As we entered the parking lot of the school, the light shined off the glossy exterior of Kent's car. It was a sleek, black Toyota Camry, the typical car type that a rich college student has in our school. Sheena and I exchanged a glance, our eyes communicating the unspoken realization that Kent was well-off.
Sheena couldn't help but compliment his car.
"Nice car, is this the black Toyota Camry?"
Kent said "Thank you, and yes it is" while he key fob the door
Kent, catching up, his voice friendly and inviting. "You can sit in the front, Julián," he said, gesturing towards the passenger seat.
Sheena playfully frowned, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, I want to be the princess right now," she teased, poking me with her elbow.
I couldn't help but giggle at her statement, with a warm smile. "Of course, you are the princess," I replied, affectionately acknowledging her playful request.
Sheena eagerly claimed her place in the front seat, while I opened the door to the back seat.
Kent, now in the driver's seat, turned to us and asked, "Where do you wanna eat?"
Without hesitation, I responded, "I wanna eat proben."
Sheena nodded enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, I also love Proben!"
Kent's brows furrowed slightly, his curiosity evident. "Proben? What is Proben?" he inquired, genuinely puzzled.
Sheena and I exchanged glances. "You don't know what Proben is?" I asked, surprised that he didn't about this famous street food.
Meanwhile, Kent, had a confused tint forming on his face as he scratched the back of his hair. "Honestly, I don't know. I've lived in the US all my life, so I'm not familiar with Filipino culture."
I continued the conversation. "You came from America?" I asked, seeking to understand his background better.
Sheena chimed in, her curiosity reflecting my own. "Are you half-Filipino?" she inquired, wondering about Kent.
Before Kent could answer, a careless driver suddenly turned, causing our car to screech to a stop. The sudden interval stunned Kent, and he instantly shifted from his friendly demeanor to an expression of anger.
His face flushed, and he started to unleash a string of frustrated words in his condo style
"posting ina mow, You should Drive nang matino" venting his frustration at the reckless driver.
Sheena and I exchanged stunned glances, unable to contain our laugh. We found Kent's unexpected rage amusing, his normally calm and calm behavior. The sight of him losing his composure with a Conyo accent was funny to us, and we couldn't help but find his outburst cute and social
As the car finally resumed its journey Kent laughed with us
"And condo mo naman mag mura," Sheena said while laughing, our laughter filled the air,
After parking the car and arriving at the mall, the three of us walked toward the entrance, Sheena's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "I think Kamayan is the right choice. Let's eat Filipino food!"
Kent nodded in agreement, his mouth-watering craving for local flavors. "Sure, I'm also craving chicken inasal,"
As we entered the restaurant, Kamayan. In English means eating food with one hand. We found a table as we sat I looked at the menu board that was on the table, only to be momentarily dumbfounded by the prices shown.
"Kung gusto niya naman ng Filipino food eh nag carinderya nalang sana kami, mas mura pa," I said to myself
Noticing my surprise, Kent, ever generous, assured us, "Guys, order what you like. It's my treat."
Sheena wasted no time and immediately called the waiter.
"Excuse me ms, can I have the are kare with rice?" pointing out the kare-kare on the menu.
My gaze followed her finger, and I noticed that it was priced at 350 pesos, designed to serve three people. While the dish sounded tempting, I couldn't help but feel a hint of hesitation due to its price.
Meanwhile, Kent confidently ordered the chicken inasal. Intrigued by his choice, I decided to join him and also ordered the same dish.
Just as the waiter was about to leave and relay our orders to the kitchen, Kent raised his hand to grab his attention. "Wait, can we also get sisig, tinolang manok, and three servings of halo-halo?" he requested with a smile.
I glanced at the menu once more, fully aware that the bill would be costly. However, knowing that Kent was treating us, my concerns softened, and I nodded in agreement.
As we waited for the arrival of our food, Kent remembered the conversation from earlier and decided to share more about himself. "Let me continue what I shared earlier. Yes, I'm from America. I moved here last month," he said.
