Pursuing Our Freedom| ✓

Kabanata 21

Favorite T-Shirt — Jake Scott

Kabanata 21

"Philo naman..." bumuntong hininga siya.

"Nagpaalam po ako..." I started fidgeting my fingers and moved my lips inwardly. "Di ko nga lang po sinabi kung anong oras uuwi..."

"Akala ko..." napapikit siya, bakas ang inis sa kanyang mukha. Umawang ang labi niya. "Can you talk to your Mom?"

I shook my head. Bubugahan ako no'n ng apoy. I don't wanna hear any lectures while I'm still here. Bukas na lang, I'll face the consequences tomorrow.

"I'll talk to her for you..."

"B-baka mapagalitan ka..." my shoulders slumped because I felt guilty.

"I'll cross the bridge when I get there," he retorted, passively. Kinuha niya ang phone ko at lumabas para kausapin si Mommy.

I was waiting for him to return my phone as I pace back and forth because I know Mom probably scolded him. Bumalik siya habang kunot ang noo. Binigyan niya ako ng isang pagod na ngiti.

"Philo, tatawagan ko si Kuya Cal. Can you fix your stuff? Hahatid ka niya —"

"No!" I abruptly shook my head.

"Philo..." Iscalade called my name in a weak manner. "I told your Mom that I was the one who insisted for you to go, all you have do is go home now —"

"A-ayoko pa po..." my throat constricted. "I don't wanna go home yet..."

"Pero Philo, your Mom is worried sick..."

I almost scoff at what he said. I doubt that she cares for me. Maybe I was still upset and my feelings are taking over. Pinilit kong maging kalmado.

"Really? She wasn't even worried about me when I had no one during my recognition..." bitterness dripped from my tone. I bit my lip to supressed my anger.

Why is their concern misplaced? Bakit sa ibang bagay ay may pakialam sila pero pagdating sa mga mahalaga para sa akin ay wala?

"Philo naman..." Iscalade sighed, napasapo siya sa kanyang sintido. "Philo, as much as I want you here; I don't want your parents to be mad at you."

"Bakit po? Galit din po ba ang magulang niyo sa inyo?" nangliit ang mga mata ko. "Galit din ba ang magulang ng mga kaibigan mo? Kaklase mo po? Bakit sa akin lang? Don't they trust me? Am I not someone who can also have fun?"

It is so unfair. Pare-pareho lang naman kami halos dito, pero bakit gano'n sila sa akin? Don't they trust me? I don't wanna compare but it is just unfair!

"Philo..." he looked at me, melancholy blooming in his eyes.

"Can you go outside po? Please..." I pleaded. "I don't wanna get mad, Iscalade."

"They're just looking out for you. Of course, they'll be worried. Every parent would only want what's good for their child. Hindi ka maayos na nakapagpaalam —"

Napigtas ang natitira kong pasensya. Bumuntong hininga ako. What does he know? His parents even lets him have his own overnight party! Paano siya nakakapagsalita nang ganiyan?

"You think I have the privilege to do that? You think everyone is as free as you? You're lucky, Iscalade. You're actually spoiled enough by your parents. You cannot speak in behalf of everyone when in fact you haven't experience any oppression before." I spat out, and my eyes widened when I realized my words were too sharp.

Nakita ko na pati si Iscalade ay nagulat. Agad na lumamlam ang kanyang mga mata. He gave a small smile before nibbling his lower lip. The way he slightly bowed his lead showed how disappointed he was because of our situation.