A Little Bit of Sunshine

28

Kabanata 28: You Really Shined Today

I was once a man loved by everyone.

The crowd cheers for me, shouts my name, as I step up on the stage to hold the mic. The mic, that I've always loved since the beginning of my life. But I never thought that the fame, the love from the crowd, the cheering shouts will get muffled by something I didn't expect to happen.

I've been studying in Scholastica School for Arts since Grade 7. It was already planned na dito ako magtatapos ng senior high school at mageenroll sa malaking University for college. But after that scandal spread like a wildfire, my Dad wanted me to transfer to a normal public school.

"It's already my last year in Senior High, Dad. Bakit lilipat pa po ako?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tinignan si Dad while wearing the most pleading eyes.

"I don't want you to create another scandal in Scholastica at dumihan nanaman ang pangalan natin, Hanson." Dad starts massaging his forehead na para bang inaalala ang nangyari sa nakaraang buwan. "Nakakahiya na masyado kaya dapat hindi mo na dagdagan ang kalokohang pinaggagagawa mo."

My scandal almost ruined our family's publishing company and flower farm business na minana pa ni Dad kay Lolo. Dad really worked hard this summer para maibalik ang lahat sa dati lalo na't na prove naman na fake lang ang lahat.

I will never like a girl like that Maureen! She's so desperate para sabihing ako ang ama ng anak niya by creating that scandal. I'm not that dumb para magvideo kung magsisex man kaming dalawa. And I'm not stupid not to notice any cameras kung paplanuhin niya man.

"But Dad, mahirap mag adjust-"

"Enough Hanson! Kakayanin mong mag-adjust! Mas mabuti na rin to para tumigil ka na sa pagbabanda mo."

I closed and clenched my fist before getting the brown envelope on the table containing my permanent documents from Scholastica. Palagi niya naman na akong sinusumbatan so I'm already used to it. But this time, it's really frustrating because I have to leave a special place in my life.

"Okay. I'll quit the band at magtatransfer na ako. But what do you really want me to do, Dad?"

I'm completely aware that he hates me for what happened to Mom. I accepted all the beatings at malalakas na pagsigaw niya sa akin but I'm still clueless about what he wants me to do. Para kasing lahat nalang ng ginagawa ko ay mali sa paningin niya.

"Just focus on your studies. Don't add distractions and make me proud."

I'm a consistent honor student since elementary. At kahit na pumasok ako sa pagbabanda ay hinding hindi ako umabot sa puntong pinabayaan ko na ang pag-aaral ko. Kaya naman, ano pa bang dapat kong gawin para maging proud sa akin ang Daddy ko?

"Anong nangyayari dito?"

We both looked at Tita Sunny na kagagaling lang sa publishing company namin. My Dad's mood changed and went closer to her to kiss her in the cheek.

"Lilipat na ng school si Hanson, honey." Tita Sunny's forehead creased and immediately made her way towards me.

"What? Bakit wala man lang akong alam tungkol dito? Gusto mo ba to Hanson?"

"I don't like it Tita." Bumuntong hininga ako but with the slightest hope that she'll be able to change Dad's plan.

"Ayaw niya naman pala, Hans. Last year niya naman na ngayon. Pagbigyan mo nalang ang bata."