Love Me, Hate Me

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Forgiven

I don't know how many days have passed since I've been brought to the hospital. I easily lose consciousness everytime I open my eyes. Even though I wanted to stay awake longer, my brain couldn't handle the tiredness I've been feeling. But everytime I open my eyes, I could see Gio sitting beside me and looking at my face.

"How is she?"

Nadinig ko ang boses ni Mommy ngunit hindi ko maimulat ang aking mga mata. Antok na antok ako ngunit ayaw kong matulog na naman. Gusto kong madinig ang mga boses nila.

"She's fine, Ma'am," sagot ni Gio.

Mommy chuckled. "Please don't call me Ma'am. Just call me Tita." I heard the chair sliding down the floor and a small thud. I guess Mom sat down on the other side of the bed. "We already tracked the student who did this to Lian. They decided to kick her out for committing a grave violation."

"Thank you and I'm sorry for not being able to help you with it."

"It's fine. Ako na rin naman ang nagsabi sa 'yo na hindi mo na kailangang maghanap at ikaw na lang ang bahala muna kay Lian." I heard my Mom sighed. "Don't look guilty, Gio. I and Andrew already talked about this. This is not your fault."

"Thank you, Tita."

Gio's voice sounded so weak and low. Even though I couldn't see his face, I could feel that he was wearing an expression I've never seen before.

"Lian is a strong kid and I'm very proud of her for that." Hinawakan ni Mommy ang aking kamay. "We're always busy with our business and we barely have time for her but she never asks anything from us. She's doing great at school too. She faced a lot of obstacles before and I know she'll overcome this one too."

Hindi ko na nadinig pang sumagot si Gio dahil unti-unti na naman akong hinihila ng antok. Sa pagkakataong 'to ay hindi ko na nilabanan dahil kailangan ko ng madaming pahinga para gumaling ako kaagad. Ayaw kong lumpias ang sports competition nang nandito sa ospital. Kailangan ko silang mapanood.

"Ipapanalo namin ang laro para sa 'yo, Mabebs."

"Chill ka lang d'yan."

"Paggising mo, may hawak na kaming trophy."

When I woke up, I felt like something was lifted off me. I looked around and found myself alone in the room. Dahan-dahan akong bumangon at isinandal ang aking sarili. Tumingin ako sa bedside table at nakita ang aking cellphone na nakapatong doon.

I reached for it and I almost dropped it when I saw what day it is today. It was the day of the competition and judging by the time, it probably ended.

Nanginig ang aking mga kamay habang nagtitipa ng letra upang mag-send ng mensahe para kina Tamara, Yvonne at Jelyn ngunit bago pa ako matapos ay tumunog ito. May lumabas na notification mula sa itaas mula sa page ng aming school na fina-follow ko.

Black Bulls lost to Blue Angels for the first time...

Kinagat ko ang aking ibabang labi. Namuo ang luha sa 'king mga mata.

How did they lose?

Bumukas ang pinto ng aking kwarto at pumasok ang tatlo kong kaibigan. They were wearing a smile on their face but I know they already knew. Kaagad nabura ang ngiti sa kanilang mga labi nang makita nilang hawak ko ang aking cellphone.

"Oh, Lian." Lumapit sa 'kin si Tamara at niyakap ako. "Don't cry. They did their best, ok?"

"B-but where are they? Bakit hindi nila ako pinuntahan kaagad?" I sobbed while clinging on Tamara's arm like a child.