Saturday afternoon and I can already feel the Christmas breeze. It is actually the first week of the month of September yet the cold breeze kisses my entirety. This is now my usual day, again… boring. I used to hang out with Larimar every Saturday but, well, change is the only constant thing in this world. I have to get used to not going out with him.

I’m in the middle of scrolling through my Facebook account when I heard loud voices from downstairs. I sighed inwardly knowing what it is. This is why I hate the Fridays and weekends.

“You are all useless in this household!” My lips thinned as I listen to the loud voices downstairs. “All you do is hold your goddamn phones and play games!”

“How about you? What are you good at? You are always out and you go home drunk every goddamn time, did you hear something from me? No!” I heard my Mom fired back.

I silently got up and focused on listening. I couldn’t hear them clearly as I am upstairs but every time one raises a voice, I hear it. I decided to go downstairs to see what really is happening. I saw my Mom sitting on the sofa and my Dad standing few feet away from her when I reached the living room, I saw Lianne, my fifteen-year-old sister, standing near the kitchen door with a dim expression on her face. I went to her and asked,

“What’s up?”

“That bastard is drunk in broad daylight, and talking nonsense.” She said gritting her teeth.

I gave her a glare, “Hey! He’s still our Dad. Don’t talk to him like that.”

“Yeah, tell that to the marines. I won’t tolerate his behavior,” Lianne sighed and looked at our parents, “He keeps on shouting at Mom. You wouldn’t know because you have always been out doing God knows what!”

I looked at her in disbelief but I decided to just stay silent. Her mind is clouded and arguing with her will do no good. Instead, I went to my Dad and held his right arm.

“Dad, it’s too early to be drunk. Please tone it down. Go to your room and rest.” But to my surprise he violently dismissed my hand that is holding his arm.

Just how much did he drink?

“You! You’re the most useless person in this house. You’re the first born but you are always out and wouldn’t even help me feed this goddamn family! All you fucking do is go out and give those goddamn street children food and clothes without knowing we are--” He was cut off when my Mom shouted.

“Leandro! Don’t!”

But he heed no attention to my Mom and continued talking—shouting rather, “…without fucking knowing we are also in need! You love giving away money? Then fucking give me yours!” He, then, walked out of the house. I looked at the door where he exited, confusion is evident on my face. I am hurt by what he said but confusion took over me.

What does he mean by that?

I looked at my Mom, asking for answers but for some reason I couldn’t open my mouth, for I see her tearing up. Damn! What the hell is happening?

“Mom…” I went to her and hugged her telling her I’m just here for her. I roamed my eyes and saw Dean, my ten-year-old brother, and Cassidy, my seven-year-old sister, holding each other tears rolling on their cheeks—probably because of the shock from the loud noises caused by Dad’s shouting.

“Lianne, get Dean and Cassidy upstairs. Bring some snacks and don’t go out of your rooms until I get there, okay?” I instructed Lianne, “Big sis will buy you chocolates and everything you want so please listen to me.”

When my siblings is finally out of my sight, I sighed and faced Mom, “Are you okay?”

She just smiled at me. There was a minute of silence and then suddenly she started talking.

“I didn’t want you to worry,” She sighed, “Your Dad owes a lot of loan banks a huge amount of money. I don’t know how much but it’s more than half a million.”

“What do you mean? W-why? I mean, where did he—“ I trailed off, still shock and cannot find the right words to say.

“These past months, he got into gambling—casino—and he got addicted to it. He lost quite a lot until he decided to get a loan from loan companies, just so he could play,” Her voice shook a little, “I only found out when he told me because he said he doesn’t know what to do now. The companies keep on bugging him and filed a case on him.” I can’t believe I am hearing this. The man I idolize for being a smart man got himself in trouble because of gambling and now he is becoming an alcoholic person.

“Your Uncle Chris helped him out to settle the case filed but he still has a lot to pay,” She paused to get a deep breathe, “He’s planning to sell some of our things here in the house.” I can’t believe I’m tearing up in front of my Mom right now. I want to blame my Dad for what he did but what’s the point? It already happened and the least thing I could do is help out by finding a job.

