Deceret Series #1: His Lips On My Neck

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

When the pain is too much to handle, the body numbs itself before it self-destructs.

Ganun nga siguro ang nangyari sa akin. Sa iilang segundo na nanuot ang sakit sa dibdib ko at pisikal na sinasaktan ang katawan kong nawawalan na ng lakas, unti-unti ko ring naramdaman ang pamamanhid sa lahat ng sakit.

I am on the verge of hopelessness that I am nearly losing my mind and the only thing that can save myself is through numbness.

"Stormie..."

Through blurry eyes, I lifted my gaze to Shantel. Tears continuosly streamed down her hollowed cheeks. Nanginginig niyang inabot ang kamay ko.

Para akong napaso sa hawak niya. I jerked away and then blinked back the tears. Shantel sobbed more.

"Stormie..."

Nanginig ang mga balikat ko sa paglaban ng panibagong bugso ng luha. Before Shantel could open her mouth, I turned away. Mabilis ang mga hakbang ko, nakikipagkarera sa puso kong sasabog na ata anumang minuto.

With trembling hands, I pulled my phone out and dialed Philodemus' number. I took a few shaky breaths as I waited for him to pick up the call.

"Stormie?"

"C-Can you..." I swallowed violently the sob that threatened to rise in my throat. "Can you pick me back here?" nanghihina kong tanong sa kaniya.

I heard muffled sounds from the other line before it was followed by a series of curses. "Are you still in the cafe?"

"Yes."

"I'll be back. Hintayin mo ako diyan."

Tinapos ko ang tawag at mariing ipinikit ang mga mata. As soon as I closed my eyes, my younger years with my mother appeared before me. How she treated me like a dirt, how she killed me slowly with her hurtful words, and all the times she disowned me as her daughter.

Sumakit bigla ang ulo ko. I ground my teeth as I felt the numbness fading away, and waves and waves of pain came hitting my body all at once. The anger, betrayal, and extreme pain are overwhelming my body.

Kumapit ako sa sementong pader ng cafe at inayos ang paghinga. I need to compose myself if I want to face my mother. Gusto kong sa kaniya mismo manggaling ang katotohanan. Shantel had already disclosed that our mother is indeed, a monster. But in the back of my mind, I am still hoping.... I'm still hoping that Shantel is lying and that my own mother is not a killer. I cannot imagine a wife killing her own husband for the sake of money.

"Stormie!"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang makarinig ng tunog ng makina. Philodemus immediately climbed out of the car. I weakly stepped towards him and wrapped my arms around his torso, burying my face into his chest.

He cursed. "What happened? Where's Shantel?"

Mahinang iling lang ang isinagot ko sa kaniya.

"Stormie..."

"Pumunta tayo sa mansion." determinado kong wika.

"Ano?"

"Kailangan kong pumunta sa mansion, Philodemus. Kailangan kong makausap si mommy."

"Stormie, you know your mother is very dangerous—"

"I still need to talk to her." I insisted.

"Fine. But I'm going with you. You're not going there alone." Umigting ang panga nito sa galit at nakipagtitigan sa akin.

I weakly nodded my head. Ipinulupot niya ang kaniyang braso sa beywang ko at inalalayan ako pabalik sa sasakyan. He fastened my seatbelt for me and shot me a worried glance before he shut the door. Nang makaupo na siya sa driver's seat ay sinulyapan niyang muli ako. Kitang-kita ko ang matinding pag-aalala sa mukha niya.