Sheena realized and complimented his accent. "That's why your accent is good," she remarked before turning her attention to the topic of our courses. "By the way, what are your courses?"
Sheena initiated, proudly stating, "Mine is psychology."
Kent followed, affirming, "Mine is International Studies."
I chimed in, sharing my course "And mine is political science," I added.
Sheena then shared her personal story, explaining that psychology wasn't her preliminary choice. She revealed that her father, being a psychologist himself, had influenced her decision. She had longed to pursue fine arts, but the prevalent unrecognized and underappreciation of art in the Philippines had pushed her towards practical courses instead.
Kent added in, sharing the thought process behind his choice. He explained that he had selected his course with the future in mind, knowing that he would likely be working in the Philippine- US embassy. Even though they have a business
As our conversations wafted, our plates arrived, filled with delicious dishes that oozed the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine. We eagerly munch into the flavors, savoring each bite and sharing appreciative nods and smiles.
Once we had finished the meal. It was delicious but I prefer my mom's cooking.
"Mas masarap pa luto no mama," I said to myself
We leaned back in our chairs, Sheena suddenly unbutton his pants because of her stomach. we immersed in lively conversation. We conveyed stories, dipping deeper into our backgrounds, dreams, and aspirations.
In a moment, Sheena remember that I didn't share about my choice of taking pol sci as my course. Understanding her curiosity, she turned to me, her voice filled with curiosity. "Tell us why you took pol sci," she gently requested
I shared with them why I took the course, saying "My dad, he always had this vision for me to become a lawyer. It was his dream, his expectation. And for the longest time, I believed it was mine too.
But deep down, in the isolated closets of my heart, there was another passion burning to dazzle and it was Performing arts." I also added
"Oh, how I wished to Dace, to do a pirouette, to express myself on stage. It was a dream that filled my thoughts, fueled my imagination, and brought me pure joy.
Yet, the reality of it all came crashing down upon me. In the Philippines, pursuing art, and embracing creativity, it's often seen as foolish, and insignificant.
"Walang pera sa sayaw" "Walang pera as Art"
Practicality is important, and creative dreams are prohibited in the world of what's considered acceptable.
So, I made a choice. I surrendered my ambitions, and to be practical. And it was a harsh pill to swallow. To let go of something that you always love,
It's a bittersweet realization, isn't it?
people like us want to become successful,
and here we are trying to become one. but we end up pursuing different paths than the young us always imagine and wanted. It's a tough realization that our dreams may not be meant for us."
As we walked through the mall, the serene melodies of classical music drifted toward us, guiding our steps toward the outdoor garden. The sound of a violin brought us closer, and we discovered a sole musician playing with his violin.
Kent, always one to take away the moment, turned to me with an excited glare in his eyes. "Juliàn, show us your ballet skills. Dance for us," he begged a hint of excitement in his voice.
Sheena joined in, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Please, Juliàn. We've heard so much about your talent. Share it with us."
I couldn't help but feel a scramble of shyness wash over me. But as I searched the area and realized there were no other bystanders, I reluctantly agreed to their requests. I took a deep breath, gathering the courage within me.
With each pointed toe and graceful movement, I lost myself in the enchantment of the music. The world altered around me, and I felt lightweight as if I were wafting on air. It was as though I danced in solitude, unaware that the entire mall had become an audience for my impromptu performance. The people, amazed by the unexpected performance, quickly pulled out their phones, capturing the moment on video.
unaware of the growing crowd, I continued to dance with ease. The music reached its peak, and as the final notes reverberated, the silence that followed was broken by a surge of cheering. I was snapped back to reality, my cheeks flushing with a mixture of shock and shyness.
When I saw Kent's mouth open and Sheena jumping with joy, a mixture of shock and shyness surged through my heart. Overwhelmed, I rushed towards them, tugging at their arms, persuading them to follow me towards the exit of the garden.
