Overruled

Chapter 2 - Paper Cuts and Shoestrings

Jade

"What. The. Fuck?"

Jade swore under her breath, wide-eyed with scornful astonishment, trying to let the image of a huge wave of humanity blocking her way, sink into her system.

For a minute, Jade thought she was in one of those zombie apocalyptic movies; the street is just swamped with people.

"What the fuck is going on?!"

Jade swore louder as she honked at the mob unfolding right before her, blocking her way, proudly waving their banners and flaunting their tarpaulins.

"This is not the time to show the world that you care, people!"

Infuriated, she glanced at her watch. "It's 30 minutes before seven and I'm stuck. I am so screwed."

Jade geared the car on reverse but as she looked behind her, citizens have already accumulated the path.

Or I can just run them over. LOL. No.

"I can't believe this is happening."Jade shook her head in abhorrence.

She honked twice, rolled down her side window and stuck her head out, yelling at the rowdy crowd. "Guys, can you please get the fuck off the street?"

But the deafening cries of the protesters drowned Jade's voice, remaining where they are, seemingly not noticing the very pissed off woman inside the red Toyota Vios.

Jade slammed her hands against the steering wheel.

"The universe is against me right now. This is fucking amazing!" Jade grunted sarcastically.

You swear too much, Jade. It's not proper for a decent lady. Amanda would perpetually remind Jade whenever she hears her daughter say some random cursing.

Again, as dutiful as she was, the lady didn't listen. She's not that type of lady. She would curse whenever she wants to, because she deemed it appropriate for the situation and also because, she feels like it.

Besides, it was taught in Psychology 101, I think, that it is therapeutic to vent out how one feels. Therefore, if I feel shitty, I will say shitty things.

Oh Jade, always the one with the witty, sensible rebuttal.

Amanda, with narrowed, disconcerting eyes, just shakes her head for having an obedient and at the same time, defiant daughter.

"Hoy! Hindi niyo ba nakikitang kalsada yan at hindi tambayan? Puwede bang umalis kayo sa gitna ng kalsada?"

Jade, honked again; this time, the honk was longer and even more aggressive.

"Miss."

Jade almost jumped out of her seat upon being startled by someone, abruptly ceasing her rage that's projected towards the car horn. She looked up and saw a man in blue uniform wearing a badge stating: Traffic Enforcer.

"Sir. Mabuti dumating kayo. Paki sabihan naman po yang mga nakaharang na tumabi. Kanina pa ako busina ng busina dito. They are obstructing traffic!" She pleaded, the irritation in her voice noticeable.

Bewildered, the officer explained, "Miss, mukhang mali ka ata ng kalsadang nilikuan. Hindi mo ba nakita na closed itong area na ito?"

"What?!" Jade looked behind her. In total disbelief, at the farthermost corner of the street, Jade saw detour signs placed in the middle of the road.

"But those signs were not there kanina."

"Miss, kanina pa yan diyan."

Jade, sunk back to her seat, closed her eyes and massaged her temple to calm her nerves. She no longer wants to argue. Time is of the essence.