A Flower's Nudity

Prologue

Ever since it was justified that the world is round, I started listing the groups of people in this universe that I don't really need to deal with during my not-so-intriguing lifetime.

First, STRANGERS.

I blinked my eyes twice, trying to convince my self that it's not really happening, that I bumped my head on the wall or something, and everything's just a hallucination.

Okay, okay. Breathe in. Breathe out.

"Miss, ah, p'wede bang umusog ka kahit kaunti lang? Naiipit na kasi ang tiyan ko. Pasensiya na, buntis kasi ako."

Damn. It's not a hallucination. I am really in a vehicle with three wheels, and I remember the days when I don't even care what to call it! Dahil sa nagkanda-leche-lecheng pangyayari sa araw na ito, I couldn't even have the guts to know the fucking reasons why Heather Cassia is in a tricycle!

"No need to tell me that you're pregnant. Not that I'm stupid to think that you're carrying a moon in your stomach." Umikot ang mata ko at hindi tinapunan ng tingin ang katabi kong mareklamo. "I'm not gonna move. Wala tayong batas para diyan sa hinihiling mo."

I told the driver earlier that I will triple the pay, or even more, yet he didn't listen. Aniya ay hipag niya raw ang buntis na ito at kagaya ko ay wala na rin itong ibang masakyan. Whatever happening right now is entirely the consequences of their decision.

Gumalaw ang babae. "Miss, wala nga talagang batas para dito. Ang hinihingi ko lang po ay ang kabutihang-loob ninyo sana."

Tuluyan na nga akong humarap sa babae at kitang-kita ko ang bahagya niyang pagkurap nang makita ang reaksiyon ko. I have no time playing like an angel. If they think I am evil, my deepest apology folks, I don't care.

"You know what?" Lumapit ako sa bandang tainga ng babae, bumulong. "If courtesy runs the world, we're now marching in an inevitable death. Because courtesy is oftentimes, if not always, the reason why someone dies. Anyway, coming from your little mouth, wala akong malalabag na batas. Screw your courtesy. I don't need to offer you that because I am pretty sure that our paths won't cross again. So, what for?"

Second, PARENTS.

"You should not buy whatever you want, Hid. Our business is now kissing bankruptcy, you should be aware."

Isa-isa kong inilapag ang mga paper bags na hawak ko sa salaming lamesa at nakangiting humarap kay mommy.

She's still in her business attire with her eyeglasses on, making her look intimidating and distant. Nevertheless, I have never been feared by her looks, her words, her actions, and her position. Good thing she can't blame me enough because I am her younger reflection. She can't criticize her own image after all.

"Mom," I dramatically exhaled, "I need all of these. Didn't you teach me to recognize my needs?"

Pansin ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya at hindi niya itinago ang eksaherada niyang pagbuntonghininga. "You're exactly doing the opposite, young lady. Those aren't your needs. And please, not again. We're not going to argue about this."

A fancy smile made its way to my lips. "That's why you should just shut up, Mom." For a second, I paused when I realized what I just said. Oh, careless little mouth.

"Are you disrespecting me now, Heather Cassia?" Now she's serious . . . and mad . . . and hurt. Jesus, here we go again.

"Mom-"

"Do not buy a new mobile phone, or another pair of shoes, or another set of cosmetics and jewelry, unless if it's completely necessary. Stop eating in expensive restaurants as well, because I am very much aware that we have enough food in the house. Don't abuse our money just because you think we are rich. We are now slowly going down, Hid. You're old enough, I should not be explaining now."