Against All Odds

Chapter II.

[Jessie Michelle's POV]

"Ano meron sa simbahan? Don't tell me 'dun ka nakatira? Masyado kang maldita para maging madre.", patuloy na pagsasalita ng lalaking muntik ng makabangga sa'kin.

And yes, sumakay ako sa sasakyan niya at pumayag akong magpahatid sa St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Pag medyo troubled ako, 'dun talaga ko madalas magpunta. Kasi kanino pa ba best na tumakbo when in need, kay Lord syempre.

Shems, konti na lang pa-madre na nga yata ako.

"Taga-saan ka pala? Malapit ka lang ba dito nakatira? Medyo traffic sa lugar niyo ah.", he said and I stared at him. "Magsalita ka kasi. Kanina pa ko mukhang tanga na nagsasalita dito mag-isa.", depensang sagot niya sa tingin ko.

"I agreed to ride in your car, I didn't say we'll talk.", binalik ko ang tingin ko sa bintana ng sasakyan.

I heard him mumbled "Sungit.", before shutting his mouth. Tahimik nga kaming nakarating sa simbahan.

Once he parked, I unbuckled my seatbelt and continued my way out his car. He did the same thing. I walked towards the church, and he continued following me. I turned around to face him with a puzzled face. "Again, now what?", I said. Annoyed this time.

"Masama ba pumasok sa simbahan? Magpapasalamat lang ako at hindi ako nakasagasa today.", nilagpasan niya na ko at nauna pang pumasok ng simbahan. Sinadya kong pumwesto ng malayo sa kanya para mas peaceful.

I closed my eyes and started praying.

"Lord, I don't know where else to run. I actually don't know what to do. Penge namang sign. Or kaya ng tao na gagamitin mo as instrument para ma-inspired ako to move forward. To keep moving. I just want to prove myself to my family. To myself. I've got no where else to go, so I'll just put my trust in You."

Soon after, I then opened my eyes and sat down for a few minutes. Tumayo na ko at akma ng aalis ng pagtalikod ko ay nakita ko na naman 'yung asungot na kasama ko kanina.

"So, you're done? Where should we go next?", tumayo na din siya at nagsimula na namang sundan ako sa paglakad ko.

"You can go now.", walang gana ko pa ring sagot.

"No, I'd like to take you directly to your house baka kasi mapano ka pa.", pangungulit niya pa rin.

Humarap ako sa kanya, "You know, usually, when a person says 'You can go now.', the one they're referring to pisses off. You can do the same." Tinalikuran ko ulit siya at nagsimula ng maglakad palabas ng simbahan.

"Coffee! You want to grab some coffee?", patuloy na pagsunod niya.

"I think I know what you have in mind.", I stopped walking. He did the same.

"Really?", ngayon nga ay magkatabi na kami.