Memory in the Street (Paraiso Series #3)

Simula

Simula

"Mom can I go out?" I asked my mother who was busy sewing the fabric she was holding. Maybe another set of curtain for the mansion since father loves mommy's sewed curtains.

"Where are you going baby?" She asked me not taking her eyes off the fabric.

"I want to take a walk and feel the fresh air outside the mansion. Can I?"

"Sure but do not go far from the mansion alright?" She took a peak at me.

"Yes mom."

"And if there are bullies?” She asked.

“Immediately call the guards…" I answered and nodded her head.

I walked to her and kissed her cheek before going out from the mansion.

In my 20 years of existence, I was like caged inside the mansion when my parents learned about the neighborhood bullying me because of my mismatched eyes.

My left eye is colored green while my right eye is blue. People who see me automatically would either feel disgusted or make fun at me because according to them I look hilarious. But my parents never think I am hilarious nor an abomination so they did everything to protect me.

Grade school until college, I was homeschooled. Now that I am already 20, ngayon lang ko pinapayagang lumabas dahil 20 na ako. Mom said I should perhaps meet the real world where one day I will be dealing with.

The bullying was not new to me but somehow, it lowered my self-esteem. I actually don't find my eyes ugly but society will always have a say. Every passing day was a bullying day. No day in my life that I was not called Mr. Mismatched everytime I go out. That’s why my parents would not allow me to roam around alone. But today, it’s different.

I'm actually sick of it. And yes, I may be a guy but every night I cry in bed. Hindi ko nga lang pinapakita sa mga magulang ko dahil ayokong mag-alala sila.

I sighed when I remembered vividly how painful words and shame were thrown at me. Sometimes, a gang of boys would physically assault me. They would hold my head and then light a flashlight on my eyes. Some would splash waters on my face because they believed that it might fade even though it will not.

I was walking along the afternoon streets of our village while my headphones are on and a the music Before You Go played on repeat. Sometimes, I felt like locking myself inside our mansion or just disappear completely and be one with the winds. But my parents would be heart broken and I do mot want that. They have sacrificed a lot for me. Mom quitted his job to take care of me while dad would risk and venture new businesses to feed us.

Nakatungo lang akong naglalakad nang may marahas na humablot sa aking kamay at pinaharap ako sa kanila.

A group of rich boys na walang magawa sa buhay kundi mang-api ng mahihina. Yes, I admit, mahina ako. I'm weak. I'm a sheltered boy even at 20. Sometimes, I am hesitant to come out and feel the fresh air outside because of them. But today I really wanted to take a walk.

"Ohhhhh mister mismatch is out from the manor!" The boy in his rugged look yelled. “Flashlight!”

Just great. Fucking great! I just wanted to go out! I just wanted take a walk! Labag ba iyon sa batas na mag lakad-lakad ang isang tulad ko?

"Ano pang hinihintay mo King?" Nagtawanan ang lahat ng mga kasama niya. Iwinaksi ko ang kamay na hawak niya sa akin kaya mas lalong siyang ngumisi.

"Ohhhh you look like a girl." Sabi ni King at tumawa ng malakas.

Nagtawanan silang lahat na agad kong ikinaputok. Yes I'm weak but I am definitely not a girl. I clenched my fists on my side and was about to hit King's face nang bumulagta ang lalaki sa daan.