The Reason (Completed)

Letter 13

Assurance. That's what I want. And Austin gave it to me. He gave me assurance that he'll never leave me and he'll always be there. And he did. He told me remember? I was so happy that time. I thought, 'I chose the right choice.' That maybe, It's worth it. 

Damn. As I look back, I was really like a love sick puppy. Who is ready to give everything to Austin. Who is ready to listen to him. Who is ready to love him fully and devotedly. Who is ready to turn back against the world for him. I love him to that extent. See? This is how I love. 

Ohh. By the way, this letter would be my favorite letter of all. This is maybe the twist in my story. 

*****

"Nandito lang ako ah? Sigurado ka bang hindi ko na kailangan upakan lolo mo o ipakulong?"

"Ayoko. Baka kasi masira yung pamilya namin eh." I answered. It's true, even if he's like that, I don't want to ruin our family. 

"Freah! Naririnig mo ba yung sinasabi mo? Ayaw mong masira pamilya mo? Hindi ikaw yung sisira at hindi ikaw yung sumira, baby... Yung lolo mo!" He said in a loud voice.

We're still at school. After assuring me that he'll be there, he keeps in bugging me to tell my parents or put up a case to my grandfather. 

The idea is good, but, what will my parents say? Will they get mad? And how about lola? She'll hate me! She'll hate me for sending her husband to jail! I can't do that. I don't want her to get mad at me...

"Yes. Siya yung sumira. Pero Austin, I won't risk. Ayokong magalit lola ko sakin..." I looked to my feet to avoid his gaze. 

"Freah... Kailangan mong isipin sarili mo! Don't think about other people! Kailangan mong isipin sarili mo, muntik ka ng marape, baby... And nagpipigil lang ako dito kahit kating-kati na 'kong upakan lolo mo. Tangina. Girlfriend ko? Ginaganon? Hindi yun pwede!" 

I covered my mouth using my hands. I can't believe he said those things. I mean, yes, we're a couple and I know that he loves me. I just didn't know that It's this much.

I stared at him. Ginugulo niya yung buhok niya habang nakayuko. Guess he's affected as much as I am.

"You know, Austin? I could just simply forgive him,'' that got his attention. Aamba pa sana siyang magsalita pero ngumiti ako sakanya tapos tinuloy ko yung sasabihin ko. "But, I still hate him you know? Pano niya yun nagawa sa sarili niyang apo? Pano...?'' My voice cracked and In that moment, I didn't notice that I'm already at Austin's chest.

"Shhh. Everything would be fine, baby... I promise. Nandito lang ako..." he said as I cry.

"Sure you'll be ok?" Austin asked as he looked at our house. Hinatid niya ko sa bahay kasi late narin.

"Yup. Thanks!" I smiled at him as I opened our gate.

As long as Austin's there, I think I could be strong and fight back every problems that's waiting for me. Austin's my strength. As long as he's there, I think I could make it.

I smiled at the thought of it.

I opened our main door but regretted it as soon as I saw my grandfather looking at me furiously.

I was literally shaking. My whole body is shaking as I saw his angry eyes.

"May boyfriend ka na pala?" Tumayo siya sa kinakaupuan niya at lumapit siya sakin kaya mas lalo akong nanginig.

''Kebata-bata mo pa ah?'' He said as he held my chin.

Don't tell me...

"Ang landi landi mong bata ka!" he shouted as he slapped my cheek resulting for me to fall down on my knees. This time, I was already crying. Not because of the slap. But because of fear. Fear that he'll do something again.

"Dapat sa'yo tinuturuan ng leksyon! Bawal ka bang mag boyfriend! Ang bata bata mo pa!" Hinila niya ko patayo tapos hinawakan niya ng mahigpit yung braso ko.

"Ano ba!" I shouted as I'm trying to take off his painful grip away from my arms.

"Aba't sumasagot ka na huh?!" I let out a shrieked. Hinatak hatak niya ko pataas ng hagdan. Lumalaban ako pero nanghihina na ko at natatakot. 

Marahas niyang binuksan ang kwarto ko at tinulak ako sa kama ko. Tatakbo sana ako kaso, tinali niya yung kamay ko. 

"Ano ba! Bat mo ba 'to ginagawa?!" I shouted as tears streaming down my face. 

"Manahimik ka!" Again, he slapped me. 

I was shouting for help when I saw him taking off his belt. But before he could take off my clothes, I heard I loud bang on my door. And the next thing I next, I was running with Austin.

"Fck. Fck. Fck." He said as he pull me. 

All I could do was cry while trying to walk. 

"Buti umabot pa ko. Hindi ko alam gagawin ko kung hindi ako naka-abot. Fuck!" He shouted. I looked at his eyes and saw anger. 

"One room." Tumingin ako sa paligid and mukhang mamahalin dito. Tapos ay tinignan ko si Austin na nagbabayad sa reception area. 

"Come on." Yaya niya sakin habang nakalahad ang kamay niya. Tinanggap ko naman 'yun at sumunod narin sakanya. 

"God. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pag may nangyaring masama sa'yo." As soon as we entered our room, he pulled me into a hug. But I was shocked when my right shoulder was wet. Wet from his tears...

Baby... My baby was crying for me! 

"Austin..." I caressed his back and tried to stop him from crying. 

"Sorry. Do I look bad, crying?" He asked which made me chuckled. He let go of our hug and looked at me seriously. 

"Where did he touch you?" He asked. I gulp. And pointed my neck. 

I was shocked when he kissed my neck. 

"Where else?" He asked in a husky voice. 

Every part of me that I'm pointing, he'll kiss me. I was crying everytime he'll do it. He was taking away the fear and pain that I'm feeling... 

I hugged him. Then I stared at his eyes for a moment and then I kissed him. 

"I'm scared." I confessed as I covered my face.

I heard his chuckle as he uncovered my face and started kissing me. "Don't be scared, baby..." And that was it. I was ready to give my everything to Austin. I was ready to give it up. I wasn't feeling any fear as he touch me unlike what I'm feeling with my grandfather. 

He... He took away the fear. He was my everything...

"I... I love you, Austin..." I said as a tear escape through my eye. 

After a week, I was walking aroung the corridors when every student were looking at me with sad, disgusted eyes. 

Okay... Why? 

"Ms. Serag?" I l turned to the voice who called me, and It was my homeroom teacher. 

"Yes sir?" 

"To the principal's office, now.'' I nodded.

As I walk to the principal's office, the stares of the student body are still lingering. But I didn't mind them. I was still happy about Austin and me. I don't want to waste my mood. 

I was already infront of the office so I knocked. 

"Come in." Permission granted. I opened the door to let me in but. My smile disappeared.