A Rose Hidden in The Thorns.

Chapter 1:First day.

"Dito po tayo, s-sir."

Hindi ko pinansin ang panginginig sa boses nang babaeng nasa harap ko. Hindi na bago sakin ito.

Ang mapagkamalang lalake.

Pinanganak akong kakaiba. Hindi kagaya nang ibang babae, mas masculine ang kurba nang muka ko. I have think eye brows too. Manipis lang rin ang bibig ko. With my sleepy dark black eyes, short hair, and intimidating appearance, I would often get mistaken as a guy with long hair.

Oo kahit maikli ang buhok ko as a babae, sa mata nang mga tao isa akong lalaking mahaba ang buhok. Doesn't make sense actually but yeah.

Lumaki lang din ako sa pangangalaga nang Mama't Lola ko. Katamtaman lang ang buhay namin. Hindi mahirap, hindi mayaman. Pero kahit ganon nakahiligan ko na ring magtipid sa sarili ko, kaya kahit na afford kong bumili nang mga bagong damit ay mga nalumaang damit parin nang nga lalake kong pinsan ang nakasanayan ko.

But only a year has passed, when my Lola died. Three months later my Mom got married with Tito Airo.

But now my Mom decided to move in with Tito Airo, Mom's new husband. So we went from negros to manila to live with Tito Airo. I already meet him on thier wedding, and I can tell he's a nice guy. Too nice... For my Mom.

I am not degrading my Mother. But as a person labag sa loob kong lumipat. Not because I don't want to, but because I know I shouldn't have to.

To be honest with you, Buong pagkaka-alam ni Tito Airo is I'm a pure man. Ang kwento sakin ni Mama'y ayaw raw ni Tito Airo nang babaeng anak kaya nang pinakilala nyako'y bilang lalake.

Kahit hindi ako talaga mukang lalake. Hindi mapaglakaila na malaki ang tansyang lalake nga ako base on my appearance.

So now, here we are. Kakarating lang namin galing airport.

*Knock knock* "khai? Anak? Ang Mama to. Pwede bang pumasok?" My mom's voice outside the room.

I didn't answer. I opened the door. My  Mom with a hesitant smile flashed in front of me.

Even though I know Mom did a bad thing, and will be doing more of those, I still can't bring myself to hate her. Dalawa na lang kami sa buhay, tas hindi pa kami magkakasundo?

Tila nakahinga naman nang maluwag si Mama ng nginitian ko siya. "Nagpapahinga ka ba, anak? Pasensya na, naistorbo ka pa ng Mommy."

"I'm not. I was just about to unpack my things. Is this my room?" Umusog ako so she could have a better view.

She glance at my room before looking at me, asking for permission. Mas umusog ako as a sign of approval. Pumasok naman siyang may malaking ngiti sa labi. "Sabi nang Tito Airo mo hindi raw ginagamit ang kwartong ibibigay niya sayo. Wala namang ibang gamit rito pag dating mo diba?" Umiling ako. "Baka ito nga ang kwarto mo, anak."

I nodded roaming my eyes around the room again. Well ok naman ang kwarto. Light brown at puti ang interior nito. At least, it look clean and elegant. I gave my Mom another smile, before leaning to give her a kiss on the forehead.

Medyo maliit kasi si Mama he's on 5'ft and I'm 5'7. Halos hanggang dibdib ko lang siya.

"Thank you," I said.

Medyo natigilan pa 'ko nang niyakap ako nito. "Ako dapat ang magpasalamat sayo, anak. I'm sorry if you have to do this."

I rubbed the back of her head.

I know what she means. She's talking about me pretending to be a guy. And honestly, she has nothing to be sorry about. If it wasn't for me she could have a better life. Kung hindi lang siya nabuntis sakin noong nasa kolehiyo siya'y baka Civil Engineer na siya ngayon.