I Love You, Prof.

Chapter 30 : Nataniel

Sheiia

We arrived at her house before six pm. I was a bit okay compared to earlier. Prof's holding my hand for so long it's getting wet already.

"Ash, my hand."

"Yes babe?" I was trying to get my hand but she refused to let go.

"My hand's wet. Let go, please."

A smile formed on her lips as if she remembered something. "I like it wet, anyway."

Natampal ko siya sa braso nang marealized ko kung anong sinasabi niya. My face automatically reddened at that thought. Damn pervert!

"Hey babe, biro lang."

I frowned at her joke. Hindi nakakatuwa ang birong iyon. She hugged me at my back nang makapasok kami sa loob ng bahay. Vera exhaustedly sat on the couch with her eyes closed.

"Not a good joke Ash." Inirapan ko siya ng mata kahit na nasa likuran ko siya. Vera didn't seem to mind us, anyway.

"I just want to divert your attention to something funny. I guess it isn't funny at all."

She kissed me on my temple and winked at me.

"I'll just go to the kitchen to cook some food for us." I nodded and sat beside Vera. Her eyes still closed but I know she's not asleep.

"I'm happy for you and my sister, Sheiia. No matter how complicated both your situation, you still managed to stay together."

Napatingin ako kay Vera nang magsalita ito. Nakapikit pa rin ang mata nito pero nakikita kong malalim ang hininga nito dahil sa pagtaas-baba ng dibdib nito.

"Why Veh?"

"It's just that, not all couples could do that. Staying together despite the hardships. Yung kahit sobrang hirap, walang bumibitaw."

She opened her eyes and sat straight. Her eyes' looking straight, too. Nakatingin lang ito sa kawalan na parang may inaalala.

"You know why I broke up with Brix?"

I suddenly became interested of her story. It's been a long time since she told me about her past relationship with Brix.

"We were a secret and not even a single soul, except us, knows about our relationship. Of course, we were being paired up to different people. The reason why I can't let my parents know about him is too much of complication."

Hinayaan ko lang siyang magsalita at hindi na muna ako nagbigay ng komento. Alam ko rin namang hindi pa ako dapat magsalita ngayon.

"Magkapatid ang nanay ni Brix at ang asawa ng tunay na tatay ni Ate. That's how complicated our life is. Once na ipakilala ko siya sa Mom ko, my mother might forget that I'm her daughter."

I was stunned for a bit. With Vera's revelation, I was left speechless. Kaya pala, kaya pala ganun na lang kung isekreto ng dalawa ang relasyon noon. Masyadong masakit at komplikado ang sitwasyon nila.

"He became tired of hiding. He just... he just gave up."

There's still a hint of sadness on Vera's voice. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at hinagod siya sa likod. Sana kahit papaano ay maibsan ang kanyang kalungkutan.

"Maybe, it's just not meant to be. It's okay, Veh. Who knows, one day..."

Ngumiti siya sa akin at pinisil din ng marahan ang aking kamay. Kay Vera ko lang din naramdaman ang ganitong affection mula sa isang kaibigan.