I smiled at Mom, pretending to be strong, “Don’t worry Mom, I’ll help. I’ll find a job.”

“You don’t have to, sweetie. This is an adult problem, just keep on doing what you usually do. I can handle this.” She said caressing my hair.

“No, Mom. I can help. Please let me help.”

She sighed as she let out a small smile, “You really grew up to be a great woman and child, Dana. I’m so proud of you.”

I just smiled and hugged her.

Evening came and I’m in front of my laptop for hours now browsing for a job that accepts minors as I am only 17 years old. I’m having a hard time finding a job but I won’t give up. For my family. I can endure anything for my family.

Another hour had passed yet I still couldn’t find a job to apply for as I am not qualified for any of the job vacancies. Why do I have to be a minor and a senior high school student at a time like this?

Feeling frustrated, I decided to just open my messenger to check on my classmates. I hope they are doing well. I messaged them one by one to make sure everyone are well. Rochelle is the last person to reply saying she is doing well.

Me:

That’s great! Have a great weekend, Rochelle! Say hi to your little sister for me 

Rochelle:

Yeah, sure. Btw, did you add Joseph already? If not, now is the time.

Me:

Lol okay.

She replied again but I didn’t bother opening it anymore. Instead, I opened my Facebook account to add Joseph. I typed his name and there was only one person with the same name Rochelle gave me. I opened the profile and clicked his display picture. He is wearing eyeglasses, behind those eyeglasses are his big round eyes; His nose kind of flat; Lips are a bit pouty. He’s got a brushed back hair with mid skin fade hairstyle. I exited his photo and decided to browse through his wall. Fortunately, his account is in public so I can see his posts.

I scrolled more and found out he is also an aspiring photographer. His shots are good—nah, scratch that, his shots are awesome! Although, upon stalking his social media, I found out that his father just passed away exactly a year ago. It must be hard for him.

There was a post that caught my attention. It’s a post from his friend—that’s my guess—thanking him for paying for last semester’s tuition. Apparently, the friend’s family stumbled upon a problem thus, making him unable to pay for his tuition but to his surprise, Joseph paid for it.

‘Hmm, a good hearted guy. I think, I like him now.’

I yawned with my eyes getting heavy, I looked at my phone’s time and it was already 2:40 A.M. I can’t believe I stalked this guy until past midnight. Before I exit my Facebook application, I clicked the add button on his profile.

It was mid-September when I finally found a job. I was hired as a tutor of two adorable little kids, and just like that I got a lot of part time as I decided to tutor more kids from a small Christian school inside our subdivision. The pay was good, actually, plus I get to bond with adorable kids every Saturday and Sunday. I give 60% of my earnings to my Mom to help them out and the remaining 40% is for me. I split that forty percent into three parts; 20% goes to my savings, 40% goes to my school allowance as I stopped asking for it from my parents, and 40% goes to my donations for the less fortunate people.

It is almost as good as living a new life but I know that what I give to my Mom is too little so I still try my best to find more part time jobs so I can give my parents more and buy my siblings the food and things they want. I like spoiling my siblings because I love them so much.

Second semester is approaching and I am prepping for it for weeks now. I have been advance reading as I aim to be the batch valedictorian. I am also prepping for the upcoming college entrance examinations. Everything is almost as normal as singing the alphabet song. I am coping well with the family problem that arose few weeks ago, but I didn’t stop part time working as I want to save a lot of money. I’m planning to invest my savings in a mutual fund when I turn 18 to upstart my adulating, I have to have investments for passive incomes.

Next week would be our semestral break before we proceed to second semester. This week is only allotted for those who have incomplete requirements to change their failing grades. Yes, this oh-so strict Catholic University still gives chances to the students who failed the semester. Isn’t it ironic how I study in a very reserved and religious university when I don’t even believe in god?

“Sweetie, take a break first. Here have some cookie.” I smiled at Mrs. Diana Ly as I get a cookie form the tray she is holding.

