Think of Laura ✔️

Chapter 1

| 1993 |

How can I stay calm in this situation?

I just want to go outside to breathe some fresh air! I've been grounded for three weeks! Nahuli lang naman ako ng mga guards na nakikipaghalikan kay Oliverio sa likod ng kamalig, malapit sa field. For three damn weeks, I need to do my responsibilities as one of the heirs of Trinidad's Hacienda!

Magbasa na may patungkol sa pagsasaka. Araw-araw na lang kami lumalabas sa bukid para makipag-usap sa mga empleyado ni Papa. Kahit doon ay nagpasama pa siya ng limang guwardya para bantayin ang bawat kinikilos ko.

I have no interest when it comes to farming. My interest is in music! But Mom and Dad want me to work in their business to continue the legacy of our family. 

"Mom, please! Can I go outside na ba?" I almost begged at Mom. She stopped reading, put down the newspaper on her lap and removed her eyeglass then let out a deep sighed at me.

"Stay inside, anak. It's too hot outside. Your skin might irritate and burn. You can watch some movies in your room or invite some of your friends to go here to our house,"

"I did it countless times, Mom! I won't be in the sun for long, and I wear my sunscreen naman e," tugon ko.

"No. Stay here, Laura." Dad said in his authorative voice. Lumingon ako sa likuran. Pababa na si Papa. Halatang kakatapos pa lang makipagusap dahil inilagay nito ang phone niya sa bulsa ng pantalon niya saka matapang akong tiningnan.

"Dad!" I ran towards him and hugged him. "Please, let me out from this boring mansion. I promise I'll be good na. I will call Einy-"

"You're still grounded, right? You stay here inside." 

Humiwalay ako sa yakap. Bagsak na balikat ko siyang tiningnan.  "But, Dad-"

"Laura, huwag matigas ang ulo. Baka dagdagan ko pa ng tatlong linggo ang punishment mo."

Hindi na muli ako nagsalita pa. Wala lang din naman sa kanila kung magmamakaawa talaga ako. Sila dapat ang masusunod. And I hate it! I was supposed to go up to my room but I saw my cousin Einy peeking at the door.

"Einy!" I called her name. I saw her eyes roll. Lumabas siya sa pinagtataguan niya. She is carrying a bag of drinks.

"Good morning, Tito and Tita." She greeted and walked towards Mom and Dad to mano their hands. After that, she looked at me, arrogantly. 

We have a plan to flee and roam to the town. But sadly, Mommy and Daddy didn't even let me. Einy was actually outside the door earlier. She was just waiting for me to come out but now, she already heard Mom and Dad's answer.

Sa susunod nga, hindi na ako magpapaalam. Diretso takas na lang ako. 

"Oh? It's good to have you here, Einy! Where are your parents?"

"Nasa Bacolod po sila. Bukas ng gabi po sila babalik," sagot ni Einy. Tumabi ito sa akin at inakbayan ako. 

"Dito na lang kayo maggabihan ng mga kapatid mo para may makasama rin kami," anyaya ni Dad. 

"Sige po. Sabihan ko sila mamaya pag-uwi ko po." 

Pagkatapos ng maikling usapan ay pumunta kami sa garden. Kaagad akong napabuga ng malalim na buntong hininga saka tiningnan si Einy na patawa-tawa. 

"Dapat kasi umiyak ka. Ayan tuloy, hindi ka pinayagan. Sayang gala natin. Punta pa naman sana tayo sa bar."

I crossed my arms in annoyance. "Alam mo naman na hindi ako iyakin, Ein. Mahirap ako paiyakin," tumawa ako. Nung nalaman ko na grounded ako, hindi naman ako umiyak. Mas lalo nga lang ako naging rebelde.