Behind the Barriers

30

Note: Thank you for reading Behind the Barriers. This is the last chapter followed by the End. For more stories, you can visit my profile. Cooper's friends also have a story if you want to read :)

Until then,

trishawarma01

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30

I thought you need to be the best in order to be liked. That you need to be feared so they will respect you. But I realized that it all starts within ourselves.

The courage had been a façade. I was a scared teenage girl deep in my heart, putting up barriers to protect myself. But I was wrong. It was not the solution after all.

I took a deep breath before I went inside the classroom. The students immediately sat properly when they saw me walking. Inilapag ko ang mga gamit sa mesa.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Prof," they said in chorus.

I planted a smile. Prof. That has become my favorite word ever since I heard them call me that. Naglabas na ako ng index cards at naramdaman ang kaba nila nang magsimula na akong magtawag ng pangalan para sa recitation.

I decided to take a PhD program in a prestigious university. At the same time, I was teaching in a state college. It was hard to take two things at the same time but it helped me a lot.

Especially na wala na si Greg na naka-monitor sa schedule ko.

Speaking of, Greg has always been with me. Nagtatrabaho pa rin siya sa kompanya. We would meet from time to time.

When I graduated, I immediately became a full-time professor.

Kumpara noon na guesting lang sa mga talk, ngayon ay isa na ako sa facilitator. I wasn't a guest anymore. I was the VIP.

I would give talks to different levels – campuses, students, workshops. I explained how important to acknowledge Economics. And I am very happy.

Sobrang layo nito kumpara sa naging trabaho ko sa Casa de Martinez. Here, I faced endless researches and dissertations. I checked papers and theses. But it was all worth it.

Being in the faculty office calmed me down. Suki na ako sa coffee shop at sa mga library pero gustong-gusto ko ito. Sobra.

Kaagad akong napangiti nang makita ang boyfriend ko na nakasandal sa labas ng kanyang sasakyan. Some students were looking at him, but I don't mind.

Hanggang tingin lang naman silang lahat. Duh.

"How's your day?" he asked when we went inside the car.

"Tiring. Nga pala, can I have a favor? I left my folder in the house. Pwede ba tayong pumunta muna roon?"

He nodded. "Yeah, no problem."

Over the years, I have been in a great deal with my parents. My sessions with Dok Ruiz had been done. That's because I was becoming great. I had no panic attacks. I also don't force myself to become the best.

It's as if those versions of me remained as finished chapters of my life. Those phases were over. And it had been hard, but I got through everything.

Siguro malaking tulong iyong tuluyang pagbukas ko kina Mom at Dad. I had been having a terrible time because those pain became grudges. When I finally let it all go, I can finally breathe.

"Napadalaw kayo?" bungad ni Mom.

"Yeah. Naiwan ko kasi 'yung folder ko rito. Si Dad po?"

"Yes?" biglang sulpot ni Dad mula sa kusina.