Richard's Standard

Chapter 3 - The Bisdak Nerd

Mom had prepared breakfast. Naabutan ko siyang palabas na when I went downstairs.

"Mom....."

She turned back to me. "By the way, don't forget it's your first day of learning Surigaonon. Mangan naka kin."

"I don't want to learn today. Pagod pa ako." I descended fully and glanced at the food on the table. As usual, there were fried eggs, tocino, hotdogs, bread, and oatmeal.

"My house, my rules," she said softly.

"My life, my rules," I grabbed a hotdog and took a bite. "Sorry, Mom. I don't like that girl....Dona."

"I like her at ako ang masusunod. Bye."

She had already left when I found myself getting ready for the tutorial. I remembered my mission; to get Mom's attention. I want to do everything for Dad to make him happy, even if he's gone. If Mom ever loves again, I'll make sure it's someone like Dad - kind and trustworthy. That's why I need to find out if she has a lover.

Naalala ko ang motor na nabanggit ni Mom kagabi. I would use it now tutal naman ay familiar na ako sa daan patungo sa paaralan.

Mom also told me that my first day of classes is in a few days. I'm supposed to go to her office for the tutorial. I'll just have to endure the sight of my tutor.

As I arrived, napatingin ang lahat sa akin at namangha. Maybe, ang iba sa kanila ay first time akong nakita. May bulungan pa ang ibang mga babae. I didn't mind them 'cause I'm really used to it. I continued walking toward Mom's office, where I was sure my tutor was already waiting.

I didn't knock when I reached Mom's office. Dali-dali na akong pumasok.

I saw Dona sitting on the couch, smiling at me, but I ignored her and faced Mom instead. "Where are we having the tutorial?" tila pagod kong tanong.

"In that room." Mom pointed to the same one she had shown me yesterday. 

"Fine." Nauna na akong pumasok para makapagsimula na at matapos agad itong tutorial na ito.

The room was nice and comforting. Of course, Presidente ng school ang natutulog dito, eh.

May nakita rin akong picture frame ko pero wala kay Dad. Hmmm, I'll bring one next time para kumpleto kami.

"Hi. Good morning, Chad."

I looked at her as she entered and arranged the things on the table. It's my first time to really take a good look at her. Kahapon kasi ay pagod ako kaya I wasn't able to describe her.

The truth is, she's simply beautiful. Her hair is curly, which I dislike. She has a round face, a cute nose, and her eyes seem tired and dark. She's about 5'2", definitely not my type. I prefer girls who are 5'7" or 5'9" - model height, especially since I'm 6'0"

I approached her to get a better sense of her appearance. Na-shocked ako dahil ang taas ng mga kuko niya! Is she really a witch? Her eyebrows are messy, too!

Her shoes are tattered. Since it's Friday and wash day for them, her t-shirt looks old and faded. The jeans she's wearing are also a bit worn out and loose around her legs.

Dapat ba akong maawa sa kanya o mailang? But there's nothing to worry about, she looks decent overall. I just don't like what I'm seeing.

"Okay, bago tayo magsimula, magpakilala ka muna." It's my way to better understand her situation dahil hindi ko naman siya mapapapalitan. Mom chose her as my tutor.

"Ako si Dona Olarte, 18 years old at tubong Dinagat Islands. Ako lang ang nandito sa Surigao para makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Second year college na sa kursong Bachelor of Elementary Education at working student ako ng kakilala ng Nanay ko at ni Mommy mo. May kapatid akong lalaki na special dahil siya ay may autistic disorder. Ang nanay ko ay labandera doon sa amin at ang tatay ko......" She paused for a moment, her expression turning sad. "Patay na siya noong 8 years old pa lang ako."