Still Into You (Negros Series #1)

Preface

"You choose Alexandria. Either you become a politician or you will study Law in Manila."

My father glared at me. He was in his office when I decided to approach him and talk about my career. I know he would not agree with my decision but I will try. Hanggang mapapayag ko siya, hindi ako titigil sa pakikiusap na payagan ako kung ano ang gusto ko at hindi ang gusto niya.

"Dad, hindi ko gustong pumasok sa mundo na politiko." I said it smoothly so he won't get mad.

Kahit kailan ay hindi ko naisip ang sumunod sa yapak nito. Kahit ipilit niya man o ano pa yan, hinding-hindi ko magugustahan ang buhay politiko. I will not fulfill my happiness if I choose that path. My father is the most respected man in our city, he's obedient and dedicated to the society. But politics is so hard to understand. It's dirty and cruel.

"You just have two choices, Alex." Umigting ang panga nito at napahilot sa noo na para bang binibigyan ko siya ng isang malaking problema.

If choosing my own career is a problem for him then what kind of father is he for feeling that way?

"I have my own choice, Dad. I will study Architecture."

Never in my whole life I'd loose my respect for my father. I admire him, for raising us to become a good children. I also want to pay his kindness soon if I already prove to him that I can do it. I want to spoil him too with gifts and especially love. Sino ba namang anak ang hindi gustong suklian ang paghihirap ng magulang?

"Are you sure with this, hija?"

Nakikita ko ang nagbabadyang luha sa mga mata ni Mommy.

"Yes Mom. Ilang beses ko nang pinag-isipan ito ng mabuti at ito po talaga ang gusto ko sa buhay."

"If you already decided then I will talk to your father. Don't worry and I will make sure that this time he will listen to you."

"Salamat po Mommy."

Hindi ko mapigilan ang umiyak. Mas malapit ako kay mommy. She knows that my decisions is all clear and final. Kung siya ay palagi akong pinapakinggan, si daddy naman ay hindi.

Our father always insists what he wants and almost planned out about our futures. He forgot that we have our own life too, we will soon mature and make decisions for ourself. Maybe he was just afraid to let us go that's why he's acting like that. I tried to understand him somehow.

I did go to Spain to study Architecture. Sa una ay naninibago dahil iba ang buhay dito compare sa Pinas. Sinanay ko ang sarili dahil kung hindi ako magiging matatag ay uuwi lang ako na luhaan. Kapag nangyari iyon ay patunay lamang na mali ang mga desisyon ko at sana sinunod ko nalang ang gusto ni Dad.

"Sir, give me another chance. I will pass my plates tomorrow." Nagmakaawa ako sa matandang professor namin.

I fucked up. Pagod na pagod ako at hindi ko naitapos ang plates ko sa takdang oras. Hindi na kaya ng sarili ko ang pagpupuyat araw-araw.

"Only this time. Por favor." Nagmakaawa ako ng todo. Kulang nalang lumuhod ako sa kanyang harapan. Hindi ko na nga maayos ang sarili ko basta magawa ko lang lahat ng kailangan gawin.

"You pass it tomorrow morning." He sighed, giving me the chance I'm asking for.

"Mil gracias el profesor!" I promise I will do better. I can do better.

Isang hapon ang lakas ng buhos ng ulan. Nilabas ko lahat ng lakas ko para bilisan ang takbo at makahanap ng masisilungan.

"Ayaw ko na." Hindi ko na kaya. Tumulo nalang ang luha ko habang tinitingnan ang mga plates ko na nababasa ng ulan. Wala akong nagawa. Hindi na naman ako natulog kakagawa ng mga trabaho ko.