With All Might

Wakas

Wakas

"Hercules, tomorrow, you need to come with me for my rally campaign in Plaza. Set aside playing games. That's not important." sabi ni Daddy.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at tumango. Grandma Heliria saw my reaction and I only smile to her a bit.

"Nakita ko narin ang grades mo sa grading na ito. And I'm very disappointed. You only got 93 in Math and 94 in Science. What's happening to you? Humabol ka pa sa klase." dagdag niya.

Tumango uli ako. Hinintay na may idadagdag pa siya. Nang wala na, lumabas ako ng bahay at nag pasyang pumunta sa batis.

I couldn't like what I want. I couldn't enjoy what I like. I couldn't express myself. I couldn't voice whatever is in my head. Para akong ibon na naka kulong sa isang hawla. Kita ko ang mundo pero kailanman, hindi ko kayang liparin.

My life has been planned even before I was born. My father, the great Heustacio Amante, always reminded me to be careful with my actions. I am not allowed to fail. I am not allowed to make mistakes. I should always be on top. I should always reach great things to please him. He always wanted me to do my best because he will never accept me if I fail him. Kaya sinikap ko ang lahat sundan lang ang yapak niya.

Sa murang edad, itinatak niya na sa'kin ang dapat kong gawin sa buhay. And that is to follow his footsteps in politics para matalo namin ang mga del Carmen. He keep telling me that if I won't defeat them, my grandfather's death will be gone to nothing.

Hindi ko man alam ang puno't dulo sa pagkamatay ni Grandpa Avenido pero iyon nalang ang pinanindigan ko. That the del Carmen are our mortal enemy and I should be threaten. The del Carmen are the devils who destroy my family so I should destroy them too. Because even if my father is very strict and revengeful, he is still my father. My loyalty to him shouldn't be questioned because he is my family.

"Oh, huwag mo kalimutang ipakita ang paggalang sa mga Fuentabella ha? Siguradohin mong makuha mo ang loob nila. Their family is richer and influential than us. If they ever promote us, the whole Zaccarrio will turn their back from the del Carmen." Dad reminded.

"Tama na 'yan, Heustacio. Hex know how to be polite even if you don't told him to do it." Grandma Heliria inserted.

"Mama.. I just want to make sure." Daddy replied.

Bored na bored ako sa mga pormal na pagtitipon. Nakakapagod ngumiti at makipag pormalan sa mga tao. They always talk things about money and influence. Wala na akong narinig buong buhay ko kung di ang usapin na 'yan.

"Hex, halika... Ipapakilala kita kay Veronica at Anton Fuentabella at sa mga anak niya." sabi ni Grandma.

Sumunod ako sa kanya at lumapit kami sa dalawang mag-asawa.

The way they dress, the way they properly and primly move, the way they talk and the way how they look at you with their chin up high screams how really rich and influential their family is. Mas higit pa sa'min o sa mga del Carmen. Pakiramdam ko, walang karapatan ang kung sinuman na tanongin sila. The way how they look at me with superiority made me feel that I should lift up more my face or I will never meet their gazes because they will never bow down their heads.

"Iyan na ba ang unica hija niyo, Veronica?" tanong ni Grandma.

Napako ang tingin ko sa isang batang babae. She look like a living barbie doll with her almond shape eyes, plum red lips, pinkish chubby cheeks and narrow nose. Her curly long hair hug her tiny body. She is as pale as snow. She reminded me of Snow White from the coloring book my little sister left in our attic.

Umawang ang labi ko ng tumitig sa'kin ang batang babae. What's her name again?

"Opo, Madam. Zaccary, bumati ka sa ating bisita, siya si Donya Heliria Amante." utos ni Veronica Fuentabella.