Prologue
We were sitting in our dining table discussing the things I want to do in my 18th birthday. Its getting near, like, a week or so days left for preparation so this dinner is specially for the discussion of my up-coming birthday.
“So hun. What would you like? Debut party? Or what?” asked Dr. Evans, my Dad.
“Umm no actual----“ I started to say but was interrupted by Mum.
“Hun, I prefer a beach party or going out-of-town with us? What do you think Naddie?” my Mum said wiggling her eyebrows as she looks at dad and me.
“Umm. No. I wan----“ I started again but soon was interrupted by Dad.
“Ooh! What about a scripted-surprise party? How ridiculous does that sound?” Said Dad while laughing.
“Hahaha. That was funny Dad but I wan—“ I was interrupted again, this time by my Mum.
“Um. Naddie, not like---“ She said but this time I am the one who interrupted what she has on mind. Its getting in my nerve that whenever I want to talk, I cant. It pisses me of.
“Mum, Dad. Let me talk first, okay?” I said and they nodded in agreement. All eyes on me.
“Dad, Mum. I want to travel with myself ONLY for this birthday. Like a soul-searching thing.” I said.
They looked at each other, unspoken words visible in their eyes. They clearly do not like my idea.
“No Naddie.” My Dad said started.
“No hun. Youre still young.” My mum said.
“But Dad, Mum, Im turning 18. Have you even heard of the thing called independence? In America if you’re 18 you’re free to live on your own.” I said defensively.
“Where are you Naddie?” my Dad said. Although it’s a weird question, I answered it.
“Home?” I said, unsure.
“The country?” Dad proceeded.
“Philippines?” I said.
“Well, woman, you’re in Philippines. You cant go.” Dad said firmly.
“Dad. Mum. It’s my life. It will only take a week.” I said with puppy eyes.
My mum looked at Dad and said something I wasn’t able to hear.
“Um, hun. Okay, Fine. But only for 6 days okay?” said mum.
“YES! Okay! Thanks I love you both so soooo much!!!” I said and kissed both of their cheeks.
-The Actual Birth Day-
“Mang Ando, paki-para lang po sa may gilid. Sa may sari-sari store po.” Sabi ko kay Mang Ando habang naglilibot kami kung saan ko gustong pumara at doon na mag start sa aking ‘paglalakbay’. Pero bago ang lahat bibili muna ako ng aking bubble gum.
“Manang pabili po ng bubble gum.” Sabi ko sa tindera.
“Ilan Ms?” sabi nito.
“Isa po.” Sabi ko naman.
May ibinigay siyang isang piraso na bubble gum kaya labis akong nagtaka.
“Manang bakit po isang piraso lang?” sabi ko habang pinapay-payan ang mukha ko. Ang init dito.
“Eh sabi mo isa lang eh.” Sabi naman nito.
“Manang isang pack po. Hindi po isang piraso.” Sabi ko naman. Nakakairita lang eh. Sama pa naman makatitig.
YOU ARE READING
But Loving Him Was Red
Non-FictionWhat if you met the guy-of-your-dreams at your vacation while celebrating with yourself alone for your 18th birthday. You were having the vacation of your life when you met the boy of a lifetime. The boy that you were dreaming of since you were a k...
