Richard's Standard

Chapter 1 - Hello, Surigao. Goodbye, Pampanga

"Why are you breaking up with me?! Why do you always insist on going back to that city?!"

I heard Dad shouting at Mom, asking her the exact question I expected him to ask. They've been like this for two months now.

My Dad has been a land broker for eight consecutive years, and he's about to quit working because he's been diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme. He has been vomiting blood and suffering facial weakness and double vision. The doctor who checked Dad told us he only has two months to live, as it has already spread throughout his whole system. It's very sad for me, but what makes it even sadder?

This whole bullsh*t thing that Mom is breaking up with him! Like, what's wrong with Mom? Hindi man lang ba niya iniisip ang sitwasyon ni Dad kahit nalang sana as a companion until his last breath?

Alam ko sa sarili ko that Mom is up to something fishy. She's actually the president of the University of Surigao from her homeland. Before, though she's busy, nakabibigay pa rin siya ng time sa amin. It's just that lately, parang may itinatago siya sa amin and maybe today, malalaman ko na kung ano iyon. From having someone na laging kausap sa phone, Mom seems happy, but I don't know why. At this moment, I'm just hoping they'll make it through dahil ayokong maghiwalay sila. I have always wanted us to be perfectly together just like we used to be.

"I'm in love with someone else, Lucio," Mom answered.

Hearing those words left me motionless. I just didn't know what to do or say. But in my mind, I wanted to stop Mom from saying such things, especially now that Dad was not feeling well.

Ang sakit lang sa part na buong buhay ni Dad, he did his best to make Mom satisfied with everything. Iyon din ang gusto ko 'cause I consider myself a perfectionist, something I also want to have in everything pero dapat swak sa taste ko. But now, I'm guilty about it.

"You're joking, Marlene. Please, huwag ngayon," Dad pleaded while hugging Mom.

Mom was pushing him away. That was when it was time for me to step in.

"Mom! Stop!" I shouted and helped Dad stand up.

I felt bad for Dad dahil sa sobrang pagmamahal niya kay Mom tapos sa huli pala'y kamumuhian siya nito.

"Isa ka pa! I've told you before not to mess with us! It's our business to mind! Not yours!" she shouted back at me.

"Because you're wrong, Mom! I bet you knew that, since you hold the highest position in your prestigious school. And you called it a business? Mom, it's a family thing, something to be solved seriously!"

"Well, I don't care about this family now! I'm already fed up! Tapos ngayon, your Dad needs medical help and it'll just be a distraction!"

Sh*t! How could she even say that in front of Dad, who's now crying? Ang sakit palang makita na one of your parents is in pain. Gusto ko ring maiyak, but I should stay brave so Mom won't win in her desire to leave us.

"Mom, can't you see? It's Dad and for Pete's sake, he's your husband! The one whom you took vows with and promised forever! Don't you love him anymore?"

Mom stared at me with an expression of hatred. "I never loved your Dad."

"What?!"

Okay, I can't take it anymore. Suddenly, I felt Dad's cold hand on my chest, wrapping around my shirt. I looked at him and he was in pain. His other hand was on his head, and I could tell he's suffering from a severe headache.

I was startled 'cause I didn't know what to do! But I held Dad's body to support him.

I looked at him and then at Mom. "Mom! Call an ambulance!"