I woke up early for school, the school varsity has a meeting and as team captain, I was not allowed to be late. When I was finally ready I got to my car and went straight to Iz’s house, since she doesn’t have a car yet I always accompany her to and from school. I stopped at their driveway and went to the door, her sister was already coming out for school but usually she’s with her. So I smiled at May, “Hey, where’s your sister?” I asked.
May gave me and enthusiastic smile “Inside” she answered. I nodded and started inside but May suddenly gasped and shut the door from the both of us. “What the? May what are you doing?”
“She’s ill”
“WHAT?!” I started for the door again when May spoke
“No no no. You can’t. Contagious. She can’t even move. Just go on ahead Kuya Matt” Kuya Matt. I almost forgot they’re half Filipino. Her mom is and she insisted on some of their cultures. And maybe that’s why she’s more umm, I don’t know, conservative than others. I looked at May, but she’s just so good at lying, you’re not really sure. Her words may give the lie away, but never her face. I just nodded and went on my way.
I waited outside Iz’s room after my last period, an hour from hers. The Iz who I know now isn’t sick. I saw her on the way to calc and I kept calling her, but she wouldn’t look back or even stop. What’s with her?! Maybe that’s why I am in a bad mood since then. I waited where I know she wouldn’t see me, and when she walked by me I grabbed her hand and pulled her in my car. I locked the door, she can get out but she knows I could catch her again. I started the car and drove, having no idea to where. Then I just couldn’t take it, I shouted, “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” she didn’t respond and it made me more furious. “ISABELLE!”
“Mathew, just drive me home”
“Not until you say what’s wrong. You didn’t answer my calls or text, pretended to be sick, and are avoiding and ignoring me all day!”
“I just need to be alone for a while” Her voice was still calm and it’s not always a good sign.
My voice, though softer, was broken. “From me?” She nodded. And my voice was begging “Why?”
Then she burst. “KASI MATT ANG MANHID MANHID MO!” I stopped the car. Did she actually speak in Filipino? I never heard her speak that in a full sentence. They’re family speaks it, according to her but she didn’t find it appropriate to use a language to people who do not understand. I looked at her stunned. Not because of the language, but because I know that word. Those were of the few she actually taught me, but she said she couldn’t translate it properly, that she knows the meaning but can’t explain. Manhid. The silence stood longer. “I’m sorry,” she said “just drive me home” This time I do. The word never escaped my mind, specially her English translation.
Unfeeling.
