Facing Fears

Prologue

Tiffany Martinez

Nakatingin ako sa invitation card na galing kay Claire, I can't help but smile. I'm genuinely happy for my best friend.

For years, we've been through ups and downs, she was there when I almost failed my final exam in one of our majors because of my laziness.

She helped me through it all, and I can say that I wouldn't have survived my college life without her, of course she wouldn't survive without me too, duh?

I heard my phone rang, speaking of the bitch.

"Tiff! Ano natanggap mo na ba yung invitation?" bungad niya, excitement is very evident in her tone.

"Yes, hawak ko siya ngayon at balak ko na sanang basahin ng tumawag ka bigla" pagtataray ko.

She laughed, "Sorry naman, wag kang mawawala ah! You're ny maid of honor kaya wag kang magtago, FO na tayo 'pag hindi ka um-attend" sabi pa niya.

I rolled my eyes, ako pa ba mawawala sa kasal niya? no way.

"Oo na, I'll hang up na. Nandito na si Hubby" I tried my best to sound the sweetest, the last thing I want my best friend to know is my wrecked relationship with JC. She deserves all the happiness, I don't want to ruin that.

I heard the car engine, he's here.

I never really understand why we turned out this way. Ako, na maarte ay nauwing parang alipin nang isang kagaya niya.

I know it's my fault I settled for this, gwapo eh?

I smiled bitterly.

"Baby come on, go to sleep na" I told my two year-old baby, as much as possible I don't want my child to grow up in a toxic environment, but we have to stay, at least for now.

I heard a loud bang, he's either mad or drunk, and probably both.

People probably question why I'm choosing to stay, that I have a choice, but I don't.

His family invested so much in our near to bankruptcy business. I love my parents, I don't want my Dad to lose everything.

He blackmailed me, if I take Zain away from him it'll be the end for our business.

My parents are loving, they gave me everything I needed. Kaya ko rin naman mag-tiis.

"Tiffany, where the hell are you!?" he shouted.

I collected myself, I left Zain in his crib, mabuti nalang at mabilis lang siya makatulog.

I smiled sadly while looking at my innocent child, I'll never leave this baby.

"Ano bang sinisigaw mo diyan? Zain's asleep, lower your voice" I said trying to calm myself, my hand is shaking but I have to stand firm.

"Ow, you're there hmm, come!" he pulled me to the master's bedroom.

As soon as we got in, he pushed me to the floor.

That hurts...

"Go give me a head now!" he demanded.

He's just drunk, I thought.

He immediately took off his pants and showed me his thing.

I bit my lip, I can't cry. I'm not allowed  to.

"Ohhh--yes" he grabbed my hair to deepen his thing inside ny mouth.

"Fuck, yes bitch! Suck it!" He said still pulling my hair.

"Ohh.. yes" he released his load on my face before he threw himself on the bed.

I stayed silent...

I stood up and went to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth, cleaned my face and collected myself again, assuming it will erase the dirt I am feeling.

I took a deep breath and raised my head, I see myself.

"W-Why..." I started sobbing as I stare at myself through the mirror.

Pathetic.

I suddenly felt a pain around my arm, it has a bruise. Right, he pulled me hard.

Zain's face flashed in my head, and there I know I'll be alright. I'll raise him the right way, I swear he'll never end up like his father. Never.

Matapos ay lumabas na ako nang kwarto at nagtungo sa kwarto ni Zain, this has been a routine.

At least I only got one bruise, I thought, convincing myself that it's not that bad.

I have to hang in here.