The Girl Who Lost Her Smile

Eighth Part

Miss C's POV

"C! Are you out of your mind?!" Singhal ni Ace sa akin

"I know what Im doing." Sagot ko sa kanya

may taning na ang buhay ko at iniintay ko na lang na maubos ang oras ko

Like a hour sand glass, waiting for the last sand to fall. Like a rose waiting for the season fall. Like a flower that's going to wither...

"Im no use, there's no more hope left for me." I softly said

Kinuha ko ang gamit na nilapag ni Ace kanina. Im sure he brought some clothes for me.

"I'll change my clothes, ready the car. I dont wanna stay here any longer." Sinabi ko sa kanya ng hindi man lang siya tinitignan.

Tahimik ang biyahe namin ni Ace. Walang nagsasalita. Puro katahimikan. I'm used to silence, it makes me feel calm and free.

Inihilig ko ang aking ulo sa kanan ko, nakasakay kami ni Ace ngayon sa kotse, siya ay nasa driver's seat at ako naman ay nasa passenger's seat

Tinignan ko ang dinadaanan namin. Gabi na at makikita mula dito ang city lights ng bayan. Ang ganda ganda. Parang mga alitaptap sa gabi, ang bayan na kaninang pinanggalingan namin. Ayokong pumupunta sa bayan, maingay, madaming tao, mapolusyon.

Narinig ko ang buntong hininga ni Ace.

"C... you should fight. Don't give up." Mahinahong sabi ni Ace sa akin

Hindi ko siya tinignan pero sumagot ako.

"I don't want to. Im tired of fighting and hoping that something's gonna change."

"C, somethings gonna change just trust me, You'll be bett---" sabi ni Ace

"Nothing's gonna change!"sabat ko

"Just listen to me! I CARE FOR YOU! YOU'RE MY COUSIN!" prineno ni Ace ang kotse at hinarap ako habang sumisigaw.

"You're. Just. My. Cousin." Sagot ko at bumaba na ng kotse

Pumunta na ako sa kwarto ko at isinarado ang pinto. I jumped into my bed and covered my whole body with the comforter.

Ilang minuto lang ang lumipas at narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto. Hindi pa rin ako natinag at ipinig patuloy ang pagkukunwaring tulog.

Naramdaman kong bumigat ang gilid ng kama ko.

"C, I know youre still awake... I'm sorry okay?" Ani Ace

'I'm sorry too..' mahinang sabi ko pero sigurado akong hindi niya iyon maririnig.

Naramdaman kong nababasa ang balikat ko. He's crying... and it's my fault. Naririnig ko ang mga hikbi niya. Hindi ko na siya natiis at inalis ko ang comforter na nakatalukbong sa akin at niyakap siya ng mahigpit.

"Youre such a crybaby." I said while patting his back.

"*sniffs* I dont want to lose you. Youre the only family I have. Youre all that's left for me. *sobs* I dont know what'll happen to me. Without you. Im nothing.*sniffs*" Ace said while crying

"Ang drama mo. Youre strong. I know you are. You can do things better off without me. Im a big burden to you." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"I never said you were a burden!!" Sabi ni Ace sa akin

"*sighs* I am, I'm the reason why our company is in bankrupcy. You can't go to other countries for business trips because I'm here. Weak and useless." I slowly said. Pilit kong pinapaintindi sa kanya ang sitwasyon ko

"No, youre not weak or useless. You are strong and brave. Please, help me. We'll find a way to treat your disease." Ace said in a pleading tone.

I slowly shaked my head like saying "No".

"I'm fine. I just wanna be free. Free from pain and suffering. Free from sadness, free from everything..." Sinabi ko at hinalikan ko ang noo niya.

Pinunasan ni Ace ang kanyang mukha at tinungo ang pinto ng kwarto ko. Hinawakan niya ang door knob at nagbitiw ng mga salitang...

"If I can't change your mind. I'll find someone who can."

Ace's POV

I can't believe her. Matagal na rin niyang sinasabi na hindi niya na kaya. I know she's tired but I just can't let her go. Not without trying. Not without a fight.

I dialled my private investigator's number.

"Yes? What can I do for Ace Silvestre..."

Yes, my name is Ace Sivestre... I'm the cousin of the owner of the Silvestre group of companies.