“Yey! Cookies!” Shouted Rianne as she grabbed three cookies and stuffed it all in her mouth. I laughed watching her. She really is an adorable cheerful kid.

I’m here at Mrs. Diana Ly’s house tutoring her daughter, Rianne. Her house is actually is not far from our house. It is just a few blocks away from ours. The house is big enough for a hundred visitors in a party. No kidding. This house reeks of richness. Our house is also big but not as big as this. We are not rich, just average. From the upper middle-class—well, I guess not anymore because of my father’s debts.

I haven’t heard anything from my parents in regards of the problem my father is facing right now but I see to it to look after them and my siblings from time to time to make sure that they are okay and doing well. So far, everything looks okay and normal. I hope it will be over soon.

After a few more hours of teaching and playing with Rianne, I went home. It’s actually too early to go homme. I usually go home by 8P.M. but my next scheduled tutee is on a vacation so I’m going home early to help my Mom prepare dinner.

“Hey, Mom!” Smiling, I kiss her cheeks and went upstairs to change my clothes. After resting for half an hour, I went downstairs to help Mom prepare dinner. When I reached the kitchen I saw Mom already prepping the ingredients.

“What are we cooking?” I asked while washing my hands.

“Your favorite.”

“Omg! Bistek!” I clapped my hands in excitement. It’s been a while since I had my favorite dish, “Make sure to cook more rice. I’m going to eat a lot!” I added happily.

I cut the beef, mince the garlic and chop the onions while Mom heats the pan and gets the other ingredients. After I am done with my tasked work, I sit down to watch Mom do the rest but while watching her I noticed her right arm has a combination of blue, black and violet spots. I checked her other arm and there is also one—but bigger. I stood up to touch it and I saw her flinch. She looked at me nervously, trying to hide her arms.

“Is that a bruise, Mom? Where did you get that?” I asked eyeing her suspiciously.

“Nothing, I just bumped into something I don’t even remember.” I didn’t answer and just continued looking at her, “Hey, don’t worry okay? I’m just quite stupid last time. Sit down and let me finish all the cooking now.” I reluctantly sat down again. I don’t know if I should buy her excuse but that’s definitely not caused by bumping into a hard thing. I would know, I’m the clumsiest in this house and I always bump into things and I never had a bruise that big and dark.

“If you say so.” I scoffed.

Days passed and I keep on seeing new bruises on different part of Mom’s body but I did not say a thing because I’m sure she will just say the same thing. I am not always at home even if it’s our semestral break because I still tutor some kids. You know the typical rich families wanting their children to always be on top.

It was Saturday mid-morning, I was about to go to Mrs. Flores’ house because I have a schedule to teach her son. She also invited me to have lunch with them before the tutoring session begins which I gladly accepted. I was walking downstairs when Lianne called me.

“Dana…” I turn around to face her, smiling.

“Yes?”

“Please…” Her eyes became unfocused, “D-don’t go.”

My brows furrowed, “Huh? Lianne, I have to go to work. You understand, right?”

“B-but…”

“What is it? Tell me, you won’t ask me not to go if there’s no reason at all.”

Instead of answering she pulled up her pajamas and it showed bad bruises. I looked at her in shock.

“Where did you get that?!” My voice raised a little, “No, wait. Give me a second.” I said as I fished out my phone from my sling bag to call Mrs. Flores and inform her I can’t make it to the appointment today and asked if we could reschedule it. After talking for minutes, we bid our goodbyes.

I turn to Lianne as I pull her to my room.

“Talk, honey. Where did you get those?”

“D-d-dad…” My eyes widen in shock. Tears welled up as well. I look at my poor little sister while she sobs, her hands covering her face.

Realization hit me as I remember Mom’s everyday new bruises. Fear succumbed my being thinking my two little siblings do have bruises, too.

“T-tell me, do you also see him hurting Mom?” My voice still shaking, “How about Dean and Cassidy? D-do they also have…” I couldn’t finish it fearing what I’m about to say is actually true.

“Cassidy wasn’t hit…” She said, now a bit more collected, “b-because Dean took the h-hit...”