Years After (Completed)

52 - Choosing Her Battle

Thirdy's rejection to escort Eloisa on her birthday did not end that night. Though the effect is on Althea because Eloisa and her friends thought that Althea prevented Thirdy to accept the request. Since that incident Eloisa's friend, Marga started bullying Althea in school. She even calls Althea names and the latter prefers to keep mum about it and let it die a natural death.

For Althea, engaging in petty issues such as Marga is not worth her time. 'You have to choose your battle', that's what her Mommy Laura often reminds her. But if Althea prefers to let it slide, Thirdy believes otherwise.

"Please tell your friend Marga to stop annoying Althea. I did not give in to your request to escort you simply because I don't want to. Althea has nothing to do with it. This is my first and last warning, Eloisa. Marga will not like what I will do to her if she won't stop harassing, Althea Marie. So just tell her to stop because I will do everything I can to protect her, that's how much I like her." That is the message Thirdy sends to Eloisa.

Thirdy shows Althea the message he sends to Eloisa. Though she is very grateful on the gesture but she could not help but worry on Thirdy. "Thank you for doing that for me, pero sana hindi mo na lang ginawa. We know the truth and the people in our school knows I am not the kind of girl, Marga is talking about. Ayoko nang palakihin ang issue na 'to Thirdy, kaya hinahayaan ko na lang si Marga. I know myself and not the likes of Marga, Eloisa and their friends can put me down." Althea said.

"Althea, sometimes your enemy thinks that being mum about the issue is a subtle way of claiming their accusation as true. You don't need to fight with her, but at least say something to defend yourself and show everyone na hindi ikaw ang naghahabol sa akin. Although, I would love that to happen. The people should also know that we did not do any malicious thing in the garden that night." Thirdy said.

"I don't want to waste my time about senseless issues, Thirdy." Althea said.

"So senseless ako?" Thirdy asked.

"That is not what I mean. Hindi naman tutoo yung sinasabi nila eh so why would I bother to defend myself? Mawawala rin yang issue na yan, kaya hayaan na lang natin." Althea said.

"You've changed." Thirdy said. "When we were in junior high school, wala kang pinapalagpas na issue. You were always there to clear any misunderstanding about you and your friends. You were brave to stand by what you believe is right. Iba ka na ngayon." He further said.

"That is not true, I just choose my battle. Ayokong maubos ang lakas ko sa mga maliliit na bagay." Althea replied.

"But they are ruining your reputation here in school. Hindi ka naman katulad ng sinasabi nila so you have to speak up." Thirdy said.

"Alam mo naman palang hindi ako ganun eh, that's good enough for me." Althea said.

Thirdy stares at Althea for a while trying to understand the meaning of her statement. "I will never think of you as that 'Flirty Brat', Thea." He said.

"I am glad to know that." Althea briefly uttered, smiling. "Can we not talk about those brats, sayang ang oras natin sa kanila." Althea said.

"Sabi mo eh, susunod lang naman ako sa iyo." Thirdy said, smiling.

"Loko ka, baka may makarinig sa iyo." Althea said.

"I don't care, susunod lang naman ako talaga sa gusto mo eh." Thirdy replied.

"Parang hindi naman maganda yung ganon, Thirdy." Althea objected. "I still believe that there should be an equal right for people in a relationship. Not because you like, it would mean na susunod ka na lang sa lahat ng gusto ko. And vice versa, not because you are special it would mean na tatanggapin ko na lang lahat ng sasabihin mo." She further explained.