I'm In love with a Monster

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

I stared at my face in front of a large mirror. I grimaced as I touched the dark circles under my eyes. I looked horrible. Parang ilang araw akong pinagkaitan ng tulog sa hitsura ng aking mukha.

I heaved a deep sigh. Nakangusong tiningnan ko ang backpack na nasa ibabaw ng kama. After what happened this morning, bumalik ako sa aking kwarto. Nawalan na ako ng ganang tumakas pagkatapos ng nangyari. At ang masama pa ay hindi man lang ako nakatulog pagkatapos nun. Palatandaan ang ilang kilong eyebags sa aking mukha.

I want to cry. What should I do then? Umatras nalang kaya ako sa engagement? Wala namang hindi nadadala sa usapan diba?

"Miranda?"

"Po?" I shouted.

"Bumaba kana. Nandito na ang mga magulang mo."

What? Napatingin ako sa orasan sa aking bedside table. It's just past eight in the morning. Bakit ang aga naman nilang dumating?

"Bilisan mo daw, Miranda."

I stomped my right foot angrily at the tiled floor. I looked worst. Siguradong pagagalitan na naman ako ng aking mommy.

"Susunod po ako, Ya. Pakisabi nalang kay mommy." Saad ko at dali-daling tinakbo ang banyo. Mabilis lang ang ginawa kong pagligo at pagbihis. I wore a blue knee-length dress paired with a strappy sandals. Inilugay ko lang ang mahaba kong buhok. I just made sure that I covered my eyebags. I don't want mom to be that inquisitive this early morning.

Dahan-dahan pa ang ginawa kong pagbaba. My heart thumped faster. Mahigit anim na buwan din kaming hindi nagkita ng aking mga magulang. I missed them badly. Gusto kong maging masaya pero hindi ko magawa.

My steps faltered when I met my mom's stare. Nakaupo siya sa couch habang sumisimsim ng kape. My heart ached. I want to run and hug her so tight but my feet remained rooted on the floor.

"What are you doing there, Miranda?"  Mom's voice echoed around the house. "Come closer, baby."

I gulped as I walked closer. Mom's eyes turned into slits. Nakikita ko na tuloy ang mukha ko dito sa pagtanda ko. I looked like her. Maybe I got my attitude from her too.

"H-hi mom!" My voice croaked. Her brows creased. Itinuro niya ang kaharap na couch.

"You can't hide that dark circles from me, Miranda. Did you party last night?"

My mouth parted a bit. I can't be wrong. Talagang nagsusumbong si Ines sa kung anong pinaggagawa ko sa buhay.

"I didn't, mom. Hindi lang ako makatulog kagabi." I reasoned out before taking the seat in front of her.

"I'm telling you, Miranda. You shouldn't waste your youth partying and flirting with those jerks and -"

"My baby girl!" A loud voice interrupted my mom's rants. It's my dad. Nakabuka na ang braso nito habang ngiting-ngiti.

I stood up and smiled while making my way towards his direction. I hugged him so tight. He just came right in time. I don't want to be reprimanded this early.

"How's my baby girl?"  Dad beamed at me. "You looked prettier, Miranda. May boyfriend kana ba?"

I heard my mom's protest. Ngumiti lang naman si daddy at niyakap ako ng mahigpit.

"I'm fine, daddy." My voice almost quivered. "I miss you."

I heard his laughter. He doesn't even change. He's still warm and caring. Namiss ko talaga siya. Sobra.