'kin, it's too imaginary."

Well, it's true. Ever since I witnessed Kuya Vixen get depressed sa relationship nila ng ex-girlfriend n'ya, Hindi ko na hiniling na magkaroon ng love life.

Soon, nag ring na alarm ng phone ko—indicating that I have 10 minutes to get back to my classes.

Inayos ko na mga gamit ko at nag paalam sa mga kaibigan ko, "I have to go. May klase pa 'ko sa structural analysis eh."

The three nodded and bid goodbye.

.

As classes ended, I grabbed my things para makauwi. I then texted my driver para masundo na rin ako.

I went outside, patiently waiting for my driver.

Na gulat ako ng biglang may bumusina sa harap kong sasakyan, I quickly frowned.

"What the fuck is your problem?" I shouted.

I then covered my mouth when I realized it was my Kuya.

He rolled down the windows, "Galit ka na naman, Rochelle."

I shut my eyes tightly.

"Sorry Kuya. I didn't realize na ikaw pala 'yan." I apologized.

"Get in. Ako na susundo sa'yo." He smiled at me.

"But.. kuya driver.." I hesitated, shaking my head.

"I already told him that I'd pick you up today."

Oh, that's new.

"Okay, kuya." I smiled back.

Pag pasok ko sa kotse, sinalubong ako ng tanong ni kuya.

"How are your classes?" He asked before putting the handbreak down.

I hummed, "Okay naman, kuya."

"I found out dad is stopping you from your extra curriculars?" He asked again.

I nodded.

"He said if hindi daw maganda performance ko sa acads, he'll make me quit volleyball." I replied.

"Well, 'wag kang mapressure. I'm sure you can do it. Magaling ka naman mag manage ng time mo, eh." He said.

I smiled at that, "Thank you, Kuya Vixen."

Tumango lang s'ya in response.

Soon, we arrived na. Kuya parked the car, and sabay na kami pumasok sa bahay.

Sinalubong kami ni Mommy, "Vixen, sinundo mo kapatid mo?"

He nodded, "Yes po, Mom. Dadaan naman kasi talaga ako sa Taft, kaya sinundo ko na si Rochelle."

"That's good." Sambit ni Mommy habang tumatango.

"Mommy, I'll go upstairs lang. I'm going to get ready for dinner na." I smiled at her.

"Okay—sige, anak. Go ahead." She smiled back.

.

"Rochelle, how are your acads?" Dad asked as soon as we sat down.

I slightly sighed, "Okay lang po, Dad. I've maintained my position sa DL."

He nodded, "Well, that's good. I don't have to make you quit your sport, then."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Kuya.

I chuckled fakely, trying to avoid awkwardness.

"Ikaw, Vixen? How's 5th year? Nilipat naman ni Daddy 'yung tanong kay Kuya.

"I'm doing great, Dad." He smiled.

"Okay, well you're about to finish Civil Engineering. What do you plan on doing?" Dad asked.

I frowned, "Dad?"

"I thought we talked about this? 'Di ba we all agreed na si Rochelle ang magiging successor ng firm?" He looked at me.

"But what about Kuya Vixen?" I asked.

Mommy then tried to stop Dad, but he was getting pissed.

"He won't be a successor of anything. Dapat lang n'yang ibigay sa'yo, dahil ikaw ang babae. Matuto dapat dumiskarte ang kuya mo." He replied in an angry tone.

"But Kuya is the rightful su-" Bago ko matapos ang sasabihin ko, Dad cut me off.

"Ayokong marinig, Rochelle! My decision is final!" He shouted.

"Kumain na tayo." Dad added.

Kuya then looked at me, mouthing 'It's okay' and shaking his head slightly.

Honestly, hindi naman talaga na'min gusto ni kuya ang Civil Engineering.

We just have no choice, lalo't hindi din na'min alam kung ano ang totoo na'ming gusto—because Dad never gave us the chance to explore.

Mommy can't do anything about it, because Dad has an abusive side. 'Pag nag salita si mommy, not only she will be hurt, pero pati kami.

Mommy always told us that she was okay with Dad hurting her. But she can't bear it kung pati kami, that's why pinipili n'ya na lang manahimik.

Typical rich families, right?

We may look like the perfect family you see in TV shows, but in reality?

We have our own problems.

I'm grateful for everything I have, but there's one thing people have that I don't.

Freedom.