Guarded Soul (The Brats #2)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Best Friend

Marinelle N. Pineda

My best friend's name was written on a metal piece attached on the door of her hospital bed. Mag-iisang taon na simula nang ma comatose siya dahil sa aksidente. Mag-iisang taon na rin akong kinakain ng konsensya ko. Hindi lang dahil gusto ko ang boyfriend n'ya, pero dahil din sa mga bagay na alam ko pero pinipili kong itago sa mga taong may karapatan na malaman.

A heavy sigh dominated the place. Every time I go here, I always have these the same feelings. Chaotic. Miserable. Frustrating.

I can't wait for the moment she'll wake up. I want to confront her before I move. I don't want to complicate things without her consciousness. I need to hear the truth from her, too. Kahit alam ko naman na ang totoo, iba pa rin kung maririnig ko galing sa kan'ya. I still want a confirmation.

A familiar scent invaded my sense of smell. I acted like I wasn't affected when deep down my heart there's already a war.

Rejo stood beside me with his hands on his pocket. Gusto kong lumingon pero hindi ko magawa! I feel like I was caught doing a crime, kahit hindi naman.

"You won't go inside?" he asked. HE ASKED! He's talking to me for heaven's sake!

Hindi ko naman inakalang makikita ko siya rito. I know he visits her often, pero hindi pa kami nagkakasabay. Ngayon lang.

"I already did. Kanina..." Lumunok ako, nakatingin pa rin sa saradong pintuan. "Uhm, paalis na ako." Kahit 'di n'ya naman tinanong.

"Where will you go next?"

Rejo's voice is really soothing. Well, that's for me. Para kay Ashanti ay hindi. Malalim daw at nakakatakot.

I know he's tall, but being this close to him made me realize he's really tall. Lagi ko naman siyang nakikita, pero ngayon lang kami nagkalapit nang ganito. I always keep my distance from him.

Natataranta ang puso ko, pero hindi ko pinapahalata. The least thing I want him to know is I am a fool for him. Natatanga ako kapag tungkol na sa kan'ya.

"Study," tipid kong sagot at nilingon siya, nakatingala. So bold of me to do that. "I'll go now..."

Bago pa ako makapihit paalis, nagsalita na naman siya. He looks serious, and his eyes are directed at me. Gustuhin ko mang magtagal ang titig ko sa kan'ya, hindi ko magawa. I don't want him to see my eyes dilate. Baka mahalata n'yang... gusto ko siya.

"Let me drive you."

Walang tao sa corridor. Marinelle's room is in the executive floor so privacy is absolutely tough. Ang nakakakita lang sa amin ngayon ay ang mga nasa surveillance room. Pero gayunpaman, may kaba pa rin sa puso ko.

I feel like I am betraying my friend. Pero parang deserve n'ya naman. But I love her. It's just that... what she did is totally unforgivable, and I condemn it.

I was about to talk but he didn't let me.

"Your brother asked it. Umalis na siya. He said he needs to go somewhere."

My heart is hysterically beating!

"Uh, I can book a ride—"

"Why spend money for a ride when I can give it to you for free?"

Shit. I don't know what to do. Nabla-blangko ang isip ko.

I stepped back but still facing him. He looked at my small steps backward.

"Ano kasi, may mga bibilhin pa ako. Don't mind my brother's words. Bye—"

His big steps made me nervous. What is he doing to me!