The Runaway

This is a re-post from my old blog.

Charlotte* is a Filipina who was born and who grew up in the United States. I met her in college. She was 18 at the time and was SENT HOME here in the Philippines so she can take her tertiary education. She was taking up BS Nursing when we became friends. She is a nice, sweet girl speaking in American English, accented Pilipino and flawless Ilocano. For traditional Filipino boys, she was quite intimidating, until she met Bong.

About 6 years her senior, Bong is not an average guy. He was already in his 10th year in college, 3rd course (3rd time that he shifted) and in his 24th year of life with nothing he can say 'he finished.' He was so irresponsible that his own parents already gave up on him but were still sending him to school just so he has something else to do instead of irritating them to death. Then, he met Charlotte.

It was an UNLIKELY match. A sweet young girl and a.. never mind. The moment they fell in love with each other was, for us, the greatest thing that ever happened to Bong. He transformed from a worthless bum into a responsible and amicable man we always wanted him to be. After a couple of years, Bong FINALLY graduated from college. And that day was a double celebration for that was also the day Charlotte found out that she was pregnant. Being a newly graduate at 26, Bong had a difficult time looking for a job. For one, he was over-age, in addition, his transcript of record was not a pleasant sight. So, Charlotte's mother helped them out. She rented a house for the couple and sent them money while Bong was looking for a job. And he did find one. But his basic salary was not enough for food, for Charlotte's education and for the baby's needs. Life was TOUGH.

But they made it through.. After some while, I learned that Charlotte already finished her Nursing course. Now, they can have an easy life.. or so I THOUGHT, because one day, Charlotte packed her things, left Bong and the baby, went back to the US and NEVER CAME BACK. With one final letter of goodbye to Bong, we never heard of her again..

Some people always say 'They have no choice.' That is not entirely true. They simply couldn't take the consequences of the other choices they have and so limit the options to the only one they think they could live (even miserably) with.

*Not real name