Sinking Deep (GL)

CHAPTER 21

Hinawakan ni dad ang mukha ko, worriedly, "Sweetheart, hey hey?" he asked, her breath is heavier as he caress my face.

"Dad, my chest, it hurts..." I replied, still struggling to breath.

"I know, I know," he said. I can see the marbling water my dad holds in his eyes as he's assuring me. "Dad will do everything for my sweetheart, everything will be fine." He then hugged me.

I could see my mom crying by my side, silently. What is going on?

Ngayon ko lang naranasan ko since I was a kid. Wala akong nararamdamang sakit sa dibdib ko dati, ngayon lang.

"Anton." My mom weakly mumbles.

Napansin ko ang pagtingin ni dad kay mom. As if their talking with using their eyes.

They stayed by my side till the pain was gone. Nawala ang sakit sa dibdib but I can still see the worry painted in their faces.

"I'm okay, mom, dad." I replied, assuring them.

"Sweety, how about staying home for just a day muna?" Dad asked.

"I can't, dad. I still have things to do in school, I need to be present." I stated. Nakaupo lang kaming tatlo sa couch, me in the middle.

"Anak, you need to rest. Your father will take care of that." Mom said, holding my hand.

"I'm fine," sabay tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa. "I'll be fine besides that is just a random pain, nothing serious right?" I said, smiling at them reassuring that I'm fine.

Tumingin sila sa isa't isa bago tumungo sakin, they both sighed, "Yes baby." Sabay na sagot nila.

"I'll drive you school," dad said.

"Hindi na po kailangan dad, you need to rest. Look at your eyes, parang panda na." I chuckled. Napansin kong mejo hindi na siya nakakapagpahinga ng maayos simula nung dumating si Jaiza. Parang andami niyang dinadalang problema dati hindi naman siya ganito.

"Hayaan mo ʼyan. Basta para sayo, dad will do everything." He said, smiling. But his smile is kind of scared but full of reassurance.

He hugged me again, also mom. I suddenly feel comfortable with them hugging me. Felt like I'm still a baby for them.

"I'll go ahead, okay? I'm fine, at malaki na ako." I said. Ready to leave the house.

"Take care, baby!" Mom shouted.

"I'll fetch you after your class, hmm?" dad said, kissing my forehead.

"Yes dad, bye!" I said sabay pumasok sa kotse at pinaandar na ang makina. They're standing besides the gate as they sways their hands at me, bidding good byes.

While I headed towards SU, the memory of the sharp chest pain I experienced at home lingered in my thoughts. It was an unexpected and jarring moment. Strangely enough, it wasn't the usual heartache that occupied my mind, but a physical sensation of pain.

"I hope that doesn't happen again," I muttered to myself, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.

Nakarating ako sa SU at dumiretso agad sa parking lot. Upon entering the building, nakita ko naman sila Ma'am Rhea and Sir Montejo unexpectedly. Together.

Another pain.

"Good morning, ma'am, sir." Bati ko sa kanilang dalawa nang nakalapit na sila sakin. I quickly moved my gaze away para hindi lang sila makita - fact that they're holding each other's hand.

"Are you gonna use the elevator, Miss Mercedez?" sambit ni Sir Montejo. Nasa paanan ng elevator kasi kaming tatlo, ako ʼyong nauna dito tapos sumunod sila.