Achilles Heel Series 1: To Cost an Arm, I Break my Leg

Prologue

Have you ever wondered how it is to be the center of attention?

A loud music started occupying the entire hall.

It was so loud that my heart started mimicking the beat of the marching song. I couldn't name what I'm feeling. Am I nervous, am I happy? Honestly, I feel like it was all over the place.

The music served as everyone's cue. I noticed that after it played, some started fixing themselves while others are quickly returning to their respective lineups... then there was I, who's feeling lost and mixed up.

"Delancy, anak. Kinakabahan ka ba?" my mother's soft voice brought me back to reality.

"I noticed that you were silent since this morning," I forced a smile and before I utter a word, I was already interrupted by Aya... my best friend.

"Hay nako tita, hobby niyan ang tumulala. There was one time pa nga na nasigawan siya ng teacher namin kasi nakikipagtitigan sa crush niya sa PE class!" I became rattled because of what she babbled. Why would she say that?

"Mommy, hindi—" but I couldn't continue because they began laughing at me. My face flushed because I felt helpless.

Hindi ko na alam kung gaano ka pula ang mukha ko sa pagkahiya pero mas lumakas lang ang pangaasar nila sa akin.

"No, I wasn't looking—" I again tried to explain.

"I'm kidding... heto naman at masiyadong kabado," then wiggled her brows, "don't worry po... I glared at the guy para matakot. Alam niyo naman kung gaano ito kahina sa PE, baka bumaba pa ang grades" she innocently said.

Napabuntong hininga ako at ibinaling sa iba ang ulo. Mommy is laughing, Aya's laughing. Maybe I'm just overreacting? Baka naman sa akin lang big deal yung ganun.

Asaran lang naman, Acy. Bat 'di mo magawang sabayan?

Aya continued talking to my mother about things I have no interest about.

Katuwaan lang, Acy. Wag kang OA.

I reprimanded myself.

My mother have told me before that I was once this talkative person when I was a child. Masiyado daw akong magaling sa mga tao. Lahat ay gusto ako.

Where is she now?

Even with my parents, I am dorky. Was the baby me... switched?

Napabaling nalang ulit ang atensyon ko sakanila ng magtanong si mommy.

"Nga pala hija, where are your parents? I think we're about to start na," I noticed that Aya stopped, taken aback.

"Ma," suway ko kay mommy because I know how sensitive that topic is for her.

She give me a short glance to assure me, "It's fine, Acy."

"Ohh, Keith's recognition is the same day as mine po kasi, tita, kaso mas maaga yung kaniya kaya ayun po muna yung inattendan nila mommy."

Silence engulfed us three as mommy finally realized the gravity of her question. It was only interrupted by Aya's forced chuckle.

"Hija, I'm really so—" I quickly hold my mother's arm to stop her for saying more things. I just diverted the question para hindi na maungkat pa ang tanong na iyon.

"Saan nga po pala si daddy?" I asked, hopeful that he is here but when my mother looked at me, I immediately knew.

He's not... here.

Buti nalang din at inanyayahan na ang mga parents na umupo sa respective areas nila, I can't... entertain these feelings. No, not today.

I can sense a little tension between us after we were left alone by my mother.