Control The Game (COMPLETED)

Chapter 09

#CTG09 Chapter 09

"When will your grades be released?"

"Two to three weeks before enrollment, Dad."

He simply nodded. "It's your vacation already, right?" he asked and I nodded. "Have you decided about working, Charisse?"

I felt Charlie's eyes on me. I knew he wanted me to say no to Dad's offer, but I just couldn't find it in me to say no... Even though every fiber of my being was begging me to turn down this ridiculous offer. Paano ako magta-trabaho? Sa third year ko sa law school? Juggling 8 subjects and working 8 hours a day? Hindi kaya iyon na ang tuluyang magtulak sa akin para masiraan ng bait?

"When will I start?" I asked, instead.

A small smile appeared on his face. And I felt a small triumph inside me. I guess... I guess I was still a sucker for his approval.

Dad discussed the work that I'd be doing in one of his friend's company. I'd just be helping with the drafting and doing some legal works. Iniisip ko pa lang, napapagod na agad ako. I just came from a brutal finals week and all I really wanted was to sleep without feeling like I was cheating on my studies. Gusto ko lang ng 8 hours of sleep... but I guess that could wait.

But I didn't want to dwell on the negative things. Mas lalo lang akong mahihirapan. I try to always look at the productive side of things... that way, hindi masama palagi ang loob ko.

And in this situation, I'd just think of this as a preview of what my whole life would be like. Siguro okay na rin 'to para ma-apply ko iyong mga pinag-aralan ko sa school. I mean, I do enjoy learning the concepts and jurisprudence, pero alam ko naman na iba pa rin ang application.

"Good luck," Charlie said nang umalis na si Dad. Kinausap niya si Chase sa study room. I felt bad for Chase. Siya kasi iyong pinaka-pressured sa amin. I didn't know why... probably because he's Dad's spitting image. Kaya sa kanya pinaka-mataas ang expectation.

"Thank you," I replied. "Will you go back to school?"

"Dad's pressuring me."

"If you don't want to go back yet, 'wag mong pilitin," I said.

"Ayaw mo nun? Sabay tayong 3rdyear."

I pursed my lips. We... never really discussed what Charlie almost did. I didn't know how to approach the topic. I was afraid that I'd say the wrong word and just push him further away.

But I do love him.

He's my brother.

I just wished that he wouldn't let Dad pressure him... Siguro mas okay na kami na lang ni Chase. We could handle it. I think.

"Charlie—"

"Say no to him and I'll tell him I can't go back to school yet. Deal?"

I sighed. "Fine."

He smiled. "Good."

"Pero... may balak ka bang bumalik?"

He shrugged. "Siguro... pero baka sa ibang school. Or maybe I'll just find work first."

"Ayaw mong magtrabaho ako pero iyon ang gagawin mo?"

"I just want to study using my own money. I don't want to feel the same pressure that I used to feel. Na sa tuwing mababa iyong grade ko, alam mo kung ano ang unang pumapasok sa isip ko? Lagot ako kay Papa. At least with my own money, I wouldn't feel as much pressure."

I pursed my lips. "Are you moving out?"

He looked me in the eye. "Yes."

I nodded. "Good."