Why I Have To

Chapter 21

Althea and I have been talking about living someplace else someday so that we could be far away from home. Somewhere where we could escape the prying eyes of my family.

It was all mere talk at first, we don't have specific plans yet, just dreaming about our future— until I decided to make it real. On our anniversary, I gave Althea the ticket to our freedom.

I was given on offer to study in the New York for my third year in college. A prestigious university took an interest in me when my professor submitted a paper I've written, all I have to do is to send my application, maintain my grades, and I'm all set to continue my studies there next school year. It was a dream come true, all my hard work has finally paid off. My father would never say no to this because he's as hungry for achievements as I am.

It's an opportunity I can never pass up.

Of course I wouldn't leave Althea here, so as soon as I heard about the good news, I looked for different schools nearby that offers music related courses. I collected every information I can, all the schools that she might like, the apartments we could rent, the living expenses, the application forms, the papers she might need... everything. I even computed for the grades that she needs in order to get in. Everything's all set, her yes is all that I'm waiting for.

And she said yes.

We sent our application forms together. As we hit that send button— we are now one step closer to spending more years together.

That seemed to change now after that phone call. But I won't let that happen. I made my way up to my father's office more determined than ever.

"Hija, what brought you here?" he greeted me in a singsong voice.

"Dada, I came here to tell you that I received an offer to study in New York," I said too cheerfully, trying to hide my annoyance. Maybe this news would stop him from his plans.

"New York? Maganda 'yan! I'm so proud of you, my darling Jade," he signaled me to come over to hug him.

"Magandang balita 'yan, sabay na kayo ni David. I heard ipapadala na rin siya ng parents niya sa States," he added.

There it is. He finally said the catch. The thing I'm most dreading.

"So it's true then? You're planning to set me up with David?"

"Yes, hija. Kinausap kasi ako ng mother niya, ang sabi may girlfriend daw ni Filipino. Of course hindi pupwede 'yun, kaya we decided na it would be good kung kayo ang i-match. It will uphold our traditions and it would be good for business," he said too proudly.

"Dada, hindi ba pwedeng pagusapan nalang 'yan after ko matapos mag-aral? It's too soon, don't you think?"

"Kung kayo din naman ang ima-match, hindi ba't mas mabuti na simulan na ngayon? Bakit patatagalin pa? Mabuti ng magkasama kayo ngayon palang para maikasal na kayo pagtapos niyo mag-aral."

I am so mad at him. Even if he is my father, he doesn't have the right to dictate who I wanna spend my life with, and it is definitely not David. "Don't I have a say in this? Ganon ganon nalang 'yun? Parang pinamigay niyo lang ako?"

"Hija, ano bang problema? David is a good catch. And besides, wala ka namang boyfriend na pinakikilala sa amin, kaya I don't see what's wrong with this?"

"That's not the point Dada! I don't wanna marry someone I don't love!" I said exasperatedly.

"Jade, wala ka ng magagawa. Nakipagayos na ko sa parents ni David, hindi tayo pwedeng mapahiya. Kaya be a good girl and follow me."

It's bad enough that we have to hide our relationship, but this is worse. So much worse. I am so sick and tired of him controlling our life.

"What if may mahal na ako?" I bravely said.