Compulsory Marriage

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Reality

[CHEBLER]

       While I was still in the car, I did not lose my mind the girl that we were almost hit. But fortunately, Mang Ed instantly avert the car that will run over her.

   I just leaned my head, dahil parang nakita ko na yong pagmumukha ng babaeng yon before, pero hindi ko alam kung saan...

   " Sir? Ang lalim ata ng iniisip niyo ha?" Lumipat naman ang atensyon ko ng magsalita si Mang Ed.

 " Iniisip ko lang yong babae kanina..." Tugon ko.

    " Yong muntikan na po nating masagasaan?" He asked, and I saw his face reflected on the front mirror.

  "Opo..."

   I just leaned my head in the window and let him speak...

    " Wag niyo na po masyadong alalahanin yon, Sir. Kasalanan din naman niya yon kung bakit muntik na siyang masagasaan. Sino ba namang tao ang hihinto sa gitna ng kalsada?" He chuckles wryly.

  ***

  When we arrive at the village we were lived, they forthwith opened the gate. Nang huminto na ang sasakyan sa pinagparkingan nito, agad na din akong bumaba at nagsimulang humakbang papasok ng bahay.

     I feel tired, and my nape hurt. Kaya nang makarating ako sa living area, I removed my jacket and instantly sit so I able to lean on the sofa.

   Even with my eyes closed, my mind continues to function. Starting earlier in Auncle's company, with so much work-- it's like I just want to rest and lock myself in a room!

But all of a sudden, I noticed that it seemed someone head to my direction. At the step of its feet, I already know who it is...

  " How's your day?" She asked.

  " I cannot take this longer, Auntie..." I replied.

  " Why? What's wrong?"

  I opened my eyes and I saw her also sit in other sofa was just in front
of me." I can't work there! I graduated in civil engineering and then we just fell for our own company ?!"

   Her eyebrow started to raise, "Don't you think? It's your family's company! And one more thing, we will obey everything your Dad told us before he passed away. Think about it! You'll just let it go will your Auncle manage alone? Cheb, He needs your help! "

   " Why don't you help him instead? Auntie, can you let me decide what I want to do?"

  Her eyes narrowed as she looked straight at me "Are you out of your mind? Gumagawa kami ng desisyon para nadin sa ikakabuti mo."

As usual. I feel no freedom.

  ***

[SUZANNE]

        I'm here now in the cafe where we always go with Wendi. Infact, minsan nalang din kami nagkikita dahil magkaibang school at course kasi ang kinuha namin. I'm on a 3rd year college taking Bachelor of Science in nursing, habang siya nasa bible school dahil Pastora ang kinuha niya.

    As I remember, nagplano na kami dati na parehong nursing ang kukunin namin. Pero tila umiba ang ihip ng hangin... Simula kasi naghiwalay sila ni Philip, do'n niya din napagdesisyonan na kunin yong course sa spiritual vocation...