"And what does it mean?" I said while pointing out letters at the paper, habang nakatingin lang sa akin ang mga mata ng pamangkin ko.
"Auntie, the letters are so complicated, I can't read it." He said at napakamot sa ulo, it's been six years, at kakauwi lang nila Mama at Papa sa states, kasama sila Kuya.
"Come on, this is not complicated, this is just a tagalog words. If you won't learn how to speak tagalog, your classmates will make fun of you." I explained to him, how innocent my nephew is.
"Then I won't be friends with those child that will make fun of me." Tumawa si Papa at napapailing habang hawak ang coffee mug n'ya.
"Diba, kaugali mo kahit wala ka sa pinas." Papa said, while Mama is making food.
I can't help but to roll my eyes, and took a deep breath. It's my graduation tomorrow, for my masterals.
It's been six years after that I flew here at states, I live peacefully and without drama. Wala na ako balita sa pinas, at wala ko balak na bumalik sa pinas pa, it's not because I am afraid to face my past problems, but I am at peace here. Got my career bloom.
I am well aware that the issue already subside, but nope. Wala naman na ako dapat na balikan sa pinas, my life ended there, after a multiple betrayals that happened on me.
"Auntie, you really look gorgeous." Kumunot noo ko at hinaplos buhok n'ya. "Sige what is the tagalog of gorgeous?" I asked, and she started to shook her head, at nanakbo sa likod ni Mama.
"Makapag-gala na nga lang," I said before rolling my eyes. They are supportive, and they trust me more this time, hinayaan ako ng magulang ko na mabuhay sa paraan na gusto ko, because they know that I won't repeat the same fucking mistake that I did last time.
"Umuwi ka ng maaga, please huwag ka na mag-inom ng sobra at graduation." Mama said, and I just blow a kiss.
"Yes, Ma'am." I said before I got my coat at susi ng kotse ko. It's spring here, kaya malamig pa rin, pagkalabas ko ay tahimik ang kapitbahay namin. My parents never neglect me, sa exclusive subdivision ako binili ng bagong bahay, sa mamahalin at kilalang university ako pinag college at masters.
Nakalabas ako, at tanaw ko ang sign ng hollywood. It's lively here, and my classmates sent their location now, and they're partying for sure.
I smile sweetly and took a picture of my steering wheel and sent it to the group chat with on my way message.
My masters at philosophy really helped me to improved my life and insights about situations by situations. And now, I will pursue the thing that I loved the most.
I parked my car at exclusive club, and my friends are all waiting there. They waved at me, after ko lumabas sa kotse ko.
"Finally, the malandi is here." I rolled my eyes bago hiniklat buhok ni Jona na binibiro ako, she is a latina, I teach her filo words, and now my friends are abusing what I teach them.
