Stand Up

The Bullies

"Before the class ends, at least the new student introduce himself, right?"

"Yesss!" Everybody shouts as other laughs insultingly.

"Mr. Hardman please come in front and let yourself be known."

"But he is not even a HARD man"
"Yeah, soft as gay"
"Softman?"
"Gay"
"Shut up guys"
"He is cute but gay"
"Respect please"
These are the stupid words I hear as I walk along to the front. But I don't care.

"Good morning everyone. I am Kimny Hardman.""Kimny? A girl name?" A student wondered, and that brought everyone into laughter." My mother is a Filipino and my Father is an American." I still look and speak like a native American though."I decided to continue my studies here because I want to challenge myself more and be independent in some ways as being far from my family. And also, I want new surroundings." I continued even I heard a lot of unpleasant words.

"Class! shut up and give respect to the one speaking."

"Well, your world won't be great here!" A student shouted and everyone laughed.

I was about to continue but Kringggggggggggggg....
The bell ring and the class ended.

I was walking alone while texting my dad to come earlier. We will eat outside for he will not cook lunch because of being busy packing and preparing his things. He will be leaving tonight for his mission.

As I walk, a boy, together with his group bumped me that caused my phone to fall on the ground. I just looked at him fiercely for seconds and he just said "What? Mr. HARDDD man." I just looked down and was about to pick up the phone but he kicked it to his friends. I walked and was about to pick it for the second time but his friend kicked it again to the other one. He took it and handed over me but he is holding it tightly. We are both holding the phone while looking at each other fiercely, and before he finally give it to me he said: " You have no place here faggot". And they all laughed as they go. I just told myself, "Celebrate guys for today is your only day."

I saw my dad not far away from where I am standing. I walked as fast as I can and got into the car. I smiled happily and "Hi baby!" He greeted. "Hi, Felix!" I replied and I laughed so hard. "Oh! Thank you, dear, for the respect hahaha". We both laughed happily as my dad started to drive. This is how we bond. I call my father Papa but sometimes I call him in his name Felix and from that, we start a great and happy bonding and we play like best friends.

I enjoy so much time with my dad and not too much drama for he is not always with us and I don't want to give him much thinking. He usually goes to different countries for he works in a military, keep the peace and do humanitarian work and save people.

To have a military father. I never believe in what most people say. That people like them hate LGBT. They don't accept lady-like men and sweet as girls. He really changed that point of view not because he is also one. But because he accepts me for who I am and supports me in everything he knows that can make me happy. We are very open to each other that he even know when I have crushes and when I like someone so much. One reason he told me is that "Love is love no matter what."

When we reached the great restaurant where we used to eat, the first thing he ordered were my favorite of all time. Spaghetti and Strawberry flavored drink.

I have been spending my vacations here in the country since then. But not with my sister and my brother anymore for they already got married and settled to live in the Philippines. But I spent the last vacation with my Mom for I decided to continue my studies here. Mama doesn't want to settle here in America for she doesn't want to live alone since my father always goes for his missions and she was so happy taking care of my sister's daughter. It was just two weeks ago since we flew off to the Philippines. But all the papers were fixed so I got the school I wanted to go where my best friend studies too. Yeah, I met a guy online who happened to be gay as well and we become a very great friend that even my family thought we are boyfriends. We knew each other for five months and both of us are very excited to meet one another.

The foods were all served and we started eating. We keep laughing and talking as we enjoy the meal. In the middle of our moment, I wasn't able to hold my tears anymore. I am feeling sad for my Papa will have to leave again and I will really miss him. He went and sat beside me and he hugged me so tight.
"I love you baby." he said.

"I love you too Pa." I sadly replied.

"You will be strong here ok. Whatever happens, you will tell me. You can invite friends so you won't feel alone."

"Yes Pa. And don't worry about me too much ok? I will always be fine and safe. Yes, I will always invite AJ here. My best friend."

"Best friend?" He asked sarcastically

"Yes, Papa Hahaha!"

"You will always be SAFE, invite BF, I mean Best friend? Hmmm, I think you have a great plan that is why you want to study here. Yeah, you won't be so lonely especially at night." He said while nodding his head like he was convinced by his own thoughts.

"Papa! He is only my best friend ok. And don't overthink about it." I replied with shame and a higher tone. We were both laughing and hugging each other.

"Baby, I know you very well. I was just saying that people here are so liberated so....." I cut him.

"I know that Pa and thank you!"

"Soooo it is ok for me if something happened between you and AJ." He teasingly laughs at me.

"Papa he is just really a friend ok!." I replied as I want him to stop from saying anything more.

"Ok, I'll stop. He is just your friend."

"Good"

"But everything starts in friendship hahaha."

"Papa!"

"Well I bet he likes my cute baby, I thought you will see each other today?" He asked

"No, but we will tomorrow."

"But why?"

"I just want to spend this day with you Pa."

"Oh, baby."

" I love you Pa."

We went home and as we entered the house I saw all his things packed and really ready to leave in just a few hours. I feel like crying again. Night came and he left. He just let me stayed home for my safety and I guess it is better for both of us than to see him go. It was a very sad day and I felt the house all in silence and empty. I didn't take dinner anymore and just cried till I fell asleep.