Whispers of Avarice (Casa de Castillo 1)

Chapter 10

Remember

Nagbubulungan ang mga tao sa paligid dahil sa ginawa ko. Humakbang ako paatras nang bumalik na ako sa aking huwisyo. Dumapo ang tingin ko kay Ynessa na nakaupo sa sahig. Ang mata nito ay puno ng luha at lahat ng simpatya ng tao ay nakuha niya dahil dito.

"Are you okay?" a concerned student helped Ynessa up, sparking a cascade of disapproving whispers.

I bit my lip as the hushed conversations reached my ears. Tears welled up, but I lacked the strength to walk away. It's painful to be regarded as bad even when I haven't done anything wrong. It hurts to experience misunderstanding and see people look at you with disdain.

"Taylah!" Keanu's urgent shout cut through the murmurs as he rushed towards me.

In his embrace, I hid my face, unable to contain the tears. Hinayaan ko ang sarili ko na umiyak habang nakatago ang mukha ko sa dibdib ni Keanu. I had only made matters worse, providing fodder for gossip that could tarnish my reputation and affect those around me. My lack of control had once again hurt those close to me.

"I'm sorry... I've made things worse," I repeatedly apologized through tears. "Sorry... I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault. Hush now," saad ni Keanu at inangat ang mukha ko para punasan ang mga luha sa mata ko. He offered a sweet smile, then faced the onlookers.

I feel embarrassed that Keanu saw me looking like this, but at the same time, I'm happy that someone stood up for me. Hindi ko inaasahan na mag-aalala ito sa akin. Ang akala ko ay aalis na ito at hahayaan ako na mag isa, ngunit ito siya ngayon sa tabi ko at pinapatahan ako. Keanu continues to pleasantly surprise me in various ways.

"Did Taylah steal me from you?" Keanu confronted Ynessa. "I'm not even yours to begin with. I don't engage with someone as pathetic as you."

"What?! Pathetic?!" sigaw ni Ynessa.

"Stop spreading false statements," Keanu demanded.

I intervened, gripping Keanu's arm. This was my problem, and I needed to address it. I am glad that Keanu defended me, but I should be the one to resolve this issue. I am not implying that I shouldn't seek support from a man. I just prefer to address my own challenges because I am confident in my ability to do so.

Stepping toward Ynessa, my fists clenched in anger, I countered, "Steal? I already have everything. Why would I steal from someone like you?"

It's surreal— I never imagined myself in this situation. Conflict was foreign to me. I've always lived a low-key life, striving for simplicity despite the weight of the Fabroa name and the title of genius prodigy. Engaging in a fight was an unexpected departure from the composed life I'd meticulously created.

"Don't make me laugh, Ynessa. If we're talking about robbers, that role suits you perfectly. You robbed me by accusing me of something I didn't do," I declared.

In the unlikeliest turn of events, Ynessa, my once closest confidante, became not only my first adversary but also my first battle. Life had a curious way of rewriting the script, transforming friendship into a battlefield where trust was shattered and alliances were redefined.

With a cold gaze, I confronted Ynessa, setting the record straight. "You keep accusing me of theft when, in reality, you're the one trying to steal everything from me. Cease before I lose all patience because I genuinely don't know what I might do."

"How dare you say that? You fucking bitch!" Ynessa screamed, poised to confront me, but I pulled Keanu away from the cafeteria.

Hindi na ako sumagot kay Ynessa. Hinawakan ko ang braso ni Keanu at hinila na ito paalis doon. I wasn't accustomed to conflict, and Ynessa's betrayal left me torn between hurt and guilt for my own cutting words. Ang gusto ko na lang ngayon ay lumayo sa gulo. Gusto ko nang katahimikan.