Review
“You really matter!” Mom said.
“What if you two are apart? Maybe my Celiza can’t handle it.”
“What do you mean Tita?”
“Celiza’s going to college isn’t sure yet.”
“It’s alright Mom, I can go to state university ---”
“But you and Toci are going to get away! Do you want that? Can you?”
I sighed. She is pushing it.
“She can’t Tita. Celiza loves me so much right babe?”
I sighed and nodded. I can not do anything.
“They can still see each other, Agnes. It’s not like Toci will study abroad.”
My forehead furrowed as Mom wiped the bottom of my eye. “Don’t be sad Celiza. I know it’s hard but sometimes you really need to get away—”
“But we don’t need Tita.”
“Really?”
“She could apply for a scholarship or something.”
Aunt Aurora kept her gaze on me. “She doesn’t need to, I’m here. What’s the point of being friends with your Mom if I can’t help you. I’ll take care of your studies as long as you persevere. You and Toci need to finish for relationship goals. “ she chuckled.
I don’t know if I’ll be happy with what Aunt Aurora said. With each favor, when he helps us, our gratitude to their family only deepens.
“Really Aurora?” trace the fun in its voice.
“B-but oh! You don’t need ---”
“I’ll take care of it, it’s like we won’t be friends if you refuse. Also, I don’t want to go with any other woman, Toci.”
Mom’s smile reached her ears. This is good news for him but for me the chain around my neck is even tighter.
Sure I can get what I want because of my pretty face but I don’t want this. I don’t want to be indebted because for the rest of your life you will be repaid unlike a loan of money that is just a lump sum payment.
“Celiza! Won’t you thank your Aunt?”
“Uh … T-thank you Tita Aurora.”
“No problem.”
“Thank you so much Aurora! I’ll look at it with gratitude!”
I sighed. There it goes.
“Celiza get the food in there, that’s ready.”
I nodded to Mom.
“I’ll help her,” he volunteered.
I ignored Toci, I was already in the kitchen.
Our house is not as big as it used to be. Our kitchen is the equivalent of two large bedrooms now only half of a bedroom.
There is a living room and two bathrooms upstairs and downstairs, there are two bedrooms. My parents were in one while my brother and I were in the other, sometimes Mom knew it was sleeping because she was young.
There’s no pool and other luxurious things that I’m used to before.
“Toci what? Not here, we’re at home.”
“Oh yeah. I forgot you’re a nice kid in your house.”
“Should we continue this in my condo?”
“I do not want to.”
“What’s wrong with you Celiza?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why are you playing so hard to get?”
“I’m not ---”
“You owe me. You should be pleasing to me Celiza. Do whatever I want.”
“We’re young but you still don’t know me Toci.”
“No Celiza, I know you …”
I gasped when he kissed my neck.
I pushed him away.
“What’s the matter with you? Is it because of what I saw in the locker room that you’re acting like this? You’re used to that Celiza! That was normal for you then so why are you expecting something else?”
Because I’m tired of getting used to this situation. I cannot speak for myself. Shut my mouth on what I like or don’t like. Whatever I say will not be followed in this house.
“You don’t want to give yourself to me Celiza. I respect that. I have needs and we agreed to this set up.”
“You’re not helping Toci. Just go back outside.”
“Really? This is how you will treat me?”
“Let me remind you that if it’s not for my family you wouldn’t be studying.” I smiled at the palm.
“Then thank you to your family.” For putting me in a chained situation.
I rolled my eyes and continued preparing the food.
My eyes met when my cell phone rang.
I quickly grabbed it but he stole it from me.
“Toci me that!”
“The nerd is texting you huh?”
“So?”
“You’re having fun with him are you?”
“I’m just following your teachings Toci. Don’t play dumb.”
His hand went down on my thighs.
“I only want you to follow one thing that I taught you Celiza,” he said then planted a small kiss on the side of my lips.
That’s the thing he taught me I wouldn’t obey.
“You are late.”
I turned to where that voice came from, to Magnus, he was currently reading while sitting on the sofa of his condo.
He is wearing a simple blue shirt and shorts. While I was just wearing pants and a crop top.
Today is Sunday and no business. But I owe this teaching so I have to teach him. After all, I passed my exams!
I can graduate! I will be a prom queen and I will graduate! Not just valedictorian or honors like my parents wanted.
“I’ve fixed something in our house.” I answer.
“By the way, are you going to the prom?” I’m next.
“Do you have a dress?” I asked him but I received no response. His gaze remained on the bag I was carrying.
I don’t have to wander around anymore. I need to tell you because the timing is right.
“Can we skip class after prom? I’m sure we’re tired because we’re not,” I said.
It nodded in agreement with what I said.
Okay.
Something’s not right!
I don’t know why Magnus treats me differently today, I don’t know that he did anything bad to her or that he would be offended.
He remained silent and only nodded at me.
“Thank you for helping me review.” There was a deafening silence in the room.
It was good to know and I remembered that I had never been able to thank him for helping me.
