Silhouette of Yesterday

THE JUDGEMENT

Ninth of January.

The parents of the two boys involved in the viral video received a letter from the school summoning them for a closed door meeting with the school principal.It was scheduled tomorrow morning at nine o' clock. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee had been laid down after weeks of serious deliberation and carefully weighing of the situation.

Mr. Alejandro Andres, the school principal, came early to his office located at the third floor of the three storey building.He was preparing his office for the expected visitors. As he rolled up the venetian blind of the window, he saw some students playing football in the field. From the other side, he saw students having their dance rehearsal while others were sitting on the benches under the umbrella tree reviewing their lesson for their next class. He looked at these students with huge potentials ready to take significant and big roles in the country in the near future. As he looked back from the humble beginnings of the school way back in 1980, he had witnessed the ups and downs of the school. The school encountered the most devastating suffering in 1990 because of the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that wreaked havoc in the northern part of the country, killing thousands of people and leaving millions worth of damaged and washed out properties. The school suffered extensive damage. The building that sheltered hundreds of students collapsed that buried them all alive. These students died with their dreams and aspirations. If only they were still alive and grew up, they were surely among the successful professionals that the school had proudly produced.He found his eyes brimming with tears.

He then started thinking about Dylan and Vince. These boys were really brilliant, undoubtedly the pride of the school. If the school would kick them out, perhaps their future would be greatly affected.

Mr. Andres was reading the one-page letter from the school administrator containing the final verdict to the two boys when he heard a gentle knock on the door. Doctor Dean Santos, father of Dylan, came in and flashed a big smile. He immediately greeted him and offered a handshake. He looked very calm and still behaved with composure as he sat down in front of the principal. He was ready for whatever the decision of the school and punishment to his son's actions.

Fifteen minutes later, Vince 's parents arrived. Mr. Vicente Cruz, the very strict, respected and accomplished Head of the City Police Station, showed an authoritative gesture as he entered the room. His presence was intimidating. He was with his beautiful wife, Mrs. Sally Cruz, a soft spoken, calm and prim full- time housewife, who held his hand to remind him to keep calm. But his hand was shaking and she could feel his raging emotions inside. She knew that he was thinking of Vince's welfare.But more than that, he was concerned with his reputation and his name.

"Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Cruz. It is always nice to meet you. Please have a seat." The principal gave a pleasant look. Mr. Cruz seriously nodded while his wife smiled courteously." I know there is a lot to talk about. But how are you doing?" the principal simply asked, setting a light mood.

"I apologize for what happened. It has been a devastating moment for all the parties involved.The passing days certainly has its emotional cost. My son's coming out has carried a price.He is at rock bottom. I am all he's got. So I will always stand with my child." Mr. Santos sincerely responded.

"With all due respect Mr. Andres, let's get it straight.What's the decision?" Mr. Cruz impatiently demanded. His wife sighed,then, gently held his hand.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cruz and Mr. Santos, there is no doubt that your boys are the best and most brilliant students here on campus.They will surely have a bright future. Our school is highly recognized because of their contributions.But with what happened to them, they need our guidance and support." he paused for a while, "Our institution has created its own policies. And as far as our school is concerned, homosexuality has no place in this place." Mr. Andres honestly said with empathy towards them.

" Mr. Andres, my son is wrongfully accused. In fact, my son is not what you think he is.I am pretty sure he is innocent. He is just a victim of irresponsible and desperate teenage boy." Mr. Cruz exclaimed and gave a sharp look at Mr. Santos. He was fuming over Dylan. Tension was about to spark.

" Ahem!" Mr. Santos cleared his throat. He was containing his emotions. He did not want to be baited into a fight with him. Though Mr. Cruz's provocative words irked him, he remained calm and professional. He was there not to create another trouble, but to fix things up.

Mrs. Cruz gasped out an apology "Maybe our sons are still young and innocent. I think they still do not know what they are doing? Mr. Andres, please! Do you mean expulsion of these boys from this school the only option left?" Mrs. Cruz, softly spoke with sadness and despondency. She also felt regret for Vince if he would be expelled since his graduation from highschool was nearly approaching.

Vince wanted to be a university professor. He surely knew it was his passion but his father wanted him to follow his footsteps. This was Vince's struggle whether to take the lead or to let his father take control. He needed to decide as soon as possible because few months from now he would be entering college life.

"No, Mrs. Cruz." There was a sudden relief from both parents. "We are not expelling the boys. In fact, the Disciplinary Committee of this school just issued a weeklong suspension for the two boys. The committee is giving them a chance. We are giving time to take a rest. We knew they have been exhausted with what they are going through. " Mr. Andres blissfully said. "We hope that they have learned their lesson. They are boys and they should act as boys. They should act accordingly. They should not put their morality at stake."He emphasized.

" Well, that's good to hear." Vince's father responded.

"Thank you so much sir?" Mrs. Cruz was overjoyed and was relieved.

After an hour of conversation, the spouse bid their goodbye. Mr. Santos was left with the principal.

"Mr. Santos, Dylan is ahead of his time. I think society is not yet prepared for people like Dylan revealing who they really are. Your son has a beautiful color. Please don't try to repaint him. He only needs your understanding and guidance because the world may not understand him, maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but in due time." Mr. Andres gave a sympathetic concern.

Mr. Santos nodded his head in agreement.

" I admire your son's courage and humility." Mr. Cruz spoke with so much admiration. People nowadays hardly accept their mistakes and take full responsibility if their actions turn out to be not good. They try to point their fingers towards others and blame them for their misfortunes. Mr. Andres recalled the day Dylan came in to his office. He apologized for his actions. He took full responsibility for his mistakes and Vince was surprised at his coming out. There was never a romantic relationship between them, though he had been wishing it existed. Certainly, it was just a wishful thinking.