CHAPTER 2

SAGE's Point of View]

"Sebastian Arellano, the son of the respected Atty. Samuel Arellano, was spotted in a nightclub." Tiim-panga at mahigpit ang pagkakahawak n'ya sa cellular phone habang binabasa ang isang article sa aking harapan.

I thought the heaven opened its gate when she summoned me from my exclusive training in the firm to meet her in her office. But after she read that news with contempt, I realized how silly I am to expect that she just wanted to see me this morning. Of course she has ‘something important’ to say; either to say I'm doing bad or to say I'm doing worst.

She gave me a sharp stare as she stood tall in front of me but a mere, bored look beyond the lens of my eyeglasses was the only thing I gave her.

"What in the deepest hell is this, Sebastian?!" She roared at me.

"What's wrong with that?" I asked her back without any single trail of enthusiasm. Anong big deal kung nasa nightclub ako? As far as I know, it wasn't illegal.

"What's wrong? You don't know what's wrong?" She let a sarcastic laugh and looked at me with disbelief. "A soon to be eminent lawyer and heir of a real estate empire was hanging around in an indecent place full of nasty and irresponsible people and you're asking me what's wrong with that?!"

"Mom, I wasn't there to booze or hang out with anyone," I firmly answered her. She's being too exaggerated again. I was there to look around and... observe.

"And do you expect me to buy that excuse?"

"No. I just want to tell you the truth." I diverted my gaze and mumbled, "You know the truth."

Napahilot s'ya sa kanyang sentido at mariing pumikit. For sure alam n'ya na ang tinutukoy ko. We've fought about this— a lot of times— lately.

"So, this is all about that? That... that stupid passion and... and filthy dream again?" She grimaced and motioned her hands, showing disgust.

"Yes," I blatantly said. "And it isn't stupid and filthy. It's my DREAM, mom."

"Sebastian!— for God's love Sebastian." Pigil ang kanyang paghinga na parang pinipilit n'ya nang huwag sumigaw. Tuluyan s'yang napaupo sa aking tabi. She clasped my hands and looked at me with her teary eyes.

"That isn't a dream, my son. Hindi pangarap ang paghahalo-halo ng kung ano-anong drinks at pagse-serve sa mga tao. Its just a... let's say, its just a mere hobby. It isn't even a real job," she said in a gentle tone like a real mom pleasing her baby.

"And you, Sebastian Arellano, doesn't need to dream. Can't you see that? Nasa iyo na ang lahat. Hindi mo na kailangan pa ng mga pangarap. There is no place for dreams in your reality. Stay focused on the reality."

My brows furrowed as I felt irritated from what she had said. Before, I thought being born as a sole heir of the Arellano's real estate empire and law firm was the craziest thing my mom told me. Pero ang marinig mula sa kanya na ang isang katulad ko ay hindi na kailangang mangarap? I couldn't help but to feel disappointed and pissed.

All people need a dream to live! It isn't living if you're not dreaming. And bartending isn't just a simple thing nor a mere hobby for me. It makes me happy. It's my passion. It's my dream.

"You're smart. I know you understand. So, please son. Stop that nonsense—"

"No, mom." matigas kong tugon sa kanya. Sinalubong ko ang mga nagpapaawa n'yang mga mata with all the courage I got. "I do need a dream. I DO have a dream."

I stood up and removed her hands on mine. Naging mabigat ang mga hakbang ko patungo sa pintuan ng kanyang opisina. Ayoko ng magtagal pa dito. I don't want to reach the tip of my patience and totally forget that she is my mother.

"Sebastian! Where do you think you're going?"

Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad patungo sa pinto, ignoring her unseemly question.

"Don't be stubborn, Sebastian! ‘Wag mo akong bigyan ng dahilan na iparating pa 'to sa daddy mo!" sigaw n'ya pa. I took a halt and my hand froze from reaching the doorknob. 

She really knows how to give me shivers.

"He will be furious for sure. He will be very disappointed to know that you're engaging to that stupid fondness."

I know. Dad will be disappointed. He never been proud of me, actually. And... I'm used to it. I even doubt it if I can really make him proud.

Bahagya akong natulala sa daliri kong ilang pulgada na lang ang layo sa door knob. Napabuntong-hininga ako at napayuko saka matamlay na ibinaba ang aking kamay. I clenched my trembling fist and turned to her again.

She arched her brow and victoriously smiled at me as she crossed her arms on her chest. I looked at her with a straight face and fixed the glasses resting on the bridge of my nose.

"Do it," I mumbled.

She was caught off guard. Her quivering lips parted as her eyes popped out.

"Go on. Tell dad," pag-uulit ko bago muli s'yang tinalikuran at tuluyang binuksan ang pinto. Unang bumungad sa akin ang kanyang personal assistant na agad ding umiwas ng tingin.

I walked with large steps through the aisle. I traverse the hall with the curious stares of the employees currently working in their respective cubicles. But I care less.

"Sebastian, get back here!" I heard her scream behind my back.

"S-sir Sebastian, t-tinatawag ka po ng mommy n'yo," aligagang paghabol sa akin ng kanyang personal assistant. "Bumalik na po kayo d'un, sir."

Hindi ko s'ya pinansin at nagpatuloy sa aking paglalakad paalis ng lugar. She kept on pleasing me to go back but I chose to ignore her. No one will stop me this time. Not my mom or this assistant. Not even my dad.

This is my life and I should have full control of it. This is my final decision.

Nakarating ako sa elevator. Agad na nagpulasan ang mga dapat ay sasakay dito. I don't want to be treated like this, to be avoided. But because I am an Arellano, people think I am someone to be afraid of. 

"Sir, please! Bumalik na po kayo doon," pagmamakaawa pa din ng assistant hanggang sa makatapak ako sa loob ng elevator. I pressed the ground floor button and stood tall as I removed my spectacles and threw it on one side. I inserted my hands inside my jeans' pocket and before the door closes, I firmly told her;

"Tell Mrs. Arellano that this time, ako naman ang masusunod."