Time and Fallen leaves

The world as I see it

Leeon's story

"Smile, darling. Can you at least show you're grateful?"

Isang pilit na ngiti ang agad na pinakawalan ni Leeon. His smile causes the papparazi to focus and take a picture of him. He's been in exposure of cameras all his life, ngunit hindi pa rin nasasanay ang mata niya sa nakakabulag na flash ng mga camera.

Iniayos niya ang kanyang pagkakaupo at mahinang tumikhim. His mother is more tense than usual, kaya mabilis itong mapikon kahit katiting na bawat kilos ni Leeon. Where's Jade when I need her? In this situation, si Jade lamang ang kayang magpakalma sa kanyang ina. Jade had this unexplainable charm that made everyone adore whatever she does — especially his mom.

"Mrs. Lewis, how does it feel to see your only heir being wed soon?" Tanong ng isang journalist, Leeon wanted to roll his eyes. Great, the million dollar question.

"I am proud of what he's become." Humarap ito kay Leeon, a glimmer made Leeon's heart beat frantically. "He grew up to be a good man, and I know he'll also be a good husband to his soon to be wife"

"I hate to see him be independent and walk his own path — all mothers would feel the same way. But I know that this day will finally come." ngumiti ito nang mapait, causing aww's from the crowd, several flashes once again flickers causing Leeon to hurt his eyes.

Really? Is that what you really think?

Leeon tried to compose himself, restraining the tear that was about to drop from his eye. Oh how nice it would be if his mother meant every single word that came out of her mouth. He wanted to hear it one more time, but without the flashing lights of the journalists, not in front of a crowd.

"Leeon, what can you say about your marriage with Yuna Xen?" Agad na nataranta si Leeon nang mabaling sakanya ang atensiyon ng mga reporter.

"We're both a student council officer, that's how we get along" various expressions were seen inside the conference room. Some were excited to hear more, some don't seem convinced that the two were something more than just sc officemates.

"Are you two in a relationship? Or is this wedding just pure business?" The multimillionaire question dropped and everyone suddenly went silent, awaiting Leeon's response. Ito na nga ba ang kinatatakutan niya, kung pwede lang na maging invincible at takasan ang isang daang katao sa loob ng conference room ay gagawin niya na. Ramdam niya ang pagtitig sakanya ng kanyang ina, as if telling him not to disappoint her. I've been doing that all my life.

"Let's just say the vows came with clauses" the answer was cryptic, open-ended. It left the crowd in chaos, decoding whatever Leeon meant with his answer. It felt good to somehow defy the unbreathable pressure inside the room. Seeing the room in pure chaos, faces etched with confusion and excitement made him feel free.

But he knew it was only temporary, because the moment the guards ushered the paparazzis to go home — leaving only the two of them — he knew what will come next.

"Vows came with clauses? Are you freaking kidding me, Leeon?" Bakas sa boses at mukha ng kanyang ina ang galit. Yet the woman still hold grace and composure, something he deeply respect. "I told you to answer them straight so they'll finally leave us, you just lure them more!"

"We've been under the spotlight all our lives, what's the matter?" Leeon's response made his mother fume in anger.

"I am doing this for you, Leeon. I am doing this so you could live a better life. So stop being an ungrateful son and comply at once!"