The Eye of the Varsity

CHAPTER 27

"Since you're now a graduate, what are your plans, Claire?" Kuya Caius asked, helping me gather all of my things here in my room.

I'll miss my room, for sure.

Umupo ako sa kama, "Hindi ko alam, Kuya. Siguro kung bibigyan ako ng chance, I'll be going abroad. Besides, inurong na nila 'yung arrangement."

"It's your decision, princess. I'm just always here supporting you. Basta, bibisitahin kita kung kailan ako may free time," he patted my head.

I'm free now, but my heart isn't. Siya pa rin talaga.

"Thank you, Kuya Caius. I may not be vocal and expressive towards you, but I'm thankful to have you. Sana nga lang wala nang darating na problema," I smiled at him. "Now that I graduated and left the house, you can now settle, Kuya. Okay na 'ko. I'm contented for what I have right now."

Binuhat na niya ang isang last na box, "I'll settle, soon. Tara na? Naro'n na sa isang van 'yung mga boxes na malalaki."

Napatingin ulit ako sa kwarto.

May it be good and bad memories, I'll still be thankful. Marami akong natutunan sa buhay ko at lahat nang iyon ay iiwan ko rito.

Nauna nang bumaba si Kuya Caius habang sinarado ko ang pinto ng aking kwarto. Pagkababa ko, saktong nag aabang sina Mommy at Daddy sa sala.

She hugged me, tightly, "Mag iingat ka, Claire. Pasensiya na sa mga nangyari at sana mapatawad mo kami sa aming nagawa sa 'yo."

Ang hirap magpatawad...hindi pa siguro ngayon.

Bumitaw naman ako sa yakap, "Thank you for letting me feel...for once that I'm free."

Ngumiti naman si Daddy habang hinahawakan ang aking kamay, "This isn't good bye, Claire. We'll see each other, soon. Alam naman naming pinipili mo muna ang sarili mo ngayon. We'll wait for you to come back."

I just nodded and walked out of the house. This is the life I choose, far from my family to stand on my own feet. I want to grow. I want to feel the freedom.

I feel I lost most of my parts in the process, which makes me ask about how I can get out of it.

Maybe time will tell when I can forgive them, for now, I'll take time to heal.

"Here we are. Welcome to your new environment, Claire," Kuya Caius said while parking the car.

Bumaba na si Kuya. Nandito rin ang iba pa niyang mga katrabaho para magbuhat ng mga gamit ko.

I want to restart my life.

Sumunod naman ako at sumakay ng elevator.

Nang pumasok na ako sa condo unit, all of the things are set. The designs are minimalistic and it suits my personality as well, simple but classy.

"Ilagay niyo na 'yang mga boxes do'n sa guest room," he commanded to them. "You like it? It is all personalized. Aside from your big room, there are also three rooms, and each room has a bathroom."

Sa sobrang galak ko, napayakap ako sa kaniya bigla.

"Thank you, Kuya," I chuckled when he made a face.

"Okay na, Engineer." Pagsigurado ng co-worker niya.

Tumango naman si Kuya at lumabas na ang mga lalaki.