School of Law #1: Burdened (COMPLETE - TO BE PUBLISHED)

Caile Desiderius Del Rio

"So who's this girl Prince is talking about? Damn, man. Have you forgotten what Judge Marquez told you? To stay single till you become a lawyer?" Vlad's forehead creased. 

I avoided his gaze and sip on my wine glass. I fixed my gaze at the overlooking view of the hotel. I heard him laugh. 

"Damn bro, you're that smitten? Huh. It was a good decision not to pursue law, huh." I smirked and turned to him.

Umiiling na uminom siya sa kanyang baso. Bahagya akong natawa. 

"Your lost, bro, I told you there's a lot of hot girls in there," asar ko sa kanya. He just waved his hands on me. Mas natawa ako. 

"I'm happy managing my empire,dude." 

I shook my head. "Tss. Soon, you'll find yours." 

I wasn't a big fan of relationships during college. They're a headache. Girls are headaches. I'd rather focus on other things than celebrating monthsaries or giving gift shits. I have seen a lot of friends who spend all their time going to dates and all that stuff. It wasn't really my thing. I just don't think I'm cut to be in a relationship.

I had my share of flings and girls, of course just for fun. But serious commitment? Nah. Nevermind. I've had enough headaches. 

I really thought I'd die as a bachelor, but that night came. Damn. I am not a believer of love at first sight nor those other hopeless romantics stuff, but that night just feels so different. For the first time, I felt those fucking fireworks my committed friends were talking about. I didn't even hold her hand yet. 

Cairish Castilleja really swept me off my feet. 

I really thought we would not last, especially that we were both first timers, but law school made us stick together. 

We weren't like those couples who go all out during dates. We don't celebrate monthsaries. We just greet each other during anniversaries then go back to studying again. Others may find us boring, but damn it was hella fun. Parang minsan ka na lang kasi makahanap ng babaeng may priority at hindi ka ginagawang mundo. 

Well I don't condemn those who are like that, I mean that's their way of showing love. But man, reality check, the world does not revolve around your partner or the other way around. I think that's what I love more about Cairish. She knows what she wants. She has strong principles. She knows the priority. She also knows fun. She's just chill. Wala nga yata kaming naging away dahil sa selosan and everything other couples would fight. 

We fight, but mostly because of stress in school cause law school really brings all the stress in you. It was a whirlwind romance and it was smooth sailing as fuck. She's just so mature na mahihiya ka kung magpapaka-immature ka. That's Cairish Castilleja for you. Ibang iba siya sa mga naka-fling ko. She's my type of woman, I say. Iyong babaeng hindi pabebe at dependent. Iyong marunong nang tumayo sa sarili niya. She's my woman. 

Wala akong masabi sa kanya. Parang siya iyong tipo ng babaeng wala nang kailangan dahil nasa kanya na lahat. Kaya niya ngang makipagsabayan sa discussion ng mga prof namin. She never backed down without a fight. Ganyan siya katapang. 

But even Samson had a weakness. The same happened to her. Para siyang naputulan ng pakpak nang isang trahedya ang dumating sa kaisa isa niyang kakambal. Caleiah was raped. I was there. I saw how she scrambled. I saw how she failed quizzes and recits. It was frustrating to witness. I was with her ever since first year and I saw how eager she was to get the damn title. Tapos nang dahil lang sa isang trahedya ng kapatid niya, masisira lahat?