Student’s Short Fiction
When a girl just wants to have fun...
What could possibly go wrong?
Shot Glass
By Charmaine Sanchez
After that night, my friends never again had trouble in convincing me to go out with them at night. I learned to wear the right clothes and with Tatay's monthly padala, I bought a lot of shorts and skirts in Divisoria. I had no reason to look like a farm girl anymore and I really wanted to look like a real girl. Nikki taught me how to use make-up. She taught me a few techniques in adding pretty shades to my eyes, what lipstick color would look good on me, and the right scent of perfume to use. From head to foot, I was definitely a changed lady and it made me feel really good. A few changes wouldn't hurt. What could possible go wrong?
We went out almost every night and I really needed money. I had to temporarily give away the golden necklace my Nanay gave me during my 18th birthday in exchange for a thousand pesos. I thought that I could probably get it back when Tatay sends his padala for me.
I was now able to taste all sorts of liquor. Margarita, Martini, Scotch, Champagne, Vodka and expensive Whiskeys. It was really fun being free. My friends taught me how to smoke, too. I was hesitant at first because I was against smoking, but they told me as long as I get to control my number of sticks per day, everything would be fine. Two sticks usually did the trick in relaxing my nerves after my classes.
During long weekends, I didn't want to go back to our barrio anymore. I didn't want to be there and didn't even bother to pay my parents a visit. I would usually call Tatay to tell him we had many activities to work on. I haven't gone home for three months straight.
I embraced all the fun with my friends. I enjoyed the liberty, yes. But when I received my mid-term grades I realized one thing that went wrong. I lost grip on my studies. How can I show this to Nanay and Tatay? I felt so awful at all the red marks on my report card. All my life, I never had problems about my grades. I loved school. I loved being a student. But what have I done?
I had to do something. And I knew it was to stop what I've been doing all those times. What I wanted was just to enjoy my independent life. Too much of anything could really be bad. I abused the long distance between me and home. I had to stop my carelessness and I had to do it fast.
"Isabel, what are you still doing in bed? Let's go!"
"Mae, I have quizzes tomorrow. I think I'll have to pass for now."
"You're kidding, right?"
"Girls, I have to study. You go on without me."
"Fine. But tomorrow, you're going with us." Angela answered but sulked and they all stepped out of the room.
***Has Isabel finally resolved to steer her life back to the right track? Or will her friends win her over again? Find out in the final installment of this story next edition.
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