The Pretend - a Short story

“The real question is, why do we have to attend that party? Why do we have all to pretend? Kuya, do you have something to say?”

          There was a group of children who live in a dark, small bungalow. They don’t have their parents anymore. All that they’ve had were themselves.

In order to live, these ten children are working in restaurants, shops and houses as helpers or in streets selling sampaguita. They work and work as long as they can. Only one of them was studying and it was John. John is the eldest among them. He was the group’s leader. He was their big brother. He gave hopes to the group of having a good life when he’ll graduate in college and find a good job.

All of those traits changed when John reached college. Because of his high grades in High school, he was studying in a prestige university as a full scholar. During High school, he used to work after classes and manages to bring pansit or chocolates for the group, no matter how small his salary was. The group used to be John’s first priority.

          During his college time, he was always going home late. The group was used to it thinking he’s working somewhere. They were surprised to see him drunk when going home sometimes.  

          One day, while Mariz, Joanne and Camille were selling Sampaguita near John’s university, they’ve decided to go to the nearby store for refreshments when they saw John and his friends. Gleefully, they approached their big brother and hugged him. They were seeing John’s friends murmuring. His friends asked him, “Do you know them John?” Mariz, Joanna and Camille were shocked when John said, “Who are you people? Sorry but I won’t buy your sampaguita. Maybe next time!” John said it while shooing Mariz, Joanna and Camille.

          When he got home, he didn’t even explain what happened there. He just said, “Guys, we were invited in my classmate’s debut party!” Everyone was so excited but the youngest among them, Apple asked, “But Kuya, what are we gonna wear?” John replied, “Don’t worry Apple, my super rich friend presented he’ll let me borrow some of his family’s clothes and I’ll be getting those tomorrow. By the way, when somebody will ask about you, tell them you are all studying in a prestige private school.” Ian, replied, “But why Kuya?” John replied, “Just do it!” “Okay Kuya!”, Ian replied.

          The next day, John got the clothes from his friend. The group was so happy to see the clothes. Fitting them made them feel glamorous. The day of the party has come and the group was well-dressed.

          John introduced the group as his cousins to Jasmine, the debutant. The party was filled with rich people. The food was so good. When they got home, they were so thankful to John.

          “Oh, where are you schooling?” Jasmine asked Bryan, “Uhm, I’m currently studying in a private school. I’m in 4^th Year High school.” Bryan lied. John saw what happened and interrupted the two, “Excuse me Jasmine, I have to talk to my cousin.” He grabbed Bryan and said, “Thank God, you followed my orders.” Bryan replied, “But, why do we have to lie Kuya?”, “Just do it!” John said.

          The next day, John went to his classmate’s house to return the expensive clothes. After 10 minutes, he went home weeping. “Guys, the clothes were stolen and it costs P50,000 all in all.” John said. “Kuya, what are we gonna do?” Joy asked. “The real question is, why do we have to attend that party? Why do we have all to pretend? Kuya, do you have something to say?” Mariz interrupted. “Ate Mariz, what do you mean?” Joy asked. “Kuya John is pretending to be rich. He has rich friends. He doesn’t need us anymore. He’s forgotten us.” Mariz answered. “He pretended not to know us when we saw him with his friends. He was ashamed of us. He even shooed us.” Mariz added and Joanne and Camille agreed. “I’m very sorry Mariz, Camille, Joanne, to all of you. I hope you will all forgive. Yes, I’ve pretended to be rich to my friends. Yes. I was ashamed of you when I saw you. That was the greatest sin I’ve ever made. Please forgive me. I’ll never do it again.”

The group went to tears. John was pretending to be rich in his friends’ eyes. The group decided that they’ll all work to pay the cost of the clothes. John stopped schooling and worked in order to pay their debt. After 5 years, they’ve totally paid their debt. They were all happy about it. John didn’t make it to college again and he was so sad because he didn’t give a good life to the group which served as his family. John and the group wasn’t the same anymore. The tightness they’ve had before was vanishing - and that was all because of his pretend.

by: Aldrin O. Juanico

(Also featured in http://www.bubblews.com/news/739329-the-pretend-a-short-story)