Confusion etched on their faces, Kent couldn't help but ask, "Why are we running?"
Breathless and still in a state of disbelief, I turned to them, a shy smile on my lips. "I never realized that everyone at the mall saw me dance. They were recording it on their phones. I thought we were the only ones there."
Kent's curiosity. "You have stage frights?" he inquired, a mix of surprise and admiration in his voice.
Seeking a moment of respite, Sheena suggested finding a nearby seat to chat. The three of us entered a cozy, locally owned café, ready to loosen up and evaluate the unexpected turn of events. As I approached the counter, preparing to place my order and pay, Sheena, interfered, insisting on taking care of the bill.
It was in that café, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and we exchanged stories and laughter. Suddenly Sheena who was curious ask
"Why do you have stage frights? She said while sipping the coffee
Kent added "When did you start dancing"
With a deep breath, I shared and opened up. "It all started when I was just eight years old. My mother, she was a ballerina, too. She saw the potential in me.
She taught me the craft of ballet, and I fell in love with it. Every plié, every pirouette, it was like my spirit came alive with each movement. I poured my spirit and heart into my art, and it became my passion, my escape from the world.
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to compete on a national stage. It was my chance to qualify for the international arena, to showcase my talent on a global scale. The anticipation, the nerves, consumed me.
That night, as I performed, something incredible happened. People whispered words of admiration, telling me that I was the best that night. But fate can be cruel. Despite my best efforts, circumstances plotted against me.
Cheating tarnished the competition, and I found myself in second place. A girl from a prestigious private school claimed the top spot. Deep inside, I knew I had given my all, that I deserved that victory. But it slipped away from me, like sand through my fingers.
The disappointment hit me like a tidal surge, and I plummeted into a dark place. Depression clenched me, and I made the hard decision to stop dancing. It was as if a part of me had crushed, and I didn't know how to mend the broken pieces.
So, as I stood there in the garden, dancing for you, I was confronting my fears, my doubts, and the ghosts of my past. And when I realized that the whole mall had witnessed my performance, it was like an echo of that pain, that failure resurfaced within me."
" so that's my story" Everyone went silent
As the hours passed, our conversation flowed effortlessly. Time seemed to fly by, and before we knew it, it was already 7 in the evening. We realized it was time to head home.
Sheena and Kent kindly offered to drop me off at the Sakayan, As we arrived at our destination, I turned to face them, a smile on my face, and heartfelt gratitude in my voice.
"Thank you both so much for the incredible time we've had today. And, of course, Kent, thank you for the treat. It meant a lot."
However, as I expressed my gratitude, I noticed a hint of worry in Kent's eyes. His concern stemmed from the dimly lit surroundings of the izakaya, with flickering lights casting eerie shadows.
"Sure ka safe dito?"
I assured him that I would be safe, not wanting to burden them with unnecessary worries
"I appreciate your concern, Kent, but rest assured, I'll be safe. I've taken this route numerous times, and I know the area well. Please don't worry about me."
And as they prepared to leave, I waved them goodbye, watching the car gradually fade into the distance.
Opening my phone, I quickly texted my mom and dad, letting them know that I was about to head home and that I was waiting for the jeepney to arrive.
A group of intoxicated men nearby had caught sight of me and began shouting in my direction.
"TAGAY PRE!" (Bottoms up)
Startled, I instinctively moved to the side, hoping to avoid any confrontation. However, they noticed my reaction and started advancing toward me, their drunken laughter echoing in the air. My heart pounded in my chest as fear washed over me.
As the group closed in on me, one of them got closer took a swing, and slapped me in the but. The others erupted in laughter, mocking me for my feminine features.
"uy Bakla, para kang babae ah" (Hey faggot, you look like a girl)
I froze in place, on the verge of tears, as another man spewed vulgar remarks.
