Something Beneath the Melody (The Runaway Girls Series #1)

Chapter 40

Melody

“I have a scar on my face. Do you still love me?” I asked, seeking reassurance.

Zero gently touched the scar on my face, his eyes filled with love and concern as he examined it. I took the opportunity to admire his deep brown eyes, which always flickered whenever I touch him.

“This is a proof of your strength over the years...” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the scar on my face.

“Mahilig akong magluto at kumain. Baka tumaba ako dahil doon. Will you still love me?”

“You deserve to enjoy any food you want, as long as you practice moderation. You’ve been deprived of eating what you desire for so long, so it’s perfectly fine. Just tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll get it for you right away.”

Pouting, I tugged at his shirt and pulled him closer. He continued playing with my hand, waiting patiently for my next questions.

“I’ve said hurtful words to you before. I’ve caused you pain. Why do you still love me even after all the times I’ve hurt you?”

“Your feelings are valid. I understand where you’re coming from, so it’s okay for me. I deserve those words after what I’ve done,” he responded sincerely.

“But do you ever regret what you did?” I asked, searching his eyes for the truth.

His eyes darkened, and he replied, “Honestly, yes. I’ve blamed myself countless times. But it’s alright because I have you now, and I won’t do anything to make you leave me again. Not in this lifetime.”

“Are you done, Euphony? Tell me all your insecurities and I will kiss every inch of it for you,” dagdag pa niya.

Umiling ako. “Tama na iyon.”

“Akala ko ikaw na papalit kay Boy Abunda,” he chuckled.

“Hindi naman ako kalbo.” Ngumuso ako at mas lalo pang siniksik ang sarili. “I’m excited for the next semester. Pakiramdam ko high school ulit ako.”

“Yeah, I’ll pick you up after school.”

“Hindi ka ba busy niyan? Teacher ka na ah. Ayos lang naman ako.”

He groaned. “I can multitask.”

“Come to think of it. May free cake ka na nga pala tuwing Teacher’s Month!” humalakhak ako.

Humagalpak din siya ng tawa. “Be quiet. Baka isipin nila na naging teacher lang ako para sa cake.”

“Tapos may surprise sa’yo mga student mo kunwari ipapatawag ka sa guidance kasi may nagsuntukan na students mo. Then pagbalik mo sa classroom niyo nagkakantahan na sila ng.” I cleared my throat. “Ang awiting ito’y para sa’yo at kung maubos ang tinig ‘di magsisisi.”

Lalo namang lumakas ang tawa niya. My heart pounded with the sound of his laughter. I could spend my day just listening to his baritone voice.

“Alam na alam mo ah. Palibhasa ikaw pasimuno ng ganiyan noong highschool tayo,” he said in a raspy voice.

“Tapos ikaw lagi yung batang nakipagsuntukan,” dagdag ko pa kaya mas lalo siyang natawa.

We decided to live together. Tinulungan naman ako ni Zero na ibenta ang condo ko dahil sa kaniya na ako tutuloy. Pinayagan din kami ng parents niya kaya wala na ring problema kung sakali.

Naging active din ako sa iba’t ibang mga seminar at campaign lalo na pagdating sa gender-based violence. Zero is always supportive. Nakagawian na naming pumunta sa mga seminar. Parang naging date na namin ang maging speaker sa iba’t ibang mga meeting.