Anchored Fault Lines

Chapter 6

Ilang beses na akong nakaapak sa tahanan ng mga Cleantro, kadalasan dahil sa mga family dinner na sila naman ang nag-host, o di kaya'y kapag ganitong may mga salo-salo kasama ang ibang elite families. Ilan lamang ang kilala ko sa mga narito ngayon, siguro ang iba'y pamilya ng mga kaibigan ni Clara kaya hindi na pamilyar sa akin.

My injuries have been healing well and notably faster than normal. Maybe because Davino's been watching me closely during my recovery—not that it needed to be strictly monitored—he's being pushy about it and, of course, has been scolding me for the past two days.

"Stay still." Davino placed me over the couch. His forehead creased deeper as he examined my right foot. "What happened?"

He inquired. Gustong malaman ano ba talagang nangyari at inabot ko ang ganito. Ito ang unang beses na na-injured ako.

"I was out of focus," sabi ko. "Nadulas ako sa hawak ng lifter. He was able to catch my foot, though my stance wasn't stable, so I fell."

When I looked at him he was scanning me, as if trying to spot any other injury in my body.

"The nurse is on her way. Pagkatapos magamot 'yan, magpahinga ka. Meron kang sinat." He said.

Tumango ako, and asked, "My parents?"

He just looked at me intently, na parang iniiwasan niyang banggitin ang mga magulang ko pero ako na itong nagtanong mismo.

"They won't know, don't worry."

Tumango lang ako at hindi na sumagot pa. Davino remained his eyes on me, filled with concern, and the way it flared a little, not missing any spot of my existence from his sight. The same eyes that once expressed displeasure while staring at me during practice.

Then I remembered he was there when it happened. Face tight with worry, brows furrowing as usual, and his eyes all glued to me. I was weak to notice any other faces hovering my vision, the ground pulling my soul within its layers as if it wanted me anchored and unmoving. Sobrang bigat sa pakiramdam ng pagod sa aking katawan ng mga oras na 'yon.

I felt like falling even after the fall. As if being flattened on the ground wasn't enough to make me weak.

"Shit. Mainit siya."

And yet all I could see was him—now fuming in anger. Davino scooped me in his arms so easily like I weighed nothing. He was murmuring unrecognizable words under his breath, perhaps a prayer of withdrawal, more for me than to him. I can almost hear him say, "Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko! Tigilan mo na ang cheerleading at mag-focus ka nalang sa isa!".

It's coming, maybe any time soon—not today, but soon—if I meet one more unfortunate downfall. But for now, I should rest. Then my eyes fluttered close, failing my vision.

"Yes, ASAP... Just call whoever's available right now! No need to ask me for names I won't even remember again... Okay, thanks."

"Sir, tinawagan na po namin ang mag-asawang Pavico para ipaalam na iuuwi niyo na si Miss."

"Good. Drive us there. Now."

Nagkaroon ako ng malay dahil sa ingay ng boses ni Davino sa mga kausap niya. He was carrying me in his arms when I gained consciousness. Then, he placed me gently at the backseat while commanding my father's men with words I couldn't register anymore.

And now I am seated in our living area being tended by the nurse Davino asked for. The rest of the day was filled with a mouthful of reprimanding from him to the point I almost lost my sense of hearing. Alas diez na ng gabi nang umalis si Davino sa bahay matapos akong sermunan.