A Drop Of Black

Chapter 3: Secret Almost Told

Jaimee.

"Oh, hey Jaimee." said my English teacher. "Do you have time to talk? I really really need to talk to you."

"Sure. Bakit po?"

"You see, there's this journalism and the teachers wanted you to be our participant." That's amazing, ako talaga?

"Talaga po? Thank you. When's it gonna be?" I am so so so excited about this. Another competition? It's an honor.

"Actually, there's a little problem." Huh? Problema? Bakit pa magkakaroon ng problema?

"Ano po yun? Baka pwedeng po natin yan malutas. Diba po? It's gonna be fine. What is it?"

"It's next week."

"Next week po? Kayang kaya po. I'll just have a little practice and then, i'll go. It's not a big problem. It's manageable."

"There's still one problem." I'm sure it's not that big of a problem. "It's in Australia."

"Australia? That's quite a problem. I mean, not financially but, time is. Mukhang kulang po sa oras. I could adjust my schedule pero mukhang hindi po kakasya eh."

"That's why, it's a problem. If only you could leave the day after tomorrow then, you could still have time to study and practice." Agad agad?

"I think I still need to ask mom. It's up to her kung papayag siya. But, you know I would love to join. It's just that, the conflicts..."

"I know, I know. Just let me know if you're mom agrees. Okay?" I nodded. "Thank you for your time. I'll be going Jaimee. Bye." Then she left.

"It's a big opportunity! It's like the biggest one yet. I wish mom would agree. Gustong gusto ko talagang gawin 'to. Me, as a participant, in Australia? It's huge!"

"Why are you acting like that?" I faced him.

"Blue! I'm going to Australia! Ako yung magiging representative ng school sa isang journalism contest." Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "I mean, kung papayag si mom. But, I wish she would agree."

"I don't think matatanggihan yan ni tita. It's a lifetime opportunity. Iilan lang ang nakakakuha ng oportunidad na ganyan."

"That's why I am so excited. I'm not gonna fail the school. If only pumayag si mom. I really hope she'll let me go to Australia."

After a couple of classes, sinundo na ako ni mom. "How was school?"

"Same old same old, mom. But, you wouldn't believe this."

"Why? What is it? Is it good or bad?" I don't think it's a bad news. It's a huge news!

"The school chose me as their participant for an upcoming journalism contest."

"Wow, that's great. So, when is this 'journalism contest'?"

"Next week.. But I totally have it covered. Ilang araw lang naman ang kailangan ko para magpractice eh. But, there's a slight problem. It's in Australia." She suddenly stopped the car.

"What?!"

"I know, it's far. Pero, kaya ko naman dun eh. Mom, you don't have to worry. I am only asking for your permission to go. I promise you I will take good care of myself there. Hindi ko papabayaan ang sarili ko."

"But it's Australia. You could go anywhere but there. It's not a good idea."

"Why? Is there a problem? Mom, I went to several countries already. U.S.A., France, Thailand, Malaysia, U.K., but Australia.. It's a great opportunity."