Complexity Of Us (STATION Series #2)

Kabanata 26

Kabanata 26

Ospital

Mabigat ang dibdib ay umuwi ako sa bahay. Sinigurado kong walang bakas ng sakit ang aking mukha. Naghihingalo na ang pigura ng rasyonalidad sa aking isipan at unti-unting napapalitan ng sakit at hindi kasiguraduhan.

Binalot ng kaonting liwanag ang ilang parte ng mansyon. Mula sa dulo ay rinig ko ang mahininang klasikal na tugtog mula sa opisina ni Daddy. Bumuntong-hininga ako nang matantong nakisasabay sa aking damdamin ang atmospera ng buong bahay.

Dumiretso ako sa loob ng bahay at umakyat.

"Izidara."

Napatigil ako sa pag-akyat at napalingon kay Mommy.

Her hair is conformed in a loose bun. Hawak niya ang isang water bottle at nakasampay sa braso ang puting lab coat.

Pag-aalala ang nakamuwestra sa kan'yang mukha kaya bumaba ako't lumapit sa kan'ya.

"It's Elgene, isn't it?" she asks softly as she caress my cheeks.

Napapikit ako sa unang pantig pa lamang ng kan'yang pangalan.

I nodded at her and slowly opened my eyes. She welcomed me to her haven by her open arms. Dumulog ang wasak kong pigura sa kan'ya at pinikit muli ang mata. Ipinatong niya ang baba sa aking ulo at hinaplos ang aking buhok.

I almost asked her to stop from caressing my hair because it reminds me of him... but I remember that I needed my mother's touch the most.

"I don't want him for you, Izidara. Masyado ka niyang sinasaktan. Donovans aren't meant for Garcerons; Garcerons aren't meant for Donovans. Maybe he's hurting you because of the family feud before, sweetie. Hindi ba nakwento sa 'yo ng Daddy mo?"

Tahimik akong umiling at nakinig na lamang dahil kung makikinig ako, siguro aayaw na ako nang tuluyan sa kan'ya.

My mother sighed and kissed my forehead. "It's not the right time to tell you."

Hindi ako umalma dahil alam kong kahit sabihin ni Mommy, hindi papasok sa utak ko dahil sobra na akong nasasaktan.

"Tandaan mo. Don't trust a man who keeps on telling lies and doesn't bother to tell the truth. Don't trust a man who is contented upon seeing you hurting. It's not love—it's selfishness. Do you understand, Izidara?"

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at tumango. "Yes po."

She let out a contented smile. "Good. You're our princess, no one should treat you lower than that. Find a man who will treat you as his queen. Dapat mahal na mahal ka niya. Stop your set-up with that kid and break free from him. He doesn't deserve you; you deserve someone who will treat you the way you want to be treated. Huwag mong hayaan na mawasak ka bago kumawala. Your relationship is toxic, not ideal. Remember that."

Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap at hinalikan si Mommy sa pisngi.

I love her, so much.

Nginitian ko si Mommy at nagpaalam na. May duty pa siya sa ospital.

"Don't downgrade yourself. If he loves and cares for you, he will automatically see your worth. Huwag kang pumayag na second best ka lang," she added seriously.

"Opo, Mom, I understand."

What my mother said somehow made me feel good. Naialis ko na ang ibang bigat sa aking dibdib. I know I need time before I'll eventually let it go. Mawawala rin 'to.

The next Saturday, I am greeted by the annoying voice of my annoying cousin. I already took a bath and I am prepared to eat downstairs.

Ursula, wrapped in a quite fashionable dress, sashayed inside the mansion. Pagkababa ko pa lamang ay bumungad na ang postura niya sa gitna. Nakapamewang at dahan-dahang tinaas ang shades na nakaharang sa mata.