"Baka babae yan, patikim naman" (maybe it's a girl, let me have a taste)
Before I could comprehend the situation, the man-made another move toward me, ready to touch me again. In a panic, I instinctively pushed him away.
"Wag po!" (Pls don't touch me)
further infuriating the group. In retaliation, one of them struck me with a powerful slap, causing me to stumble and collapse to the ground.
"Putang ina mo! Sino ka para awaken no" (Who the hell are you to touch me) said the man
The rest of the men joined in, preparing to kick me while I lay defenseless on the ground. Desperate and afraid, I cried out for help, hoping someone would intervene.
Just when I thought all hope was lost, a tall figure suddenly emerged from the violence, standing between me and my attackers. My vision blurred as I struggled to regain my eyesight, but I could see the silhouette of a man defending me, bravely confronting the group. five bad guys against this lone man. Though outnumbered, delivering swift blows to his opponents.
Suddenly, one of the attackers grabbed a nearby piece of wood and struck the man, causing him to stumble and fall. At that moment, I saw something remarkable—a bizarre glow emanating from the man's hands. Confusion washed over me, and as I tried to process what I was seeing, darkness enveloped my consciousness, and everything went black.
When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself in a police station, covered by a black blazer that exuded a pleasant fragrance. Memories of the attack came surging back, and I quickly sat up, still shaken by what happened. In the room, I saw the man who had come to my rescue engaged in conversation with the police. Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached them, anxious to understand what had happened. However, I couldn't help but notice that the man does not have bruises or bloodstains, despite being hit with the wooden object.
Just as I was about to join them, a familiar voice called out my name.
"Totoy!"
It was my mom and dad, rushing toward me with concern inscribed across their faces. My mom enfold me in a tight embrace, her worry noticeable
"Okay, ka lang ba? Hindi ka ba nasaktan?"
(Are you ok? Are you hurt?) as she checked me for any signs of injury.
Meanwhile, my dad spoke with the police, delving into the details of the incident and inquiring about the man who had come to my aid.
"Sir ano pong nangyari?" As he shakes both of their hands
"Totoy, like umopo ka muna" (rotor, come and let's have a seat) my mom and I found a seat on a nearby bench
I couldn't help but steal glances at the man who had saved me, our eyes meeting momentarily. There was an unspoken connection between us, and he was familiar to me, it's like I saw him before.
Time seemed to pass in a blur, and before I knew it, my dad approached us.
"Okay na, nakulong an ang mag tarantado, pwede na tayong umuwi" ( We can go home now, the attackers are behind bars now)
confirming that we were free to go.
My parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the man who had risked himself to protect me.
"Sir maraming salamat po" (Thank you very much) while my mom shook his hands
The man uttered a single word in a deep voice, he look up at me first and then said
"Walang animal po" (No problem)
As we prepared to leave, I found myself standing at the door, clutching the man's blazer that I had been wearing. At that moment, a surge of courage and gratitude coursed through me.
"Ma, Pa teka lang assault ko muna to" (Mom, dad. Wait I'll just return this) I turned back, running towards him
And as I turned around, my heart thumped in my chest, and began running back toward him. There he sat, on the bench, his eyes lifting to meet mine as I approached. At that moment, time seemed to stand still as we locked gazes. Without a word, I extended my hand, offering him his blazer.
He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Our hands finally touched as he accepted the blazer, and a jolt of electricity coursed through me. His touch was gentle, his hands surprisingly smooth against mine. It was as if our souls recognized each other, drawn together by an unseen connection
But as quickly as the moment had come, I reluctantly pulled away and said
"Maraming salamat po" (Thank you so much, sir)
With a glance back, I ran towards the door, a blend of emotions stirring inside me. Confusion was absorbed with anticipation.
As I stepped outside, I couldn't resist stealing one last look back. And there he stood, watching me intently, our eyes meeting once again. In that silent exchange, I sensed that something significant had occurred between us—a connection that could change everything.
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2023
MOON AND DEATH
By TBW
BL
NOTE:
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