Free From The Cage

Chapter 2

The next day, I came to school early.

I don't want to have breakfast with mom cause i know she will open up to me taking business courses again. I sighed. When will I have my freedom on choosing the career I want to take?

" Ang lalim naman nun, Ice" I didn't notice Cris sit beside me maybe because I were really drown with my thoughts. How I wish I am also like them. Their parents always support them in everything they do.

"Problem?" Jeff asked me the moment he sit on my left side.

"Si mommy kasi, she really wants me to pursue business sa UST."

"So malabo talaga na maging schoolmates tayo sa college." Cris replied sadly. I sighed. I think I also need to accept now that I can't be with them most of the time.

"Don't worry Ice, we'll promise to visit you always. Okay?" Jeff comforted me with his words. I'm really blessed for having the both of them.

Then the day ends full of fun because of my two best friends. I really need to thank them for making my day good. I was on my way to our house when I noticed again the park where I used to play before. I stopped my car and go to the same spot where I sat the last time. The cold wind embrace me as the silence continue to cover the place. Now, I really feel I'm alone.

'Dad, I need you. Please help me change mom's mind.'

"You're crying again." Then he handed me again a handkerchief.

"I'm sorry. Ba't ba parati mo kong nakikitang umiiyak?" Natawa tuloy kaming dalawa sa tanong ko.

"I don't know. I used to come here whenever I need to think maybe we're really here to comfort each other , what do you think? " I shrugged my shoulders.

"Maybe" then a deep silence surrounds us.

" Anyway, thank you." I said to cut the silence that continue to grows. Then, he smiled.

" I need to go. Thank you again. Goodnight." I walked without waiting for his response.

Again , I was being comforted with the same stranger. I think it's better this way. We tend to see each other when we need each other's presence.

When I go down to eat my breakfast, I saw my mother who is in good mood.

"Ice. You passed the entrance examination. All your documents inside that envelope are all prepared. All you need to do is to enroll." She handed me the envelope with a big smile on her face. Yes, Tama kayo, I already took the examination a month ago because my mother really pushed me. Now that i see that big smile on her face makes me think that I made a good decision on taking that exam.

"Bye sweetie, I need to go. Take care ha."

"Okay mom, take care also." Then she smiled at me.

"So you're telling us that you passed the exam in UST?" Cris asked me.

"Yes "

"So, you will really study there. Jeff and I passed in the Ateneo and we will both take the same course."
Napatingin tuloy si Jeff na naglalaro sa phone niya.

"Are you sure you will really study there and take up business?" Jeff asked me worriedly.

"I don't have a choice, you know that I'm the only heir of our company." Sometimes, I envy the both of them. They can decide on their own with their parents who will support them. They are also not pressured on handling their business because they have their older siblings who are much willing to handle it. How I wish I also have a brother or a sister so mom will not pressure me that much.

"So you will give up your dream of being an architect?" Cris asked me. Actually, the three of us wanted to be an architect. Nakakatuwa lang because of this dream, we became the best of friends. But now, I think I will be the one who will give up on this.

" Ice, baka pwede pa naman na kumbinsihin mo si tita. Tutal, you're business is related to construction maybe you can convince her that you will be able to handle your business well if you also have knowledge on it, right?"

"I already did Jeff, but mom don't want it." I hopelessly replied.

"It's okay Ice. You can still take up Architecture after you're done with that course. We'll promise to help you, right Jeff?" Cris said why hugging me.

"Ofcourse, what are best friends for? " Then, Jeff joined the group hug.

I really thank them for comforting me always. I don't know what will happen to me if wala sila. Hopefully, they will stay with me up to the very end.