Best Part

PART 2

HER POV

"Emily Van Wyk." I sighed while hearing my parents' long ceremonial. They keep reminding me what to do, what to eat or whatever that I shouldn't do.

"Don't forget that, Emily." I nodded my head. As I went out, I saw Gwyn's bored face.

"Kahit kailan talaga, ang babaeng 'to laging nagmamadali."

"Ilang oras ba seremonya ng magulang mo? Mukhang mahaba-haba kaysa sa dati?" Napangiti na lamang ako.

I know they only do that because they care and love me.

"Hayaan mo na, sanay na ako. Isa pa, it's for my own sake. Ang gagawin ko nalang ay makinig at sundin sila. Parents' know what's the best for their kids." Napatingin sa akin si Gwyn habang pumapalakpak nang dahan dahan.

"You know, Emily? You're so kind. Minsan ba, sinusuway mo pa magulang mo? I swear, look at you! Since we were young until now that we're already in college... you're still the old obedient girl." Isinara ko ang zipper ng bag ko at sumakay sa bike.

"Gan'yan talaga 'pag napapalaki nang maayos."

"So, you're telling that my Mom and Dad didn't raise me well?" Napailing na lamang ako. Kahit kailan talaga si Gwyn napakabagal makakuha ng kahulugan ng isang kataga.

"Anong balak mo ngayong araw, Emily? I think, we'll be having half day class today." Habang nagpipidal ako ay hindi ko maiwasang hindi mag-isip. Ano nga ba ang puwede gawin?

"Edi uuwi ako nang maaga."

"Sus, boring mo naman. Ba't 'di mo subukang gumala, ha?"

"Nope, I can't... I didn't ask permission from my parents."

"Oh my freaking goose, Emily! Hanggang ngayon, nagpapaalam ka pa rin? You're 21 years old! Hear me? 21 ka na! You should enjoy life instead of... oh my gosh! I can't believe this is still happening!" Natawa na lamang ako sa reaksyon niya.

"Anong magagawa ko?"

Yes, I'm old enough, I know. But, my parents still treats me as their baby girl. All I have to do is to obey them because I was raised having a mindset that my parents are always right.

"Hindi ko na alam gagawin ko sa'yo, Emily! I'm not believing this. Kaya hindi ka nagkakaroon ng love life!" Saktong nakarating na kami sa campus at itinabi ang bisikleta naming dalawa.

"I still don't have time for love, Gwyn. I'm young. I wanna explore the world first before tying myself into the man I'll be with until my hair turns white." Inayos ko ang sintas ng aking sapatos bago nagtuloy-tuloy sa paglakad.

Nakasunod naman sa akin si Gwyn na halos nakahalukipkip ang mukha.

What is she expecting me to say?

That I'll break all my parents' rule just for one guy?

Hell no! Never in my freaking life.

"Hindi mo rin masasabi 'yan, Emily. If love hits you? It'll hit you like a nine wheeler truck. I'm telling you that, I swear. In unexpected place and time? You'll meet the man who you'll get ready to risk of." Napailing na lamang ako. I know that won't happen.

I still have a lot of dreams for myself and for my family.

"Gwyn, bata pa tayo."

"Bata!? I'm 21! I should be a fine woman! Gusto ko na ngang magkaroon ng pamilya, geez!" Hindi ko alam kung anong plano ni Gwyn sa buhay niya. Family planning agad nasa isip niya.

She always tells me that she wants to have a baby already and a husband at this young age. I don't even know what job she'll be getting or maybe she can't still decide?