When Heaven Smiled

06

Chapter 06
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"I don't want Alice to be associated with boys." ani Papa sa kausap na kaibigan.

"Bakit? Sa ganda ng anak mo ay marami talagang poporma diyan."

Dinig ko ang pag-uusap nila sa sala. I was staying on our dining area, finishing my snacks. Alam nilang nandito ako ngunit patuloy sila sa pag-uusap tungkol sa akin.

"Hindi naman ligawin si Alice." Mama laughed nervously. She patted my Papa's shoulder. She's the only person who cared about my presence in this room.

"Hindi nga ligawin, pero mukhang utuin naman. She's young and too naive. I don't want boys to play with her. Baka masaktan lang siya."

I shut my eyes tight as I felt the pang on my chest. Sanay naman akong overprotective siya pero—

Pakiramdam ko isa kong ibon na pilit kinukulong sa hawla kahit hindi naman ako roon nararapat. I was meant to spread my wings and soar high, pero sila na ang nagdedesisyon kung hanggang gaano kataas lang ang pwede ko liparin.

Uto-uto? Gaano kababaw ang tingin nila sa akin? They think I can't pick the right people who are  going to enter my life? Marunong naman ako kumilatis. And I am more willing to learn about the red flags.

I am not afraid of learning... I'm afraid of the pain that comes with learning. I can't handle failure and disappointment.

Masaktan? Oo, takot ako roon. Pero alam kong maganda naman ang kapalit na pagkatuto mula roon. Pain is one of those things our hearts couldn't muster overcoming. Tuwing masasaktan ka, parang laging bago ang sensasyon na iyon sa puso mo. It isn't like our brain. Our brain anticipates what's bound to happen, it prepares you for a heartbreak or good opportunities. While our hearts follow what it truly wants.

I posted a picture of me on my Facebook story just to boost my confidence a little. It's an after service photo. Nakasuot ako ng isang mahabang puting bestida at hinangin ito ng kaunti. There's a yellow flower tucked in my ear. Hinangin din ang aking buhok at tumatama sa mukha ko ang ilang strands kaya natatawa ako. Nakatayo ako sa mabatong parte ng garden sa church. My arms were spread wide as I tiptoed.

Maxon replied to your story: 
Pretyyy

Ano ba 'yan wrong spelling?

Maxon replied to your story:
*Pretty.

Sorry typo, kinilig ako agad eh 😣❤️

Ako:
Thanks. 👍

Maxon Evan Sandoval:
Grabe, so cold

Hanggang dito giniginaw ako oh brrr brrr 🥶

I bit my lower lip. My heart melted for some unknown reason. Iba rin pala kapag nakarinig ka mula sa ibang tao na nagagandahan sila sa 'yo.

To my father, beauty is only vanity. He doesn't want me to become like my sister. Don't get me wrong, I love him. Alam ko ring mahal niya lang kami, but I just don't understand why this love is smothering me even though I'm used to it.

I gritted my teeth when I came into my senses. Bumibigay agad ako ah.

♪♪♪

Minabuti kong bilisan ang pagkain ng lunch dahil didiretso ako sa library. Sisimulan na namin ang plano sa Filipino. Nauna akong makarating doon kaysa kay Maxon.

Cellphones are not allowed in the library. I couldn't text him since I don't have a pocket on the lower part of my blouse, hindi tulad ng sa isa kong uniform. Mahirap itago. Isang malaking pagkakamali ko pang hindi ako nagdala ng jacket.