“You topped the CETs yet you settled for Journalism? Alam mo bang 15K lang ang estimated salary ng mga broadcasters at writers sa Pinas?! Writing is not even a career, it’s just a hobby!”
I remained silent as she continues to scold me for my career preference.
We were having dinner; me, Erika, Mommy and Aling Brenda. She asked me about my first day at school at hindi siya makapaniwala na hindi ko sinunod ang gusto niya na kumuha ng Pre-med course.
Erika shot me a glance.
“Saan ka na lang pupulutin niyan? You were born to do and achieve great things, Camille! And that’s why I wanted you to go to Med school! Hindi ka yayaman sa career mong ‘yan!”
I dropped my utensils. “I don’t want to be a doctor. And just because I am a journalist means that I can no longer do and achieve great things. And please stop talking about my career like it’s a trash… that I will be a trash if I continue going to this career path. This is what I want, Mom. Money is not the basis for success. I love what I’m doing and as long as I’m passionate about it, I know I can succeed and serve a greater purpose in life.”
She scoffed, “’I don’t need money’, laging sinasabi niyong mga batang masuswerteng pinanganak sa mayayamang pamilya. Like money is just nothing to you because you were already born with it. For us, women, who were born poor and had to strive hard just to get here, money was everything. And love is of no value if you really want to succeed.”
“Is that why you married, Dad?”
Nakita ko ang pagkagulat sa mga mata niya. I also heard Aling Brenda’s warning, “Camille, hija…”
Para namang na-estatwa si Mommy sa pagkakaupo niya.
There was a moment of silence.
Until she spoke, “I don’t know what’s gotten into you or what is happening to you. I don’t know you anymore, Camille.”
I stood up, “Yes, Mom. You really don’t know your own daughter.”
As soon as I reached my bedroom, I burst out into tears. Di na kaya ng powers ko na pigilang mag-breakdown. I can’t believe she said those things. Love is of no value? C’mon! She sounded like a petulant and selfish power-seeking woman!
“Camille…” And here comes Erika, trying to save my day again. I can’t. I don’t wanna talk to anyone right now.
“Go away. Di ko kailangan ng pangcocomfort mo.” I shoved her off at nagtakip ng unan sa mukha. I heard her laugh.
“Di naman ako nagpunta rito para i-comfort ka. Gusto ko lang malaman kung gusto mong kumain ng ice-cream. Naisipan ni Inay na maglabas ng ice-cream pagkatapos niyong magka-initan ni Tita Rosella.”
Ice cream sounds good. “Fine but I’m not going back there.”
“Sure. Sumunod ka na lang sa tree house kung gusto mo.”
Wala namang masyadong pagbabago sa treehouse as I’ve noticed. Pinagawa ‘to ni Daddy nung 7th birthday ko at simula noon, lagi na kaming naglalaro ni Erika dito. Noong elementary days nga namin, dito na rin kami natutulog. It was our home. Back in those days.
“Wow, may strawberry ice-cream!” I took 5 scoops pero dinagdagan pa ni Erika ng tatlo pang scoops.
“Thanks…” I mouthed.
“Tinabi ko talaga ‘yan para sayo. Alam kong paborito mo yan eh. You love everything pink.” She said while putting a spoonful of vanilla ice-cream in her mouth. Ngayon ko lang napansin na bongga pala ang jawline ni Erika. Perfectly defined like that of Mr. Samuels.
Ew, why am I even thinking about him?
“Thanks, you know me too well.”
She just nodded and smiled.
YOU ARE READING
The Thomasite
Historical Fiction[HIGHEST RANK: #4 TIME-TRAVEL] Camille Bennett is the epitome of perfection. The half-Australian, half-Filipina girl is born to a wealthy family. Surrounded by an enormous circle of friends and an untainted reputation of being a topnotcher as well a...
